Alydyn

Post # 100: Good Night and Good luck.....

2006-05-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

Wow post #100...didn't think I would actually make it..: )

Thank you for reading my blog and checking in from time to time. I have been toying with leaving for a long time and have made the decision to do so. I enjoyed posting some, but really this is not my "thing". I appreciate all of your comments and will continue to drop in on you from time to time to see how you are.

To Fred: Love your page and happy to see you back posting. I am ready for summer, but that means no more "answers" from your students..: ) Can't wait for you to go back to school too...haha Oh and Fred THANK YOU so much for never correcting my spelling. I know this is not your subject, but I am a horrible speller (well just about anything in the grammer field) and you are a teacher..:) So if you noticed or not I appreciate you never saying a word....haha

To M.C.: thank you for the comments, also I have sent up a prayer for the August conference for you!

To Tequila Girl.: Thanks for getting me started on this, it was fun. I am sure if we have been friends for 13 years we will still manage to keep in touch...Plus I know lots of your dirty secrets and you mine..with pictures to prove so I will be in touch! hahah!

To my most loyal reader/commenter...Richard (aka LocuTus of Borg) thank you so much it has been fun! Enjoyed your TMI Tuesday's... By the way I stopped by today and checked out the new tattoo...LOVE IT!! Course that was my original vote all the way and I am glad to see it looks so good! Also LOVE the meaning behind it and glad you finally shared. Very nice idea.

As for me...I am out so...

GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK!

Idol + TMI

2006-05-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

First thing I have to make mention of American Idol!! Tonight was the elimination of the 3rd to the last person and I can not believe the votes and how close they were!!! The other thing I refuse to believe, but kind of knew it was comin gis that Elliot is gone before Kat. Course my votes have always gone to Taylor, but every once in a while I would call for Elliot. I think thouh that Kat has got to be getting the "Sexy" vote!! She is never consistent with her voice. this week she sang 3 songs and sucked at 2 and was good (just good) at the other one! OK enough American Idol.....On to TMI...

1. Can you be in love with someone you don't trust?
I think you can... I have a family memeber that I don't trust 100%, but I sure love her!!

2. If someone shoves you up against a wall while kissing you, your reaction is?
All Right!! Now we have something!

3. Would you rather have a partner who has been around the block or a virgin?
Not a Virgin and not around the city block (too busy), but maybe a country block..: )

4. On a scale from 1-10, how controlling are you?
A 7 in my marriage (Or at least my husband lets me think I am a 7! thankfully we even out as he is VERY easy going) and probably an 8 at work. I have a problem with delegating..: )

5. The old Dear Abby question... if you had to pick between kissing/affection/cuddling or sex/sexual touching and could only have one for the rest of your life, which would you pick?
I am a pretty touchy teasy type person so I would have to go with the kissing/affection one.

Bonus (as in "optional"): Have you ever told someone they were good in bed when they weren't? No, I believe in honestly in that area...how else will you get what you want/need? I am not harsh about it, but I will find a way to get my point across.

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell me if you did).

Kayaking

2006-05-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

This past week I signed my husband and myself up for kayaking classes. Sounded like a lot of fun to me! Maybe something you should know about me is I am the person that people come too when they want to sign up for classes. For some reason I to draw people that want to take weird classes and they have no one to sign up with them, but there is something stamped on my forehead I guess that tells people that I will do it! For example, recently this girl that works in my dept, we talk during work every so often, but at the time had not done anything outside of work. So she comes to my desk, which is not out of the ordinary, and says to me "I was talking to my friend the other night and I really want to take Belly Dancing classes....I told my friend that I knew you would take them with me" Now the funny thing is as soon as she mentioned belly dancing I thought to myself "Wow that sounds like fun!" so bada boom bada bing...I am in belly Dancing classes. So since I am new to Texas I wrote to one of my friends from Georgia, who was my "sign me up for anything" partner there. when I asked her about this and why I get signed up for these things she said I am "That Person"..: )

Long Story short (too late) I signed us up for the kayaking classes. Now I was very excited about this class right up until the first evening of class when the teacher hands me a "In case of Death, no suing" form! ......So we went through the 1st 2 classes, which were all classroom learning. There was some neat stuff to hear, but mostly since we were only wanting the basics to paddle the lake we tuned out.

Sat was our day on the lake. It was actually quite fun. We were to paddle from 10am to noon and then from about 12:45 to 2:00pm. At 10am I was beside my boat stretching etc and then head for the water. We were taught all kinds of strokes, which for the life of me I can not remember the names, BUT I can get myself to go forward, backward, to the side and to turn left or right! All that paddling can tire a person out so I sat out the last session hence the pics of my husband and not me. We forgot the camera (as usual) and I did not think about the phone camera until almost the end.

All in all it was fun. I think We will use it on the lake when we go camping and can rent a kayak or something. But probably will not take up the sport.

Takin a Break + TMI Tuesday (On Friday)

2006-05-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

LOB: Nope didn't disappear, just taking a break. This week/month is a bit full for me. This week I am taking Kayaking classes with saturday being my first day on the water. Then for the rest of the month I have different family memebers coming in and out. I will try to post some, but it might be June before I get back in the swing of things.

Here is my TMI Tuesday!

1. After a night of great sex, who do you tell? How much?
I don't tell anyone....I just remind or tease my husband about it in the next day or so to keep it fresh in his mind to spark it up again..: )

2. Should prostitution be legal?
No, but then I wonder if there would be less problems if it were. BUT my stand is NO, my God how much more degradation can we possibly take!

3. On a scale from 1-10, how selfish are you?
6 in my marriage, 3 when it comes to helping those less fortunate.

4. Name something you haven't tried, but have been thinking about trying.
Kayaking!!! but after signing my life away on the form my teacher gave me I am a little worried..: )

5. If you could have sex with any celebrity, who would you pick and why? (and don't think of this question as cheating... you aren't attached at the time, k?) :)
Matthew McConaughey

Bonus (as in "optional"): Have you ever dyed your pubic hair or shaved it in a pattern?

Dyed..No Shaved...Yes

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell me if you did!).

Immigration : Sound Off

2006-05-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Because I live in Texas I feel like I am getting a very one sided view on the Immigration Day today. I have made it possible (and will keep it for a few days or so) for people to post Anon if wanted, but if you are Anon or not please put your state in the text so I know where the thoughts are coming from. I would like to know what your thoughts are on the Immigration stuff going on now.

What do you think about the Bill? Do you agree with all of it? None of it? Pieces of it? Were you affected by today's "Un dia sin immigrante" "A day without an immigrant" Was your company? I can't come up with all of the topics that might could come up on this so let me know what your thoughts are.

Below are some websites I found for each:

Border Security: Send A Brick

Minuteman Project

OR

Immigrant Solidarity

World Liberation

thanks for your help!

TMI Tuesday on Wednesday!

2006-04-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

1. Wash up, cuddle or fall asleep?

Cuddle, Wash....then depends on the time...if late then sleep if not late then go about my day..: )

2. Favorite term of endearment for a hard-on?
We just have a general term for him in general....Mr. Pedro Weinus!

3. Did you ever own a fake ID? No.

4. On a scale from 1-10, how kinky are you? about a 7

5. How often, if ever, did you sneak out of the house when living at home? once or twice in my junior year, but my parents were pretty cool and I was pretty respectful. I never had a "curfew" more like I set the time, but it was based on the activities going on.

Bonus (as in "optional"): Have you ever kissed your partner on the lips after oral sex without brushing teeth, nor washing/gargling/rinsing out mouth? Turn on or off?
Yes I have, Seems a little weird to get up and do all that in the middle....but it is a MAJOR turnoff for me.

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell me if you did!).

What is your Blog worth?

2006-04-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

Well based on web info, mine is worth about $3,942.37!!! Guess I better keep my day job.

I thought this was interesting so I copied it (directly) from Linny : "go to Blogshares.com and you will find the damndest information on your own site. Just type in the blog title in the search box right above the log in box (at the tab next to it you will have to indicate if you are searching by title or url.) When it pulls up a list of blogs with that titile, you merely click on the link that has YOUR URL. It lists the links of people visiting your blog and even tells you how much your blog is worth."

Fair Trade or NAFTA?

2006-04-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

I received this in email recently and I HAD to post it! I am sure this tells more about me, not that you could have guessed since I live in Texas, but since I am new to the state and all..: )

As President Bush gets off the helicopter in front of the White House, he is carrying a baby pig under each arm.

The squared away Marine guard snaps to attention, salutes, and says:
"Nice pigs, sir."

The President replies: "These are not pigs; these are authentic Texas Razorback Hogs. I got one for Senator Ted Kennedy, and I got one for Senator John Kerry."

The squared away Marine again snaps to attention, salutes, and says:

"Nice trade, sir."

(HOYAH!!!)

(¯`'•.¸(¯`'•.¸A Lizzie Quizzie!¸.•'´¯)¸.•

2006-04-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

1. Do your parents still have any of your childhood art on display in their home?
UGH! Yes, this ugly clay ring holder I made for my mom that she keeps near the sink for when she is washing dishes and then EVERY year they pull out the clay christmas wreath I made to hang on the tree. It almost topples the tree so they have started putting it "under" the tree. (secretly I am proud to see it..he he)

2. Do you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home?
No and every so ofen I thin about it and freak, but never by one!

3. How good of a speller are you?
HOREBELL!!!! Couldn't spell to save my life! (by the way I know horrible is spelled wrong)

4. Nails... bare or polished?
Polished (at present, cotton candy pink!)

5. What is the most expensive thing you have bought in the last year?
Does a trip to Italy count? It did for me, as it followed 2 months after my trip to Dubai....pricey!

6. Do you know how to set the clock in your car?
YES! Thankfully they dumded it down so all you have to do is push the hour button to change the hour and the minute button to change the minutes! My last car you had to hold 2 buttons in at the same time while turning the volume knob, while shaking your head and hoping on one foot! HOREBELL!!!

7. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you lately?
Can't think of anything lately? I know the last thing that embarrassed me though that REALLY sticks in my head. I was sitting across froma friend in a restaurant and listening to her talk and I went to take a drink while looking at her (being the good friend) and I bent down to sip could not find my straw, lifted my head and it was stuck in my nose!!!

8. Ever talk to yourself?
YES, especially if I am replaying situations over in my head that have made me mad or upset me.

9. Do you recount the money you recieve back at the store? Bank?
Typically no to both, unless I have given them a larger bill.

10. Don't you hate it when _________________. You try so hard to be noticed, but then when you are not expecting it you are!

TMI Tuesday!

2006-04-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

1. Birthday spankings or birthday kisses?
Kisses are more fun!

2. Sitting on Santa/Easter Bunny's lap... fun or creepy?
FUN!!! I haven't done it in a year or so, but I still enjoy getting my picture taken in Santa/Bunnies lap..: )

3. Once you start drinking at a party, do you usually get drunk or stop at tipsy?
Depending on if I know the people very well or not. If not then I stop BEFORE tipsy...If I know them really well then maybe drunk, but tipsy for sure..: )

4. On a scale from 1-10, how passionate are you?
Depends on what the topic is... What's for dinner...not so Passionate.... Un-wed crack alcoholics that keep having babies and keep getting them taken away by the state for the 6th time!...Pretty passionate (in Atlanta volunteered at My House shelter home for babies)

5. Have you ever seen a burlesque show?
Nope.

Bonus (as in "optional"): Have you ever been to an adult themed tupperware-type party like this?
Yes, A friend was invited to one and dragged me along. It was not something I would host let alone go back to.

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell me if you did!).

March of Dimes: WalkAmerica

2006-04-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

If you have not already sponsored a walker and you would like to , please take a minute to read the following:

Did you know that premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death
in the first month of life? It affects half a million babies a year in
the United States. Those who survive may have lifelong health problems.
And premature births are on the rise -- up to 30% since 1981.

That is why I am asking you to support me in March of Dimes
WalkAmerica. Because premature birth can happen to any pregnant woman. In nearly
half the cases, the causes are unknown. The March of Dimes is leading
the way to find answers by supporting research into the causes of
premature birth. I am joining the fight, and so can you.

Your support helps fund:
-Research into stress and other factors that may trigger preterm labor.
-Programs to educate pregnant women to recognize the warning signs of
preterm labor.
-Tools to help health care providers find better ways to detect women
who may be at risk for preterm labor.

Please join in and help fight prematurity. Visit my webpage by clicking on the baby bootie and sponsor me in the Walk that saves babies! Any donation will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You!

Alydyn's MOD Home Page

TMI Tuesday!

2006-04-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

1. Have you ever had sex in a hammock?
I mean really!! This must be some sick fantasy of a man or something? That just sounds so painful! So my answer would be No.

2. Do you think alcohol enhances a sexual experience, or diminishes it?
A little can enhance, but more than that I think it diminishes it.

3. Have you ever stolen anything from a place you were employed?
Does the stapler and tape dispenser on my desk at home count?

4. Have you ever jello/mud or otherwise "wrestled" while others watched?
Yes, wrestled with my brother when we were younger.....and not in a weird way that is!

5. Have you ever let someone else wash you while you were perfectly capable of doing it yourself?
YEP!!! and loved every minute of it.

Bonus (as in "optional"): Have you or one of your partners ever taken a "drug" of any type to enhance your sexual experience?
No, don't need it. We do wonderfully on our own.

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell me if you did!).

TMI Tuesday......on Wednesday!

2006-04-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

1. What is your underwear "style" of choce?
CLEAN...and then 2nd would be bikini with strings on the side, high cut.

2. How old were you when you had your first sexual experience?
18....HAD to be legal..: )

3. What about a potential partner turns you on?
Smile I guess. I think it is a lot of things rolled in to one.

4. Have you ever played a game which may require you or others to disrobe?
?? Probably, but nothing is coming to my mind just now.

5. Given or received finger scratch marks during sexual activity?
Geez, yes. I get a bit carried away. I was never more aware of it then once after sex with my boyfriend he had to get up to do something??? and when he went into the hall his brother said in a loud voice "Man, looks like you were attaked by a bear!"

Bonus: (as in "optional"): How many times is the most you have ever had sex in a 24 hour period?
7 times in like a 3 or 4 hour period! It was amazing, for some reason we just both needed it! I was so sore the next day I swore I would ration it better in the future!

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell me if you did!).

Bye Bye Mandisa BYE BYE!!

2006-04-05T19:01:00.000-07:00

I have to say I was sad to see Mandisa go! #1 she had a great voice and attitude and #2 she was really representing the big girls...: )

Question: Did any one else notice the audience went dead quiet for a few seconds when they announced that Elliot would be staying? or was it just me?

Shelby Lynne West

2006-04-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

Your Hillbilly Name Is...

Shelby Lynne West

Hillbilly Name Generator

40 Things You'd Never Think to Ask

2006-03-30T16:19:00.000-08:00

As stolen from: I Miel Pensieri

*40 Things You'd Never Think to Ask*

1. Have you ever been searched by the cops?
-No, not really....

2. Do you close your eyes on roller coasters?
-HELL YES!!! And then I alternate between praying that I will make it off and chastising myself for getting on in the first place.

