Thursday, November 13, 2008

Proposition 8

I am not gay, nor do I have any gay relatives (that I'm aware) but I was so saddened by the passing of Proposition 8. I really appreciated what Keith Olbermann has to say. I hope you'll take the time to watch his commentary.

Friday, July 18, 2008

One, two, three, four...

I saw this video today and loved it. I guess I'd better get used to watching a little Sesame Street.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

I Spy

… borrowed from Mama Tulip

I am 28 years old, married to a wonderful man, owner of two crazy hound dogs and wishing I could uproot my life and transplant it in another state.

I admit that I was always called a social butterfly in school but suffer from occasional bouts social anxiety as an adult.

I dig musicals, crème brulee, French fries, crab legs and road trips.

I still try to learn something new everyday

I had a glass of chardonnay while watching Hairspray the musical rented from Netflix

I try to be patient even when the emotions start flowing

I should get up and take a walk with the dogs. Those 5 lbs aren't going to lose themselves…

I shouldn't get upset at my husband when he tries so hard to get us put together enough to move to Oregon. After all, he is working overtime so that I don't have to stress out about it. I should stop lashing out from guilt and step up to the plate to get things organized.

I just don't know where to begin.

I do want to get pregnant in the worst way. Even knowing how drastically life will change when we have children, I still wait and wish every month in the hopes that this month will be the one that tells us things are going to be different.

I don't want people to ask me if I'm pregnant yet. It's hard enough to deal with on your own without a continuous reminder from anyone else.

I wish that we had this house rented for the next year so we could concentrate on moving and what to expect in the new city instead.

I won't give up on the dream of a fresh start.

I think my husband is incredible but I'm not sure he realizes how I feel.

I fear change and the inability to make this transition happen in a reasonable way.

I love artichokes, funky artisan jewelry, comfortable shoes, and reading interesting blogs.

I like vacations and traveling without a specific plan.

I loved the Buffy and Angels' series on television. I must admit, I was truly sad when they ended. I think they were two of the only shows I ever actively anticipated new episodes.

I want to have healthy children, live near my siblings and live somewhere that has block parties and pot-luck dinners with the neighbors.

I need a good karaoke night out with some friends. Nothing says a good night like cheap cocktails and a warbley rendition of "Crazy"…

I require a once a week date night. Working days while my husband works swing shift sometimes gets a little old.

I said that I wanted more responsibility but I think I was just trying to be nice.

I thought it wouldn't matter if my parents supported my decisions as an adult but it turns out it makes life feel a whole lot easier if they do.

I write occasionally. I have to admit, I am self conscious of my writing but love to read other people's thoughts.

I hate feeling claustrophobic, clothes that fit too tight, picky eaters and bad breath.

I never leave the milk out. I have this thing about milk. I really hate the changes that happen when it gets warm. In fact, I pick it up last when at the supermarket and put it away first when I get home. The whole idea of luke warm milk kind of gives me the willies.

I probably should get over this fear of milk. After all, the whole refrigeration thing hasn't been around forever.

I can't even comprehend drinking warm milk, but a luke warm latte doesn't freak me out. I know, it's my own logic.

I can be a great listener and advice giver. It has always been a quality of mine but only works when the listening and advice doesn't have to do with my personal life.

I find it difficult to negotiate. My boss jokes that if he wants to pay double the price then he will send me in for negotiations.

I know that I have a wonderful support group. I've managed to collect a handful of kick ass friends and family they just happen to be spread out all around the world. I need to figure out a way to centralize them.

I learn by doing.

I remember very little lately. It seems my memory needs a good push. Too much partying in college may have softened my brain for life.

I bought nothing recently, our new reduced budget hasn't left any wiggle room for purchases other than gas and groceries. BORING.

I miss the simplicity of life in college. Whoever said rushing out into responsibility was a good thing?

I spy on my husband when he is sleeping. I love to watch him snuggled up with the beagle and basset hound. They look so peaceful together it makes me want to get in the middle.

Friday, June 6, 2008

First Date + Drugs = Bad Combination

Yes, yes, I know it has almost been a month since my last post. I don't have a great excuse or reasoning behind it except perhaps a bit of apathy and not know quite what I want to say these days. So, I leave you with this video for the day. Another reason why I'm so glad I don't have to go on anymore "first" dates... Enjoy!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Cool Kitchen Stuff

Ooh I think I need some of these for my kitchen. The Eva Solo Knives Magnet set is beckoning. I found these in a round about web surfing way but I think they would make my kitchen look oh so much cooler. Hmm… must find them in the US.

I'm also digging these roller coasters. Nothing beats a good play on words as far as I'm concerned.

And… not exactly for the kitchen but I am love love loving this crocus vase.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Step Brothers the movie

I know, I know, it has been awhile since I posted. I have to say I am so looking forward to this movie. Check out the preview here.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Caught!!



Brilliant! This is so something I would do in the middle of a 7-11...
I, like Average Jane, am cheating with a Meme.

