badalamenti's thoughts

i'm addicted...

2008-08-12T12:56:00.001-04:00

...to the Olympics. I can't stop watching. I'm even watching beach volleyball, and I don't like volleyball. lol. Unfortunately, I just can't stay up late enough to watch until midnight, and it seems like I miss a lot!! Luckily, Steve's been watching later than I have and he fills me in. We just can't get enough. :)

anyone else like this too or am I just nuts???

house update

2008-08-06T09:52:00.002-04:00

sorry I spoke too soon in my earlier rants. We did cancel the house deal, and then the sellers came back with a great price. so we may be back on. We agreed to that price, but the VA is requiring some minor fixes in order for us to get the loan, so we are now waiting to hear whether the sellers are willing to make those changes or not. We'll see.

I am not going to get my hopes up until we actually close. I want this house bad, but I just won't believe it until that day comes. We are supposed to close on Sept. 4th if all goes well. Then we'll get the keys on the 26th. We're in our lease through Novemeber, plenty of time...

that's about it. I have had a boring blog lately I realized, but nothing has been going on except house stuff. It'll be nice when it's over and finalized.

Anyway, what does everyone think of the Olympics in Beijing? I love the Olympics, especially the summer ones. I can't wait to watch. I hope that the world can come together and honor the people in these events that have worked so hard to get to where they are and for a few weeks forget everything else. That's how it should be.

spoke to soon...

2008-08-04T13:48:00.001-04:00

...maybe. who knows. i'll keep you updated. lol.

never mind

2008-08-04T08:19:00.001-04:00

house didn't go through. i don't want to talk about it. i'm pissed off. that's about it.

start over i guess.

two cuties

2008-07-25T13:49:00.002-04:00

the house

2008-07-22T16:52:00.001-04:00

LOL, ok Cheryl. My friend informed me that she wants to hear about the house, so that's what this post will be.

We had the house inspection and had a few things that we wanted changed. Mostly electrical. Turns out that in order to get a VA loan (my husband was in the Air Force so we qualify for that) these things have to be fixed. The sellers fixed everything last week, and we are going in tonight for the appraisal and to see what they did.

It's very exciting!! Then I heard after this we are home free until close. Actually, we walk through three days before close to make sure everything is good and then we close. We close in September, beginning of, and get the keys then.

It's really a nice house. We got the ranch that we wanted, and a lot of room really. Small yard, but it's surrounded by trees, so it feels very private. Two bedrooms and two full baths upstairs and then the basement is finished and we have two more bedrooms and a bathroom down there. Really nice kitchen, all appliances staying. Back deck, pretty good size. We want to do a little work to one of the bathrooms and paint and clean and stuff but it doesn't need anything major. We'll work on it, but nothing that absolutely has to be done, which is nice.

And we can do everything we want before moving anything in, which is also nice. Plus, I like the area. I love where we are now, it's convenient and I grew up there so I'm partial, but it's going to be nice being there. Steve and I both know the area and I have a lot of friends around. and really it's not much farther than we are now. Not a far move or anything.

I'll keep you posted. If there is anything I missed that you want to know, just comment and I'll respond. I'm sure I'm skipping a lot.

very interesting blog

2008-07-22T13:19:00.002-04:00

I was playing around online one day and came across a really interesting blog. allaboutolive.com
if you get a chance to read it. It was a blog written by the "oldest known blogger in the world". Actually, Olive's friend, Mike, typed it for her, but she told the stories.

Olive just passed away at the age of 108, she would have been 109 in October I believe. Born in 1899. I haven't gotten real far in it, tried to start at the beginning, she started in Feb of 2007, and start reading, but the stories of her life are really great to read. It's amazing the difference between the world then and the world now and everything that she had lived through.

She lived in Australia and had people all over the world reading her blog. As I said, I think I'm only on her 7th post or so, but if you have some extra time on your hands, it might be interesting to read.

Since she passed, her friend Mike has updated it a little bit. and he's trying to reply to everyone's comments as well as keep the blog going, it's getting a little slow with so many people trying to read it.

That's about all I have for now! hope everyone is enjoying their summers!

It's been a long time!

2008-07-08T07:28:00.002-04:00

Sorry!

We've been busy! Actually, Steve and I both took last week off of work, which was nice. We went to a 3D shoot with Jim one day, went to Cedar Point, which is such a great place. All the newer crazy rides were packed, but we were able to get on all the older coasters without much wait so we really rode a lot of rides!

We took Linda and Jim to The Wilds. That place is so fun. It's an animal conservation type of place rather than a zoo. Non profit. You ride in a bus, open-air or closed, and have a tour guide drive you around. They have 10,000 acres there and all the animals, all endangered, wander pretty much freely. Some of course are closed off from others, but they have sooo much room. Zebras, rhinos, giraffes are the more familiar animals, then wild horses and a lot of animals from the deer family. It's so fun. We had giraffes and horses come right up to the bus. I'll post pictures later, we got some great ones.

We went to the Columbus Zoo on Saturday, that place is huge!! Cleveland Zoo is really nice, but Columbus is so much larger. The weather was so nice all week. Rained a little at The Wilds, but they said that was good because the animals were moving more.

We watched a ton of movies, Wall-E, Hancock, Wanted and Definitely, Maybe. They were all good, I love Pixar and I must say Wall-E wasn't one of my favorites, but I think kids would probably really like it. And no matter what the reviews say, Hancock was really good. Will Smith is a great actor. Wanted was a little more "blood and guts" than I normally like, but that movie was really good. Not what I expected at all, they really get you. Definitely, Maybe is more romantic comedy, but I really liked it. That's my movie review for the week. :)

I am working on the yearbook/reunion book for the Buchtel High Class of 1958 right now, for those of you who remember I did 1957's last year. I really like the gentleman that I am working with and so far (knock on wood) things are running pretty smoothly. It needs to go to the printer when I come back from Atlanta (I leave for that trade show again later this week) because their reunion is at the beginning of August, snuck up on me a little, but I think we'll make it.

Steve and I got a house!!!!! I am so excited. We made an offer last Monday, and they countered of course, higher than we really wanted, but we got a lower interest rate and the payments are what we were wanting so we took it. Signed the papers for the loan application yesterday and have the house inspection today. If all goes well, we close in September and get the keys. We are in our apartment through November so that gives us 3 months to move in!! Paint, clean, anything we want to do before we move any of our stuff in and then can move in slowly. That is so nice.

I'm very excited. :)

Well, that's it for now. I probably won't post again until next week after Atlanta. Everyone have fun!

misc...

2008-06-16T08:02:00.002-04:00

my titles are usually misc..because i never have much for topics anymore! lol. I am not on here enough so when i do get on i just have to update everything.

We are still house hunting. we have a different realtor because my friend's schedule just didn't match with ours so she switched us to someone else in her office. the new woman has a lot more time. We've found two houses that are really nice. going to the first one for a second time tomorrow to look again. these decisions are difficult!

Happy Father's day to everyone out there. Yesterday we spent the day with Steve's dad and stepmom plus his grandma and Del. it was fun, we don't see them nearly as much as we should. We hadn't seen Velma and Del since our wedding, and that's coming up on two years almost. It was a nice day. I like hearing all their stories.

Going to dinner at my Dad's tonight. Play with the little monkey awhile, it'll be fun.

Still spinning, not as much as i'd like, the classes are pretty full and difficult to get into. I may try their other location in Medina and see if i can get in some of those classes. I'm not far from there from work.

The Seville yard sales were this weekend. My dad and his neighbor always set up there. they love it. went over friday at lunchtime to see them and hang out a little. they were pretty busy. then spent a few hours there on saturday helping him sell stuff. the yard sales are crazy there. the whole town sets up and food vendors and everything come out. kind of like a fair it's so busy. they do really well there every year and really look forward to it.

that's about it i guess. nothing super exciting. house hunting is fun though!

Wii Fit

2008-06-04T13:24:00.002-04:00

Ok, yes I am a sucker to the Wii. Steve and I got one for Christmas and it is the coolest thing. lol. I am not at all a video game fan, haven't really been since Super Mario Brothers on Nintendo way back when. But this thing is cool.

First we played the sports games that came with it, which are fun. Get you off the couch and playing. You make a little Mii person that you play with. My Jennie girl is cute I must say. :)

We've played other things with Wii, we've downloaded a lot of old Nintendo games (which you can buy online for like $5/ea) and just recently we got Wii Fit. I thought it may be dumb, claiming to be a fitness game but that thing is great! I don't know that you would actually get enough of a workout on it to notice a difference, but it really does get you moving.

You play with your Mii and stand on this board to do it. At first it weighs you, you tell it some info and it tells you your BMI and how much you need to lose to be at a perfect weight. Everyday you are supposed to get on and track your progress. and if you do outside activities (like my spin classes) you can log those in too. Then you can play games that really get you working out!

You choose between a bunch of categories, aerobics, strength, yoga etc. and you play the games or do the activities in there. The more you do and do successfully the more activities you "unlock" and add to your collection. My favorite has to be hula hooping. It is freaking hysterical! you pretend to hula hoop as fast as possible, and they throw more hoops at you as you go and your points add up. it's great and it totally wears me out!!

There's skiing and step classes and jogging and yoga poses and push-ups, all kinds of things. Plus balance, they always balance test you and tell you where you stand. I tend to stand with more weight on my left leg than my right.

I could go on and on but don't have much time. Just wanted everyone to know that this thing is so fun and funny. Everyone should try it!!

Great Weekend!

2008-05-27T07:18:00.001-04:00

Three days! It was so nice to have those three days. and Steve had them too, so we had a good time!

Friday night I went to Amy's and babysat Charlie for the evening. It was Scott's birthday and they went to dinner and a movie. Charlie was getting a few teeth in, so he was actually very calm and clingy. He sat on my lap the whole evening and we looked at books. He is so cute cuz he will tell you basically what he wants when you ask him. about 8:15 I said Charlie are you ready to go to sleep and he said yes. (which sounds more like "yesh") but he went right to the stairs and tried to fit under the gate to head up before I could move it. Went right to bed. What a good little boy.

Got up Saturday morning and went spinning. Then we went over to Steve's Mom's house because he got a new bow and wanted to shoot it for awhile. Had a good time. Went on a bike ride around the lake and got an ice cream cone at their little shop. Came back and started a bon fire in their fire pit in the backyard. They had their neighbor and her son and daughter-in-law coming over for a bbq that night too so we got everything set up. The son and daughter live in Manhatten and work for the New Jersey Orchestra and they are really interesting people. It was a lot of fun to meet them and listen to some stories.

Sunday we got up way too early :) and drove to Millersburg for a 3D shoot. It actually went OK. Steve did really well, Millersburg and I always seem to have problems. lol. but it went fine. Came home, showered and went to dinner with Steve's Dad and Cheryl. Had a good time with them, we don't see them as often as we should, it was Christmastime the last time.

Yesterday we slept in really late, which is always fun, and then went for a 25 mile bike ride. Let me tell ya, geez that's a long ride! This time we started in Canal Fulton instead of Barberton and rode through Massillon. Hadn't been that way before, really really pretty out there. I like that path a lot (part of the towpath) It was just a little too far for me though, I get sore sitting that long!! But it was my own fault because Steve told me to let him know when I was ready to turn around and I waited too long. But it was fun. Came home, showered, ate dinner and I went over to Mom's for a little bit. Hadn't seen them in awhile.

It was a really good weekend. Now I'm back to the same old grind. Been so busy at work. Two more really really long weeks and then I think we may slow down for a little while.

I think I could have used a week like this. There were so many things that we could have done, everyone was doing something, there just wasn't enough time to see everyone. But we had a really good time with the people we did see.

Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend!

Aunt Bon

2008-05-14T12:49:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I went to the cemertary and put some fake lilacs in her and U. Don's vase. So I felt like writing a post on her because I have mentioned her before.

A. Bon isn't really my Aunt. Her name is Yvonne and she was my parent's neighbor. I just couldn't say her name when i was really little. She had three daughters, all about 15ish years older than me, that I still keep in contact with, and they used to babysit me.

A. Bon was one of the best people I have ever known. She was a preschool teacher and the sweetest lady alive. Very easy to talk to, very giving, and probably my biggest cheerleader. She loved my family very much and we her.

We saw her everyday and she was a huge part of our lives. She used to come over in the summertime, knock on our front door and give us a huge bunch of lilacs (that she picked from our backyard) it was hilarious, but they were her favorite flower and if she gave us a bouquet it was ok for her to take one for herself she felt. which she was always welcome to do of course.

She was always supportive and knew what was going on in our lives. As I got older, if I was ever upset about something or something was wrong I'd run to her house. When my grandparents passed away and i couldn't get myself to go to the funerals she hung out with me for the day. She was so special to me. I'd go over and talk to her about anything all the time. She'd always listen and wouldn't give advice unless I was looking for it.

She was my Mom's best friend. My Dad said he came home from work once and we were all in the backyard. Mom and A. Bon in our kiddie pool and Amy and I playing outside of it. It was really funny. I always sat on her lap and she would make up the best stories to tell me. She and her daughters taught me all my letters and numbers and sang songs to me. We spent all holidays together.

She passed away in the summer of 1998. I was supposed to move to PA for school and postponed it for a quarter. I visited her often in the hospital. I remember the last weekend she was with us her daughter came over to tell us it was almost time and i couldn't go. but i didn't know where to go because she was my safety net. It was horrible.

Once she was gone I became friends with U. Don, who was my Dad's best friend. Mom made him dinner most nights and I would bring it over to him and sit and talk for awhile. He was just as wonderful, but had a bit of a harder shell to get through. It was just as hard when he passed away in 2001.

Their daughters auctioned the house off and I remember Mom bringing me a lamp and some misc. pieces to keep and I stayed in the house with their grandchildren (which I babysat) I couldn't even go outside and watch. I have those pieces still today. Wonderful people bought the house luckily and my Dad has spent a lot of time the the guy there. They re-did the entire house and I have only gone inside once. It looks really nice, but I just still can't do it. 10 years later.

I go to the cemertary a lot and sit and talk to them. I probably look like an idiot, but it makes me happy. It's a beautiful place and I know they listen to me. It was wierd to do at first, but it makes me feel connected still. I could still cry at the drop of a hat about it. So could my Mom.
A. Bon was a part of our wedding too. We had a picture table where we had couple pictures of parents, siblings and grandparents, wedding pictures and stuff and I put them in. and even though it was a fall wedding i had a fake lilac tucked into my bouquet and my mom and sister did too.

I don't know if anyone can really understand how much they mean to me, and a lot of people probably think i'm crazy. But A. Bon is one of my favorite people. I know she is out there and watches over me and my family. and my Mom feels the same way.

misc updates

2008-04-30T07:41:00.002-04:00

Steve's step dad seems to be doing better. We saw him on Sunday for just a short time, but he's in good spirits. He needs some other tests done to make sure that he doesn't have problems in other areas, but so far so good.

Charlie really is a monkey! lol! amy has never straped him into his high chair before, he's never needed to be, but the other day she turned around to the sink and then when she turned back around he was on the floor! jumped right out of his chair! He's fine, he was just a little stunned!

He's started talking, little words here and there. He'll answer questions with "yes" and tell you when he's "all done" eating or playing. He has a different animal noise and body part everyday that he likes. He's been on a sheep kick, telling everyone "baa" and pointing out everyone's eyes but poking you in them. The other day we taught him about his belly button. problem now is he knew "button" as in on your shirt, but now "belly button" is confusing. He forgot button all together and just pulls up his shirt and points to his belly. Really cute.