3. When's the last time you've been sledding?
-Wow, well on snow it was maybe 5 or 6 years ago. When I lived in Northern Cali we had these great hills in our neighborhood and we used to get big boxes and cut them open and throw our selves down...It was a BLAST!

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone?
-Alone, but I am married so I only get to do that on the rare occasion he travels with out me or when he SNORES!

5. Do you believe in ghosts?
-YES!!!

6. Do you consider yourself creative?
-Yes, but not as creative as most people say I am.

7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife?
-YES!

8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?
-Depends on what for…for a best girlfriend Jennifer but as a sex symbol Angelina

9. Can you honestly say you know ANYTHING about
politics?
-a little bit

10. Do you know how to play poker?
-Probably not. I think I have played a few times, but would probably lose all my money the first round.

11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?
-almost

12. What's your favorite commercial?
-The Citi Theft Identity commercial with the guy sitting in his living room in his bathrobe drinking a beer? When he speaks it is a woman’s voice talking about all the things she bought!

13. Who was your first love?
-Matt was my first love. He was the best first boyfriend a girl could ever have.

14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and
no one is around how fast do you go?
-as fast as I can!

15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you?
-Not that I know of. All of my secrets at least one other person knows about.

16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees?
-Atlanta Braves!

17. Have you ever been Ice Skating?
-Yes

18. How often do you remember your dreams?
-Maybe 30% of the time. Not very often at all. It freaks me out when I actually remember one.

19. When was the last time you laughed so hard you
cried?
-can’t remember time, but it wasn’t that long ago. I do remember my husband was watching America’s funniest videos and they had put together to music babies making faces or crying. It was so funny I was hurting!

20. Can you name 5 songs by The Beatle's?
-Probably if I thought about it.

21. What's the one thing on your mind?
-pleading the 5th.

22. Do you believe in love at first sight?
-Yes, but I do not believe it is as common as most people make it out to be.

23. Do you know who Ba-Ba-Booey is?
-No ?

25. What talent do you wish you had?
-I wish I had learned to play an instrument.

26. Do you like sushi?
-YUM OH! But the funny thing is I lived in Japan for 2 ½ years and you couldn’t get me to eat it to save my life! Wasn’t until later when I was back in the states for a few years that I tried it and liked it.

27. Have you ever narrowly avoided a fatal accident?
-Yes. Car Accident

28. What do you wear to bed?
-t-shirt

29. Have you ever been caught stealing?
-Not in the act, but in 6th grade my teacher had these cool crayons in a drawer in the back of the room. My friends and I each took 1, but then one of them felt guilty and turned us all in.

30. Does size matter?
-Depends…are we talking Brownies or Brussel Sprouts!

32. Rock or Rap?
-Either about the same. I am more of a top 40/Oldies (50’s an 60’s) girl.

33. If you could sleep with one famous person, who
would it be?
-Just one huh? I guess I would go with Matthew McConaughey.

34. Do you know anyone in jail?
-No.

35. Have you ever sang in front of the mirror?
-Unfortunately yes!

37. What food do you find disgusting?
-Brussel Sprouts!

38. Did you ever play, "I'll show you mine, if you
show me yours"?
- not sure as a kid, but recently with my husband…

39. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind
their back?
-True friends No, but an acquaintance Yes.

40. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly
knew?
-Yes.

Bye Bye Lisa BYE BYE!!

2006-03-29T16:14:00.000-08:00

Poor Lisa might could have had a chance if she had just sung a song that those of us alive today might recognize...Oh wait she did, that's why she's GONE!

TMI Tuesday!

2006-03-28T17:45:00.000-08:00

1) Have you ever been to an AA meeting or similar support group meeting?
No, although I have a funy story about "friends of Bill W."

2) Have you ever used ice for sexual purposes?
Ice Yes, but going back a few TMI's...no to SNOW!

3) If given the chance to live as the opposite sex for the day, would you?
Heck yeah! and sex would be the first thing I tried to get just to see what that would be like!

4) On a scale of 1-10, how well do you receive constructive criticism?
with 10 being good....well from family I would have to say about a 5. At work i would have to say an 8.

5) Have you ever been INSIDE a store that sold adult themed toys and videos?
YEP...a few times..: )

Bonus (as in "optional"): Have you ever been propositioned for group sex?
Nope.

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell me if you did!).

(¯`'•.¸(¯`'•.¸A Lizzie Quizzie!¸.•'´¯)¸.•

2006-03-24T17:40:00.000-08:00

1. Do you own a passport?
Yes, With stamps to: Japan, Korea, UAE, Venezuela, Peru, Italy and of course the USA!

2. Have you ever been in an earthquake?
Yes, in Georgia, California and in Okinawa
Tornado? Yes, in 1996 (?) when it hit at Peachtree Corners in Atlanta area

Flood? Yes, 1985 (?) in California when the leavy broke in Marysville/Yuba City

3. Do you have to pay taxes this year, or do you get a refund? PAY... for the first time!

4. On a scale from 1-10 (10 being best), how thoughtful are you towards others? 9

5. What is your favorite kind of jelly? Strawberry
Have you ever made your own? Yes, made Strawberry jam when I was a kid at summer camp and used to help my mom when I was younger and she would still jar things.

6. Do you ever play April Fool's Day Jokes?
Depends on my mood and if I remember it's the 1st.

7. How tall are you? 5’8”

8. What is your favorite type of ethnic food? Indian/Italian

9. Do you have an antenna ball?? No.

10. A/an _____ a day keeps the _____ away. (after reading TG's I can't think of anything to put..hehe)

For your own (¯`'•.¸(¯`'•.¸Lizzie Quizzie!¸.•'´¯)¸.•

Bye Bye Kevin BYE BYE!!

2006-03-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry Chicken Little but you are out.. : (

1950's Theme Night
Mandisa – I Don't Hurt Any More (Eddy Arnold)
Bucky Covington - Oh Boy (Buddy Holly)
Paris Bennett - Fever (Peggy Lee)
Chris Daughtry - I Walk the Line (Johnny Cash)
Katharine McPhee - Come Rain or Come Shine (Ella Fitzgerald)
Taylor Hicks – Fade Away (Buddy Holly)
Lisa Tucker – Why Do Fools Fall in Love
Kevin Covais – When I Fall in Love (Nat King Cole)
Elliott Yamin – Teach Me Tonight (Al Jarreau)
Kellie Pickler – Walkin' After Midnight (Patsy Cline)
Ace Young - In the Still of the Night (Five Satins)

AOL Poll
1. Katherine .....2. Kellie .....3. Taylor
4. Chris ..... 5. Ace ..... 6. Bucky
7. Mandisa ..... 8. Elliot ..... 9. Lisa
10. Paris ..... 11. Kevin

MSNBC Poll

'Idol' winner
1. Chris Daughtry ( 54% )
2. Taylor Hicks ( 15% )
3. Mandisa ( 9% )

'Idol' runnerup
1. Mandisa ( 22% )
2. Chris Daughtry ( 22% )
3. Taylor Hicks ( 21% )

Third best
1. Mandisa ( 22% )
2. Taylor Hicks ( 21% )
3. Paris Bennett ( 12% )

Fourth best
1. Mandisa ( 18% )
2. Paris Bennett ( 17% )
3. Taylor Hicks ( 14% )

Fifth best
1. Paris Bennett ( 18% )
2. Mandisa ( 11% )
3. Taylor Hicks ( 10% )

Sixth best
1. Paris Bennett ( 14% )
2. Mandisa ( 7% )
3. Taylor Hicks ( 7% )

Seventh best
1. Paris Bennett ( 10% )
2. Bucky Covington ( 7% )
3. Taylor Hicks ( 4% )

Eighth best
1. Bucky Covington ( 10% )
2. Paris Bennett ( 7% )
3. Kevin Covais ( 3% )

Ninth best
1. Bucky Covington ( 18% )
2. Kevin Covais ( 6% )
3. Paris Bennett ( 5% )

10th best
1. Bucky Covington ( 39% )
2. Kevin Covais ( 14% )
3. Paris Bennett ( 4% )

11. 11th best 1. Kevin Covais ( 67% )
2. Bucky Covington ( 13% )
3. Paris Bennett ( 1% )

American Idol on Fox

Alydyn's Blog is NOT affiliated in any way with FOX TV®, American Idol®, or FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

TMI Tuesday!

2006-03-21T16:49:00.000-08:00

1) Have you ever disturbed other people by making excessive noise while having sex?

On purpose or accidently? OK well my answer is both so I guess it doesn't matter which..: )

2) What is the most romantic thing you have ever done or said??

Geez, who knows? Can't even think of anything...isn't that sad? Must have been a while back..I better get crakin on something! The last thing I did to surprise my hubby was pay to have his family fly out for his birthday. (and if you knew my husband you would know he comes from a very protective family (hence Atlanta to Dallas) that is tight knit! So he loved it....we had a great time, but not sure it falls in the "romantic" category)

3) Have you ever licked or sucked on someone else's feet and/or toes?

UGHHHH No, I can barely stop squirrming to answer the question!

4) On a scale of 1-10, how much does music mean to you in your daily life?

probably a 6, but maybe more if I did not have access to it when I wanted it.

5) Have you ever fallen asleep or passed out during sex?
Nope, can't say that I have?

Bonus (as in "optional"): Have you ever given or received a hickey on your upper inner thigh? Anywhere?

Not on the thigh, but what normal teenage kid has not had the big purple hickey they tried to hide from the 'rents. I think the only place I can think of I have had them is the typical neck and then my boobs!

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell me if you did!).

Bye Bye Melissa BYE BYE!!!

2006-03-15T19:41:00.000-08:00

Melissa McGhee - Lately

YEAH!!!! This was my choice to boot off for the girls. If you forget your lyrics once "Shame on you" Forget you lyrics twice.....get the hell off the stage!!!

AOL Poll
Paris is currently at rock bottom! Here are the rankings:
Katharine 2. Kellie 3. Chris 4. Taylor 5. Mandisa 6. Elliott 7. Bucky 8. Ace 9. Lisa 10. Kevin 11. Melissa 12. Paris

MSNBC Poll
Chris 32%, 2. Taylor 16% 3. Mandisa 15% 4. Kellie 9% 5. Katharine 7% 6. Elliott 5%, Ace 5% 8. Paris 4% 9. Bucky 3% 10. Lisa 2% 11-12 Kevin and Melissa 1% each.

Stevie Wonder theme night(in no particular order)

Taylor Hicks - Living for the City
Mandisa - Don't You Worry Bout a Thing
Paris Bennett - All I Do
Chris Daughtry - Higher Ground
Lisa Tucker - Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Katharine McPhee - Until You Come Back To Me
Elliott Yamin - Knocks Me Off My Feet
Bucky Covington - Superstition
Ace Young - Do I Do
Kevin Covais - Part Time Lover
Kellie Pickler - Blame it on the Sun
Melissa McGhee - Lately

American Idol on Fox

TMI Tuesday!

2006-03-14T17:36:00.000-08:00

1) On a scale of 1-10, how creative are you?
10, very creative

2) Do you enjoy talking dirty to your partner?
Umm not so much, I feel weird and end up doing this weird voice and get giggley

3) How open are you with your partner about what you want in bed?
Pretty open, but depends on what open means. I don't always say what I want, but I get my point across..: )

4) Have you ever had sex or give/received oral sex while you were driving a car?
Not while I was driving, but I have had sex many times while my boyfriend was driving with me sitting is his lap..: )

5) Would you rather run naked through a crowded place or have someone email your deepest secret too all your friends?
Run Naked for sure!!! My secrets are my secrets for a reason. Plus running naked seems like fun.

Bonus (as in "optional"): Have you ever shaved your pubic hair?
Shaved, waxed, clipped, made designs.....oh all you need is a simple answer....YES..: )

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell me if you did!).

Happy Birthday!

2006-03-09T22:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Me.
Happy Birthday to Me.
Happy Birthday tooooo Meeeeee.
Happy Birthday to me!

I LOVE birthday's.....especially mine..: )

TMI Tuesday!

2006-03-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

1) On a scale of 1-10, how modest are you?

Me on my own with 10 being very modest I would say I am a 3, since I am married to an 8 I have to say I have changed a bit to a 7, but could easily go back...: )

2) Have you ever had sex while you or your partner was tied up?

Yes.

3) What is your greatest strength? Weakness?

Strength: Organization/Party planning
Weakness: Scott

4) Have you ever gone to a motel for the sole purpose of having sex?

UGH...YEAH!!! Even my spouse and I do this for fun sometimes..: )

5) Have you ever had sex in the snow? Rain?

Snow: NO!! I HATE cold weather..snow is pretty on the TV and that is about it.
Rain: Yes, now this i can get into..: )

Bonus (as in "optional"): Have you ever stuffed your bra if you are female, or stuffed your pants if you are male?

NOOOO! I am trying to lessen what I have now. Have never had a "Flat" problem..: )

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell me if you did!).

What is your "Speak"?

2006-03-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

Stole this from TG and found it interesting. I have moved around so much in my life (military brat) and it still amazes me just within our own country and our "English" Language the many differences. For me it has been fun, because no one can ever guess where I am from. In the dirty South they think I am from one of the northern states although they can never pinpoint and even quite a few think the west coast. On the west coast the people hear the Northern or the slight southern twang! Either way it still amazes me on the many differences we all share.

Your Linguistic Profile:

65% General American English

15% Dixie

10% Upper Midwestern

10% Yankee

0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

TMI Tuesday!

2006-02-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

1) How often do you call in sick to work?
When I am really sick and then maybe 2 or 3 times a year for good measure...: )

2) On a scale of 1-10, how well does your spouse/so/best friend know you?
Spouse: 9
Best Friend:5

3) Have you ever had sex in front of or under a mirror?
on the bathroom counter!!!

4) Do you get jealous of others' good fortune?
Not typically?? Can't think of a time.

5) Have you ever been a voyeur? Exhibitionist?
Voyeur: No
Exhibitionist, flasher someone with a compulsive desire to expose the genitals
Yep! But that was back in the day when my best friend was also one (although she still seems to be) and we encouraged each other more...TG you know who you are!!!

Bonus (as in "optional"): Have you ever had sex when other non-participating adults were in the room?
Yes, but not sure if they knew what we were doing..: )

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell me if you did!).

My Favorite Idol.

2006-02-26T17:47:00.000-08:00

Not sure why but I am really rooting for the 2 under dogs it seems.

My favorite male singer is Taylor Hicks

I just love his sound and personality. He seems to be a very humble man and it comes across in his music and when he speaks. Also his music style just seems to have an "old soul" inside of it. LOVE IT!