1. If you were to attend a costume party tonight, as what or whom would you go?
I've never been a big fan of costume parties because I can never decide how to dress, so I am skipping this question basically because even the hypothetical brings out my indecisive nature...

2. What are your choice of toppings on a hamburger? And do you prefer gas or charcoal grilling?
Definitely cheese. If I am going fast food I want the lettuce, tomato, cheese, grilled onions, special sauce (from In-n-out) and a gas grill is just fine...

3. You are chosen to have lunch with the President. The condition is you only get to ask one question. What do you ask? Can I have a private tour of the White House?

4. It’s your first day of vacation, what are you doing? traveling to my destination

5. What is your concession stand must-have at the movies? cherry coke

6. How long was it from ‘the first date’ until the proposal of marriage? first date was March 15, engaged July 4th, married April 14th (sounds fast I know)

7. What is one quality that you really appreciate in a person? easy going personality

8. Everyone hears discussions that they consider boring. What topic can put you to sleep quicker than any other?
I'm pretty skilled at subtly changing any conversation without people noticing the transition. I'm like a ninja of conversation!

9. If you had to have the same topping on your vanilla ice cream for the rest of your life, what topping would you choose?
Oreo Cookies

10. What food item would need to be removed from the market altogether in order for you to live a healthier, longer life?
bacon

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Layout

My layout is funky. I can't seem to fix it and I don't know where the comments button went... I've tried everything from changing the entire layout to reviewing all the settings... Grr! I can't figure it out and my blog looks weird!!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Good Bye Celexa

For the past few years I have been taking an antidepressant. It has leveled out my moods and gotten me through all sorts of tough times. I honestly never thought I would be such an advocate of taking a pill everyday but what it did for me was amazing. While I was on it I got a stable job that I enjoy, met the man of my dreams, planned a huge wedding, bought a second house, got married, moved into the new house, dealt with all of the ups and downs that life has thrown at me with separations, death, friend's pregnancies, job loss, etc. And mainly I've dealt with it all with a certain amount of grace and a whole lot less crying than I think might've happened without the chemical boost.

My husband and I have made the decision for me t o go off of it for several reasons. 1. We eventually want to try to have babies and it would be better to already be off of the medication prior to pregnancy. 2. We are pretty stable in our lives right now so the timing seemed appropriate. 3. My hubby has never known me off of this medication and believes he can handle it. 4. I have no sex drive because of it (again notice reasons no. 1&3)

That being said I am in the slow process of weaning off this medication. Basically, they tell you to take half your dosage for almost two weeks and then finally stop taking them altogether. I'm in day two of no meds in my system at all. Yesterday, I completely freaked out on my poor boss and then spent thirty minutes sobbing on the phone with my mother while trying to drive home. I was crying so hard my mom asked me to pull over so she could pick me up. Oops. Talk about feeling out of control. I managed to get home just fine but still feel a bit like a jack-ass for crying over nothing. Nothing! Seriously, I spent over an hour crying out of frustration over nothing. Grrr.

I knew there would be side effects of coming off of this medication but I'm not sure I realized that they would actually affect me. Today I don't feel like crying as much as I'm dealing with some serious vertigo issues. If I turn my head too fast, the room spins. It's a little disconcerting to drive and I just can't wait for this laundry list of symptoms to go away. I've never had to wean off a medication before. So the vertigo/dizziness, nausea, mood swings, headaches, and trouble focusing are a little unnerving. The best part is knowing that this won't last forever. The worst is knowing that it will last for at least a few more days...

Friday, March 21, 2008

Personality Test


My Personality
Neuroticism
86
Extraversion
38
Openness to Experience
77
Agreeableness
96
Conscientiousness
36
You don't usually get angry too easily but some things can annoy you, however you feel strong cravings and urges that you have difficulty resisting. You tend to prefer short-term pleasures and rewards over long-term consequences. You lead a leisurely and relaxed life. You would prefer to sit back and smell the roses than indulge in high energy activities. You enjoy a certain amount of debate or intellectual thought, but sometimes get bored with too much. You find helping other people genuinely rewarding and are generally willing to assist those who are in need. You find that doing things for others is a form of self-fulfillment rather than self-sacrifice, however you are tenderhearted and compassionate, feeling the pain of others vicariously and are easily moved to pity. You have a strong sense of duty and obligation, and feel a moral obligation to do the right thing.

Take a Personality Test now or view the full Personality Report.

An interesting analysis on me...

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Office Tool Kit



 

I just received my tool set for the office in the mail. Now, at home we have my husband has tons of tools but I was needing a few key items for the office lately so after surfing the web researching I found this cute little purple tool kit on overstock.com! The case itself doesn't appear to be the most durable but the tools will work out perfectly! If I were still single I might've invested in this cute little kit for my house…


Friday, March 7, 2008

Stuff I like today

I don't have the brain power to come up with anything too interesting so for the moment I will leave you with a few things I enjoy...