He loves it outside. The other day he was standing at the door looking out and my Mom said "you can't go outside right now, you don't have shoes on" thinking that would work, but he went over and picked up his shoes and brought them to her. He's such a smart kid. lol

Steve and I are still house hunting. I haven't said much about that because we can't make up our minds. Problem is where to live and whether to buy existing or build. Steve would rather build, I'm not so sure we could afford that. We could afford the house/land that we are looking at, but the extras like landscaping and a driveway are added costs. and existing house prices are so low right now and very negotiable, we could get a great deal.

Spent last Friday with my sister. We had a great time. We traveled all over the place, Lodi outlets, Failawn and Wadsworth stores, lunch and then dinner later with Mom, Dad and my little Monkey. It was a great day.

This is going to be a long week, so much due at work this month, but that's ok. That's what keeps my job going! Not much planned for the weekend. Friend of mine taking me to dinner on Friday for my bday next week. Quiet Saturday (which never ends up being the case) and the Steve and I have a 3D archery shoot in Canton (I think) on Sunday morning. That's about it.

Nothing too exciting. Maybe I'll have something more fun later. I need a good topic...

crazy weekend

2008-04-22T07:33:00.000-04:00

well, the weekend was going to be a very relaxing one. I didn't have any plans really other than a pedicure with my Mom and sister scheduled for Saturday morning. I have a few books I wanted to sit and read on our back deck because it was going to be beautiful out.

That didn't work. Usually when I plan to do nothing it doesn't work. But family comes first.

Steve's step-dad, Jim, ended up getting life-flighted in the middle of the night Thursday night to Akron General. They thought it may be heart problems because he just had two stints put in, which was the reason for the flight. Ended up not being the case, but it was really scary.

Non-medically speaking, he has calcium/blood clots surrounding his heart and they moved to 18" of his small intestines. They talked about cutting that section out, but had decided to give him antibiotics and monitor him for 24 hours (this was friday afternoon) which ended up working, luckily. He was actually released yesterday and went back home.

It was a scary time though. I got to General about 4:30am, Steve came from work, both Jim's daughters and their families came up, and Jim's sister and Mom from PA came too. He had a big group of supporters. Rough weekend though. Same hospital my Dad spent time in last summer with his neck so at least I knew my way around, that helped in the middle of the night.

He seems to be on the mend though which is great news.

This weekend, I am taking Friday off to hang out with my sister. Our birthdays are at the beginning of May and she's been bugging me for awhile to take a day off and hang out with her, so I thought this would be a good time. She is going to come here and drop Charlie off with Mom and then we are going to run around for the day. Hopefully the weather will stay nice and we'll have a great day.

Steve is off this weekend, so hopefully we'll have a stress-free weekend.

Hope everyone is well.

100 things about me

2008-04-14T09:15:00.005-04:00

My friend Cheryl thought it would be fun for all of us to do a "100 things" list. I don't know if I can list 100 things about me, but here we go:

1. I am almost 30 and not excited about it.
2. I have been married for about 1-1/2 years.
3. We met through his Mom, which I didn't think would work, but did beautifully.
4. We have a lot in common and are opposite at the same time, it works great.
5. I have one sister.
6. She has a little boy whom I love
7. I also have two wonderful neices through my husband that I wish I could see more of.
8. He has a great family.
9. I'm a Daddy's girl.
10. I used to be a dancer, ballet, tap, jazz.
11. I was on the dance team at Ashland University when I went there, my freshman year. Danced inbetween basketball quarters.
12. Got introduced to crappy college food and beer and gained too much weight.
13. Slowly working now to get it all off. mostly with spinning classes.
14. I love bud light and diet coke. my favorites.
15. I am a Graphic Designer.
16. I love what I do, I wish I could update my skills through school, either learning more programs or web design.
17. I would love to be able to freelance full-time.
18. I run the catalog dept for the company I work for.
19. I have a great team under me. I couldn't do this without them.
20. My husband and I are house hunting. It's really hard.
21. I have a lot of medication allergies.
22. I love Italian food, and chocolate. :)
23. I love my friends, they mean the world to me.
24. I am still friends with the girl I met when I was one year old.
25. My sister and I didn't become friends until she was getting married a few years ago. Now I think she is one of the best people I know.
26. I am truly very thankful for my friends and family everyday.
27. I used to be a great drawer, pretty good at painting and liked ceramics, even though I didn't put enough effort into it. I haven't done these things in a long time.
28. I got a scholarship to Ashland from a drawing of a work boot that I submitted.
29. I am not into scrapbooking. I think it looks really cool when finished, but it is cleaner and faster to do on the computer.
30. I do know how to knit. I don't really like it, but I know how.
31. My favorite flower is the lilac. It's beautiful and it smells good. and A. Bon loved them.
32. I am bad at goodbyes.
33. I hold grudges.
34. I love with all my heart and put my whole self towards my family and friends.
35. I love the beach. the ocean, the smell of it. I love to lay on the beach all day long.
36. I feel better with a suntan.
37. I don't like to talk on the phone unless it's my family.
38. email is easier for me to keep in touch. I'd rather just get together.
39. I am a social person, I'd rather go out with everyone than sit at home some nights.
40. other nights, it's nice to curl up with a book.
41. I like to make Italian food, other than that, I hate cooking.
42. I wish I felt a love of cooking, or at least baking.
43. I love bonfires.
44. I hate bugs. any bugs.
45. I hate birds.
46. I am afraid of the dark.
47. I am claustrophobic.
48. I love swimming.
49. I love watching sports, basketball, baseball, hockey, football, I am not good at these.
50. I really like archery, but wish I was better.
51. I am impatient.
52. Steve and I want a dog someday.
52. I don't like the little "kick me" dogs, I like bigger ones.
53. Not a cat fan.
54. Had a dog, fish and a few ginea pigs when we were little.
55. my sister killed all of my goldfish because she poured the entire bottle of food in the tank. she was little, it was an accident.
56. I just learned how to ride a bike last summer, Steve taught me.
57. I love pilates and yoga.
58. I love a lot of music, but don't know the names of the groups/singers or the song titles of hardly anything.
59. Steve and I went to Maui for our honeymoon. it was the best place i have ever been.
60. our wedding was outside and was beautiful. I couldn't have asked for better.
61. i wish i could win the lottery so my dad could retire and my parents could have medical insurance.
62. i wish steve's sister's and their families lived closer.
63. i am very close to my family, we'd do anything for each other.
64. i go to the dentist every six months, but i hate it. lol
65. i am most comfortable in jeans
66. i have really thick hair. and I like it short.
67. i always wanted to be a dark redhead.
68. I would love to travel. to all the touristy places in the US.
69. I love Old Navy, Walmart and Penneys.
70. I love Taco Bell. lol
71. I love Big Macs (can you see why I'm not skinny!)
72. I love ice cream, not chocolate though. Dad and I used to go get ice cream all the time.
73. I love to walk outside.
74. I hate the cold weather. I am only here because my family is.
75. I love elephants, they are amazing creatures.
76. I rode an elephant once at a circus. it was great.
77. I love the zoo. that was my first date with my husband.
78. I love being outside.
79. I love the color blue.
80. but i also love deep, rich browns and reds together.
81. i first went to college with an Interior Design major.
82. Then i wanted to be a starving artist because I switched to Graphic Design and didn't want to learn the computer!
83. I love the city of Pittsburgh. it is beautiful. I spent a year there for school.
84. I am a huge Cleveland Browns, Cavs and Indians fan though.
85. I love American Idol, So you think you can Dance, Biggest Loser, and Friends.
86. I have almost all the Friends DVDs.
87. I love little kids, but don't really want my own.
88. I miss people terribly when they are gone and wish I could see everyone all the time.
89. I can smell scent on unscented stuff. lol. very sensitive nose.
90. I love the smell of my husband's soap and deoderant.
91. I love the smell of vanilla and coconut and peach.
92. i love mushroom pizza.
93. i love pictures.
94. i love the Impressionist period, especially Monet.
95. I also love Andy Warhol.
96. I wish i would have been a better student.
97. "i wish I knew then what I know now"
98. I like silver better than gold.
99. I love jewelry, but I don't change up what I am wearing.
100. I love blogger, it keeps me in touch.

I did it, but I rambled a lot. Sorry! Hope you like it Cheryl! Amy, your turn!

microwave...

2008-04-10T07:48:00.002-04:00

I just quickly need to throw this out there, goes with one of my earlier posts about the crazy forwards that everyone sends...

The one about the cancer update, no plastic containers in the microwave, no plastic water bottles in the freezer, no plastic wrap in the microwave etc etc because it lets out a dioxen chemical that causes cancer....

I don't want this email anymore!!!!!! :)
Someone sent me this update, and I should forward this to everyone (lol) but I won't.
Snopes: http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/cookplastic.asp

Just don't worry about it!

That's my rant for today, I'll go for more entertainment later.

the weekend

2008-04-09T12:59:00.002-04:00

ok, so Cheryl brought it to my attention that I'm a slacker and haven't had a new post in awhile, sorry!!!!

Spent the weekend in Ashland with my old sorority alumni girls, we had sooooooo much fun. That campus is amazing, they have done so much to it, it's beautiful.

Lizzy (my roommate from school) met me at the hotel friday night. we went and got dinner and then went the the bar at the hotel for the alumni night. free appetizers and cash bar. Calmer evening. saw a bunch of girls there that weren't going to make it to the next day. We pretty crazy to see everyone.

Saturday we chose to sleep through the signing in and stuff in the morning, but we went and ate lunch at the school (didn't like it when i went there, but it's pretty damn good now!!) and then toured campus on our own. The art building is the same, but they have a new business building and education building. Also, they built a rec center that is enormous!!! pool with diving boards, basketball courts, tennis, rock climbing, aerobic classes etc. so big, i'm so jealous! we kept saying that if they let us come back we'd be in shape and actually go to class this time!!! lol

then we went up to the suite to meet everyone. IT WAS SO GREAT TO SEE EVERYONE!!!! the hall was full of all my old friends!! I miss the girls in Charlotte terribly!!! Hung out there for awhile, then went back to the hotel, turns out Lizzy and my friend Kim had a room right next to ours (she didn't come in until Saturday morning) drank some rum and cokes for awhile, 10 of us jumped back and forth between rooms, Lizzy had her ipod playing. It was so fun.

Dressed up and went out for a formal dinner with everyone. it was nice, catered, and they showed a power point presentation of "through the years" craziness.

Afterwards, we went back and changed and decided we were going out. 10 of us. it was so fun. and we all stuck together in a giant group of 10 too. I'll post pics tomorrow, but the bar we went to had a dance floor and they were dropping bubbles/foam from the ceiling, Lisa and Lizzy were soaked by the time we left. Kim and I stood back and took pictures and laughed at them.

Lizzy and I went to lunch on Sunday before we left. It was so fun to hang out with everyone and act like young girls. lol. I miss those girls so much. Hopefully we will stay in touch better. some of them do live around here. We need to do better.

email again

2008-04-02T13:05:00.003-04:00

Got this from a friend, some are funny, some are so true, some are just dumb :)

Zen Sarcasm

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.

2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a leaky tire.

3. It's always darkest before the dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.

6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of your car payments.

8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything..

13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.

14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

17. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

18. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.

19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.

20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.

22. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

Charlie's Birthday and Easter --- Again

2008-04-01T07:46:00.002-04:00

I posted some pictures yesterday but didn't have much time to write about it. We had a great weekend. I went to Amy's on Friday night to make all the food for Charlie's party. She ordered sandwich rings from Walmart and got potato/macaroni salads. Cut cheese cubes and homemade sausage from Scott's family. We made these little lunch meat rolls that were great! Walmart sells them by the tray but we figured we could make them cheaper. You just buy tortillas, lunch meat, lettuce and cheese, lay it out on half the torilla, roll it up and put it in saran wrap overnight. In the morning, just cut each tortilla into 6 little rolls. Good stuff. We used five different meats and two cheeses, so good.

Anyway, the party on Saturday went well. 50 people or so. Charlie was a trooper. He really only wanted Grandma to hold him, he's particular, but he seemed to have fun. He loved the helium balloons that Amy had hanging. He got a ton of presents, but of course he didn't open any of them, Mommy did it for him. Well, Mommie and two other little kids that decided they were helping. That was my only complaint. I know kids get excited about that stuff, but this little girl, probably about 5 years old was in Amy's face the whole time. At one point she was opening the stuff before Amy got to it. And her Mom kept calling her name but that was it. The little girl wasn't answering to her name. I just don't think that's right.

She put him in his high chair in front of everyone and gave him his little "smasher" cake. He kept looking at it and looking at her like "am i really allowed to do this???" and after a few minutes really dug into it. He was so funny, he had frosting everywhere.

Easter went well. That was the next day at my Mom's. We had one of my Aunts and Uncles and cousins over. My cousin Kelly and Doug brought Chase who we hadn't met yet, he's 3 months old. It was fun. Lots of food all weekend. Charlie was a little concerned with Chase there, he couldn't understand why Chase had a pacifer and thought it was his.

He sat on Uncle Steve and my lap on and off all day to read books. That kid loves books. He'll sit for an hour and look at the same book. When you get to the end he says "all done" and he flips it back over to the beginning. Hopefully that sticks with him.

That's about it. We really had a fun weekend. and the little monkey is a year old!

Charlie's Birthday and Easter

2008-03-31T15:18:00.006-04:00

Pictures to show you, will update with stories later....

email

2008-03-26T07:58:00.002-04:00

I received this email recently, and I also saw it on a few other blogs, and thought it was really funny and worth sharing. Especially to everyone that feels the need to forward emails to the 7 people you have to forward them to in order to keep the bad luck away for so many years.....lol

A SUMMARY OF MY YEAR ON THE COMPUTER:

I must send my thanks to the person who sent me the email about rat poop in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet towel with every envelope that needs sealing.

Also, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.

I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time.

I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000.00
that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.

I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's novena has granted my every wish.

I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.

I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.

Thanks to you, I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an email to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

Because of your concern, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.

I no longer can buy gasoline without taking a man along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat while I'm pumping gas.

I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put, 'Under God' on their cans.

I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave, because it causes cancer.

And thanks for letting me know that I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face, disfiguring me for life.

I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.

I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.

I no longer receive packages from UPS or Fed Ex since they are actually terrorists mailings in disguise.

I no longer shop at Target since they are French and don't support our American troops or the Salvation Army.

I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore, and Uzbekistan.

I no longer have any sneakers, but that will change once I receive my free replacement pair from Nike.

I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus because I now have their recipe.

Thanks to you, I can't use any one's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my butt.

Thank you for all the endless advice Andy Rooney has given us. I can live a better life now because he's told us how to fix everything.

And thanks to your great advice, I can't ever pick up $5.00 in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting underneath my car to grab my leg.

Oh, and don't forget this one either: If you don't send this email to at least 47,000 people in the next 47 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:47 p.m. this afternoon, and the fleas from 47 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician.

Have a wonderful day. AND a scientist from Argentina, after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient brain and sexual activity read their email with their hand on the mouse. Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late. I FEEL BETTER NOW!

Juliana and Angie

2008-03-20T21:22:00.003-04:00

I got together with my group of girls tonight. We try to get together once a month, but since the beginning of this year we've had a slow start. I might have mentioned this before, I don't know.