My favorite female singer is Kellie Pickler

I am rooting for Kellie because she seems to have had such a rough life and is trying to pull herself out of it. Course this could all be for TV, but it is working for me. She has a good voice, not sure if she is the next American Idol, but I like her small town, naive country girl style.

Are you watching? Who is your American Idol?

TMI Tuesday!

2006-02-21T17:39:00.000-08:00

1) Have you ever made obscene phone calls?
Of couse (heavy breathing) who hasn't!!

2) Have you ever played a game which may require you or others to disrobe?
Same as the answer above!! A classic game of strip poker is always fun.

3) Have you ever placed a personal ad or answered a personal ad?
Yes, When my college friends and I went to Flordia for Spring Break we decided to play around a bit and used one of those phone services. We talked to a few guys and had fun, but nothing more..: )

4) Have you ever bought/read books to enhance sexual technique?
Not technique, but I have bought "game" books to play with my partner..: )

5) Have you ever actually measured your own or someone else's penis?
Not mine, cause I don't have one....and I'm not sure girls think about actually pulling out a measuring tape.

Bonus (as in "optional"): Have you ever phoned up any phone sex numbers, or participated in phone sex?
No. My husband and I tease each other with sexual suggestions sometimes, but not really phone sex.

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell me if you did!).

TMI Tuesday (on Wednesday)!

2006-02-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

This TMI Tuesday has to be a TMI Wednesday as I was celebrating the holiday yesterday..: )

1) Have you ever been caught in the act?
Amazingly.....No!

2) If your Valentine were to give you only one thing today, what would you want it be?
Not sure....My valentine is good about giving all year and I like the surprises.

3) What is the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to you?
On our first real date, my now husband was late meeting me. He told me: "On the radio they said that there was an accident and everyone on the road would be late to see their loved ones." he gave me a kiss and said "I am sorry I was late." I fell in love!!!

4) Have you ever participated in car aerobics (sex)?
Geez, too many times to count. (and can say I have loved every one of them!!)

5) What was the special trait in your first lover that made you decide that they were "the one?"
He had been a friend for a long time and I knew I could trust him, also he was a virgin so I didn't have to worry about expectations.

Bonus (as in "optional"): Have you ever made a sex movie or let your so take nude photos of you?

No to the movie, yes to the photos...I am hoping he keeps his promise on these and NEVER shows them! But haven't we all done something silly when we were young..: ) Guess I couldn't be a president swife..haha

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell me if you did!).

TMI Tuesday!

2006-02-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

1. How many credit cards do you own? Are they paid off?
2 credit cards 1 is 1 isn't, but it is at the end of each month

2. Have you ever been to a strip club?
No, can't say I am interested.

3. When was the last time you split the uprights? :)
Humm..ok have to see what Tequlia Girl says cause I am not sure I know what this means....OK So based on the answers she got in her comments I am going to assume this means to a "go down on someone" and to a guy, yes.

4. What's the best pickup line you've ever heard?
I like TG's old stand by....."Can I buy you a drink?"

5. Tell us about your most nightmareish date ever.
I can only think of 1 and it really isn't that bad..I guess I have been lucky. Ok so it was in highschool and I was new to the school and didn't know many people. I was sitting in class and being the newbie was in the front. So for a few days before the teacher came in this guy would come up to my seat and talk to me (He sat in the very back). He seemed like a nice enough guy (and I have always had this thing..if a guy can work up the nerve to talk to you or ask you to dance then you respect that..at least one time before deciding if he is worth a 2nd time) so anyway we talked and one day he gets up the nerve to ask me out for the eve and I agree. I go home get all spruced up and he comes to pick me up, my parents open the door invite him in etc. So my mom comes back to my room to tel me he is there and says e is interesting, not wht she would have thought I would have gone fr, but he is polite etc. So I go out where he is sitting and he stands when I come in and he is like maybe all of 5 foot 3 inches tall....ok so what is the problem with that you say....I am 5 foot 8 inches!!!! So anyway the date was totally awkward from that point on. He was a nice enough guy, but I just couldn't get over the fact I towered over him. SEE....told you it wasn't that bad!

Bonus (as in "optional"): Ever done a threesome (or more)?
No.

You can answer the questions in the comment box and or/on your own site (but tell use if you did!).

Build your house.

2006-02-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

Based on the drawing and the 10 answers you gave this is a summary of your personality:

You are sensitive and indecisive at times. You are good at making friends and when the joyful moment arrives, you make the most out of it. You love your house and family. You are a gifted artist as well. Once you have a problem, you need a friend with you. Your life is always full of changes. You are very tidy person. There's nothing wrong with that because you're pretty popular among friends. Your life is always full of changes. When it comes to love, you shut yourself off. It's difficult to win your heart because you have decided to keep your feelings deep inside. You see the world as it is, not as you believe it should be. You added a flower into your drawing. The flower signifies that you long for love. We also see that you are sensuous, sexual, and privately passionate. You don't think much about yourself.

OK so this sounds about right except the part about "longing for love"...I believe I have found my soul mate and the love of my life.
Then the part about "you don't think much about yourself"....I don't think I am conceited, but I do think I am worthy!

this was fun though to draw the house etc. Just in case you can't tell my house is Spanish style with courtyard. Behind the gate in the courtyard..that in my water fountain..: )

Add your house to my street

TMI Tuesday!

2006-01-31T17:48:00.000-08:00

1. Have you ever been addicted to anything? Shopping.

2. Who wears the pants in your family? Depends if it is summer or not...I love to wear skirts in the summer...:) But really, it is mostly me. I am the bossy one while my husband is more laid back.

3. What do you do to relieve stress? eat!

4. Do you enjoy reading sensual literature? yes

5. How often do you "blow up?" Never with other people, I tend to lock up, but I feel safe with my spouse and it is usually 1 week a month..: )

Bonus (as in "optional"): Ever had a one night stand? No, but I don't think I would be opposed, if I weren't married.

How Do You Live Your Life?

2006-01-30T17:43:00.000-08:00

How You Life Your Life

You are honest and direct. You tell it like it is.
You tend to avoid confrontation and stay away from sticky situations.
Your friends tend to be a as quirky as you are - which is saying a lot!
You tend to always dream of things within reach - and you usually get them.

How Do You Live Your Life?

Yeah OK so this is pretty close.

I never thought about the fact that yes, I like to be direct, but I also like to avoid confrontation. How is this possible? Doesn't that seem like a contradiction? I have never thought about it before, but also never had it put in a sentence back to back! Anyone...Anyone..anyone?

My friends tend to be as quirky as me? Check this out and then.....Well you tell me.......(Tequila Girl)

I tend to dream of things within reach? So does this mean I have no big dreams...I think I do! I dreamed of moving away from the in-laws and bah boom.....we are in Texas..: ) Course this was my husbands idea (so he thinks!...thanks to my mom's wise teachings) No, but I do think I have big dreams. OK so I don't dream of winning the Nobel Prize or anything, but I have accomplished a lot on my "List of Things to Do"..: ) and keep adding to it all the time!

Top Ten about Alydyn!

2006-01-27T16:33:00.000-08:00

Borrowed this from Tequila Girl (check out her new HNT site: TG-Half Nekkid Thursday's )

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Alydyn!

Three seagulls flying overhead are a warning that Alydyn is near.
Alydyn can sleep with one eye open.
Tradition allows women to propose to Alydyn only during leap years!
Alydyn is the only king without a moustache on the standard pack of cards.
Moles are able to tunnel through 300 feet of Alydyn in a day.
Alydyn became extinct in England in 1486.
In the Spanish edition of Cluedo, Alydyn is the victim!
A thimbleful of Alydyn would weigh over 100 million tons!
Alydyn never said 'Play it again, Sam'.
Alydyn can turn her stomach inside out.

24.... I wish!

2006-01-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

You got to love it! OK so I am not exactly 24, maybe just a FEW years older, but it is nice to know. The funny thing is I get this age guessed about me all the time. Usually 24-25 range. I find this refreshig as I have yet to have my first kid! Hopefully I can remain young even after that.

You Are 24 Years Old

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

What Age Do You Act?

102

2006-01-16T19:07:00.000-08:00

What is this number you might ask?

Is it the dollars in my piggy bank?...Nope

Is it the score on my IQ test?... Nope (and I m not sure if that is good or bad..haha)

Is it the number of trips I have made to the bathroom this weekend? Possibly...but I stopped counting!!

So WHAT is it? Let me just tell you what it is.....

I have been away since my last post attending a wedding that my husband was the best man in. Had a great time la di da everything went well hugs smiles and kisses until...dun dun dun duuuuuun we hit the terminal to return home!!

As my husband and I are sitting in the terminal on Tuesday reminiscing about the week’s events, laughing and sharing some stories that maybe the other one missed, this little lady and her husband come into the same gate as ours and sit on the other side. Now normally I would not have noticed this couple, they seemed normal enough, BUT no sooner did they sit down than the little lady starts coughing. And I don’t mean just coughing, but COUGHING (phlegm cough phlegm cough). Sorry if this grosses you out, but as this is what drew my attention to the couple I thought it relevant. So I turn to my husband and say "GREAT I bet she is on our flight” course this stands to reason as she didn't look like she was just sitting at our gate to rest. Now you might be thinking (or maybe not) "that was a horrible thing to say” But let me just say this since moving to Texas I hardly ever get sick. Well wow great for me right....well this is good news. See living in Georgia I used to get strep throat every year, EVERY YEAR, 2 times a year to be exact and to be even more precise in Late Feb/Early March and Late Sept/Early Oct. I remember the Feb. /march combo the most because that is when Ringling Brothers Circus comes into town at the Philips Arena and I LOVE the circus....so every year there I sat doped up on meds watching the circus and eating my cotton candy. OK I am getting a bit side tracked. Where was I...Oh yes the no covering her mouth coughing little lady. So as our rows are being called I watch for the little lady hoping and praying she is not sitting near me....as it turns out she is in 12 A and I am in 16 A. Sounds like a lot of seats for the germs to travel, but guess what. They did! So what is that number at the top of the post.....? My TEMPERATURE for Friday and Saturday!

So we get back into to town late Tuesday evening. Wednesday I seem to be fine, but a little sluggish...I attribute this to having to go back to work after being off for so long. Thursday morning I am a bit slower, slight cough, but treading along. By Thursday evening I have developed a cough from hell (or at least it burns so bad deep in my chest that is what it feels like), even my co-workers are throwing cough drops at me and telling me to go home. Friday morning I feel like hell, BUT I had to go into work as I was feeling like I might not make it through the weekend and had some major stuff to crank out for the next week that HAD to be done. Friday I made it until 11am and thankfully got all that I knew had to be done for the next week done. I came home and CRASHED.

Friday eve my husband (thank God for him as I would not have made it these past few days without him) my husband took my temp for me with one of those "manual" thermometers. Not sure if I am dating myself with this one (b.1974), but it is the kind that has the silver mercury inside and you have to hold it this way and that to try to read it. Anyway the thing said 102.5 but I thought there is no way that is possible. That is high, but for me extremely high as I normally come in the range of 96 to 97 degrees (I tell my husband I am alien that's why I am not 98.6...haha makes you wonder though right? Sorry we have been watching the X-files series recently.) So, based on this rational and the fever, I sent him to the store to bring us into this century with an electronic reader. Which to my dismay read 102.5, but I must say has made taking my temp these past few days more pleasant.

So anyway I won’t go into great detail about my delirium. Just to say thank goodness for mom and dad whom we finally called on Sat night to see at what point my head was going to boil and melt off (my husband is from Peru and they use Celsius and was not sure in Fahrenheit what temp is bad) So….thanks to dad who told us I would boil at 104 and mom who told my husband that I needed some Aspirin or Tynol (yes the correct spelling is Tylenol, but my husband swears both my parents say tynol) , thanks to the Tylenol that had my fever to 99.8 when I woke on Sunday, thanks to my bed, which was with me every step of the way and a SPECIAL thanks goes out to my husband who was the best doctor/nurse I could ever have….thanks for the sponge bath..: )

P.S. to the lady on the plane, I don’t wish bad things on you cause if you went through ½ of what I did then I feel for you, but next time COVER YOUR MOUTH.

Ps.s. All of this was written under the influence of drugs…..which I forgot to thank. THANK YOU Mr. and Mrs. Nyquil.

Thank You GOD for "borning" me a U.S. citizen!!!

2006-01-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

My husband is a resident and will be soon taking the Citizenship test...when I saw this I could not resist trying my luck! THANK GOODNESS I am a natural born citizen, something I am sure I take for granted. When I started taking the test I thought there was no way I could fail, but it seems I have. The only excuse I have is "Man I have been out of school for a long time!"

You Failed the US Citizenship Test

Oops, you only got 6 out of 10 right!

Could You Pass the US Citizenship Test?

Are you kidding me?

2005-12-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

Recent discussion with friend via email the day before our planned get together for the holidays.

Names have been changed to protect the innocent:
Me: Grace (Admin Assist)
My Spouse: Will (on a team that Karen supports, but Karen reports to his bosses, bosses, Boss!)
Our friend/co-worker: Karen (Admin Assist)

(Discussion is about work, we all work for the same company/building, but I am in another dept. Discusion is taking place on Christams Eve. We have been planning for a few weeks to get together for the Holiday and spend the whole Christmas day together as none of us were going home to our families.)

KAREN: You might already know this from Will, but guess what I got from my group for Christmas??

GRACE: Will said no one told him that they got you anything.

KAREN: EXACTLY..............I didn't get anything from anyone except Jeremy and Louise and Matt. I still can't f_cking believe they couldn't each pitch in a lousy $5 to get me a f_cking giftcard. I support each of their asses all year long, when it isn't my job to. I go out of my way to give them all birthday crap and then I spent over $100 for all the christmas candy, etc. I just can't even believe it.

When did Will tell you that no one had said anything to him? It would have been nice to know prior to my going to spend all that money for something like 20 people!! I could've spent that money on what I was missing for my tile!! I guess things will be changing next year. They're each going to have to do a lot of their own stuff because I'm not busting my ass for any of them anymore.

GRACE: He told me just now when I asked him.

KAREN: Anyway, I'm curious about something. Will knew for at least a couple of weeks that I intended on giving everyone candy for Christmas. If no one had come to him to ask him to pitch in for a gift for me, then why didn't he either say something to me so I wouldn't waste my money on everyone, OR inquire with Jasmine or Peter about whether they were doing something and ask if they had maybe forgotten to ask him to contribute?? I realize it isn't his responsibility to do that, but as the friends that we all are, I would do that for him if the situation were reversed. Kind of like when I went to bat for him on the snow day with Peter....granted he ended up coming into the office, but I think that was more because you had to come in. Peter definitely didn't expect him to be here, just as Jasmine wasn't here. (My input: This was never asked of her to do. She called Peter and went to bat for Will without anyone asking her to and THEN called to let us know she had done this. NOT ask us, but tell us)

I'm not really sure why people are afraid to speak up about things, but I'm getting really tired of speaking up for others and not having the same done for me in return.