I met these girls through my friend Juliana. Juls and I grew up together. Literally. She was my neighbor as a child, and our Moms got us together before we were walking. I've known her forever. She is really like a second sister to me. We know everything about each other and we talk frequently and laugh like sisters as well as argue like them. She is really great. Sometimes I used to think that we wouldn't have been friends had we not have grown up together because we are very different. We have a lot of different views on things, really life in general, but especially in the last few years, even 8-10 years we have learned to appreciate the different sides of things and respect each others opinions and differences. Again, she is really great. I value her friendship beyond anything I could ever say.

Juls' family moved to Luxembourg when I was 8 because of a job transfer her Father had, and we stayed connected. It was like my 8 year old world ended, but through letters, books and audio taped "letters" we stayed together. When they came back a few years later they moved to the city next to us which was great. When we went to college we grew apart a little, but we've managed to get back together since then and we'll always stay close no matter where we are now.

Anyway, as I was saying, I met all the rest of the girls through her. Friends she worked with or went to school with, but I have also known a majority of them for 10-12 years. They are my friends now. To where I don't talk to any of them nearly as much, but I can call any of them at any given time to get together on our own and vice versa. Which brings me to Angie.

Angie is a friend through the library where she and Juls worked. She and Juls both met their husbands through the library as well, and they are very special guys too. Angie and her husband have always loved children. They have been trying for 4 years, 4 years next month actually, to get pregnant and have never been able to. They have gone through an unreal series of tests and nothing has shown up as wrong with either of them. Juliana always felt bad because she always said she could just look at her husband and get pregnant. It's been really hard for Angie and in the last year we really haven't even wanted to ask. They have tried a bunch of different treatments, all kinds of things with no luck.

Finally, they decided they weren't going to worry about it anymore, they decided to go on vacation to Florida for a break and when they got back they had one more treatment they could try and then they would consider other options. Well, Angie's pregnant!!! It looks like a Florida vacation was just what they needed!!! We are soooooo excited for the both of them. Juls is already wanting to plan a baby shower- lol!

I hope Angie doesn't care that I share this info, but we couldn't be happier for them. It's been a long time in the making and they will be great parents!

Busy weekend

2008-03-20T09:29:00.002-04:00

We have a crazy weekend coming up, should be fun, a lot of family. :)
Tonight I'm getting together with "the girls", we try to hook up once a month or so and it has actually been awhile unfortunately. It doesn't always work out for everyone's schedules.

Tomorrow Charlie will be 1 year old!! I can't believe time went that fast! Seems like I was just in that hospital room with Amy when he was born! He's so darn cute. lol. So, tomorrow I am going to Amy's after work to help her make food for his party which is Saturday.

Saturday, his party is at noon at their house. Steve took the night off, which is so fun!, but he needs to come home in the morning and sleep for a little while first. I need to pick up the cake to bring with us and then the party can begin! Even though Charlie is really too little to have any idea what is going on!

Then, of course, Sunday is Easter. Very early this year. So we are all recruited in helping Mom cook because everything is so last minute this year. Easter is always at my Mom's house and Thanksgiving is always at my Aunt Betty's. Christmas was at Grandma's when she and Grandpa were around, but now we just do Christmas with our immediate family.

It's going to be fun because we don't see much of our extended family throughout the year and this weekend we have them both Saturday and Sunday.

Then I need a total vacation. :)

Happy Easter to everyone!

Dad

2008-03-18T11:08:00.004-04:00

I was bored at lunch the other day and started "googling" people that I knew. :)

I checked me first and found my blog (with my maiden last name, not married), found others with my name, but that was it on the real me.

Then I found stuff on my Dad! The funny part was I found stuff from where he works and normal stuff like that but then at the bottom of the list I found a website for his High School graduating class and a photo of him on the Band Council in 1967. It was neat to see.

He is the top row guy on the right. So handsome :)

blogging

2008-03-14T08:13:00.002-04:00

I am not good at continuing to update my blog, nor am I really all that good at coming up with interesting things to say. But I really like being on here. I have been able to keep in touch with some friends who I don't get to see much of, and I have met some great people.

I know I only have a few blogs listed on the side as "favorites", but through them I have also met some great people. Those few are wonderful people. They have such different lives and things going on and it is really interesting to read about everyone and all the different things that can happen in a day or a week or a lifetime. Artists that show the creative, beautiful pieces they make, Moms that survive and thrive with family members and friends and even Moms that love and care about people so much they share everything wonderful about the world. It has really opened my eyes to how different yet wonderful people can be.

Then through these people I have met more. All over the country. Did you know in a small town in North Idaho they regularly get totally dumped on with feet and feet of snow? it's amazing to see and hear how they live with all of it. People that work in all kinds of fields, home-schooling parents, coffee shop "baristas", designers, nurses, teachers, etc. It's really interesting to read all of it and makes you realize that so many crazy things, fun things, sad things go on every day.

I am grateful for all the people that I have met on blogger. Look forward to keeping in touch in the future. Seems silly, but it is a great way to keep in touch.

today's happenings

2008-03-12T15:45:00.002-04:00

I am feeling better. Thankfully. Sore throat from Saturday turned into a cold, which I can handle. No big deal.

Today, My friend's son from This, That and the Other Thing (which used to be Mementos of a Military Mom), his fiancee and his step-dad came in to see us at work. He is finally home from Iraq after 15 months and wanted to come in and say thank you for all the stuff that Ohio Wholesale sent him and his unit.

It was really great to see him. I always thought he was such a great guy. It was great to meet his fiancee too, she was very very nice, very smart and you could tell that she loved him a ton.

He has to go back to NY for a few months before he is free to move back here. I would really like us all to get together when they are back, go to dinner or just hang out at his Mom's.

I would love to talk to his fiancee more. She is very interesting. Plus she had a great point that everyone, including myself, needs to realize more often. She said when she sees people telling each other off, or spouses yelling at each other she really just thinks you need to realize what you have, what's right in front of you and what you would miss if it were gone. With her here and him in Iraq that would give you great insight on what to be thankful for and how to spend your time with each other when you were together. We tend to forget those things on a day to day basis. That's important.

Anyway, other than that. Nothing much. I am spending the evening with my Dad which should be fun. Mom is going to Amy's for the night and neither of us had plans so I thought it would be fun to hang out with Dad. He needs to run to Home Depot and I need to run to Walmart and then we'll catch dinner. Short night, but fun.

Hope everyone is well. also hoping the weather turns for us soon!!

snowed in and a sore throat

2008-03-08T19:31:00.002-05:00

darn it! the blizzard of 2008 is going on right now and I can't get my car out of the parking lot. Even if I wanted to get my car out of the parking lot, they just announced that if you are driving in Summit County right now you will get a ticket. great. I'm so bored. :)

We do have a PILE of snow. I just went out to throw trash in the dumpster, more to just get out of the house for a minute, and I couldn't figure out where the sidewalk was compared to the curb for the parking lot. Needless to say, I said screw it. Oh well. I can't even look at the line of cars and instantly decide which one is mine! Guess I am not going anywhere today.

Steve did leave for work though, and he actually did ok. Usually takes him about 20 minutes, and he got there in about 45. Not too bad. He was really hoping that they would just close the plant, but they are swamped right now. The printing company that he works for mainly prints school books and March is the time for them. I guess there are four states that require that textbook companies submit so many copies of their version of a textbook for approval. The textbook has to be in by the end of March, and then it is either accepted or denied. If accepted, the book is in circulation for 5 years. Each year is a different subject (math, reading, etc.) so that this happens every year. If it is declined, then the manufacturer just lost all the money in production and printing of their samples and the book is just thrown out. That's some tough competition! It isn't Ohio, I heard CA, FL, NY and a fourth that I can't remember. So anyway, the printer is swamped right now with all of that, not to mention all the other stuff that they do normally (including my companies' Summer 2008 catalog that I just turned in)

Long story short, Steve did have to work tonight. :)

As far as me, I guess I shouldn't go anywhere anyway, my throat is on fire! I blame my cute little nephew. I saw him Thursday morning and he was a snotty mess. He managed to rub his snotty nose all over me, but of course I didn't really care at the time because he is super cute. Amy called me yesterday and she has a terrible cold, as does my Mom. May not be his fault though because I don't have a cold. Just a throat that is on fire. Not good. Oh well.

That's my excitement. I was supposed to go see Amy last night after work, but it took me 40 minutes to get home so I decided driving what would be an hour in good weather to her was probably not the greatest idea. I did go hang out at my Mom and Dad's instead though, couldn't get myself to sit at home all night, and they only live about a mile and a half from us.

Well, I hope everyone is warm and safe. Take care.

blah week, maybe more fun on the horizon

2008-03-06T13:05:00.003-05:00

This has really been a so-so week. Nothing really good, nothing really bad either. Just blah. I don't really have a reason for this. Maybe it's that it was in the low 60's on Monday and has been cold since, with more snow on the way, or maybe it's that it is the beginning of March and everyone has had enough of the winter blues and needs to see some sunshine. I don't know, but I am looking forward to sleeping a lot (my sleeping has sucked this week too) and starting next week over on a better note.

Looking forward, the first week of April I have fun stuff coming up. My sorority (yes I was actually in one of those) is about to celebrate their 40th Anniversary at Ashland and they are having a weekend get-together for all of the old Alumni. So I will go Friday after work that week and come back on Sunday afternoon. I am going to get a room with my old college roommate, who I only see every few years, and hopefully we'll be in the same hotel as our friends that currently live in Charlotte. They emailed me last night to let me know they are for sure coming and I haven't seen either of them in about 5 years or so. Others from around the country and Ohio are coming as well. It should be a ton of fun.

Friday that weekend is a get-together at the bar for all the alumni. Saturday is checking in at the school and getting all together, seeing the remodeled suite, meeting all the young girls, taking a tour of the campus (so much has changed) and then that night they have a formal dinner. I'm pretty excited!

Anyway, hopefully nice weather is on its way and everyone will get energy and happiness back in their lives soon!!

CATS

2008-03-04T07:16:00.005-05:00

My friend Tricia and I went out for a girl's night Friday. It's so fun to do that, and we get together so rarely really. We met at Speghetti Warehouse for dinner, I had never been there before and it was such a cool building and they had great food.

After that we went to EJ Thomas Hall in Akron to see CATS. I saw that production probably about 12-15 years ago and loved it then. At the time I went with a girl from my ballet class, so I couldn't remember if I actually liked the concept of the show or if I just liked the dancing. I'm a sucker for ballet. Either way I was excited to see it again.

It was soooo good! I'm not sure Tricia liked it, I tried to warn her that it's different, a little strange really, not a normal theather production. Come on, it's cats singing and dancing. She thought it was a little long. But I just loved it. It all came back to me as soon as it started. Those people are so good. Just so good.

If you like ballet or theather at all I suggest seeing it when it comes to town. Just keep in mind that it is a little strange. But it's great.

Easter

2008-02-27T19:00:00.001-05:00

Some info I got from my friend Wayne. Thought it was interesting:

Do you realize how early Easter is this year? As you may know, Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox(which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.

Found out a couple of things you might be interested in!

Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare. Here's the interesting info. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier!

Here's the facts: 1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).

2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So,no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!

I always thought that stuff was interesting.

underwear

2008-02-27T13:14:00.000-05:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23354958/

This story made me laugh, but I would actually like to see that museum, it'd be interesting.

If for some reason the link doesn't work, let me know.

email i got

2008-02-23T18:59:00.002-05:00

A friend sent this to me over email, figured I'd post on here because it told a little about me...

Put an "x" in the spot if you have done these things

(X) Smoked a cigarette
(X) Drank so much you threw up
(X) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.
(X) Been arrested.
(X)Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school.
( ) Watched someone die. (real life, not on the news)
(X) Been to Canada
(X) Been to Florida
( ) Been to Mexico
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been lost
(X) Been on the opposite side of the country
(X) Gone to Washington , DC
(X) Swam in the ocean
( ) Felt like dying
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robbers
(X) Recently colored with crayons
(X) Sang karaoke badly i must add!
(X) Paid for a meal with on ly coi ns
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(X) Made prank phone calls.
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose.
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
( ) Washed my hair in the rain Not my hair, but does washing my car in the rain count??
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe
( ) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about.
(X) Blown bubbles.> >
( ) Made a bonfire on the beach.
( ) Crashed a party
(X) Gone roller-skating
(X) Ice-skating

1. Any nickname? JennieB is the best there's been lol
2 Mother's name? Patricia
3. Favorite Drink? Bud Light or diet coke
4. Tattoos? two
5. Body piercing? tongue
6. Love your job? I love what I do
7. Birthplace: barberton ohio
8. Favorite vacation spot: maui
9. Ever been to Africa ? No
10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Yes
11. Ever been on TV? No
12. Ever steal any traffic signs? few times, it was fun
13. Ever been in a car accident? yes
14. 2 Door or 4 Door? 4
15. Salad dressing? Ranch
16. What car do you drive? toyota corolla
17. Favorite number? 11
18. Favorite movie? i love a ton of movies, can't pick just one
19. Favorite Holiday(s)? Christmas
20. Favorite dessert? ice cream
21. Favorite food? italian
22. Favorite day of the week? Friday
23. Favorite toothpaste? crest vivid white
24. Favorite smell? wow, can't narrow that down... vanilla, coconut, bonfires, springtime etc.... 25. What do you do to relax? tv, read, shower
26. Do you have a message to your friends reading this: thank you for everything you do for me, i hope i can be as good of a friend as you have been to me.
27. How do you see yourself in 10 years? i have no idea
28. What do you do when you are bored? read, talk to my sister

this past weekend

2008-02-18T12:45:00.003-05:00

Friday was a pretty calm day. I went Rocknies for dinner with my parents and their neighbors (I actually went to high school with their neighbor, and now he and dad are good buddies doing the yard sales and flee markets together) which was a good time.

Got home around 8, did the usual, washed leftover dishes from Steve, cleaned up a little, that sort of stuff. Decided to watch tv in bed, being a really big bum. Amy called a little after 10 because she was in bed and couldn't sleep, so I talked to her for an hour or so.

Saturday I had a chiropractor apt in the morning. If you brought a donation in for the Battered Women's Shelter of Medina you got a free adjustment. That was totally worth it, and just nice of them to do. They do a lot of things like that and I try to help where I can. I feel like it's a Pay it Forward kind of thing. People have helped me in the past, I can help others as well.

Went to spin class, and went home. Steve and I went and saw that new movie Jumper in the afternoon. It is really good! You should check it out. This guy is able to teleport all over the world, very jealous of that!

Other than that the weekend consisted of "home" talk. We are trying to decide what we want in a house, where we want to live, how much to spend and whether we can afford to build or not. We had an apt with Wayne Homes yesterday, and the house that we picked out, even with the extra stuff we wanted added, really was much lower than I expected. Land is the problem. Land costs so much!! so, I think I got my hopes up because I don't think we can afford to do that.

We'll see I guess. that's about it. It's going to be a crazy week. Have my doctor's apt on wednesday, but all my friends are great with trying to keep me busy afterwards! It'll all be good.

100 Posts!!

2008-02-18T12:41:00.003-05:00

Ok, so it has taken me years, but I finally made it to my 100th post. I'm very proud of myself! lol. and I'm going to try to do better and get to 200 faster, although, the posts may get really stupid for me to do that!!

Thanks to the few of you out there that read them, I appreciate it. It's been nice to keep in touch via blogger to some I don't get to see often, as well as make some new friends through this! Everyone has been great.

Woohoo!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T20:11:00.002-05:00

I love Valentine's Day. I know, it really has turned into a Hallmark holiday, but I love the feeling of it all. I know it's cheesy, but everyone is so happy. Steve and I do cards, which is great because my family is totally a card family, I get cards for people all the time for nothing at all, plus we are going to see Jumper on Saturday at the movies. I am not one of those people that want to make a huge deal out of it and get gifts for each other, because I actually don't want that. I like getting cards and I like the smiles and warm feeling of it all.