I haven't been feeling good for the last few days. My throat has been hurting, I've been coughing and my nose has been running for three days nearly nonstop. If I'm not feeling better by later today, then it might not be such a good idea to get together tomorrow. I'll email you from home later today. (My Input: REMINDER..this is all taking place on Christmas Eve.)

GRACE: Karen, Will is going to answer you from my email:

WILL: Karen, It looks to me like you are somewhat disappointed at me for not saying something to the team about getting you a Christmas present or at least telling you that no one had mentioned that they were going to get something for you. To tell you the truth, I am not that thoughtfull when it comes to giving presents in the office. I know it sounds kind of bad, but the reason you are getting a present from me tomorrow is because you are my friend, not because I work with you. I confess that I only thought about getting a present for Jasmine when Grace asked me what I was going to do because she was my boss.
I have been part of different teams, with (Company) and prior to that, and I've always noticed that there are two kinds of people at Christmas time. The ones who
give cards and little bags of candy to every body, and the ones who don't. I don't know if its bad or not but I'm part of the second group. What I've always assumed
is that the one who made the little gift bags for all their team mates, where not expecting anything in return, that they were just doing it because they enjoy it, and I've never seen any of them get upset about the ones who don't give. On Thursday I got a Christmas card on my desk from Casey and one from Peter, and I didn't give them anything. I hope they are not upset about that. The fact is that I didn't know if someone was going to get something for you. In the same way Casey and Peter left their cards on the last day, someone could have left something for you, but like I said, I don't really think of those things. I consider myself a very giving person, when it comes to doing favors for others, but I'm terrible at special days like birthdays and holidays.

It seems to me from reading your email that the reason you are changing your mind about us going to your house tomorrow is because of this. I really hope this is not the case since we were looking forward to spending a nice time with you. If you're really are feeling sick and prefer to be by yourself we would still love to drop our gifts off for you and the cats.

Will

Karen,
If you are not felling well please let us know a good time we can stop by to drop the gifts or we can just drop them off at the front door.
Hope you feel better,
Grace

KAREN: Grace, please pass this message along to Will since I don't have his email address:

Will,

I've supported that group for three years come March. I have never asked for anything from them but for the last two years they have all pitched in and given me something. I think I'm most upset about the fact that no one thought enough of me to to even pitch in a couple of dollars each. It wouldn't have mattered that it was only a gift card for $25. It's the principal of the thing. I support a group of about 20 people, and might I add that I'm only obligated to support one of those people now, which is Joseph. It was never part of my job to help everyone, but I do. I know that gift cards were flying around because I sent three of them out to Memphis from Casey and Peter.

Since before buying this house I have been on a pretty tight budget, in fact, I didn't really have the money to buy what I did for 21 people, but again, I did. Had I known what I know now, I could have saved myself all that money for the things I need here at home. It may not seem like a lot of money to you but spending a little more than $100 on candy for everyone was a lot of money for me.

I guess I'm just a little peeved about the fact the I go out of my way for all the guys. I might give them a hard time sometimes, but I've ALWAYS helped them. Just so you know, all that's going to change going forward. Everyone will have to learn to be more self sufficient and not count on me for every little thing.

I guess maybe you don't get it because you haven't been there long enough, and because you aren't an admin. Grace may or may not get it. I think more often than not we are underpaid and under appreciated. I certainly feel like I'm both. I could deal with being underpaid and the fact that I haven't had an increase of any kind in the last three years because I enjoyed my job and felt like they all appreciated what I did for them. That obviously isn't the case, so I'll be working on trying to change that soon.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the candy I gave them, but I actually only got about 5 "thank you's". That just goes to show you.

In any event, I was telling the truth when I said I wasn't feeling good. I wasn't feeling all that great that day we all went to lunch. I took some medicine last night and was in bed at 7:30. I'm feeling a little better today, but still not 100%. You guys are still welcome to come by but I can't guarantee that I'll be that "ray of sunshine" that I normally am!! :o)

Let me know what time you guys want to come by. I plan on going to church tomorrow morning, but I should be back by 10:00am or thereabouts.

Anyway, either email me tonight with the time you want to come by or call me tomorrow when you get up.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

OK I just had to blog this and see what opinions you guys might have? I know you don't have much history to go on etc, but maybe you have a comment or 2?

EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES!

2005-12-19T18:32:00.000-08:00

OK I think my company has finally caught on and has blocked this site so we can not access it from work!!

Due to the Holiday season and not being able to blog from the job (UGH how dare they) I will have to rejoin the living and probably won't be able to post much until the new year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

A High School Reunion......of sorts.

2005-12-12T13:11:00.000-08:00

I had the weirdest thing happen to me recently. As most of you know I got a new position in "Gobble Em Up Bank"...I have been spending my days learning the ropes and also trying to learn the people. We have a new guy at our front desk so in the spirit of fitting in I decided to stop by and strike up a conversation to get to know him better. Since there is a bathroom in our lobby and it was being occupied I used this opportunity as I waited to strike up a conversation. It went a little something like this:

Me: Hi Miguel how are you doing today?
Miguel: Great and you?
Me: Great...so Miguel what part of Dallas do you live in?
Miguel: Downtown Dallas and you?
Me: Oh I live north of there, but I have only lived there about a year as we are new to the area.
Miguel: Really where did you move here from?
Me: Atlanta.
Miguel: Oh well I thought you didn't sound like you were from around here.
Me: Well actually I grew up a military brat.
Miguel: Yeah me too.
Me: really, What branch?
Miguel: Air Force
(And this is where it gets sort of embarrassing as I go into my slightly higher pitched girlie voice.....)
Me: Me Too! Where was your dad last stationed?
Miguel: Shreveport, Louisiana
Me: Me TOO! Were you at Barksdale?
Miguel: Yeah.
Me: Me TOO!! (very embarrassing, but I couldn't stop!)
Miguel: What High School did you go to?
Me: Parkway
(His turn)
Miguel: Me too!

Turns out not only did we go to the same high school, but also the same junior high....and not only the same schools, but we went at the same time. Turns out not only did we go to the same high school, but also the same junior high....and not only the same schools, but we went at the same time. He was not in my class, but he was a grade behind me. We spent a good long time talking about things we remembered and people we knew etc. It was a great afternoon.

That evening I went home to look us up in the yearbook and this is what I found..: )

As I was flipping through the pages laughing at the hair styles, remembering funny events I came across the page for the Yell Squad, of which I was a member. I found my picture easily as I had circled myself and my best friend on the right of me and all my other friends, but as I started examining the picture closer.....imagine to my surprise that the person sitting on my left was none other than Miguel!!! We were on the same squad and even in a few other clubs together. Course all of these clubs were very large groups, but still it was amazing!

Most people probably think oh yeah that is neat, but unless you grew up military moving around your whole life you probably just don't understand how neat!

See since my dad was an officer that meant we moved around a LOT! Basically every 2.5 to 3 years...one time after 6 months!!! And this moving around is not just limited to the 48 continental states either...Nor the US owned territories. This is any where in the world they see fit to put you! So for me to meet some one from my high school...and #1 it was not my last school and #2 we were not even in the same state...Well this was just FREAKIN AMAZING!!!

Thanks to Miguel for really giving me something to glow about these past few days!

Do you have any stories recently or even ones from the past that just make you glow or were so amazing? Even if they are just amazing to you.... I would like to hear them.

My first day of school.

2005-12-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

Thanks to M.C. Pearson I am sometimes reminded of things from my past I just HAVE to blog about. My first day of school is one of them:

My first day of school was GREAT!! Of course my memory of the day and my mom's are a little different, but also from different perspectives. I could hardly wait to get in to the classroom. I practically flew out of my mom's arms with a yell back of "See you later". Man, I had kids to play with, songs to sing, letters to learn and independence to find! On the other hand my mom's heart was breaking at the thought of her little girl, her first born, leaving the nest.

I am sure the day went fine, but when it came time to go home is when I really got to show my independence. See, mom had dropped me at school and also wanted to pick me up, but I BEGGED to ride the bus. I was a big girl and for goodness sakes my parents knew everyone one between the bus stop and our house. Not to mention that all my friends that rode the bus would also have parents starring out the window looking for their little darlings…what could happen? So my mom went to the office, found my bus schedule info and gave it to me. She had instructions to stay with my class, sit in the front so the bus driver could see me, ONLY get off at my stop which was at the end of our street etc…YEAH YEAH YEAH just let me go, again, what could go wrong? I got on the wrong bus…What, how is this possible? My mommy is NEVER wrong…I got on the bus my mom said get on, I stayed with my class, I sat in the front so the bus driver could see me…(well not actually in the front, but I was not in the LAST seat either…next to last, but I left that out of my story to mom. Who wants to be the nerd in the front of the bus? )

So I am happily riding the bus around all the neighborhoods until I see my stop coming up on the right. I get my backpack and I am ready to stand when we go flying past my street down a (country) block to the next street. (Now let me tell you that the blocks in my neighborhood were not like they are today where you have house after house crammed between. This was at least ½ a mile. Course this could be because we lived in a new section of town AND I was much smaller then.) Well as we pass I sit down thinking we would come back to my street. My mom had told me explicitly that the bus would drop me off at our street and no where else. So we pass through the other streets and just as the last kid is dropped off I am feeling a bit fearful….something is not right!

Thankfully the bus driver noticed me on the bus still and was able to drop me off at my street. I felt great! I had made it through the day and was almost home. My mom on the other hand was at the window trying to remain calm, but freaking out inside I am sure. She sure looked like she was going to kill me when I came sauntering through the door. Lucky for me, my mom is a very diplomatic person and asked for my side of the story first! She felt so guilty (or happy I was alive?) for putting me on the wrong bus that I got my favorite dinner for the evening!!!
(NOTE: she found out the school had given her the wrong bus info…she then took her rage out on them! Lucky me)

I had a GREAT 1st day of school!

Any great stories you would like to share?

Christmas Cards...

2005-12-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

I am trying!! I love getting Christmas cards...LOVE IT, but man it is a lot of work to send them...hahah! So to those of you that are waiting for a Christmas card from me...they are coming..: )

Tag your it........SEVEN's

2005-12-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged by M.C. Pearson so here are my SEVEN's. This was actaully fun to do so thanks you M.C.

SEVENS

Seven Things to Do Before I Die
1. Sky Dive
2. Eat lobster in Maine
3. Learn Spanish
4. Adopt a child
5. Work for a Non-profit
6. travel to all the destinations I want to see (to many to name)
7. Visit my father's grave

Seven Things I Cannot Do
1. Spell... I am horrible
2. Speak Spanish
3. Math...again, horrible
4. eat Brussel Sprouts (this might be more of a WON'T)
5. a Split (lost this years ago)
6. Carry a Tune (my bucket seems to have a hole in it)
7. resist a garage sale!

Seven Things that Attract Me to My Husband
1. His patience
2. His quiet temperment
3. His loyalty
4. His treatment of his Mother...and family
5. His respect for me
6. His intelligence
7. His chivalry

Seven Things I Say Most Often
(FYI: My husband and I do not have kids YET.)
1. "I love you."
2. "I have big knockers"
3. "What do you want for dinner?"
4. "I see your Hiney."
5. "Where are you going?" (I hate this one as it seems to be a questionIi ask just to ask...I really don't care the majority of the time..why do women ask this question?)
6. "Come on...were going to be late!"
7. "Did you forget?"

Seven Books (or Book Series) I Love
1. Memoirs of a Geisha
2. Fortune is a Woman (Elizabeth Adler)
3. Anita Shreeve (So far anything by her)
4. Nicholas Sparks (everything except True Believer. This did not enthrall me as much as his usual)
5. James Patterson (But not the mystery ones)
6. Left Behind Series
7. Bridge to Terabithia (Katherine Paterson: this is a childrens Newberry winner: I cry EVERY time I read it)

Seven Movies I Would Watch Over and Over Again
1. Somewhere in time (I love time travel)
2. Pearl Harbor (Josh Harnett- YUM!)
3. Legends of the Fall
4. Good Morning Vietnam
5. Jack
6. Patch Adams
7. Mrs. Doubtfire

Seven Poor Souls that I wish to tag are:

1. Lilith (Can't find it in your blog looking back to Oct so you're it)
2. Brookalina (who probably doesn't have a blog, but you're it too!)
3. The Middle Child (same reason as Lilith)
4. Locutus of Borg (again same as Lilith)
5. Jonesie
6. Sophia
7. The Gotham Knitter

I apologize!

2005-11-29T14:48:00.000-08:00

I know it has been forever since I posted and believe it or not I forgot! I know that is a bit unbelievable, but I did! A friend of mine sent me an email today letting me know she had gotten around to posting on my blog and a bell went off in my head that "DING DONG" What have I posted lately! Then in checking my last post Malia made a comment it was time for a new one! Well I have posted below. It is not exciting, but it is some thing I have been thinking about today. I heard the song this morning and it has been stuck in my head!

Watching the dandelions grow....

2005-11-29T14:46:00.000-08:00

I know we are past baseball season, but I liked the cartoon below as I always think of myself as and relate to "Lucy" and when I saw this strip it made me feel "homey". It also made me think of the song that Peter, Paul and Mary sing as it has always been my "Alma Matter" as at one time I was that kid out in right field...: )

Right Field

Saturday summers when I was a kid,
We'd run to the school yard and here's what we did,
We'd pick out the captains and we'd choose up the teams,
It was always a measure of my self esteem.
Cause the fastest, the strongest played shortstop and first,
the last ones they picked were the worst.
I never needed to ask, it was sealed,
I just took up my place in right field.

Playing right field, its easy you know,
You can be awkward, you can be slow,
That's why I'm here in right field,
Just watching the dandelions grow.

Playing right field can be lonely and dull,
Little leagues never have lefties that pull,
I dream of the day, when they hit one my way,
They never did, but still I would pray,
That I'd make a fantastic catch on the run,
And not lose the ball in the sun.
And then I'd awake from this long reverie,
And pray that the ball never came out to me.
Here in ...

Right field, its easy you know,
You can be awkward, you can be slow,
That's why I'm here in right field,
Just watching the dandelions grow.

Off in the distance, the game's dragging on,
There's strikes on the batter, some runners are on,
I don't know the inning, I've forgotten the score.
The whole team is yelling and I don't know what for,
Suddenly everyone's looking at me,
My mind has been wandering, what could it be?
They point to the sky and I look up above,
And the baseball falls into my glove!

Here in right field, Its important you know,
You gotta know how to catch, you gotta know how to throw,
That's why I'm here in right field,
Just watching the dandelions grow.

by Willie Welch (1986)
Performed by Peter, Paul & Mary (1998)

Snoopy

Animation Library

2005 People Magazine: Sexiest Man Alive!!

2005-11-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

Matthew McConaughey is on my top 10 list I could not resist!!!

YUM!!!

Issues go on sale on Friday!!!

People Magazine

Playing hooky...