Even at work today, everyone was happy. Passing out candy, or just hello's, smiles and "happy Valentine's day" is so nice to hear. It was a good day.

Then afterwards I went to Mom and Dad's to hang out. I get them cards and Dad always gets Amy and I the traditional heart-shaped box of candy. We love it. :) Amy and I are so spoiled. hahaha

So anyway, to everyone out there, Happy Valentine's Day, I hope the day went well for everyone.

Flogging Molly

2008-02-14T15:43:00.002-05:00

So, I braved the House of Blues and the crazy concert scene (which I am pretty bad at) and went with some friends to see Flogging Molly last night. I had so much fun!! It was really a great time!
Flogging Molly is a crazy irish punk band, maybe that's what you'd call it, i don't know, lots of fun.

There were two bands before them, and I really didn't pay much attention to the first one, but the second one, rev. paytons big damn band, was great too. The guy on the guitar was amazing and the woman with the washboard was totally into it and having a blast. it was so fun to watch. The guy on the drums in the back, so good. Not something I expected to like. Not because they wouldn't be good at what they did, but because it wasn't my type of music.

It was crazy to people watch, everyone jumping around and just lovin it. some of us were further back, because I'm a chicken, the House of Blues is a really cool place.

Anyway, fast story, but I had a good time.

My sister and I

2008-02-08T23:29:00.000-05:00

I got to spend a few hours with my sister tonight and we had a great time! I went to her house after work, she's about an hour away or so, and we went to Mangia's for dinner. It's really a little dive Italian place, but man it is soooo good.

We brought her husband dinner home and hung out there for awhile, looking through pictures and stuff. I asked her if she was getting video of Charlie, he's a walking machine now, going everywhere, look out! she said she was. I remember that night in the hospital with her, Scott had just bought that video camera in the last few days, and it was the same one Steve and I had, so while he was freaking out we were trying to show him how to use it. It was such a great, crazy night.

So we started watching some of the videos of my little monkey, Charlie. and I have to say, I am totally amazed at how my sister and I have the same voice! It's really crazy! i have never noticed that before. I know I used to get so ticked at my parents when i would call because they would get us confused on the phone and I never understood it. It's crazy! it took me 29 years to realize this! :) I knew from pictures that we make the same facial expressions, but the voice really messed me up!

We are a lot alike and very different at the same time. People say you can definitely tell we are related. We have the same facial features, same Badalamenti nose, same eyes, mouth, eyebrows, body structure. But we also have different shaped faces, and hers is thinner, I have always had the chipmunk cheeks and she hasn't. We both have dimples, but she's always been covered in them. Mine stand out more when i lose weight, but I don't have nearly as many.

Our personalities are different. Granted we are both outgoing in that we'll talk to anyone. I think it drives both our husbands crazy. I can start a conversation with any stranger and she can too. But I am labeled the "nice one" in the family because I would prefer no confrontation, I like to keep things calm and I like everyone to be happy. Which sometimes is a bit stressful! She has never held back. if she thinks it she says it and she doesn't care what you think of it! Granted, I have been known to give an earful to someone, but she has absolutely no filter whatsoever.

We have to be funny to watch. I can't remember a time in the last few years that we've hung out and haven't laughed until we cried at some point in the night. We act like total idiots. Together we really bring out the facial expressions and sound effects and the stupidness in both of us, and it's so fun. I think we easily embarrass the people we are with sometimes! We were not friends for a long time. I didn't know her at all and really we are still learning each other. But it is great now. She asked me to be her Maid of Honor in 2004 and I knew she only did it because I was her sister and she didn't want to hurt my feelings, but it was the best thing that she ever could have done. I think, except for my honeymoon, I have talked to her every single day since then. I am not really a phone person either, and I couldn't imagine not talking to her at least once. Today alone before I got to her house I talked to her 5 times! :)

So, after all that, we ran to Target to look for toys and books for Charlie's 1st birthday. I think we read every book made for 1 year olds in there. And with sound effects. Amy finally bought a book about farm animals and a hoedown or something. She had to because she acted out the book as she read it in the middle of Target! :)

Anyway, my point in this is my sister is a beautiful person and I love her very much! Can't wait to get together again.

life is crazy

2008-02-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

Life is crazy isn't it? I don't really have a solid reason for saying that, but as I listen or look around or just pay attention to what goes on in the world it all seems just so crazy to me. The emotions that can run through a person in a day is amazing. The amount of things you can get accomplished in a day, the amount you can learn, the amount you can handle/tolerate, the amount you can appreciate is amazing.

Sometimes I feel that the world is becoming a scary place, you just don't know what to expect next. But I also wonder if I just become a bigger chicken the older I get. I don't remember it being like this when I was younger. Didn't really matter what you ate or drank, what medication you took, where you played in the yard, how careful you really were. I always felt pretty safe. Doesn't seem that way anymore. Everything is "bad" for you, everything is dangerous, people are scary, don't play too close to the street, everyone sues everyone else and man don't touch that because there's lead paint there.

But then to switch it around, I was standing outside last night getting the mail and looked up to the sky and it was amazing to watch. It was just slightly sprinkling, I could see the sky and some stars through these dark puffy clouds that were really moving quickly across the sky. It wasn't quite a dark black sky, but it was a very dark blue. Enough light from the stars to show the blue around the edges of the clouds as they moved. It was almost surreal to me. Sometimes at times like that it will hit me what an amazing, gigantic world we live in. It was kind of like laying in a giant field and watching a clear sky night or day, ever done that? It's been a long time, but it always made me think about what a huge place we were in. Yet comforting at the same time. I have no idea if that makes sense to anyone else. :)

I guess the situations that people go through and the things that happen in our day to day lives just makes me laugh and think life is just crazy.

I want to....

2008-02-07T21:13:00.000-05:00

sleep in, until i can't lay in bed any longer, and lay there some more, all day...

go on vacation, go somewhere warm, lay out and watch the stars at night, feel the warmth of the sun on my body and the sand on my feet during the day, smell the ocean, play in the rain, visit Rome, Venice and London, visit friends in NC, friends in PA, friends in AZ, family in FL, and all over OH, visit San Francisco, Vegas, and the Islands of Hawaii, see the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and go back to NYC...

visit my nephew, watch him smile, watch his face light up, watch his emotions and watch him as he discovers and learns new things, play in the yard, swim in a pool, build a castle out of wood blocks, color, teach him his numbers, letters and animals, take him to the zoo...

really really hang out and get to know my sister more, go shopping, get pedicures, massages, take a walk...

drive down to Hocking Hills, walk to Old Man's Cave or Ash Cave and hang out for the day, people watch, relax, enjoy...

go spinning, walking, biking, swimming, feel good and lose weight, get healthy, feel better, sleep better, be nicer...

make sure my friends and family know how much I care, and love them, and am here for them, help wherever I can, talk, visit, hang out, walk with, stay in touch....

just been brainstorming everything i'd like to do or feel or say and felt like writing it all down.

more misc. stuff that's going on.

2008-02-04T13:42:00.000-05:00

OK, I'm trying to stay good on my word to continue updating my blog posts. It is really difficult though when there isn't much going on!! So, this is just another array of things going on in my life. lol.

Most importantly, at least I believe, is that my friend at Mementos of a Military Mom found out that her soldier is coming home for sure! That is so exciting! I'm very happy that he will be home with his friends and family soon.

My cute "little monkey" is a walking fool these days! I stopped at my Mom's before work this morning to see him and he was all over the place. So cute. Granted, he's not great at walking, and really looks like a little drunk hobbling all over the place. but he gets so excited. and if he sees you watching him he puts his hands over his head while you say "yea! good boy!" and then he claps. I just love him.

Superbowl! How crazy was that night!! Did not at all see the Giants beating the Patriots!! It was craziness. But a ton of fun. Steve and I went over a friends house and hung out, had a good time. Game was good, commercials were pretty good.

I don't think many people know about me and my crazy HPV stories. A ton of people have this out there, so that's nothing new, and a ton of people have issues too. But I'm going to just vent on my newest endevors with it. I had my latest pap come back high-risk again. darn it. so now, I am scheduled to go back to the doctor (I was happy it was the dr. office and not the hospital, there was a chance of either one) for a LEEP. Anyone out there heard of that or had it done? (my dr. is sending me info about it in the mail) I guess from what the nurse on the phone told me quickly, they numb you (how???? i just don't want to know) and then go in and cut out all the abnormal cells. Which is good because then they hope that when they grow back they come back normal. Which would be great! Plus they can then really look into these bad cells and make sure there aren't any crazy cancer cells floating in there. So, it shouldn't be all that bad. Said it should only take about 1/2 an hour, and since I have a desk job I can go back to work. no lifting over 10 lbs for a few days and no physical activity. no spin class for awhile, that sucks. lol. all I know is I will do whatever it takes to make my body normal again! and of course i'm going to make someone come with me and hold my hand :)

So, that might be the extent of the last week or so. Oh, still interviewing people, wish me luck. and i may have gotten myself into another 50th high school reunion book. ugh. what I get myself into. lol

Everyone take care out there.

an array of stupid stuff.... :)

2008-01-29T22:11:00.000-05:00

I am having trouble coming up with a topic, so here is a whole bunch of stupid things that go on in my world... :) (and in my head)

I am trying to interview people for a position in my department right now. Interviewing people is definitely NOT my strong suit. In fact, I hate it! It is so hard to figure out in such a short period of time whether this person really knows what they are talking about, could do the job well and would fit into our crazy group. Really hard. Sometimes I get it right and sometimes I get it really really wrong. ha ha.

I have LA Ink on TV in the background right now and I would love to get another tattoo. I love them. They are addicting! In the past I just got tattoos without any real meaning. One I thought looked cool and one that I drew out myself, but with no meaning. Which actually is fine to me, I still love the ones that I have and I don't regret them at all. If I would get a third I would go for a lilac branch. Seems a bit odd, especially for me because I'm not really the "floral" kind of girl, but that would mean a lot to me. It would be for my old neighbor "A. Bon" and that's a story for another post, but I seem to be in the more "sappy" mood these days for some reason, and I miss her. I've thought about it for a long time and that is what I would want. Not that I will really go out and get another one, just a thought.

My nephew is so cute (I know this has been said a trillion times). He is up to 6 steps on his own right now! and he loves being chased around. He starts crawling and looks behind at you and wants you to come after him (while crawling). If you do, he starts laughing and crawls off. So cute.

I am taking a spinning class right now three times a week and trying to get to Snap Fitness across the street 2-3 times a week. Just got back into it, but really need it. Enough is enough. I know what I can look like and I'm tired of looking like I do. I used to be a cutie! :) and I want that back. Spinning is crazy hard, but it really helps me work off stress and burns sooooo many calories in one hour, I love it. I wish I could do it everyday. I refuse to hit 30 years old looking like I do now, things need to change.

I can't believe January is almost over. I didn't think this year could possibly go as fast as last year did. I don't know where the time goes. There is so much that I want to do and so many people that I feel I need to spend time with and catch up with and it just doesn't seem to happen. I need to get better at this. I think that a lot, and then when I do get a free few minutes I just want some quiet time to myself! Hahaha. I can't win. I guess I just have to hope that my friends and family know that I love them and we will catch up when we all get a minute. Everyone is crazy busy right now, it's not just me.

I need to win the lottery to travel! Wouldn't that be great! That would really help me see everyone. Besides going to Rome and Venice which I would just die to do, I could hang out with Missy in whatever city she's in at the time and go to Charlotte to catch the girls down there, and my Uncle in FL. Not to mention everyone here. Plus, there is so much to see in this world! I would have to start in this country of course, so much I want to see here. I love NYC and would love to go back there. I want to see the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, to name just a few of the famous landmarks. I want to see it all firsthand. I want to visit all kinds of crazy places. Anyone have any trick to winning the lottery let me know. :)

I really need to go to bed right now. I also need to figure out how to sleep better. It is one of my favorite things to do and I am bad at it. I either fall asleep really quickly and wake up a ton throughout the night, or it takes me forever to fall asleep and I lay there irritated. I really don't know what is worse. And I'm a clock watcher. If I'm awake a long time or wake up in the middle of the night I have to know what time it is. If I try and not look I'll stay awake longer because it will grate at me. Every few months or so I will actually fall asleep and see through the whole night and it is the greatest feeling! Doesn't happen often and I don't know what I do differently to cause it. I think I have a hard time turning my brain off and that is a lot of my problem.

OK, now that I have sufficiently bored everyone to tears, I will end this and go to bed. :) Thanks for listening to a part of my life!

reading suggestions....

2008-01-26T18:36:00.000-05:00

I just finished a series that I've been reading for awhile, Sue Grafton is the Author. She has books with titles consisting of the letters of the alphabet, all the way to T is for Trespass. It's a series about the Private Investigator and everything she gets involved in. It began pretty slow, but once I got started I had to keep going because then I "knew" the characters in the books. Now I really like them but I have to wait for "U" and who knows when that will happen.

Anway, so I am bookless right now. OK, I have some that I haven't read yet, I usually borrow a handful from my friend Lauri. I call Lauri every once in awhile and ask to borrow from her library and Missy does the same every few months when she's home for a few days. That's how much she has. It's become a joke between Mis and I. So, I do have a handful, but nothing I really can get into.

I like almost everything it seems. Fiction and Non, doesn't really matter. I just want to be able to really get into it. Have you ever started reading a book and the next thing you know you've just lost an hour or more and you can't put it down? That's what I like.

So, if anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. I need something new.

thanks!

AIDS in Africa.........

2008-01-25T15:14:00.000-05:00

OK. This is just a quick bit to vent on today...

I feel pretty strongly about starving children, kids needed adopted, people needing healthcare, AIDS, all that stuff. IN OUR COUNTRY. Not that I have anything against Africa or any other country that has these issues too, I don't, but why can't we fix the problems in our country before trying to fix everyone else's problems.

I just briefly read about the whole RED deal and Dell and Microsoft involved in trying to solve the AIDS in Africa problem. (you can get the story on MSN.com) Plus all the celebs trying to fix everything over there, whether it be adopting children or AIDS or whatever.

I feel the US has enough issues already and maybe we should spend some time focusing on that first. That's all.

venting on a bad habit

2008-01-23T20:39:00.000-05:00

ok, I need to vent. Some people haven't heard, some are tired of hearing, but I quit smoking about 4 months ago. With the rare slip-up. So basically, went from a pack a day to none at all, and for four months now. Ok, can I just say this is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life!

I was on the patch for about 8 weeks or so, and it was rough, but the patch is a wonderful thing and really worked great. But after that, its been hard. And the worst part for me is that it's not in my body anymore, the addiction is all in my head.

My husband and I discussed this over the past weekend. It is so frustrating how a little cigarette can totally take over your life! But i loved it!! lol. And it's really hard!

Sometimes I am absolutely fine but a lot of times I feel as if I am crawling out of my own skin. That is the only way I can come up with to describe it. It's crazy. And it's not a "I need a cigarette now!" feeling anymore. It's really a "I can't sit here any longer, I feel like I could run a marathon, and I'm losing it feeling." Crawling out of my skin. Nuts. And any patience that I ever had in the past, yeah, pretty much gone.

I know I've been terrible to get along with and live with, and I'm really trying to get over this. i know it'll get better as time goes on as well. Steve said he was impressed that I've gone this long because usually it takes a few times "quitting" to actually quit. I smoked for 12 years and this is my first quit. I can do it, but geez!!

I wish I could be the social smoker that some of my friends are because honestly, I really loved it. but I can't. I know that about myself.

Plus, it was my stress reliever, and I haven't figured out how to handle that yet without it.
I know it all sounds really silly, it does to me too, and that might be the most frustrating of it all. but I am a strong girl, darn it, and I can do this. one way or another.

Thanks for letting me vent! :)

election time....

2008-01-23T20:32:00.000-05:00

The following link was sent to me by my friend at Mementos of a Military Mom. To be honest, I haven't done it yet, but I did look it over and find it very interesting. It is a form you fill out, yes or no answers plus the degree of strongness you feel on the issue, and it is supposed to help you decide which presidential candidate fits your views most. Very interesting.

What I really liked about it is if you don't fully understand the issue, or are confused by what "yes" or "no" entales, you can click on the issue for an explanation. Very helpful.

I didn't fill it out yet, but I do plan on it, out of curiosity and to understand some issues more. I do know I feel strongly on some more than others, and sometimes my feelings are to the extreme. So, as this election year continues, I will discuss any issues with anyone. We may strongly disagree, we may totally agree, who knows, we all have a right to our own opinions.

Check out the link though, and thank you MMM for sending it to me!!

http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html

two questions....

2008-01-22T12:25:00.001-05:00

been meaning to ask these for awhile. Not that a lot of people read my blog, but I do value the opinions of those that do :)

Answer, don't answer, post them on your blogs, doesn't matter to me. Just want to throw some thought out there. I've gotten interesting responses...

1. If reincarnation really exists...what/who would you like to come back as and why? any traits, anything.

2. If you could spend one full day with anyone that is no longer alive, who would it be? famous person, personal person, anyone.

My answers:
1. I would like to come back as myself knowing what I know now. I don't know that I would change anything, but I would like the knowledge of events that I have now.

2. My first thought was A. Bon. I love her and miss her very very much. But I know she is with me all the time now. My second thought was my grandpa, dad's dad. He passed away when i was 8 years old. He was great. He used to come pick me up for some weekends, sometimes just me sometimes my cousin kelly and I. He was my favorite person :) My final choice was my Mom's Dad, Fred. I never got to meet him because he passed away when my Mom was 11 but she has told me such great stories about him. He would be great to meet.

Just some info to ponder... :)

don't even know where to start....

2008-01-21T17:19:00.000-05:00

ok, again, been a long time. i say that a lot now! my blog has gotten boring and so i haven't seen a point in really getting on here. I do like staying in touch though, so that is what brought me back on today.
Hope everyone's holidays were good. My were. Time goes so fast though. 11 days off work and they just flew by. It was nice to get to spend some time with family. In these crazy days it doesn't seem like there is time for anything anymore and my famiy members are the most important people to me. I wish I could have spend some time with some old family friends that i miss a lot, but I got a few phone calls in, so that works for now.

Got back to work and went straight to Atlanta for AmericasMart again. It's a crazy place. Hate it and love it at the same time. Change of scenery though which is nice.

I learned that I take a lot more crap from people then I expect myself too. But looking back, I've done that in the past too. Just depends on the situation. I wish I could be that outgoing person that just tells it like it is, but I can't always do that. and I know, MMM especially, you probably think I am like that. and you're right to a point. I'll watch out for all my friends, but myself last. it's wierd.

ANYWAY, I'm hoping 2008 is the year! We all need some good stuff going on around here. I want to hear from everyone! MMM I'm so happy to hear "our soldier" is coming home, that is super exciting news for the year!! Best I've heard!

This will be an interesting Presidential race for sure, but that's a post for another time. :)

Everyone take care and I'll try to get on here more often.

and finally...the halloween photos

2007-11-29T13:10:00.000-05:00

Three's Company was for work, with my friends James and Michelle.

Steve and I did The Nightmare Before Christmas

Hope you like them!

little monkey

2007-11-28T11:04:00.000-05:00

yes, i am such a slacker. I have our halloween photos on a disk at home and I keep forgetting to post them! I'm sorry! They are really good too I must say! :)

BUT, I have to post the newest pictures of "my little monkey" These were taken this morning, Amy is trying to find "the perfect" picture of him to put on her xmas cards. I think they are all perfect of course because my nephew is a cutie. (I talk about him like he's my own! I can't help it, I love him)

He hasn't crawled yet, but he gets in the position in order to sit. He'd rather stand because he can stand with a toy in hand, can't crawl and bring toys with you! Lol. He also just had two teeth break through, so he's not been a real happy little camper. He's growing so fast!

been awhile

2007-10-24T06:42:00.001-04:00

I know it's been quite some time since I've been on here, but nothing has really gone on, so I didn't know what to say! No drama lately, which I guess really is a good thing.

Halloween is coming up. I like Halloween, but not nearly as much as my husband or my employees. It's ok, actually I only like the candy. Ha ha ha! But I do participate because they like it. At work we dress up every year as a group and try to win the contest. We've won all three places in the past. I hope we win this year too, but this is going to be a little harder. There are only three of us this time, so we decided to be Three's Company. I'm Janet, James is Jack and Michelle is Crissy. We each bought wigs that match them almost perfectly, and we're on the hunt for clothing. My Mom let Michelle and I borrow some of hers. She had a storage container of some of her favorites from the 70's that fit us perfectly. We still need shoes though, and James still needs clothes. I think he may try Good Will today and see if he can find anything. I think it will work really well when we are all together, but if you see us separately throughout the day you may not have any idea who we are.

Then Saturday there is a party at a friend's house that Steve and I go to every year. Dress-up is mandatory, and we won last year. The first year we were Neo and Trinity from The Matrix, and last year we were Pirates from The Pirates of the Caribbean. We love movies. This year Steve thought it would be fun to be Jack and Sally from A Nightmare Before Christmas. I actually have never seen that movie, but know who the characters are, and the costumes are great! I'll post pictures next week of both. Should be fun.

Little Charlie has a costume this year even though he's only 7 months old. Amy hasn't decided if she's going to take him out or not though, he's so little. But she wanted him to have a costume so she could get a picture in it! Unfortunately, she bought it a month ago, and the little monkey is growing like a weed and his legs are too long for it now! If she takes him out she is going to cut the feet off of it. He's going to be a pumpkin. Very cute. Little hat with the stem at the top and everything. Don't think he likes it, he'd rather be naked, but he's cute anyway.

Well, think that may be it for now, hope everyone has a good time and be safe.
talk soon

christmas for the soldiers

2007-10-06T14:59:00.001-04:00

My friend at "Mementos of a Military Mom" posted this picture so I have to too!!

She and "Her Soldier's" fiance have a "Christmas Presence" campaign going, please check out her blog about it, and I decided that my company needed to get involved. I love that soldier, he is a great guy, and there are approx. 40 men and women in his unit in Iraq.

Well, long story short, my company is wonderful. I have recieved SO MANY goodies to send over there, along with 12 baseballs, 6 mitts and a bat from the President of our company!! Lots of boxes! It is very touching how many people really care and will all come together to do something special to show their thanks.

The photo is of a desk in our office full of all the goodies, and there are more that haven't made it to the desk yet!! So exciting!!

Nice weekend

2007-10-04T21:15:00.000-04:00

Ok, so it took me a few days to get on here again! :)

Steve and I had a great weekend. He went hunting Saturday morning (at like 4am, first day of Bow Hunting season) and (after I got out of bed) I went grocery shopping for our trip.

We left around noon or so, about a three hour drive, not bad at all. The cabin was very cute. The one we stayed in about 2 years ago was one big room, bedroom, living room and kitchen in one room like a studio apartment, but this one was like a little house. All separate. Very cute. Full kitchen, love seat, recliner and wood-burning fireplace, all that good stuff. It was decorated very cute too.

The bathroom was a little gross, but I am also very anal about a clean bathroom. I just didn't feel like I wanted barefeet in the shower, I hate that. and the bed!! That was hilarious! barely moving on the bed made the entire thing squeak and shake. so we didn't sleep well, every time either of us just barely moved the other woke up. we got smart the second night and just put the mattress on the floor. that did help.

Hot tub though, I love it!! I know I am anal about clean bathroom stuff, and this is a hot tub outside on the deck, but you can tell it is super full of chemicals to kill anything, strong chlorine smell, which was fine with me. It was blue marble inside and just wonderful! super hot and very bubbly. I loved it. It was a little warm to get in during mid-day, but we were in it in the mornings and evenings. so relaxing.

Sunday, on our anniversary, we did go on some of the trails and go hiking. Ash Cave is my all-time favorite there. It is truly amazing and beautiful. Pictures don't even do justice to the impressive size of this cave, I just really love it. I brought a backpack and made sandwiches and brought pop and we could picnic out.
Once we got back we had dessert. We had attacked the top of our wedding cake the day after the wedding on the couch with two forks. and with everything that has been going on I forgot to order a small cake like I planned on. So, I found a small little two-person cake at Wal-mart before we left. White cake (Steve's favorite, I always go for chocolate) with the piped frosting all around it and little sprinkles. I brought our cake topper with us, and so when we got back I surprised him with it. I'm a dork, I know this, but those little things are important to me! He laughed at me but he loved it too.

We really needed this trip, and I'm so glad we had the chance to go.

Since then, I've been spending time with "my little monkey" who is just the cutest thing of course!! still trying to get him to crawl, he's so close!! it's almost like he'd rather be in his walker running around though. Amy needs to still send me the link to his 6 month pictures and then i'll post some, or I need to scan the ones I have, they are cute. My favorite is him in his little Cleveland Browns outfit looking at a football, which looks giant next to him!

Well that's it for now, hope everyone is wonderful!!
I'll write more soon.

out of town, and my little monkey

2007-09-25T07:50:00.000-04:00

Hi all,
I wanted to get a post out there before I leave. I'm heading to Michigan for work for a few days, then when I get back Steve and I are going to Hocking Hills to stay in a cabin for a few days for our 1st anniversary! I can't believe it's been one year already!! Times goes so fast!

My little Monkey. That's what I call little Charlie now. He's so darn cute. Went for his 6 month doctor's appointment yesterday. Couple more shots, poor little guy. He's not quite crawling yet, but he tries. He can sit by himself unattended, and when he's laying on his stomach, he can get his knees up under him, or push his arms up, but he can't figure out how to do both at the same time. If you lift up his chest, he puts himself in the crawling position, but he just rocks back and forth, he can't quite figure out how to move yet. So cute. He is now 16 lbs, 10 oz, and 29 inches long!! long skinny baby for sure. His halloween costume is 12-18 months, but it just fits his length right now, so my sister is talking about cutting the feet out of it.

that's it for now, have a great week!

some more random happenings

2007-09-17T16:13:00.001-04:00

i haven't written anything in awhile, so i'm trying to think back to what's been going on, just to fill everyone in....

this weekend was fun. Saturday we ran to Fin, Feather and Fin in Ashland so that Steve could use his "early birthday gift card" that I got him. His birthday isn't until mid-October, but hunting season starts at the end of the month so I got him a card so he could buy all the stuff he needed. It was a fun ride down there because I hadn't seen him all week, gabbed the whole trip.

Saturday night we went over to my photographer friend's house to play poker. There are 10-12 of us that try to all get together every two months or so to play. It's usually only $5-$10 to play, and we play all evening. I'm not very good, but it's fun anyway. Steve won! That was fun, it's always a different winner each time, so he was excited. We went to Michelle's house because she and her husband just bought a new house and we all wanted to see it. It was so funny because our friends Angie and Jim live just down the road from their new house and they came over ringing the bell and dressed like they were The Cleavers from Leave it to Beaver. So funny, they went to the thrift shop and got old outfits and brought a pie over "welcoming them to the neighborhood" they are so funny. and they love dressing up. They have a costume halloween party ever year that we go to. (but that's a whole different story)

So yesterday, Steve took me out to Lonestar Steakhouse for lunch with his winnings. Then I took him to Cold Stone afterwards for dessert! It was great to see him for two full days!

Then, of course, I had to watch the Browns game. and it was great!!!! I thought my team would get clobbered playing the Bengals, but man they pulled it off and it was a fantastic exciting game.

What a great weekend! Tonight I'm going to visit little Charlie. I should have more photos of him in the next few weeks. He's about to hit 6 months and Amy will get more photos taken. Such a cutie!!! Can't believe he's almost 6 months old already! I love him!

Well, there's a ton more I could probably start in about, but I'll leave it at this for now. I hope everyone is doing well!

misc stuff

2007-09-07T07:35:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had a great labor day weekend. We seemed like we were running all over, but it was fun.

Saturday we actually didn't do much, decided to have one day of nothing, nice.

Sunday we went to a 3D archery shoot in Canton. Just Steve and I, that was nice. We don't spend much time together, so it was nice to get too.

Monday we went to another shoot in Ashland, good times. I was much more tired this time. 3D shoots are fun. You walk through the woods and shoot at 30 different targets of rubber animals. Everything from traditional deer and turkeys (for the hunters out there) to dinosaurs and aliens. It's a lot of fun. But it's hot and you're walking through the woods uphill, downhill etc. You go up to the stake you are supposed to stand at and then you decide how far away the target is that you are shooting (in yards) anywhere from about 15 yards to 35 yards. It's hard, I'm terrible at that part. Then you shoot your bow at it and see how you score. Each target has a bullseye on it and points range from 5 (if you miss the bullseye altogether but do hit the target) to 11 (center of the bullseye) and of course you get a "0" if you miss it. which I tend to be good at sometimes.

Then you add all your points at the end and turn them in to see where you placed. It's fun.

By Monday though, being out of shape, I was already beat! We did well though.

Got to see little Charlie, he's such a little cutie. Now he gives "kisses". I was walking him around the front yard at my mom's and kept saying "Charlie give Aunt Jennie kisses" and he would open his mouth and lean into my cheek. and drool. so darn cute! I just love that little boy!

Went to my friend's baby's baptism on sunday too. She is 5 weeks old, Maia, and she's cute. She slept through the entire thing. I went as the videographer and Steve was the photographer. She has another little boy, 2 years old named Jack, and he was running around telling everyone about Mr. Noodle from Elmo's world on Sesame Street. He is so cute and such a smart little boy.

Hope everyone is doing well! I'll write more this weekend.

not much

2007-08-28T15:50:00.000-04:00

I haven't written in a few days because I really don't have anything to say! I guess it's good when there is nothing different because at least everyone is happy and healthy! Just nothing very exciting!

Labor Day weekend coming up. Three day weekend, always nice! Steve may or may not work Friday night, I don't know yet. Saturday we don't have any plans yet, probably will end up going to his Mom's or my sister's. Sunday we're talking about a 3D archery shoot in Canton, and one in Ashland on Monday. That's always fun. Running around the woods shooting a bow at rubber targets. Something different to do. Sunday afternoon we are going to my friend's baby's Baptism. I am the Photographer for her and Steve is the Videographer. It'll be fun. Her babies are such cuties. One month old, Maia, and two year old, Jack. Such a great family.

That's about it, hopefully I'll think of more to say later. In the meantime, I hope everyone is doing very well. Take care.

so fun!

2007-08-23T20:32:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I don't usually like being "tagged" for games and emails and such, but my friend at "mementos of a military mom" (which is a really great blog by the way) tagged me for the Middle Name Game. Although I had a difficult time with it (and I only have 4 letters unlike the girls that I tagged) it was really fun! I liked checking out everyone else and what they put down.

Thanks to all for playing, thanks for tagging me, you all are really special people!