2005-11-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

I was reading an exceprt from M.C. Pearson where she talked about her 1st time skipping school. This brought back great memories of TRYING desperately to skip but it never quite working out.

My attempt to skip school happened during my junior year in high school. I lived overseas on a military base on a small island in The Far East.

Ann, Me and Scott
(boy the hair was big back then! Sorry had to paste a pic together)

My boyfriend Scott, my best friend Ann and I decided to cut school on a Monday after 2nd period (for reasons I do not remember) and then come back for 6th period for our English class. At the time I had Dr. Dean for English, she was a small round pleasant woman, but one you did not test!

So, after 2nd period we each snuck out of our respective classes and met at the predetermined meeting place and headed for the beach. When we returned to school we learned that a bomb threat had been called into the school during 2nd period and that everyone had been evacuated until the school could be searched by the bomb squad and their dogs. The “All Clear” order came just in time to let the students back into the school for 6th period classes.

Well, like any normal teen, we felt jipped!! Here was the one day we had finally gotten up the courage to skip classes and then we return to find out we had not accomplished anything! Being that we felt this way we discussed our options:

1 we could call it a day, see it as we skipped because unlike everyone else we had been at the beach and had not had to stand out in the football field for hours!

Or

2 we could try it again tomorrow……

We chose option 2.

Tuesday morning before school we got together, discussed our plan of attack, meeting spots, skipping destination etc. All of this had to be planned if we were to make a clean get away again on such short notice! 2nd period and we are out the door. Again we return to school just in time for 6th period only to discover yet again that a bomb threat has been called and Tuesday had now become a repeat of Monday.

Now we are just getting mad and felt that this was crazy. We had a right as high school students to be allowed to “stick it to the man” and take our free day for a REAL free day!!! We decided we would continue to do this until we actually skiped a day!!!

So blah blah blah, plan plan plan and Wednesday becomes a repeat of Monday and Tuesday, Thursday becomes a repeat of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday…By Thursday evening we have given up hope! We are bored of each other and tired of trying to sneak around. (see being on a military base is not easy. The area is small so everyone knows you, especially when you are a commanders daughter. Plus the military police KNOW where you are supposed to be!!!)

Thursday evening we hold another meeting of the minds and decide that Friday we are going to stick it out in school. Gathering ideas from other studetns we planned to pack a cooler, bring our lawn chairs, radios and blankets and then when the bomb threat is called in we will be free to go without the guilt on our shoulders.

Friday morning I am almost giddy with our plan. We meet at the locker rendevous point before 2nd period and are practically laughing our butts off with anticipation. We each break for our respective classes. 2nd period starts and I wait, barely even listening to the teacher, when all of a sudden the loud speaker crackles and I think ...here it comes!!

The Principal (aka "the man"): Students, this is a warning. If a bomb threat is called into this school today the school will not be evacuated. You will remain in class for the remainder of the period. Classes will continue as normal. (or something along those lines…it has been a while)

Little did I know, they had caught the students that had been calling in the bomb threats, I guess this was a scare tactic for the rest of us. I vaguely remember hearing the students around me grumbling and complaining about how the administration could not do that. What if the school blew up what if we all died etc etc etc. all I could think as I walked to my locker to meet my cohorts is that we had missed our chance…we had been duped!

Do you remember your first time skipping school or even your first attempt? I would love to hear them!

Side note: If you did not catch it, the 3 of us were not that brilliant! We had been through bomb threats before and always in the past it had been students from our school. Since cell phones were not a thing in my high school years the only way this could have happened were by kids who were not AT THE SCHOOL. Thankfully we were never suspects! My mom would have KILLED me…: )

A Healthy Chocolate Bar?

2005-11-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

YEAH!! Finally chocolate is good for us. OK so it is like everything else... in moderation and it is the dark chocolate instead of the milk, BUT STILL!!!!

Excerpt from GMA website:

"Good Morning America" contributor Dr. David Katz has been conducting a study at Yale University on the health effects of chocolate.
The Yale study, which is funded by Hershey, used ultrasound technology and sophisticated measurements to assess the effects of eating dark chocolate on 45 moderately overweight adults. The study also measured participants' blood pressure before and two hours after eating two servings of dark chocolate. Sure enough, after consuming the dark chocolate, which is high in antioxidants, their blood pressure dropped. Dark chocolate also helps blood vessels dilate which allows blood to flow more freely.

I don't have high blood preassure so this seems to be really good news for me because if I continue to eat it then I never will....hahaha!

OK so about my "Dating Anniversary":

He sent me a dozen red roses to work....Very Beautiful

I sent him a cookie bouquet: (my moon said Happy Anniversary instead of the Happy Halloween)

We went out to lunch my choice and then for dinner we grabbed chinese (his choice) and went home. We yanked the top matress off the bed and drug it into the living room where we "camped" out for the evening...Ate dinner, dug into his cookies...It was fun. We lite candles and watched scary movies....OK so not really scary

My choice: It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

His Choice: Horror of Dracula

All in all we were pretty tame for this occassion, but had a great time. Our wedding anniv is coming up in a few days so more fun to come..hehe!

Happy "Dating" Anniversary!!!

2005-10-31T07:48:00.000-08:00

Today is mine and my husbands "dating" anniversary....7 years today! Ugh do I feel that 7 year itch coming on...NO!!

You guys probably think it is silly to celebrate, but we love it. Our first "date" was actually out with a group of my friends for Halloween. We had met at a party 2 weeks prior and for the next 2 weeks (since we worked in the same office) my husband would come up to my desk to "talk" with me. I thought he would NEVER get around to asking me out (he's shy) so I asked him to go out with a "group of us". My best friend at the time was gay and he and I were always going to a place called Back Street to dance...(for you Atlantians I am sure you knew where I mean) So for Halloween we planned to go there to dance, see the show and all the fancy Queens dressed to the nines. The plan in this move was that since it is a gay bar this would mean that my New Friend (my spouse) would stay really close to me....And it worked...: )

Since I am in the sweetsie feeling today....What silly things do you and your partner celebrate or do?

Snoopy

Whoops...have I been forgetting to post?

2005-10-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys.... haven't been interested or had the time either to post lately. As most of you know I have a new job and right now things are really busy. I think things will calm down and I will be able to post again, but until that time I will try to keep up every now and then, but no guarentees!

Hey has anyone ever gotten involved with a TV show only to have the network rip it out from under you? Well my second show was just pulled! My first was Head Case on Fox...RIP Tonight I ust found out that NBC's Inconcievable...RIPPED! Were any of you watching these shows?

Pictures of me....

2005-10-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

I got this from Locutus which shows an FYI about myself, using Google images.

Here's the directions:
Go to Google and click on the images link. Type in the following and post the first (or your favorite) picture the search engine finds.
- The name of the town where you grew up
- The name of the town where you live now
- Your name
- Your Grandmother's name (pick one)
- Your favorite food
- Your favorite drink
- Your favorite song
- Your favorite smell

_________________________________

The name of the town where I grew up is hard to do since I was a military brat so I picked the last place I was in high school:
OKINAWA, JAPAN

DALLAS, TEXAS

MY NAME
(used my maiden name as nothing came up with my married)

GRANDMOTHER'S NAME
(I could only find a pic for one of them)

ITALIAN FOOD

WHITE RUSSIAN

RHAPSODY ON A THEME OF PAGANINI
(From the movie Somewhere in Time.)

CITRUS SMELLS
(flower or strong smells give me headaches)

I'm in need...

2005-10-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

What do you need?

Ok, go to Google. Type in "(your name) needs" Remember to use the quotes. Look at the 5 websites that say you need something. (Use different websites)

So Google said:

#1 "R" needs your prayers ... (probably I do...could always use the extra!)

#2 "R" needs help when she enters Manhattan's meat-packing district to help three transvestite hookers find out who murdered one of their friends... (Ummm..OK)

#3 Going for a song, "R" needs £5000... (I sure could use this money so send it in!!)

#4 "R" needs to refer to Web sites, manuals, and a variety of documentation in earlier stages to help ...( to help who, what, when! My god they leave me hanging here....HELP WHO??)

#5 "R" NEEDS:. Type "(your name!) needs" with the quotes into Google and list the first ... (so someone else is blogging this exact same thing it seems!)

I went ahead and did the 6th one becuase the one above doesn't count (It's my blog so I can change the rules to 6..haha) and also the one below was really interesting!

#6 "R" needs guidance and normal supervision. A person that has a rapport with "R" can easily redirect her. Relationships are very important to "R". ... (Humm I probably do need the supervision, not too sure about that "easily redirect" statement...BUT yes relationships are very important to me!)

So then I asked Jeeves and Jeeves said:

#1 Yeah "R" needs to help me now..because you love me

#2 "R" needs anger management yall ANGER MANAGEMENT !!! (yeah this is probably true today!!)

#3 "R" Needs Help with Greddy install!!! (hum I am not greedy now..don't think I should start anytime soon either)

#4 I don't think "R" needs any explanation! (well dammit I think she does!)

#5 "R" Needs a new pair of Boots... (Ohh I just bought a new pair of red Tommy's..maybe some Nine Wests!)

What are the 5 things you need?

See Lilith's needs

Dumb Day!

2005-10-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

Today is Monday....So when is Monday NOT a dumb day!

Today has actually been a carry over from a "Dumb" Friday. Our company had the brilliant idea to migrate everyone email system so everyone would be on the same platform. that way when you send a meeting request etc things will be a lot simpler. So here is the thing. As you all know I started a new job with the same company and have only moved 3 miles down the road. Mind you I am still under the same section of our umbrella just in another dept. So maybe 1 month ago IT comes around and asks everyone to give them some info so they can schedule our migration. So I am signed up under the old dept. I get to my new dept and they send an email to everyone (minus me) saying they will be migrated on Friday and that someone will be around to reconfigure etc. So Tuesday when this email is received I call the Migration team and let them know I am now in this new dept and will I be migrated with them etc. No no no they say I will be migrated when my original assignment was made so there is no confusion from moving people around. Coming from the IT dept this is a shock that they would be this organized but it actually makes sense to me !!

On Thursday I get an email that says I will be migrated on Wednesday Oct 12th. WHAT?!? OK so maybe they decided to bump me up so I wouldn't be the only one in my dept etc to be on the old system?!? So this email tells me that on Monday Oct 10th to log out by 5:00pm and make sure I print my calendar for the 11th in case I am not able to get in right away etc. So I set up a calendar reminder to remind me to do this. Friday rolls around..... I come into the office log on to my PC...click on my email icon and ...NOTHING! So I ask around and it seems that everyone is down due to the fact they were supposed to be migrated!

How can this be that I do not have email? I am guessing I have been migrated and they just gave me the wrong date originally. So now I have to wait for the tech to come by to reconfigure our group. She shows up around noon and tells me I am not on her list to migrate and she does not have any info on my PC so I need to call the migration "hotline". I call the migration hotline and they do not have me scheduled until Oct 12th. So I explain my situation etc about switching depts etc etc etc and ask if he is SURE that there is no way I could have been migrated. "NO MAM there is no way you could possibly have been migrated because my spreadsheet says right here that you are not scheduled until Oct 12th." he informs me that I needs to call my local PC help desk. SoFriday afternoon I call in a ticket and wait and wait and wait.....

I am STILL WAITING!

I did not realize how much i rely on my email! I seem to have my life in there..contacts, calendar, social life, work life etc!!

The crappy thing is that Friday I did all that stuff I have been putting off for weeks doing that did not require email access so today I am dragging bottom for crap to do! This is a DUMB day..: )

So what does your "Dumb" day consist of?

Carpe Diem...Seize the Day!

2005-10-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

Carpe Diem….Seize the day!

TIS ONLY IN THEIR DREAMS THAT MEN TRULY BE FREE,'TWAS ALWAYS THUS, AND ALWAYS THUS WILL BE. -KEATING.

O me! O life!

O me! O life! of the questions of these recurring.
Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill'd with the foolish.
Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)
Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever renew'd.
Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me,
Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined,
The question, O me! so sad, recurring -- What good amid these, O me, O life?
Answer That you are here--that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.

-WALT WHITMAN
-1819-1892

Snoopy

It's my cube!

2005-09-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

An email I received since I have been on my new job....and boy is it true!

You know, sometimes I hate working in corporate America. Why? Because of the damn cubes. Cubes have to be the worst thing created in the workplace.------ No privacy !

*People looking over your shoulder.

*All your phone business being heard by the world.

And what's up with people that walk by as slow as they possibly damn can, to see what website your surfing instead of working? I hate that......You really want to see me go postal? Hover by my cube too long......... You may get cussed out.

It's my cube !

Don't just bust up in there unannounced. ----Knock on the wall ! Stick your head around the corner to see if I'm busy. Announce your presence ! ---Don''t just stroll in because you don't see a door.

It's my cube !

Don't walk past and ask me who are all the pretty people in my pictures that decorate my desk. First of all, I don't have any ugly friends. Second of all, I don't have any ugly family. Third of all, what the hell are you doing lolly-gagging around my cube long enough to look at all the pictures I have anyway? Don't slow your roll at my cube, speed it up.

It's my cube !

Don't ask me where I got my plants from, my mirror from or my motivational prints from. That means you've been standing there too long, you better keep on walking. In fact, why don't you walk your A$$ to the nearest Garden Ridge, IKEA or Target? You wanna see decorations? Go to the damn store!

It's my cube !

If you see me on the phone, don't come in. Don't sit in my vacant chair until I'm done talking on the phone. What makes you think I want you to know all my personal business? I haven't summoned you. I haven't invited you to take a seat. I haven't asked you to laugh along with me at the jokes I tell my friends on the other line.

We don't need to correspond in person. That's what an in-box was created for.

You wanna talk to me? Send me an e-mail.

You got work for me to see? Drop it off in the in box OUTSIDE of my cube. Damn, it ain't hanging there for decoration!

It's my cube !

Don't listen for noises from my cube that announce whether I'm arriving or leaving. Damn, I hate that ! When I get here in the morning, I get here. I don't need you to say......GOOD MORNING ! loud enough so that the whole department can hear. Why do they need to know that I got here at 8:05, not 8:00? Oh.....and when I get ready to leave, I'm gone. If you hear me taking my purse out of the draw or zipping up my bag, I don't need you to say GOODBYE ! loud enough so that the whole department can hear you Announce my departure at 4:45... and not 5:00. Damn, I hate that!

It's my cube !

Don't think because I have staples, pens and notepads, that means you borrow some, I said no the first time. If I say I don't have any, don't walk by to check and see if I'm lying.......I am ! I just don't want you to have it. Do like I did. Walk your A$$ down the hall to the big supply room and get you some things. -----What do I look like, Office Max?

It's my cube !

R-E-S-P-E-C-T IT!!!!

New Job!

2005-09-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

Started my new job this week so things are a bit hectic. I will hopefully be back to blogging soon!

UN-believable!

2005-09-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

Do you see a cloud in the sky?

NO!!!