The Middle Name Game

2007-08-18T13:16:00.000-04:00

Here are the rules: You have to post these rules before you give the facts. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name game facts. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

My middle name is Lynn.

L- Loving, I try to love everyone around me.

Y- Yuck, I have a huge gag reflex and friends think it's funny that they can gross me out.

N- New Creativity, as a graphic designer, I love all new, creative ideas that people come up with, as well as the new things I come up with on my own!

N- Never turn down oppurtunities for new things.

OK, so I didn't do this quite like I was supposed to, but I had a hard time with my letters!!

I am tagging Elaine at Artful Spirit, and Amy at Today is a New Day

freelance

2007-08-15T07:36:00.000-04:00

Freelance is an interesting business as a graphic designer. I love picking up outside jobs to do for people. You never know in the beginning what you are getting yourself into, but it's something different to work on with each project that comes along.

Sometimes you get customers that know exactly what they are looking for, but don't want to do it themselves, or don't know how to. Those tend to be the people that I have trouble with just because I have to remind myself that I am working for them, and even if I don't like the finished project it's what they want and that's my job. But those are also usually quick projects. I just did business cards for about a dozen people at this company. They told me what they wanted and the info that needed to be on there, and we were done. Simple.

Sometimes you get customers that have an idea of what they are looking for, or don't at all, and just want you to come up with something. These projects take a little more time, but end up very interesting in the end. It's a lot of trial and error. You never get it 100% right off the bat, but you start with an idea and work from there. Trial and error. That's really the fun part for me. It's interesting to see the different ideas I can come up with.

With that, I have been working on a 50th high school reunion booklet this summer. My wedding photographer's cousin contacted me with the project. It's had its ups and downs. At first I thought how fun!! there were so many possibilities! they had their yearbook from 1957 with all the class photos in it, plus photos of everyone now, and bios of most of the class. i wanted to go all out with it. Didn't work that way.

I was not understanding what they were looking for, and once I did, I really wasn't interested in the project at all. I had agreed to do it, and that's why I was doing it. Plus, I really couldn't seem to get on the same page, or have anything in common with any of these people. 10 people on the reunion committee, 68-69 years old.

But now, I'm having a great time with it and I can't wait to see how it turns out when it gets printed. I meet with all of them tonight with my "almost final" version, and it goes to print next week. There is a main couple that I've been working with, and I really like them! We're very different, but I enjoy meeting with them, and I hope they like meeting with me. I think it took both sides a little time to understand our positions and respect each other.

Just goes to show that you shouldn't make rash decisions about a project or a person right away, because over time, whether you end up liking what you are doing or not, you can learn a lot and end up having a great time.

crazy tornados!

2007-08-10T07:37:00.000-04:00

what a crazy day yesterday was! ok, just about one hour of yesterday. my Mother-in-law comes in my office freaking out completely. A tornado touch down in New London and Ashland (where my neices and Father-in-Law live) and she can't get any of them to pick up the phone. (because they were probably in the basement and didn't want to go up and pick up the phone)

Then the came over the intercom at work and said a tornado touched down in Lodi (about 10 minutes from us) and the storm is heading our way. if we would like to leave we could. who wants to leave when a massive storm is coming within a few minutes??? the building is safer than the car!

Then the power went out. So we were lighting all the candles we could find, we need back-up flashlights!!!, and all had to head to what we use as a "tornado shelter" which i've never had to do in the 6 years I've been here. Scary. Only thing I didn't like was 100 people in this little area, in the pitch black, only some of us with candles. Claustrophobia. Nuts. My group and I decided we were going back to our room. Our office is in the middle of the building, they call it the "dungeon" because it used to be Nabisco's freezer (when they owned the building) so it is all concrete blocks, no windows or contact to the outside world. We were safe there.

It finally passed, but then was heading towards my area of OH. I tried my husband and he didn't pick up (we are in an upstairs apartment) so I stayed here for awhile and then went home. Steve said it was craziness. He looked out the window and saw two ladies on the hill with their cell phones taking pictures of the sky so he ran outside to see what was going on. He watched a funnel cloud cross the sky above the apartments in front of us. He's never seen anything like it. Once he saw it though he came in and sat in the laundry room!

Crazy excitement for an hour or two! I'm glad no one was hurt though, and most have power back or will today. storms are so powerful and totally amazing.

My husband

2007-08-03T14:23:00.000-04:00

I love my husband. I feel the need to say that today, no reason why. Just the need to get that out. I miss him too. I won't see him until tomorrow, and although we are used to this work schedule and it hasn't changed and it won't change, sometimes I am overwhelmed with the feelings of missing him and loving him.

He is a great guy. We have our differences, everyone does, that is why we are two individual people. But we "fit" well. Know what I mean? We see things differently, but that helps each of us see things in a different way. I don't know.

I love him very much, and I know he loves me too.
Sorry for a strange post, it just came over me and I felt the need to say it. I'll let him know tomorrow.

blogger is strange sometimes

2007-08-03T07:43:00.000-04:00

I just wrote this long post, it told me it was published successfully, and it didn't show up???? I'll re-do later.

Oh! and thank you Amy for giving me info on how to set up Neo-counter! I appreciate it! I need to try it from home tonight. It keeps erroring at work.

ready for the weekend!

2007-08-03T07:36:00.000-04:00

things are getting better. this has been a stressful week. Yesterday we all went back to the hospital with Dad. He woke up and his legs were cramping and swollen. Amy was afraid he might have gotten blood clots in his legs and got him to call the doctor. The doctor sent him to the hospital for an ultrasound on his legs. We were there for a few hours and luckily he was sent home free and clear. He must have slept wierd I guess. Thank goodness everything was ok!

Our air conditioning at the apartment went out yesterday, so right now it is 82 degrees in there. Not that that's really a big deal, but just annoying. I've gotten spoiled in the last two years with ac, and don't like living without it! especially when it's 90 outside all week!!

Tonight Mom is teaching me how to make her famous zucchini (sp?) bread. It is soooo goooood!!
This weekend so far is going to be slow. just laying low and not doing much is the plan. I'm looking forward to it! I know my sister is too! she's so funny, she called me last night to let me know that she's tired of us all! :) She hasn't gotten much sleep, none after working all night actually, and she's a little cranky. So funny, don't blame her, she'll be better after a weekend of lounging.

That's all I've got for now. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

trying times and such a slacker!

2007-08-01T13:27:00.001-04:00

what a crazy week!
My Dad went in for surgery on Monday. He was having three disks in his neck/back fused together. He did well, had some trouble breathing, they think he might have sleep apnia (spelling?) so they put him on oxygen and he did better. His throat is a little sore now, but it'll get better. They went in through the front of his neck, that's to be expected.

Since he was in all that, Steve and I took Charlie for the night. He's such a cute 4 month old, but geez! We aren't cut out for parenthood! He did great in the evening, lots of fun. He got a little fussy close to bedtime, so I took him outside (he loves outside) and showed him the neighbor's flowers and stuff and he fell asleep. We thought, great! this is easy! He usually gets up once in the night for a bottle and then sleeps until 6ish. Not that night.

He woke up at 12:30am, wide awake and wanting to play!! we played for awhile, but I think the strange house didn't help him. Around 1 he started wailing!!! really loud wailing!!! Couldn't do anything to help him!! He finally calmed down and went to sleep around 2:30, but was up for good at 4:30, wailing. Our neighbors hate us!!! It was such a terrible night! I felt so bad for him! and at 2 or 4 in the morning you aren't thinking straight. i started thinking something was wrong with him, but I took his temp and he was fine. I think it was just a strange house and he knows us but isn't used to us in the middle of the night.

Needless to say, his mommy didn't get any sleep the next day. she took him from us at 9 instead of sleeping a few hours first. I felt so bad, but I don't think I knew my own name at that point!!

Dad was released on Tuesday so I spent the afternoon over there. He's doing ok, just not sleeping well with a neck brace on. He said he feels like he can't breath like that. He was having a recliner delivered today though, that should help a little. prop him up at least. Again though, I am the terrible daughter. I was so tired yesterday it didn't even occur to me that we have a recliner and he should have stayed with us or we should have brought it over for him. I apologized this morning. I feel terrible!!

Steve and I went to bed at 7 last night, feel better today. I don't know how Amy does it!!

In the meantime, I'm sorry to everyone I meant to email in the last few days! I haven't been with it! I'll catch up tonight!

Harry Potter

2007-07-23T08:27:00.000-04:00

Ok, I'm stuck on that boy! but, so is my Husband!!
we didn't move all weekend! for those of you that have no idea, the last installment of the Harry Potter series came out this weekend. It was laying on our doorstep when I got up on Saturday.

I waited a few hours for Steve to get up, did some freelance work, and then we got to reading, oh, and we got two copies so we didn't fight!

we're so pathetic, but it was really good! Finished it last night!

Patsy Cline

2007-07-20T23:05:00.000-04:00

I just got back from the Carousel Dinner Theatre. I went with Mom and Dad for Dad's birthday. We took him to see "Love Always, Patsy Cline". I loved it!!! I honestly didn't think I would like it. I love country music, but Patsy Cline, I just didn't know.

For those of you that don't know that theater, it's great. You get there around 7:00, for dinner. Your advanced tickets include dinner, and there is a menu to pick from. The food is great and the choices are different every time. I had chicken parmesan, Dad had a sirlion and Mom had beef tips and noodles. We got appetizers and salads as well. So much food! They serve dinner, then clear the plates before the show. It's a big theater all decked out. Really fun. The actors are unbelieveable! The show starts about 8:30 with an intermission in the middle for dessert. They switch the shows out every two months or so. Mom took me for my birthday a few months back and we saw "West Side Story"...so good!

It was really fun, and it was nice to hang out with my parents for an evening. I'm such a Daddy's girl!

ready for the weekend!

2007-07-20T15:14:00.001-04:00

I've been in Atlanta for work for the last while. what a crazy place that is!!! I may have written about this in the past, I was there in January, but I still can't relate how crazy it is.

went for the americasmart trade show. first of all, it is three building, all at least 15 floors if not more. we are in building two, and i know there are 18 floors there. thousands and thousands of people, and this was slower than the january show!

the show runs 8a to 8p friday and saturday and 8a to 6p the rest of the week. so tiring. granted, i like going because it's different that what i normally do, and change is good. but once i get home i remember why i like my job!! being a salesman is hard work, being on your feet for 12+ hours is hard work, staying in a crappy hotel is hard work....i'm a complainer today, sorry!

I had a great time to tell you the truth. but man.
I don't want to end up offending anyone that might love that city or the hotel that i was in, so i won't go into detail. i'm happy to be home.

on another note, my dad is getting ready to go into surgury here in another week. he's having some disks in his neck/back fused together. that's not going to be a lot of fun. i'm such a daddy's girl and i'm a little nervous. i'm sure it'll go fine though. mom and amy and i are going to be at the hospital, and steve is going to watch charlie. then steve and i are going to keep charlie while amy's at work because mom needs to be able to help dad out. should be interesting! it'll be fun.

what else. my friend is going in next friday to have her second baby, a little girl. i'm so excited!! can't wait to see that little one!

that's about it. steve and i are harry potter fans, and the last book is getting delivered tomorrow, so i'm guessing our weekend is going to be filled with relaxing and reading that. i'm so excited to lounge around, it seems like it's been a long time!!

everyone have a good one!

what's been going on...

2007-06-15T10:43:00.000-04:00

nothing super crazy, just normal life.

Babysat my nephew last week while Amy and Scott went to a wedding (it's the year of weddings and babies, I have another wedding this weekend) it went OK. I was more panicky then I expected to be, but we survived. I just love him!

Amy went back to work this week. She's very sad about that, feels like she is always leaving him. Mom (grandma) is the babysitter. Amy works three nights a week, Mom by herself for one, with Scott for the second (so Scott doesn't have to get up during the night since he has to work the next day) and Scott by himself the third (which I think is good because then Charlie can hang out with Daddy a night) Seems to be going OK, although my Mom is exhausted. She's not used to this, hasn't had to do it in awhile. I think Uncle Steve might try to step in a little during the day so Amy and Mom can take some naps!! Everyone will get the hang of it eventually though.

Steve and I bought bikes! we decided that we needed some fun form of exercise, I get bored easily. So we went to Walmart and bought just cheap-o bikes. He had to teach me to ride though, which was interesting. I had a bike when I was little, but I was never aloud to leave the driveway, so I didn't really learn what I was doing. It went well though, and it's a lot of fun! we figured if we keep it up maybe we'll by nicer ones next summer. I am very out of shape though!! Flat ground and down hill is simple, but going up any little hill is rough!! It'll get better though.

I think that might be the excitement for now, if I think of anything else I'll fill ya in!

the wedding of the century...

2007-06-15T10:34:00.000-04:00

Some of my work friends and I attended the biggest, most expensive wedding I've ever been to. It was really beautiful! not something I would want really, very formal, I like more relaxed atmosphere, but it was really fun to go to and see.

It was downtown Cleveland at the Renaissance Hotel, but Jacob's Field and the Q, and it was impressive. We had "cocktail hour" where we all stood and socialized in this gorgeous room while servers carried around Tiffany Blue Martinis and hor'deurves, then went into the formal dinner room.

Dinner was an appetizer crab cake, an iceberg wedge salad with tomatoes, bacon and blue cheese dressing, and then dinner was a filet mignon (the best one I've ever tasted!), garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. Dessert was Creme brule and wedding cake. it was really nice.

We totally don't do that kind of thing normally though, the place settings had all the crazy utensils (work from the outside in!) and both a white and red wine glass. There was an actual live band performing and the centerpieces were gorgeous giant vases full of flowers.

I have only a few photos to show of us on this computer. the first one is the Bride and Groom with two of their friends, and the second is my work group. My friend James came with me because Steve had to work. :( He's sad he missed out.

still so cute, plus hot weather!

2007-05-24T13:36:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been a long time. for everyone too! all of my blogger friends have disappeared! i hope everyone out there is doing well!

it's finally warm outside! took a little while, but yesterday and today have been mid-80's, which is actually a little high for this time of year, but i'll take it!

Little Charlie is still cuter than ever. the photos below are of him at one month, he just turned 2 months, but i don't have those yet. so, they are old and he looks different now, but still cute.

he was baptised last Saturday, it was really nice. I'm his Godmother and Scott's brother is his Godfather. Scott wanted one from each side of the family, so Amy told Steve that he would be Godfather the next time. Anyway, it was fun.

next weekend going to a HUGE wedding. can't wait. it's downtown Cleveland in a giant hotel there. very elaborate, $220/person for the reception and very formal. can't wait to see it. i'm very happy for the bride and groom, i just wouldn't spend that kind of money. i'll post pictures of that afterwards.

anyway, think that's it for now! hope everyone is good!

April weather

2007-04-13T16:45:00.000-04:00

It's still cold!!!

I'm so tired of multiple clothing layers, winter coats, gloves, scarfs, hats etc...I need 80 degrees!! I'd even be happy with 60 right now. Someone told me once that if you go on vacation yearly, February and March were really the best months to go because you are starting to get fed up with the weather and need to see some sunshine. Sunshine makes you feel better.

I think April would be a great month to go! Especially when you live in Ohio and it's still snowing! Ok, right now it's just windy, but it's supposed to snow tomorrow night again. I guess a giant storm is coming across the Northeast. They even moved the Cleveland Indians game from 7pm tomorrow night to 1pm in the afternoon to try and actually get a home game or two in!

Where's the sun!!!!!

Little Charlie

2007-04-10T16:23:00.000-04:00

Here are some updated pictures of my little nephew Charlie. I've been in "charlie land" lately, sorry for not posting more. he's so darn cute!!

I have a Nephew!!!!

2007-03-28T13:14:00.000-04:00

His name is Charlie (Charles Scott) and he is SOOOOOO cute!!! I'm including photos, there are from about 10 minutes after he was born, I'll post newer ones later.

Amy actually had him on her due date!! (it's been a crazy week) Her water broke on Tuesday night and she had him Wednesday morning about 7:30. I got to be in the delivery room, and she was a trooper! She did great!

Mommy and baby (and Daddy) are happy and healthy. Mommy was born at 7lbs, and Daddy around 6lbs, but little Charlie was 8lbs, 9oz and 23" long!!! Very long and thin, just like Daddy. He looks like Amy though for sure.

He's getting his picture taken today and yesterday he went to his first Doctor apt and they said he is 100% healthy. He's just great.

Steve and I went over on Saturday so he could meet his new nephew, and he did great with him. He didn't get a chance to be there when he was born because he couldn't get out of work.

Anyway, all is good, and I'm so excited! they like an hour away unfortunately, so I think I'm going to visit Friday night...I'll fill in more about this little cutey later!

due date

2007-03-20T13:33:00.000-04:00

well, Amy's due date is tomorrow! She goes to the doctor in the morning for another ultrasound to see how big the little guy is getting. I guess if he's getting really big, which he won't be because Scott was born a little over 6lbs and Amy was a little over 7lbs, then they'll decide what to do at this point.
If he's little, they are going to keep waiting it out. The doctor said he won't let her go over the 1st. She's excited but extremely uncomfortable. She has a rash that has been all over her belly for a few months now, but said now it's spreading over her arms and legs. she's constantly trying not to itch! The doctor said about 3% of woman get this. That's our family!!
I always get the small % reactions from medication and stuff.....

Can't wait to see him!!!

too many projects, still no baby

2007-03-09T08:04:00.000-05:00

I've been so busy, but I love being busy. I work approx. 50 hours per week, and then I picked up way too much freelance work. This printer I know decided to start his own company and wanted to be able to offer graphic design work as well as printing, so he asked me if i'd jump on board for some extra money. it's fun to do work other than "country giftware" which I do my 50 hours per week. He's had me make brochures for mortgage companies and verizon as well as business cards and logos for a motorcycle company and his printing company. I like the wide range of projects.
but I'm so busy!!! I can only work on that stuff after I leave work, which is anywhere from 5-6:30 or so. plus I'm trying to do it all when Steve isn't home, which is Wednesday through Saturday, so sleep isn't happening much! but hey, I'm busy and it's fun.

No baby yet. Amy goes to the doctor every Thursday and then calls and updates me. she gained 5 lbs. this week and in the last 2 days is really holding water. her socks are leaving marks on her ankles and she can't put her rings on, she's not real happy. but she isn't dialated any yet either, so I think we have some time still. She's not really due for another 1-1/2 weeks or so, and the doctor said he wouldn't let her go past the 1st without inducing her, so within 3 weeks we should have a baby in the family!! She bought him a little Easter outfit to wear over to mom's this year, and mom thinks she needs to get him an Easter basket, even though he'll only be days to weeks old, but hey, whatever, we're all excited!

that's it for now! hope all is well in blog-land!

New Blog

2007-02-19T08:01:00.000-05:00

Oh also...I finally switch over to the New version of Blogger....yep, joined the rest of the world! but I haven't had time to figure out what's different. Can anyone help me? I don't really understand this stuff. I just create new posts and that's about it...

thanks!

quiet weekend

2007-02-19T07:55:00.000-05:00

what a quiet weekend, which is good of course. Steve had to work all weekend, so I had it to myself. I must say, I didn't do much! at least anything interesting!

Saturday I came to work for a few hours. Figured I might as well try to catch up on a few things. Plus I had a freelance job to do, this guy wanted a new business card, not too difficult. Then in the evening, since it was STILL snowing, I decided laundry, changing sheets and cleaning the bathroom would be fun! what good times! :)

Sunday was a long day of the same. More laundry, a little grocery shopping and more snow. Steve had a hard time sleeping during the day yesterday because he said since I changed the sheets his pillows were too "poofy" so I told him I would never change his pillowcases again, but they'd get quite nasty! :)

Glad it was quiet, didn't really want to go out in the snow so I can't complain, doesn't happen very often. If fact, I'd really like to do it again today! but I'm at work....

have a great week everyone!

scary night

2007-02-17T13:56:00.000-05:00

My sister (and the whole family) sure had a scary night! Amy was going into work (Cleveland Clinic RN) Thursday night and fell on the ice. She is front heavy of course, so she started falling forward. She caught herself with her hands, but then her hands slid and she went sliding across the floor on her belly!

Not the best thing in the world when you are over 8 months pregnant!
She called both Mom and I in tears and said they were taking her to the hospital (Cleveland Clinic doesn't have labor and delivery) for the night for observation. Steve drove me over there and we met Dad and Mom.

She's ok. and so is the baby. Thank God!! They monitored her all night, monitor on her belly for the baby's heartbeat. She finally kicked us out and made us leave after a few hours because we couldn't help it, but all we were doing was watching the screen and his little heartbeat! it was nerve wracking! But their both good.

it was scary! she's got 5 weeks to go and we need that little fella, as well as her around!

That's my excitement for now, now we all just need to catch up on sleep! :)

Atlanta, Babies and lots of snow!

2007-02-13T16:53:00.000-05:00

Atlanta went well. I can't believe it's been so long since my last post. I need to be like my new blogger friend and make it a resolution to post something everyday! I love that!

As I said, Atlanta went well. It's a crazy show. Three buildings, all over 18 stories, thousands of people. what an experience! rough days! twelve hours on your feet, which is a lot for a baby like me that sits at a desk all day! but being a salesman for a few days was fun. talking to people and just seeing the entire thing....

Amy's got 5 weeks to go! she's so cute! we went and got pedicures last night (a birthday present for Mom) so that she could have "cute toes" when she went to the hospital!

We've gotten dumped on as far as snow goes today! so much! granted, not as much as NY, 12 feet! we're only supposed to get 12 inches by morning, but I bet we have 6 already! we're used to snow, but not this much at one time! Not very excited to drive home from work today! Makes me nervous, but it'll be ok.

gotta run, but I'm going to try to do better! hope everyone out there in blogger-land is doing well!

misc stuff going on...

2007-01-09T07:53:00.000-05:00

Poor OSU fans. Ohio State had a rough night last night! I am not a college football fan, but I am an NFL fan (and yes, I know the Browns are even worse!) but I met with some friends last night to watch part of the game. (They actually took today off of work, so I left mid-second quarter) I really only went because I have a friend that is a traveling nurse and she was in town this week. She has a great deal, if you want to travel constantly and don't have a family or anything! Every three months she gets offers from a few cities and picks which hospital to go to. They pay travel expense, housing and utilities and she just pays cable and phone. She's been all over. She keeps saying "just one more trip" but she said the money is so good she just can't quit! She's paid off all her school loans and her car and is saving for a house. Anyway, she just left San Diego and is heading to Philadelphia, but had a little time off.
It was fun to get together with her, she's always full of energy. Needless to say, OSU wasn't!

I'm heading to Atlanta for a trade show on Thursday. It'll be ok, I've never been there but it's only for five days and being a sales person for a few days will be something different. I usually go to Portland, OR, but they didn't need extra people this time (I have to go to a show once a year). Kind of disappointed about that, only because I've gotten to know that city and it's beautiful. Plus I just had a friend from Pittsburgh move there. But Atlanta will be fine. There's a lot of us going and my Photographer is going to be my roommate which is great.

My sister's husband bought her a 3D ultrasound from her doctor for Christmas! She wanted to do that but didn't really want to pay the money. It was the coolest thing I've ever seen! She brought over a 25 min. DVD of it for us to watch. That little baby boy is so cute! (I'm his Aunt and all, but he is!) :) He blinks and opens his mouth and moves around, so cute! I'm amazed at how much of a baby he looks like with her at 7 months, chubby cheeks and all! It was really amazing!

Ok, that's it for now, I'll get back here when I get home!

New Years

2007-01-03T13:09:00.000-05:00

Well our New Years Eve celebration was great! Steve asked me in the morning what I wanted to do for the day, and I actually decided on nothing. It was perfect. There are very very few days that we actually get the entire day together, just the two of us, and that's what I wanted. So, we ran to Walmart, bought some stuff to make for dinner, rented some movies and went back home. Sat around in pj's all day. It was great. Turned on Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve around 11:45 (I never miss that!) and then I was asleep by 12:15.

Perfect day.

As a resolution, we both said we would find some ways to spend more time together. With our crazy jobs and different shift schedules, we really don't see each other much, and never every day which is just sad. We need to work on this. This it is a little bit out of our control since it involves work, it could take some juggling, but we'll make it happen...

My sister is at around 30 weeks now, and she's getting scared. It's very strange to see her like this, because she is usually the tough one, but not right now. Don't get me wrong, very excited, but still nervous. Any suggestions, tips, words of wisdom for the expectant mother?

I have a few friends that have told her some things, or funny things that happened to them, or things she doesn't need to worry about, and it seems to be helping her a little. The rest of us are very very excited though! I can't wait to see the little guy!

random thoughts, but Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2006-12-29T12:59:00.000-05:00

What a crazy/fun time of year!!

We spend Christmas with so many people, it's almost New Year's and we still have more Christmas to do! How fun! It is so great to see so many people, I wish we could get together more often!

I think we're going to have a quiet New Years, just the two of us. Everything has been so busy lately, it'll be nice to sit and do nothing together!

Went to Buca Di Beppo's for dinner with my cousins, throwing this in here because it was soooo gooood!! if anyone has one nearby, or on vacation or something, definitely go. Family style Italian food. giant bowls full, meatballs the size of softballs! no exaggeration!!

My sister is at 29 weeks, due very soon! she is soo cute too! Mom and I are planning her shower, it's so fun! She may have gestational diabetes, but she is going to get tested again. her first test was the day after Christmas, and we all ate more sugar than you could ever imagine that day, so it should be better this next time. She said she goes again on the 5th, so she's being really good until then!

Did I ever say she and Scott are having a boy? They are decorating his room in airplanes, it's so cute! Steve and I have bought so much stuff, baby clothes and stuffed animals are very hard to pass up. but hey, it's my sister, i'm aloud to spoil!

Saw Grandma at Christmas Eve. She is having a lot of mini strokes, but other than that, she really looked great. She is easier to understand now too, very quiet and short sentences, but makes more sense.

think that's it for now!
I'll try to get better at these updates! Going to Atlanta for work in January, so I'll be gone just a little while....everyone take care! Happy New Year!

took awhile...but here are some wedding photos...

2006-11-25T23:23:00.000-05:00

Entire Wedding Party

Steve and I and all our parents

Steve and I under arch

This is my favorite!

My Family, aren't we cute! :)

Me and my Dad

things to do

2006-10-31T12:34:00.000-05:00

I saw this list on someone else's blog (Crazy Talk) and thought I would do the same. This is a list of things to do in your life, the items in bold are things I have done. Some good, some bad, some very adventurous, but it was fun to see what I had done on this giant list...

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had/Have amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the snake river
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in a Rocky Horror Picture Show
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read “The Iliad”
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

Maui

2006-10-19T14:04:00.000-04:00

I forgot before I finished my wedding post!
Maui is gorgeous!!!!! If you haven't been there you have to go, expensive food-wise, but definitely worth it! We're ready to go again!!

What we didn't know was that some of the activities need to be reserved in advance. so, a lot of things we weren't able to do, all the more reason to go back some day!

The view is amazing. We took a few day tours, toured pineapple/fruit plantations, went to the top of Haleakala Crater (looks like you're on the moon!) toured the Road to Hana, saw all those beautiful sites. Went in a cavern/cave with flashlights, and even parasailed! That had to be the most exciting thing that I have ever done. 800 feet of rope, up in the air, and Steve and I were able to go up together. it was so wonderful. The last night we saw a theater production about the history of the island that was really impressive and we hiked through a redwood forest.

It amazed me that one place could have so many different climates and views. Ocean (clear blue), mountains, rain forests, redwood forests, craters. I'll share pictures soon, like I said earlier, I don't have any at work! what was I thinking!!

Oh, and we got back about 6 days before the earthquake. God was watching out for us through this entire last month! I was glad to hear that no one was hurt though.

what an incredible time...

2006-10-19T13:55:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've been on here! Life got so crazy after Steve and I got home!

The wedding was wonderful!! I can't stress that enough. It ended up pouring most of the morning, but about 1/2 hour before the ceremony the rained just stopped. The ceremony was at 2:30 under an arch of mums on the lake and pictures were there afterwards. The girls were a little cold, but it was all beautiful. I'm so proud for all the wonderful people that came. plus those that were at the lake but didn't walk up! the rain started again about 3:15 or so, just enough time to get pictures done. I tell ya, we were being looked after, no doubt in my mind!

The limo guys were so fun, and although the photographer was a bit wierd, he was very thorough. The hall was just beautiful! Linda really really came through. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful reception. We got the DJ that we requested, who is a lot of fun, the food was unreal! everyone commented on how bad some wedding food could be, but ours definitely won. we ate it the next day too, and Dad froze some as well!

we danced all night, had a great time. I can't even explain everything!
I'll add just one photo for right now, it's the only one that I have on my computer at work! it's of all of my employees and myself, doesn't even have Steve in it! Don't worry though! I have sooooo many photos, I just need to get home and post them!!

four days to go!

2006-09-26T08:09:00.001-04:00

wow!! four days!!

yesterday, the guy from the park system called to let me know that the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall will be at the gazebo where we are supposed to get married! He said we could still use the gazebo if we wanted, but the road would be blocked off and a lot of people will be around! good timing!

Now, don't get me wrong, i think that wall is a very special thing, and I would actually like to see it, BUT, why couldn't he tell me earlier!!! He did offer for us to get married at the Mum festival that's on the other side of the lake. there is a huge arch of mums there, and he would clear the area for us. it'll be pretty but last minute stuff is driving me crazy!!!

other than that, I think Steve is going to take tonight off to help me with all the last minute stuff, and we're about done. as long as nothing else goes wrong!!!

I'm still very excited though! but very tired!!

shower, bachlorette party and strep throat...

2006-09-19T07:58:00.000-04:00

My sister held a "friends shower" on Saturday for me. We separated that from the family shower because the family shower had so many people. Amy did an amazing job. I kind of felt bad because I didn't do nearly as much for her as she did for me on Saturday. She thinks of everything and is so creative! The favors were jelly jars containing all the ingredients for making Reese's Pieces cookies!

The shower went really good. 17 people including Steve and I and both our Moms. We got so much stuff again!!!

The bach party was immediately following. Yes, it was a very long day, but it was so hard to find even one day that my three bridesmaids could do, I couldn't even imagine finding 2! Amy set up Pure Romance party, which I've been to before and it is totally hilarious! A room full of girls talking about sex and spa products, so funny! Then a few of us went out to the Galaxy which is a really nice place that has banquet halls, dining rooms, wine bars and a sports bar. We really didn't stay all that long, because we were beat!! Amy made me a veil to wear out though, and Steve's Mom bought me a white t-shirt that had "bride" written in little jewels. It was cute.

So, all in all a really fun day. The only problem through the whole thing was that I came down with Strep Throat on Thursday!! I went to the Dr. on Friday and he gave me an antibiotic and told me to take double each day to knock it out fast. That way by Saturday afternoon he said I was no longer contagious. So, I felt better, just stuffy and tired. but a fun day.