MAN...We started out this weekend with horrible news stories of rain, wind and flooding, we had people flooding our area, gas shortages, people on the roads for HOURS and look.....BEEEEEUTIFUL skies..: )

Not that I was looking forward to a HUGE hurricane, but atleast a little rain and storms, maybe a little power outage (the power being out leaves lots of room for things done in the dark..hehehe)

So as everyone can tell everything is great and wonderful!

Batten Down the Hatches.....Rita's a'comin!

2005-09-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

Here comes the hurricane!! That is all that is on our news right now so we are getting ready, BUT have you seen the news and seen all the people headed to Dallas! Wow we just got all of the Katrina evacuees moved out and here come the people again! The roads were so heavy yesterday that people were spending 17 hours on the road and only going 70 miles! And the lines at the gas stations, if they hadn't run out of gas yet, were LONG! We stopped yesterday to fill up both our cars and the lines were 2 and 3 deep! Some people were having to wait 20 minutes to fill up. I really felt sorry for those that were on their way up and running out of gas on the side of the road. The good thing is the govt. has been able to get gas trucks out to people to fill them up so they can keep coming, but that did take time to get it organized.

Last night my mother in law called from Atlanta. They have been watching the news like everyone else and have seen Katrina and now Rita. She called to tell us that our 4 year old nephew had been crying all day and it took them forever to get him calmed down and to sleep. It seems that he understands a lot more about the news than everyone thought. As soon as the news mentioned Dallas would be hit he started screaming and crying that he had to come here to be with us and to die with us! I was so shocked and this made me really cry! We talked to him today and he is still so worked up about it. Both my husband and I spoke to him and tried to down play a little on what was going on. I don't want to down play to much though because if he understands that much on the news he will know that we are lying! He was still telling us today he needed to come here and die with us. UGH!! That is what is killing me!!

Today though has been bright beautiful clear skies....My old boss took me to lunch today for my last day and while we were headed back my cell phone rang. It was my mom.

Me: Hello
Mom: Where are you?
Me: In the car with my boss.
Mom: (getting worked up) Are you evacuating?
Me: (sarcastic) With my boss? (more normal) No mom I am coming back from lunch.

Then I have to go through the WHOLE tiraid about how I will be fine...yes I will get out if they tell us too, yes I have food, Yes I have water, Yes I have...etc etc etc.

Now this is the crazy thing, I have lived on an Island (Okinawa) where we went through Typhoons all the time (ever seen Karate Kid 3...it's true!) So she KNOWS I know what to do, but she is mom and she was with me in Okinawa and could see me safe. With her being across the states she worries...Thanks Mom..: )

Anyway, as I mentioned we went yesterday and filled both cars up with gas, bought enough water for 1 week and lots of easy to open food and snacks! We have plenty of candles (thanks to O.M. Candle Store) plenty of batteries, flash lights, masking tape for the windows etc! For those of you that might be worried about us....IF it comes to it we will be heading north to St. Louis to my brothers, but I doubt it will get to the stage we have to leave!

Questions Needed...

2005-09-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

OK... I have a questionaire that goes out each month as a diversity project at work. It is a "Get to Know ME!" type thing where we highlight 4 employees and give some info on them. On my questionaire I have the following questions:

* Where were you born?
* What were your favorite things to do as a child?
* What was your first job?
* What are your sports or Hobbies?
* What is your favorite ice cream?
* If you could travel anywhere, where is the one place you would want to go and why?
* If you could have lunch with anyone dead or alive who would that be and why?
* If you had to change your name what would you name yourself?
* What are your 3 favorite T.V. shows?
* What single store would you choose to max out your credit card?
* What do you do most often when you are bored?
* What is the best day of the year?
* What is one thing you like about yourself and why?
* What would your dream car be?
* 3 interesting things about you that you would like to share.

PLEASE this is where I need help! I need new questions to put on the questionaire, so what are your ideas?

NOTE: This is a work project so keep that in mind...hahaha

Banjo playing Chinese singer...

2005-09-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

Sounds like a joke huh!

I saw this on Petunia's blog one day and have not been able to get it out of my head.

The music is so beautiful...I know it sounds funny, but take a minute, open your mind to something new, and follow this link to hear an interview with music: Abigail Washburn (Click Listen)

To view her personal site and hear more Abigail Washburn

Hope you enjoy..: )

Are you psychic?

2005-09-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

I found Lorena's - These chickens can fly post today which led me to Petunia McGillicuddys original question (see Tuesday's post "POLL" Are you psychic?)

Here is my answer to that:

I can only remember 2 clear incidents that stick out in my mind right now. I am sure there have been others, but since it scares me a little I tend to block it out. These 2 I could not.

the 1st one I "feel" I can explain away:
One day at my sister-in-laws I asked my husband if his sister had mentioned if she was pregnant. He asked his mom who said no... We laughed etc and agreed not mention it to her as I thought that might say to her "Hey, you are looking fat!" 2 or 3 weeks later after a doctor visit she announces to the family that she is 1.5 months along! That was a little weird, but I just thought that maybe I saw something about her that no one did?
(Yeah like her eagle eye mother who lives with her would not notice, but still I MUST have seen something)

Now here comes the one I will NEVER forget and can not come up with a way to explain it so I just accept it for what it is.
My parents separated when I was 4 years old and I stopped seeing my dad (reasons too long) when I was 6 years old. My mother remarried...blah blah happy life blah blah. When I was 14 years old my family was driving down the road on some vacation and I woke up and had had the weirdest dream that my father had passed away and his family was looking for us. So I asked my mom if we would go to the funereal and she said if they ever called us and I wanted to go then of course we would go no matter what. 3 weeks later the phone rings, I answer and my grandmother (mom's mom) said "Pumpkin (she calls me pumpkin to this day) Let me talk to your mom" So I say "He's dead isn't he?" and she says can you get your mom.

My father had passed away the night before and his family had been trying to reach us.
I am sure you can see why I would never forget this one!

Anyone who did not post on the 2 people mentioned above (or if you would like to post again) I would love to hear your thoughts or stories!!!

Memory of my father see: Kiss An Angel Good Morning

Salvation Army - Hurricane Katrina

2005-09-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Debra and I at the Salvation Army helping out sorting can goods etc. It was HARD work in a hot warehouse, but it was fun.

This is me with my butt up in the air! Some of the boxes of food were SO large that we had to lean way over in to get the stuff and eventually someone would just get in and hand the stuff out to the people!

Not sure if you can see around my friends "bun" but this only shows maybe 1/8 of the stuff in our section.

We had volunteered a few days ago at the Texas food bank, but this was unbelievable compared to that! There was just so much.

We did get to meet with some of the people they were busing in and were able to spend a few hours helping the parents and kids "shop" in the Salvation Army's donations for Clothing, shoes, undergarments, toiletries etc. It was fun to meet some of the people and play with the kids!

To leave them or take them....

2005-09-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

On the radio this morning the DJ's were discussing the Katrina disaster etc. They were talking about the police and fire fighters etc how tired they are and how they are having to sleep in their cars and scrounge for food also like everyone else, but their jobs require them to stay in the city and get people out. They are now having to forcefully remove people from their homes and send them out of the city.

So this sparked what turned into a HUGE argument with my husband on the way to work today!

My husband’s argument is they should be forcefully removed because they obviously are not able to comprehend the dangers. Would you leave someone suicidal on a ledge? It is a moral obligation that we have to save them no matter what.

My stance is how many times do you have to tell people to get out before you just leave them there! If you have warned them, asked them and then told them 50 million times and they still do not want to leave, then why are you putting the police officers in harms way of having to remove them. Now I have only been watching some of the news, because I tend to take this stuff to heart and it depresses me. I can still help and not surround myself with the pictures of devastation. So anyway I have heard and seen the few people who are shooting and looting etc and I know this is what the media is showing to keep people watching. BUT my thought is that if you want to stay somewhere, you have been TOLD that it is dangerous aren’t you going to resist someone trying to make you leave?

Now neither of us are totally black and white in this area, so please do not think either of us (or me) is not humanitarian. We are, we do not have a lot of money, but we help as much as we are able especially with time.

How I shower....

2005-09-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

In response to Lilith's post yesterday, which I believe was in response to another post by Perfectly Dysfunctional called Don't drop the soap... here is my answer:

My main shower is always in the morning ( I HAVE to have a shower in the morning even if I had one right before i went to bed! It helps me wake up)

Strip down (depending on the previous nights activities)

Turn on the shower and wait while it is warming up

I rinse my face first to wake up a bit

shampoo my hair

rinse

Conditioner

while my hair is sucking up all the good stuff I turn to my body scrub with Softsoap Milk and Honey (now this is where I have REALLY noticed a routinue! I first start on the lower part of my left arm and work my way up, do my chest and stomache, switch hands and do my right arm and neck etc. I then make my way down to my legs, right one first then left. I wash the rest of me last..: ) I find it very weird that I do the EXACT same scrub down everyday.

Depending on skirt or pants (summer or winter/horny or not) I shave

Rinse my hair and body

towel dry IN the shower because it is too cold to step out all dripping wet!

That's me!

North Texas Food Bank

2005-09-07T07:01:00.000-07:00

This weekend was to be a weekend from labor, but with all of the happenings in our area I could not relax. My husband, friend and I spent a few hours at the Food Bank sorting food.

It was an amazing show. Our company had advertised the opportunity and said they would need 100 people. We got there about 30 minutes early (traffic etc) and were amazed when we saw all the people that had showed to help.

The lady at the front desk said the same thing had happened the day before on Saturday. They only had a few people signed up to volunteer, but over 400+ people had showed to help them. The food bank here, because of all the people being directed into Texas, has had a 50% increase in their orders from the shelters and this is only the 1st week of the people being here. The increase is sure to grow! Thankfully so many people have pulled together to help!

Job Update!

2005-09-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

Just a brief message to let you guys know I GOT IT!

So I accepted the position today and will be starting my new role on Sept 26th! Had to give some time here to "train" someone new on the basics...BUT I volunteered to do that so I am good!

I am headed out to celebrate this evening! Anyone needing a reason to celebrate you can use mine..haha!

Go Cowboys!

2005-09-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

My husband calls me yesterday afternoon and wants to know if I want to go to a Cowboys game for FREE. Well sure I do..for FREE anyway (the only games I pay to see are the Atlanta Braves. GO BRAVES!). So we haven't been living here long and in "Texas" terms we are still "new" to the area and probably will be for the next 10 years! So anyway he asks me this and I am ask "why for free?" and he says they are giving away 10,000 tickets for FREE. WHAT?? so he sends me the email he received from his boss: (I disguised some of the info)

From: (real name)@DallasCowboys.net]
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 9:11 AM
Subject: FREE COWBOYS TICKETS FOR TODAYS GAME!

Good Morning Everyone!

I'm in a bit of a bind and need to give away approx. 10,000 Cowboys tickets by tonight's game. The game is at 7pm. There is no limit on the number of tickets you can request and if you know someone who would be interested in attending tonight's game against Jacksonville please forward this email.

What to do:

Email me the name you would like the tickets to be under at will-call
Include a contact number for the person
Include the number of tickets you would like (there is no limit)

If there are any problems with your request someone from the organization will call.
Thanks!
Diana

p.s. parking passes are not available.

( a real name)
Executive Assistant
Dallas Cowboys Football Club
One Cowboys Parkway
Irving, TX 75063
(a real phone #) direct
(a real fax #) fax
(a real name)@dallascowboys.net

SOOOOO I am thinking this is a HUGE scam, but guess what! It's not! It seems that the Cowboys games are all televised so Jerry Jones does not want an empty stadium for the game and this is pre-season so there aren't a lot of ticket sales. So he buys up the tickets and gives them away! We were lucky to get the tickets and had a great time! Our first Cowboys game! They played the Jacksonville Jaguars and won 27 to 20.

So the funny part of this story is this!

While at the game this is what I saw:

I know by now I have lost all the guys and they won't be reading further, but for those of you still reading I still support my BRAVES!

Dallas Cowboys

I feel useless....

2005-09-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

Ok so I know that Lilith made fun of me for the Mother Teresa thing etc etc, but I really do a lot of volunteer work. I love doing it, and I admit it is for selfish reasons. Any one who tells you different has to be kidding them selves. It makes me feel good, plain and simple.......but right now I feel useless.

In our office we have 55 people. Of those 55 people 12 are from New Orleans and had just moved here less than a year ago. The reason they moved here was because they were laid off (they were part of my Ears & Hiccup story from before, but in our New Orleans office) So these 12 people uprooted their immediate family, but they had been living in New Orleans for generations after generations. So they have roots that run so deep I don't even understand (I grew up an Air Force offier's BRAT (military) and moved my whole life)

Several of them are missing family not to mention all of the friends they can not find. Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers you name it!!! All of them live in one or 2 bedroom apts and now have upwards of 15 to 16 people in each of their homes!

Since I am the head of our Volunteer committee within our dept I was tasked with coming up with a program that our asscoaites could pool together and help our own! Yesterday I got all of the New Orleans associates together so we could assess the need and before I could start a sentence the tears came.

I felt so silly sitting there crying when I had lost nothing and these people have lost almost everything they know!

I was able to compose and let them talk about their feelings and problems. We were able to come up with a list of basic items that maybe we can help them get. You think 12 associates are not that many to help, but you have to remember that they have so many family members with them. We only have a pool of 55 people and then you take out the 12 we are left with 43 people 39 of who are not salary and this is a call center environments where they do not make a lot of money. I feel like our helping will not even make a drop in the bucket to their need! I am not used to feeling like this!

One of the girls in the group said she would appreciate any thing we could provide, but more so she wanted our prayers. So I am asking any of you that read my blog, how ever you pray, to please pray or send positive thoughts for the vicitms and thier families and also my co-workers!

the Dowell family
the Mack family
the Whyte family
the Davis family
the Truong family
the Santiago family
the Hutton family
the Saul family
the Champagne family
the Williams family
the Charles family
the Wiggins family

Thanks,

A

Just call me Mother Alydyn....for 4 hours anyway!

2005-08-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend was very rewarding! It just happened to coincide with my personality test saying I am Mother Teresa! No connection I assure you...: )

So my husband and I participated in a build this weekend for Habitat for Humanity but with the Dallas Branch .

It was a lot of fun. We were only slated to be out there for 4 hours and thankfully so as it was in the 100+ degree heat!

I was in charge of putting nails in the outer walls! I had to make sure that on the edges and joints the nails were approx 6 inches apart. Did you know that the head of the hammer is a great measuring tool? It is, you can get an approx measure from the tip of the part that you hit with to the tip of the part you pry with. The House lead turned me on to this and it saved me a lot of time...info just in case any of you are out there trying to build something. As you can tell my hammer and house building lingo is my own..: )

Washington was in charge of the roof stuff. Or maybe I should just say... anything that was higher than my head! I am not a up high person. But he did a great job and I was really proud of him...Both of us really, but very proud of him..: )

So that is my story for the weekend! We were pooped after this event, but it was fun.