This weekend, Steve and his groomsmen are going to PA to a cabin to cook out and fish. He'll have a great time.

Then, in 11 days!!! Holy cow! this year has gone so fast!!! I'm so excited!

Grandma Barnes is still doing so-so. She had some tests done yesterday because she gained 12 lbs. of water weight in her legs! They thought she was getting blood clots, but luckily that was incorrect. They aren't sure what is going on, but she's back at the rehab center again. She really likes it there. She has a schedule for lunch and dinner with some other residents, and different shows she watches on TV. She won't talk on the phone during these events at all and since she can't speak well yet, when you call all she says is "eating" or "tv" and she hangs up on you!! :) it's a riot!! and she won't call back! you have to guess when she's finished to talk to her or you'll get hung up on again! She seems in good spirits though for so much going on. We just continue to pray...

That's some of my life for now. more later. Blogging is such a great thing to have even if it is only to get everything out on paper- so to speak. I no longer have the desire to write, typing is easier! it's just great to put some thoughts down...

cake!

2006-09-15T13:11:00.000-04:00

We ordered our cake yesterday! it was fun!

We went a little overboard, but we've been very conservative with our other plans, so I wanted a big cake! It has three tiers, with a fountain underneath them, deep dark chocolate in flavor and the icing roses on the cake light up! The roses are yellow, red and orange (all deep colored) and the yellow roses light up. dark green leaves, and three separate small cakes around the outside. yellow and marble flavored. very fun. I can't wait to see it finished!!

One thing that has gone very well. thank goodness!

when it rains it pours!

2006-09-14T07:59:00.000-04:00

Ok,
so it's probably not all that bad, but I'm stressed out so it seems like it!

Just little problems. The limo company that was providing 2 6-passenger limos called to tell me that he only had one. he left that on my voicemail at night. I freaked out. in the morning I called and he started laughing and said that he has one 6 passenger and one 10 passenger and would that work? no extra money. of course that would work! why couldn't he have left that message! he said he works with brides all the time and freaking them out is a little fun. jerk. :)

My photographer unexpectedly had to go in this past monday for reconstructive knee surgury and is out of commission until Dec. what luck! he's hooking us up with another photographer that he knows though, that also knows our DJ, so all should be fine. I'm just disappointed because my original photographer won't be there. I had really gotten to know him and his wife over the last year, done some graphic design work for his company and he's a lot of fun.

tried to order a cake last saturday. the bakery is open from 10a-4p, we were there about 1:30 or so. lady came out asked if we needed help. I told her we needed to order our cake and she said "oh, we don't take orders on Saturdays. We're making cakes for this evening. You wouldn't want us taking orders on your big day" Big Deal! why do I care if she takes orders or not! how long could taking an order possibly take!! and why are they open then at all!!! I was super ticked off!

Steve ushered me out before I had the opportunity to flip out on the woman and we are going to try and go tonight. problem is, they are only open until 6p on weekdays, and I work until 5. oh well.

On a good wedding note though, all the bridal party flowers are finished, all we need is reception flowers. and Linda also sent out the invites and info about the rehearsal dinner. a little late, but they are out and that is all that matters. the flowers are beautiful, she did a nice job.

Grandma Barnes' condition hasn't really changed. I wish I had great news to tell, but at least I don't have bad news either.

Wedding is Sept. 30, 16 days! I'm really very excited!! I just decided though, that I'm not going to verify anymore plans with service providers, that's when things go wrong!

this ridiculous week...

2006-08-31T15:25:00.000-04:00

What a terrible week! I am totally a bride! :)

The family shower was this past weekend. It actually went really well, so I thought. I got to talk to all my family and friends, had a great time, got lots of really cool gifts, all is happy in the world. Then I find out that my crazy great Aunt Clara actually spent the shower telling Steve's family what terrible ungreatful people my family were. I should have seen it coming. To make a long story short, she raised my mom. Mom is wonderful, Aunt Clara thinks we don't honor her enough for raising my mom, so we're all ungreatful, terrible people. This is not a new story to me. Since I was 10 years old she's been telling me how awful my mom is and how fat she is and etc... finally I couldn't hold it in any longer. I told mom.

I probably should have kept my mouth shut, (like I've done for the last 20 years) but no part of me was able to do that. So after a long Monday and a lot of conversations, we un-invited her. What a mess.

Then, Tuesday and Wednesday, I was late for work. Wednesday I didn't even set my alarm!! I've NEVER done that!! It was terrible. I've also been just a crying, weeping mess this week. This is so unlike me! All I can figure out is that it is the stress of work and the stress of the wedding...

Update on Grandma Barnes...things don't seem to be going that well. She was able to come to the shower which was sooo fun! it was great to see her and she was soo excited to be there. but after that she seemed to go backwards. She's still at the clinic and all that, but she's been falling a lot and not making it to the bathroom in time. She had another MRI and they want to wait about 6-8 weeks before surgery on the other side. I'm not sure what is really going on, no one is. We're just a little nervous.

That's my venting for now. More later.

misc...

2006-08-21T17:15:00.000-04:00

one year ago today Steve proposed! Time goes so fast! I'm so excited with everything that is happening in our lives, and also for what is to come.

Grandma Barnes is doing ok. She is at the rehabilitation center now, and is pretty happy there. lots of people to talk to and things to do. she is working with a speak therapist right now. she had no physical damage from the stroke, but is having trouble saying nouns, and expressing herself. Feeling much better though! No word yet when the second surgery will be.

Wedding plans are good. we are just about set. waiting for all the replies to come back, then have to make seating plans, but other than that good to go. no flowers yet, but whatever!

family shower is this weekend, it's all starting now! I'm excited!

My cousin is moving back to Cleveland! he and i were pretty close, but he moved out of town and getting together just got hard. hopefully now we'll get to see each other again. he's a lab tech and got a new job, wanted to move closer to home.

My sister is doing as good as expected. she super excited and still super sick. but she's very positive about it which is good. her next doctor apt. is in about 2 weeks or so.

Dad and I went to a baseball game on Saturday. We had a great time. It was nice to get him out having fun and forgetting all the work stress. He's like a little kid at those things! we had a blast, I hope we can do it again soon!

that's about it for my update, almost time to get home!

more updates

2006-08-14T07:40:00.000-04:00

Well, Grandma Barnes went into a rehabilitation clinic on Saturday afternoon. They still aren't able to get her blood pressure down, but they need to get her better in order to do surgury on the other artery in her neck. I don't know much about it, but she is supposed to be there for 2 weeks at least. We talked to her Saturday morning and she says that she feels a little better. She's still a little confused and sounds terrible, but she seemed happy to talk to Steve.

Amy is super sick. She found out at the doctor last week that she is 8-1/2 weeks pregnant with a expected due date of March 21, and she can't keep anything down. She's still excited though, and she calls me a few times a day to ask me to drink a Diet Coke for her and to eat a hot dog! (or whatever she's hungry for at the time) She's told me a list of everything that she's gotten sick on and will never touch again! I feel so bad for her, she sounds horrible, but I can't wait to see my little niece or nephew! Plus, I have been trying to get her to give me some jobs to do for the shower. She's holding a bridal shower for me, and I think she needs some help, but she won't give in!

Steve and I had a great day on Saturday, it was his night off work so we had all day together, by ourselves. That doesn't happen often so we took full advantage! We went miniture golfing and played in the arcade and drove go-carts. It was so fun! Steve and I and a bunch of little kids! I won mini golf and air hockey, and he won everything else. Then we went to Cold Stone Creamery for some ice cream, and rented a few movies and went home. It was great to spend time with just him. I just love him so much!

Well, that's it for now, everyone have a great Monday!

cute website

2006-08-09T12:49:00.000-04:00

This is a really cute website that I found about stories we used to believe as children...check it out if you get a chance.

http://www.iusedtobelieve.com/

Grandma update

2006-08-09T12:44:00.000-04:00

Thank you for all your prayers!
So far, not much news. Grandma Barnes is still in intensive care, they thought that she could be out by now, but no such luck.
She is still doing ok, her only problem is that they are unable to get her blood pressure down. Once that happens, she could be released. Still no decision on whether to have surgury on the other side or not.

I was told that she is hooked up to 5 different IVs and meds, but she's still tough! She's a little confused about what time of year it is, but she's aware of what's going on and she's insisting that she's coming to Steve and my wedding! We just love her!

I'll update more when I get more news.

Grandma Barnes

2006-08-04T13:06:00.000-04:00

To anyone out there, I am asking for your prayers for my future Mother-in-law's Mom. She has suffered a stroke after our crazy hot OH weather the last few days, and is in need of some prayers. She has one artery completely blocked and one 70% blocked and we are waiting to see if she is going to be a good candidate for surgery.

God decides when your time to join him has come, but she is a very special lady and she is in my thoughts.

thank you!

update:
Grandma Barnes did have surgery on one side. She is currently in intensive care, but seems to be doing ok right now. Her blood pressure spiked this morning, but hopefully they can get that under control. If all goes well, she could get released tomorrow or Thursday. Then they may decide to do the other side in about a month or so, if needed. Because of her age, they may not do it if everything else seems ok. Thanks for the prayers!

She did say that she was lucky because her husband was with her through the whole surgery (he passed away about 2 years ago.) So she was happy.

survey

2006-08-02T13:05:00.000-04:00

I saw this survey somewhere, and it's kind of interesting. Feel free to steal it!

GRUB-OLOGY
What is your salad dressing of choice? Ranch, the fatter the better!
What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Taco Bell
What is your favorite sit down restaurant? Olive Garden
On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant? 20% unless something is really terrible. I was a waitress for years, they don’t make much money.
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? pasta
Name three foods you detest above all others. Raw tomatos, seafood, other than that, I'm not sure!
What is your favorite dish to order in a Chinese restaurant? Egg rolls!
What are your pizza toppings of choice? Mushroom, or deluxe
What do you like to put on your toast? Peanut butter and jelly or honey
What is your favorite type of gum? Orbit

TECH-OLOGY
Number of contacts in your cell phone? Close to 40 maybe??
Number of contacts in your email address book? 20-30
What is your wallpaper on your computer? Beach scene
What is your screensaver on your computer? Blank screen
Are there naked pictures saved on your computer? Not that I know of!
How many land line phones do you have in your house? None, just cell phones
How many televisions are in your house? 3
What kitchen appliance do you use the least? Stove because I don’t cook, dishwasher, steve cooks, I wash dishes.
What is the format of the radio station you listen to the most? country
How many sex toys do you own that require batteries? I had some, but I’m out at this moment

BI-OLOGY
What do you consider to be your best physical attribute? My eyes maybe?
Are you right handed or left handed? left
Do you like your smile? Not really, but at least my teeth are straight!
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? nope
Would you like to? A lot of fat, but as you can see from the food section above, that is my problem!
Do you prefer to read when you go to the bathroom? Nope. I get in and get out.
Which of your five senses do you think is keenest? Smell
When was the last time you had a cavity? About 2 years ago
What is the heaviest item you lift regularly? Case of catalogs, 37lbs.
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? I don’t think so

MISC-OLOGY
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? As controlling as I am, I think that even some things should remain a mystery
If you could change your first name, what would you change it to? Something not as common!How do you express your artistic side? I’m a graphic designer, it’s my job!
What color do you think you look best in? black, it’s slimming!
How long do you think you could last in a medium security prison? I honestly have no idea. Not long.
Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake? Probably!
If we weren't bound by society's conventions, do you have a relative you would make a pass at? I love my cousins, but that’s gross.
How often do you go to church? I don’t, but I should.
Have you ever saved someone's life? Not that I know of.
Has someone ever saved yours? All my friends and family keep me living!

DARE-OLOGY
For this last section, if you would do it for less or more money, indicate how much.

Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000? I’d need more than that, that’s not something you’d want to see. (million maybe?)
Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100? More please! 100,000 and I’d give a peck.
Would you have sex with a member of the same sex for $10,000? No, no money for that one.
Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000? I like my fingers!
Would you never blog again for $50,000? Sure, that’s fine.
Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000? Lots of millions. I’m not very daring.
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? 25,000 – my stomach needs that much!
Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000? I couldn’t do that, I can’t even hit an animal with my car without tearing up.
Would you shave your head and get your entire body waxed for $5,000? I would love to get my entire body waxed, permanantly! But the head part would cost more.
Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000? Lots more money please!

I'm going to be an Aunt!

2006-07-21T13:03:00.000-04:00

My sister is pregnant!! At least we hope! I'm getting a little ahead of myself. My sister and her husband have been kind of trying for a few months now. She called me a few days ago to tell me that she's "peed on two sticks and got two lines on each!" which I guess means she's pregnant. She called the doctor and they told her that they've never had someone come in with those positive results and have had it wrong...we're so excited!! Hopefully this will get Dad out of his funk now. I'm so happy for both of them, and Steve is probably so dreading this! I'll be talking non-stop about my wonderful neice or nephew. At the same time, I hope it is just like her! :)

Congrats Amy and Scott!

hot pockets

2006-07-12T13:19:00.000-04:00

Krista and I went to the printer the other day to pick up proofs of our newest catalog. the intent was to drive there and drive back. Karen was just back from vacation, super busy, and I didn't want to take up too much of her time.
It never happens the way that I plan!
We walked in and Don (our sales rep) was in the lobby. So he took us back to Karen's desk and we all stood around and talked too long! Joe (the pre-press guy) came over too. So, Joe decided Krista needed a tour of the plant because she'd never had one before. A nickel tour is what he called it, so that it didn't take much of our time. That never happens either! but it was really nice of them to do it. So we all go for a tour.
This is where I get into the picture I posted. Joe was showing us some "direct-to-plate" presses, which were actually pretty interesting. He said that they go up to 520 degrees! so one night, a long time ago, he was working night shift and decided to test that 520 degrees, with a hot pocket! We were laughing at him so hard! he said he'd never told anyone that before!

updated and boring stuff

2006-06-30T15:27:00.000-04:00

I am never on here anymore. I need to come up with exciting things to talk about. (I think that I have said this many many times in the past!) My life seems boring, although it really shouldn't be, but I guess I don't feel that I have exciting enough stuff to talk about that other people would listen too or care about!

We are getting married in about 3 months. I'm just amazed at how fast the year has gone. I am very excited about getting married, yet at the same time, I can't wait for it to be over! This wedding planning thing is ridiculous! so many little things to think about and so many people that you try to please. Now I know, it is our wedding so it should be what we want, but it is just not entirely that way. Everyone throws ideas at me, and I try to please everyone, and that just doesn't work. But anyway, we've registered now, so we're just at the last stuff- making favors, mailing invites, paying everyone lots of money....

Work is ok. Nothing new. We've gotten easy approvals of catalogs lately, which is scary! That's a good thing, but at the same time part of you waits for the big disaster. I think I've gotten too negative, I need to be more positive in my life...what's wrong with me!

I am really worried about my dad. He has severe depression I think, he hates his job, his children have all grown up and moved out, and he's miserable. He is mad at Mom all the time saying she doesn't understand him etc. and he really needs to retire. But he's scared. I understand that. But he really worries me, I wish that he would go to a doctor and get an annual physical (regularly) and talk to someone about what is going on.

On a happy note, we went out on Tuesday and shot photos for our early spring catalog at this woman's house that has a barn and a lot of gardens. She has a bunch of crazy animals that walk around, and it was hot but productive and a lot of fun. Check out the picture of the crazy peacock that scared us with his hollers all day long....