Sorry!

2005-08-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys I have not had time to post these past few days! I have been working! Yeah..can you believe the nerve of these people in my office asking me to do things!! So anyway we have our quarterly audit coming up tomorrow so maybe I will have time after that! I will try to sneak some blog time in tomorrow before I start getting nasty grams from Lilith!

DON'T LEAVE ME!!!..: )

Alydyn

Personality Tests

2005-08-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

This is "me" from taking the Famous Leader Test

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

I would say this is pretty close. I am NO Mother Teresa, but I love volunteer work and giving and helping others!

What famous leader are you most like? Take the test and let me know!

Kiss an Angel Good Morning!

2005-08-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

I visited Robb's Memory Post post this morning and he talked about songs that bring back good memories for you and it got me thinking about my father. He died when I was young, but one of the things i remember about him that brings back such great memories is his singing. He wasn't the greatest I am sure, but to a child he was a king. A specific memory I have is us driving to my grandparents house and I made my dad sing to me for hours (or so it seemed to me at the time) I did not realize it at the time, but it seems he only knew 2 songs. One of them was Sixteen Tons by Merle Travis, but my favorite one and the one that makes my memory so sweet was Charlie Prides Kiss An Angel Good Morning

I am the only one looking at the Camera !

The Interview

2005-08-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

1st let me address LocuTus comment: Hopefully you don't work EXACTLY in the same office as your hubby. I could never have imagined working in the same place as my exs eeeewwwww.

Believe it or not I will be. This is actually how we met. Well we met through a party that co-workers were having, BUT we have always worked in the same office building. Granted when we were still in Atlanta it was a large office with over than 1000 employees, but it worked out. Then when we moved to Dallas, our office shrunk and we were together with 100 employees. This actually works well for us. We do not do the same job so it was never the case where we saw each other ALL day. Many people have told us they do not know how we do it, but we have always managed! (oh the new building has 3000 people so really when I get mad I don't have to see him..hahha)

Ok now to How the Interview went (Lilith you are soooo impatient)

It went well.. thanks for asking I will write more tomorrow...ha Just kidding!

Well I am not kidding about that it went well, but...oh well you know. So anyway I had to drive to the interview because although, it is within the same company and GobbleemupBank has a LARGE standing here, it is on our main campus. So being true to August in Texas when I step outside to go to my car I almost pass out from the 100+ degree heat. Somehow I manage to avoid the smellies and arrive fresh with 10 minutes to spare. I grabbed a water and headed to the interview.

The interview was 1 hour and 10 minutes LONG, but thankfully it was not boring. She talked a lot about what she was looking for. Asked a few questions.....asked if I had any questions…standard stuff. I also keep a monthly log that I turn into my boss that lists Accomplishments, Concerns and then Opportunities. I made a copy of this years sheets and she seemed very impressed that I keep this log and that I let her have a copy. She read through last month and asked me to go over a few of the accomplishments etc. She REALLY liked that. She mentioned she is looking for someone that can keep her organized! Well this is my specialty (you wouldn’t know it to look at my home, but at work I am MRS. Organization! I think I use up all this talent at work so it does not translate once I step outside the office door) She offered to set up a tour for me to see the rest of the dept. She also mentioned that if I am placed in the role that if I wanted to learn more about what is done in the dept that she would encourage that..and then if I found a section I was interested in she would help me get the training I needed etc to specialize. There seems to be a lot of room for growth opportunities here and that is what I am looking for!

Something REALLY exciting was, as I think I mentioned in my last post, she remembered me. I am not sure how or why, but she did. Just to recap with my last job we were being layed off, she came from another state (not Texas) to help with the transition (this was 1.5 years ago) and she met me for all of 5 minutes in passing, BUT she said she had heard a lot of good things about me from people within and outside of my dept so when she moved to Texas she remembered I was here and wanted to meet with me! Did I mention in my last post that the job went up Aug 4th or so, ended on Aug 18th. I applied on Aug 16th and she called me (HERSELF) before the day was up on the 18th! So that has my hopes up a bit! I will keep you posted on the outcome. She mentioned she would need someone fast so I am hoping to know something within the next 2 or 3 weeks.

Well gotta go and work on my Thank You letter! thanks for the weel wishes on the interview...believe it or not it helps.

The Doctor is IN!

2005-08-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

I HAVE A JOB INTERVIEW TOMORROW!

But first let me give some background:
Before coming to said company where I am sitting now (no names, but it is the #1 financial institution… in the world I am pretty sure) We will call this company Gobbleemup Bank. I was at another said company (no names, but it is a company that has been in business since the stone ages and invented the catalog ordering process..huh hum.. again no names mentioned) We will call this company Ears & Hiccup.

OK So I loved working at Ears & Hiccup in their credit dept. I worked there for 10 years and worked my way up to a career I am not in and enjoy. I loved the dept I was in as it was a very close-knit group, my boss was not a micromanager…more like a good ole’ boy etc etc. The people had been there forever and loved their jobs and this made for a GREAT atmosphere to work in! I was even considered the baby with my 8 years on tenure!

So anyway Ears & Hiccup was doing some restructuring and laying-off (little did we know it was to sell to Gobbleemup Bank) so to help me avoid the layoff I was Moved/promoted to the Job I am in right now, but in the Atlanta Office. This job is OK, it is doing the same type work and I still get to see what is left of my old group so it makes it enjoyable. Then the sale takes place and Gobbleemup Bank comes in and says OK we now own you and are laying everyone off, and here is your package. (this was an EXCELLENT package so no complaints!!) (if you ever get laid off hope you are with Gobbleemup Bank as they do at least treat you right) So anyway Gobbleemup Bank offers my spouse and I a comparable job AND the beautiful package if we will move to Texas. The jobs offered would put me in the exact same role (the new one) I am in with Ears & Hiccup and with the promise of advancement for my husband.

Since my spouse is the breadwinner and we are looking for me to be out of the workforce when kids come a long, it was in our best interest to follow the job for him. So we moved here with the intention that as soon as he was promoted, if I wanted I could start looking for employment elsewhere. It took 3 months longer than we anticipated for his promotion to come through but it did! YEAH… He is happy as ants on a log (or whatever that stupid saying is…he is happy anyway) BUT during this long haul of waiting for the promotion to become available I discovered I did not really care for the people I was working with. I enjoy the associates, but most of the management was something to be seen!! My boss on one hand is great! She is really nice and is great about leaving me to handle projects on my own, letting me start new ideas, very flex on the time off etc. She is NEVER here, well hardly, which allows me freedom or at least the feeling of it. I am still here at my assigned times, but if I am 5 minutes late I have no worries. Now the rest of the staff…let’s just say I swallowed my unhappiness and made the situation bearable for myself by starting new projects and volunteering for things with in the dept that I liked doing. This of course was GREAT to my boss who loves my self -starter attitude!

So all of that to let you know, I am actively posting for other jobs within the company. My boss is aware of this. I have been very upfront with her in letting her know my feelings (she is a woman boss and this “feelings” thing is very new for me. I am a woman and used to think that working for men was the pits! They forget your work anniv, your birthday, etc etc etc, but little did I know that working for a woman can run the risk of “Feelings”!! Just a beware to all of you!) So anyway I am posting. Also to let you know…. I moved here with very little confidence in this new company being able to handle the portfolio I am in. Ears & Hiccup has sold this portfolio (or at least the small portion I am in now) before and it was so Unsuccessful they bought it back, but are now trying it again. So anyway, my husband and I moved here with the intention of getting out of the Ears & Hiccup portfolio and into another dept with in Gobbleemup Bank. (the portfolio I am in is just a small piece of the BIG portfolio. The BIG portfolio is the MAJOR breadwinner and has Gobbleemup Bank kissing Ears & Hiccup’s butts! But not us here in the small group…they are wishing they could dump us off (we do not make $$, but cost A LOT) In fact they are working on a plan, as you read this, to disband the dept into pieces to put it with other groups and to rework the portfolio so it will be a money maker.

Long story short…I am posting and tomorrow have an interview I am very excited about. The dept would be within a dept that every company HAS TO HAVE and if for some unbelievable reason Gobbleemup Bank decided to pull out of this market (No WAY though as we are the backup to New York) but IF they decided to pull out then the dept would be the last to go!!!
So I have this interview tomorrow (that is pretty much a given since the person called and asked my boss if she could have me). My boss knows about it….she calls me in her office today to ask me about when it is, who it’s with etc. She then asks me, no pressure, IF she were going to a position that she would need me for would I like to come? AND she is putting it out to her whole team to just make them aware!

Hummmm, I am not sure about this as it posses a dilemma. I am not really excited about the managers now that I work for, but one of my main problems has found a job in another dept and will be leaving in a month.

Staying with my boss Pros:
I am “comfortable” here
I know my boss
I have started many projects that I LOVE.
I have freedom to come and go as I please

Cons:
No advancement (but I am looking to be out of the work force in 2 to 3 years hopefully!)
Management attitude will more than likely remain the same

New Job Pros:
excellent learning opportunity
could lead to more advancement
Stable Job
Smaller group
Should be a more professional group
In the same office as spouse (we have always worked in the same building and since the promotion we have missed each other at lunch and this will help with carpooling since gas has SKY RICHOTED)

Cons:
New boss could be a horror
Smaller group

Not sure what else, but I think that is all I have to say on the matter! WHEW!

SNOOPY

Trapped!

2005-08-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

Dear M,

Today my post has to do with something that happened as I was leaving work last night. I park in a parking garage and there is a long outdoor "tunnel" type walkway from the building to the garage. The tunnel is made up of windows with a small opening at the top and bottom. Just as I was getting to the end of the tunnel into the garage I looked up in the upper window that was just about my head and saw a beautiful butterfly that was trapped and was trying to get out of the area through the window which looked open. The glass was unbelievably clean for a tunnel..: )

The poor butterfly was frantic and just kept banging against the glass over and over. I stopped to watch it and my heart just went out to the butterfly as it kept trying and trying to no avail. As I was standing there a young guy, dressed smart in a shirt and tie, came by and just made a silly comment "looks like he isn't getting anywhere" and I thought to myself I wonder where this guy is "getting". Next a middle age lady came by on the phone and paid no attention to us.

By this time I am getting a bit desperate because all I can think is butterflies do not have long life spans and here this beautiful creature is stuck and can not get out...How scared it must be.

A minute later an older man came up the ramp and saw me standing there. He said "oh would you like some help?" I told him I was scared to touch the butterfly for fear of hurting her wings. He told me no problem he does this sort of thing all the time. He cupped his hands gently and scooped the butterfly up. She sat on his finger as her walked her to a small opening between the tunnel and garage. As he put his finger out the butterfly paused, as if to catch her breath, then flew off. The gentleman and I laughed a little, I thanked him and we went about our own ways.

This got me thinking.
Have I ever been that butterfly? I am sure I have been.

How many times have I kept doing something over and over expecting a difference, but to no change in the results ?
This is something I will have to ponder. I am not interested in past experiences as I seem to have gotten myself out of those by making some sort of change, but I am more wanting to know what am I stuck in now that I keep doing over and over?

Always,
A

Me and Lucy Van Pelt...one and the same!

2005-08-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

Lucy Van Pelt works hard at being bossy, crabby and selfish. She is loud and yells a lot. Her smiles and motives are rarely pure. She's a know-it-all who dispenses advice whether you want it or not--and for Charlie Brown, there's a charge. She's a fussbudget, in the true sense of the word. She's a real grouch, with only one or two soft spots, and both of them may be Schroeder, who prefers Beethoven. As she sees it, hers is the only way. The absence of logic in her arguments holds a kind of shining lunacy. When it comes to compliments, Lucy only likes receiving them. If she's paying one--or even smiling--she's probably up to something devious.

Meet the Peanuts Gang and let me know who you relate to or who is most like you.

Post something already!

2005-08-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

So Lilith is screaming at me to "Post something already!" but here in lies the problem with that:

#1 No one really reads my blog, Only 2 people that I really know of... so I don't really have incentive to post. Sorry Robb and Lilith (but in case you are stopping by please read the 2 blogs mentioned! They entertain me!!)

#2 I am a very personal person "Smile while your dying!" The people that do read my blog will know my personal business and I have a HARD time with that! Even knowing that out of the 2 people I KNOW that look here 1 of them I do not know at all (only through his blog) and the other probably knows more about my past than I do...haha!

So my dearest Lilith as you can see I have a conflict!..: )

Maybe I will get up the courage to type what is happening in my life because I am sure it is not the Cinderella story I always portray.

Much Love,
Alydyn

True Friendship Oath

2005-08-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

i got this from a friend today and had to pass it along!

Are you sick of all those sissy "friendship" poems that always sound like Hallmark cards, and never come close to reality?

Well, here is a series of promises that really speak to true friendship:

1. When you are sad - I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.

2. When you are blue - I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile - I will know you've finally had sex.

4. When you are scared - I will rag on you about it every chance I get.

5. When you are worried - I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be and tell you to quit whining.

6. When you are confused - I will use little words.

7. When you are sick - stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall - I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.

This is my oath...I pledge it till the end.
Why, you ask? Because you are my friend.

The Interview Game

2005-08-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

I recently "signed up" to play the interview game. Thanks to Robb , here are my questions:

1. If you could bring back one fad from the 80's, which one would it be?

Sorry I have 2 of them:

Jelly Shoes (1985-86) these made my feet sweat, but they were so cute!

Jordache Jeans (1980) You HAD to wear these painted on and my ass looked so good!

2. What is the earliest memory you have?
I have 2 that were probably around the same time:

My mom would always drop my brother off at my grandparents for us to stay while they went to work. Every morning, and I mean EVERY without fail, my brother and I would hide under the dinning room table and my Nana would stomp around the table and sing “Fee Fi Fo Fum… I smell little kids and I’m going to eat me some!” we used to laugh and squeal when she would find us.

The other is being in the car with my dad, probably around 4 years old, I was in the front and my brother in the back (although I do not remember him being there) and we were driving down this old country road to see my grandparents when we came across a cow that had wondered in the middle of the road and would not move. My dad had to get out and shoooo it away.

3. If you could travel back in time and change one event, what would you choose?
I don’t know that I would change anything for fear that it might change my future and I might never have met my husband.

IF it were the case that changing that one event would not change anything else then I might change the fact that I dated Shawn Nolastname for too long. I was under the impression that when we got married things would be different. Of course I got this idea from him as he always said that you don’t have to work at relationships until you get married. (how dumb was I to hang around) I would not change the fact that we dated though because from this relationship I learned that I spent 4 years trying to change a man to be what I wanted and needed and that was wasted time. You have to know what you want and need and then find a guy that can give it to you. There is no changing them.

4. If you woke up tomorrow as a man, what is the first thing you would do?

HAVE ALL THE SEX I COULD!!!
The reason I say this is guys seem to be able to
#1 get excited about anything and everything.
#2 They seem ALWAYS, no matter what, to “have a good time”.

5. Assign each category to a person: Shag, Marry, Throw off of a cliff
Vanilla Ice, Brad Pitt, Al Gore

Al Gore: Throw off a cliff
Vanilla Ice: Shag

Brad Pitt: Marry (so I could shag ALL the time)

The Official Interview Game Rules:

1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below saying interview me.
2. I will respond by asking you five questions - each person's will be different.
3. You will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

My one addiction....

2005-08-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

If anyone out there has a spare minute VOTE FOR KAYSAR Please!!!

Ok so maybe this isn't my ONLY addiction but it is for all intense purposes RIGHT NOW..: )

And I KNOW it is stupid! I KNOW it isn't reality, but I am addicted to Big Brother! I love the Amazing Race too and even watched Trista and Ryan’s wedding, but this is different...This is something that if I am not home I actually set up to TAPE it so I won't miss anything! HELP!!!

Am I alone in this addiction?

Assistant for the Assistant needed

2005-08-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

I have only had 1 inquire on this position (Thanks Lilith), but since that person won Nebbitt's "A Thing of Beauty" award I doubt I will be seeing her around! So this is the last time I will offer up this position and then it is going going........

Assistant for the Assistant

Job responsibilities:
Must complete all the crappy stuff the main assistant doesn't want to do.
Work mucho overtime, but this will need to be on your own time.

Skills needed:
Mute
Willingness to do anything

Salary:
$5.15/hour
What? you expect us to pay you for this job?

By the way....to see what Lilith won this prestigious award for check out This is what happens when I drink...

2005-08-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

Saw this on Post Secret, but it seemed appropriate as this is a thought I have had often!

P.S. no not suicidal, but just what the air and weightlessness would feel like

Sometimes, I still think of when...

2005-08-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

Son of a Preacher Man

Billy-Ray was a preacher's son
And when his daddy would visit he'd come along
When they'd gather 'round and started talkin'
Is when Billy would take me walkin'
A' through the backyard we'd go walkin'
And then he'd look into my eyes
And lord knows to my surprise

The only one who could ever reach me
Was the son of a preacher man
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man
Yes he was, yes he was
Oh, yes he was

Being good isn't always easy
No matter how hard I'd try
When he started sweet-talkin' to me
He'd come and tell me everything is all right
He'd kiss and tell me everything is all right
And can we get away again tonight?

The only one who could ever reach me
Was the son of a preacher man
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man
Yes he was, yes he was
Oh, yes he was

How well I remember
The look that was in his eyes
Stealin' kisses from me on the sly
Takin' time to make time
Tellin' me that he's all mine
Learnin' from each other's knowing
Lookin' to see how much we been growin'

And the only one who could ever reach me
Was the son of a preacher man
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man
Yes he was, yes he was
Oh
The only one who could ever reach me
Was the son of a preacher man
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man

-Hurley/Wilkins

I was completely bored until....

2005-08-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

Dear M,

I had been cooking all day for mine and Wash's lunches for the next weeks and sat down to relax at the end of the day. Although I was tired, I was getting bit restless until I found these 2 blogs, if you get a chance stop by.....Just Bring Beer and his commenting friend Another Complete Waste of Time

Hope you enjoy!

Always,
A

99 things you should know about Alydyn

2005-08-05T07:08:00.001-07:00

1) i have been in love 2 times in my life
2) my favorite show of all time is Friends
3) my favorite character is Ross
4) i support our troops
5) the best thing to drink is orange kool-aid
6) i break the law daily
7) i love to garage sale
8) i lust after Pierce Brosnan
9) i love to travel
10) i don't like to watch sports on tv
11) the only team to get me to watch sports (live) are the Braves.
12) i have been proposed to by 5 different guys
13) i'm a sister, a daughter, a friend, and a tia
14) i support children’s charities
15) i can parallel park, but only if given a mile
16) i don't drink very often
17) i love italian breadsticks
18) i am the oldest child
19) perfumes give me violent headaches
20) i'm 5'8" but wish i were taller
21) my favorite color is red
22) my favorite number is 19
23) i've had sex in my office
24) i collect disney movies for kids i don’t have yet
25) i started blogging because my friend uses hers to put her emotions out there, i like the idea.
26) my favorite comedians are robin williams and ellen degeneres
27) i own Friends seasons 1-9 on DVD
28) in Nov i will own season 10
29) i graduated from high school in another country
30) i loved mexican food until moving to texas
31) i don’t care for domestic animals, but despise those that mistreat them.
32) my first car was a truck and her name was bessie
33) sandra bulloch and i could be sisters
34) i love seafood, but not fish
35) my favorite meat is chicken
36) angelina jolie, drew barrymore and meg ryan are hot
37) i think ty pennington is too hot!
38) i ALWAYS have blistex and asprin in my purse
39) i dislike smoke
40) i am afraid of fire
41) i have been to japan, guam, korea, venezuela, peru, bahamas, dubai uae, and italy
42) i am married to my best friend
43) i love checking the mail
44) i love strawberries dipped in white chocolate
45) i hate spiders
46) half the time i am organized, and the other half of the time i am not
47) i hate storms, they scare me
48) i love cheetos cheese puffs dipped in frito lay french onion dip
49) i took spanish for 5 years and can not speak the language
50) i don't really like wine
51) bees scare the bejeezus out of me
52) I don’t believe in psychics, but I believe in the 6th sense
53) my family has a representative from every branch of our armed forces
54) i sing to myself in the shower
55) i want to see the world, but still come home to my bed
56) i have never voted in a major election
57) statistically i am 1 in 4
58) i love to chew snickers and ice cubes in my mouth at the same time
59) i collect spoons from every state I travel through
60) i am not a morning person
61) i was born in georgia
62) one of my favorite songs is son of a preacher man
63) i have taken belly dancing classes
64) it takes a lot for me to confront someone
65) i love finding nemo
66) my favorite movie is somewhere in time
67) i learned to swim when i was 4 years old
68) i love to balance my checkbook
69) i love garlic
70) i had a pierced belly button for 1 month
71) i don't have any tattoos
72) i am a pisces
73) turbulence makes me queasy
74) i am part scottish, latin and....???????
75) i had a head full of hair when i was born
76) i'm not a great dancer, but i'm not horrible
77) when i drive, i have a lead foot
78) my favorite places to shop are thrift stores and antique stores
79) i love to roller skate
80) i love crosswords, but only the easy ones
81) i have always thought there is a little lesbian in all of us
82) i love music from elvis presley
83) my senior year I dressed 50’s style and covered my locker and books in elvis and the beatles.
84) i love the circus
85) my mom taught me to cook when i was in the 4th grade
86) i hate waking up to the beeping of my alarm clock
87) my favorite painting is singing butler by jack vettriano
88) i am addicted to the amazing race and big brother
89) i've been doing my own laundry since i was 10
90) when the lights are off I run through my house, I am scared of the dark
91) i like being home alone sometimes
92) i make the best grilled cheese sandwiches in my world
93) i believe in God and am a Christian
94) i too want world peace
95) i think elvis is still alive, but don’t believe he is living in a trailer park
96) i HATE pancakes and steak
97) i love to sleep
98) i'm pro-choice
99) i love the people that i love and i would do anything in the world for them

My trip to the D.C. area!

2005-08-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

(Since I think of this as my journal I have decided to follow tradition of all my past journals I kept as a kid, teen etc and start them all off to Dear M. and try to write it letter style)

Dear M.

Ok so I am back! Washington (my husband) and I had a great time with my parents and my brother and his wife. Everyone arrived in Baltimore late Friday night but we stayed up even later talking and just catching up a bit. Nothing big in the news for that evening!

Saturday we drove our happy butts all the way across the bay bridge to downtown D.C. to see some of the Memorials. Have I mentioned in the past my parents live on the eastern shore! You have to drive forever in so much traffic to get anywhere, but they seem to enjoy it.

We went to see the Korean War memorial, the Lincoln memorial, the Vietnam Memorial and then the new World War II Memorial

I had seen all but the last, but the rest of my family had not, so it was nice to see again and explore with them.

Sunday we went out for all you can eat seafood! I LOVE doing this! There is nothing like seafood FRESH from the picking instead of that day old crap, or even scarier stuff you get in the grocery store. So any way all you can eat.... I had the snow crab legs as they are much easier then the Maryland blue crabs which seem to take forever for very little. Others would argue, but this is my journal! So....of course this pretty much took all day. Trying to get 6 people out the door and into the car is a miracle within itself and then again need I mention we are driving on the Eastern shore where it takes forever to get anywhere.

Monday my brother and his wife left so we rented a few movies for my husband to keep him happy, sent my dad off to work and mom and I had girls day out. We found this cute little paint your own pottery studio , which I was impressed with, as the town my parents live in is so small, but it has a quaint little square with little boutiques and oddity shops. We both picked out a few pieces of bare pottery and set about trying to make it beautiful. The end result, or the middle result but before it has been fired, is a little deceiving since the colors are very different from what they will look like in the end. The pieces look like masterpieces, but that has yet to be fully determined. Mom will pick them up on Monday and I will keep you posted on if I will be famous! Maybe this will help me find that Assistant for the Assistant I have been looking for.

Well M, I must cast off now. I am back at work and you now how things can get when I am gone. It totally amazes me that so much crap goes wrong while I am gone.....or so it seems.

Always,
A

There is a football field in my head!

2005-07-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

This is something real! I have a headache the size of a football field and 50 million things to do.... Why does it seem that when you are sick and just feel like crawling into a small dark place that this is the time when you have the most to do?

I have so many projects going on at work that I am thinking about hiring an assiatant! The bad thing is I am the assistant! So how would that posting look:

Assistant for the Assisant needed.

Job responsibilities:
Must complete all the crappy stuff the main assistant doesn't want to do.
Work mucho overtime, but this will need to be on your own time.

Skills needed:
Mute
Willingness to do anything

Salary:
$5.15/hour
What? you expect us to pay you for this job?

So I will keep you posted on when I have someone apply for this job!

On top of all of that I am trying to get ready to go on vacation to my parents in D.C. My brother and his wife are coming in also and I have not seen them in a while. I am not as excited yet about this trip, I am usaully bouncing off the walls to go! My family is great and my parents the best and it is always nice to go home and be spoiled by mom and dad! I guess I am not that excited yet because i still have Friday at work and it could be the stess of the job stuff! Oh and did I mention the eye twitching has started. This is another sign of my stress and a showing that I need this vacation!

I hate when you are too stressed or tired, whatever makes it happen, and your eye starts jumping! You think your eye will just jump right out of your head and everyone will see it rolling across the floor, but alas this is not the case! YOU are the only one who gets to enjoy this funny little quirk! While your eye is jumping like crazy you think everyone MUST be able to see it, but when you run to the mirror to check it out you only see you (with out the jumping eye by the way!)

Well I must sign off...I have some packing to do and I have to get to bed before I scream.

Oh, pass the word on the job posting. If you have a resume to forward that would be great!

Here in Texas on the Phone with Lilith

2005-07-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Humm! So, today I get this email from a long ago friend in Georgia, Lilith. Usually is it a joke or a chain letter and these emails are quickly read and deleted, but today's caught my eye. It was a question answer type chain letter that we have all seen, but this one looked to be more interesting as the email promised some of the questions were new. Oh exciting! So I sit back in my chair to read this email, and so it starts:

ANOTHER ONE!! Some new questions though. And more questions to share....Cut and paste these questions onto a new page and add your own!

1.What was the most fascinating recent news story??? don't know

2. Worst year of your life? 1992 / 1995 / 2005

So at this point I hit the reply button to make a funny crack about how in 1992 she hadn't met me yet and then in 1995 wasn't that when she moved...haha..yada yada

3.Best year?? I'm determined to make it 2005

4.What's your sign?? Aquarius

5.What you ate for your last meal? Carnation Instant Breakfast

6.Last CD your purchased? ??? I listen to XM Radio all the time.

7.New projects?? Getting house ready to sell

now I am thinking...Hum that's weird that my friend and her husband would want to sell this house that they love and they built, but maybe they are ready for bigger and better things!

8. How you think most people see you...shy/snob at first, then goofy and sweet

9.Favorite movie of all time... Top Gun

10.Favorite verse in a song...?

11.Something you are least likely to ever do?? I'll do anything once, except one thing & I don't think it would be appropriate to put it on here

Yeah I know what that one thing is too, and YOU GOT THAT RIGHT SISTA!

12.Something you hope to accomplish in the next year..Have enough money to live on my own with out help. It looks like I'll be OK

So now I am thinking that maybe my message should be a bit more cryptic in that I should tell her to call me or let me know what is going on....this seems a bit strange!

13.Who do you think you look like (famous person)? Jennifer Grey (Dirty Dancing days)

14.Your favorite feature on your face?? My eyes

15. Least favorite?? Nose

16.Time you are answering this question.. 8:30am

17.What time did you get up this morning?? about 6:52am

18.I hate... ending my marriage

BRAKES! WHAT! Ending her marriage What? What's going on? now I delete the email and have to call my friend directly. She sent me her blog to explain her story and I have such a mix of emotions.

1st she is ending her marriage because the guy is and always has been a creep. I liked him when they started dating, but as time wore he began letting some of his true colors escape. (Let's just say he tried escaping his true colors on me, but I wasn't having it.) BUT my friend was blinded by love.

We continued to be friends after they married, but were not as close as we once had been. This was due partly to do with the "true color" incident, but a lot to do with the fact we were living in Georgia and she was now following the love of her life to Texas where he was to be stationed.

They seemed to be happy enough, I never heard any real complaints. After a few years, Kaak was being deployed for a bit and then would be moving to a new base. My friend wanted to come home while her husband was out of the country and wanted someone to ride with her as she drove. I flew out to Texas and rode back with her and it was lie she never left! BEST FRIENDS AGAIN!

He comes back blah blah they move to their new duty station blah blah things seem to be fine etc etc etc.

He gets out of the service. they are moving back to Georgia BUT what still seems on the other side of the world! She gets pregnant they have a kid build a house, happy happy joy joy! 10 years by the way of what seems like happy happy joy joy!

BUT today I get the email of questions above! I am shocked! OK I shouldn't be too shocked, because they are ending their marriage due to his true colors that he seems to be spreading every where, but still I am shocked.

You know I have another friend going through something very similar (that one was WAY more shocking due to culture, personalities etc) But what I am wondering is...WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?

OK so I told that long/short story of my friend Lilith mostly to get to my point of What the hell is going on.

I am married and have that dream from so long ago of always being married to the same man forever and ever. I know my friends had this same feeling when they got married, so what is happening to these peoples lives? I feel like this is going on everywhere and that it is so abundant in our society. i know that when you are surrounded by certain things that you can believe that that is how the rest of the world is operating.

Is this how it is happening out there?

P.S. The last 2 question answers were:

19.I love...my son, my family and friends

20.The quality you love most about your significant other...Great friend