Games I love to play:
Rook
Five Crowns
Scattergories
Rummikub
Gin
Apples to Apples
Encore
Scene It

Wii games I think are fun:
Mario Galaxy
Word Coach
Guitar Hero III
Bowling
Raving Rabbids
Links Adventure

And just for fun, games I play even though I don't really dig them:
Scrabble
Life
Monopoly (I really don't like this fame and I don't know why)
Go Fish
Boggle

~Hope you have a fantastic weekend~

Friday, February 29, 2008

Ahh Youtube

I've been trying to embed these videos onto my post but for some reason I'm experiencing some serious technical difficulties. So, in the name of saving a little time I'll just post the links.

The first is a clip from the Jimmy Kimmel show where his girlfriend, Sarah Silverman, is singing him a little song about her recent antics.

The second clip is Jimmy's retort.

Monday, February 25, 2008

I guess I got rid of the funk

A brief overview of my weekend:

Friday afternoon- my boss came in my office and told me to close up shop because we were going home early. Wahoo! This was followed by a trip to the grocery store, a dinner disaster and lots of laughs with my hubbie & father in law.

Saturday- Met a girlfriend for lunch and then met up with my mom for a round of shopping. Mom bought me a beautiful dress and pair of shoes that I could wear out on Sunday for my birthday dinner. Then I went to my parent's house for a quick drink with my dad followed by dinner at my house. When we arrived at my house, Surprise! It was a birthday party for me that my loving hubbie set up. Everything was taken care of and I had the most stress-free party at my own house that I could possibly imagine. JB had cleaned everything and gotten dinner ready for all 25 people. It was amazing, I was so loved. We hung out and then sang karaoke to my little heart's content! It was so much fun. Really. Truly. The coolest birthday party.

Sunday- I woke up absurdly early (6AM) with a burst of energy. How I was not hung-over I'll never quite know… I got to talk to my big brother and then JB and I met up with my parents at the Omelet House. Did you know they give you a FREE breakfast on your birthday? Seriously, so cool. So after my incredibly yummy breakfast, JB and I went home to snuggle up and watch a movie. It is definitely worth a watch if you like musicals and the music of the Beatles. We had a nap after the movie and then got all dressed up for a romantic dinner for two.

Could my weekend have gotten any better? I think not… Perhaps I could've done without the five hours of shopping but it was a necessary evil so that I could be thoroughly surprised by party! Sigh. My hubbie rocks!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Trying to Get it Together

Yesterday was one of those days where I could never quite get it together. I woke up in an inexcusably grumpy mood, only to find that JB had gotten up at some point and gone to the bar. Now, this may seem rather strange that my hubbie got out of bed in the middle of the night to hit the local pub but it really isn't that strange. See, JB mainly works a graveyard shift four nights a week. On his "days off" he tries to switch back to a normal sleeping schedule so that we can spend our time together and even get a little snuggle-time in at night without him having to watch me sleep while trying to sit still, bored out of his mind. Either way, he left to visit his friend that was bartending and play Golden Tee, his favorite bar game of all time.

So, I woke up, grumpy and without someone to make me coffee. Sigh. I guess I was getting used to being extremely spoiled lately.

I got ready as usual and was out the door still feeling a little off. It was overcast and generally feeling like a good rain was going to come out and give this little city a good washing. After living most of my life in the South West I tend to get spoiled by too many days in a row of sunshine and clear skies. The cloudiness was not helping.

I got to work and tried to pick myself up with the usual snack and busy schedule but found myself on endless errands for the ol' boss. You see, I run an office as well as assist the big boss. I started out as his personal assistant a few years ago, running his errands and generally making sure he showed up at the right place at the right time wearing the right thing. We have a great understanding and I don't mind doing his mind-numbing chores but yesterday, I just didn't want to take his cars to get serviced. As much fun as it can be to sit for hours, watching dirty mechanics change oil and rotate tires, there were just other things I'd rather be doing. So, with a giant roll of my eyes, I set out to take his cars in for general maintenance.

A few hours later I got a call from JB.

"Hey babe, I'm at your office and I brought lunch" – I sighed deeply with love and hunger, promising to run back as quickly as possible.

JB made lunch (taco salad) at home and brought it to me to pick up my day. It was very tasty and an amazingly sweet thing to do but somehow it just didn't bring me out of the funk. I can't say exactly what the problem was but it was just one of those days where I couldn't be my normal perky self. I made jokes and went through the motions all day but what I really wanted was to crawl back into bed and try to wake up on the "right side" to start all over again.

When work was finally over I scooted across town to find JB building cubbies for our closet out in the garage. I asked him to build some shelves for my purses in lieu of a birthday present this year and he has been hard at work. I asked for, what I thought, was a simple project but it seems that he has taken it up a notch, adding a pull down lever and a rocking unit for easy access. I'm not exactly sure what the final project is going to look like but it sounds fancy and I just hope I can figure it out without dumping the entire contents on my head every time I want to change out purses. I'll post pictures when it is finally finished.

I never did get over the whole grump attitude that I had going until after dinner. JB cooked (again, because he's cool like that) salmon, zucchini and whole wheat pasta and then we watched The Simpson's Movie. After a full tummy and some quality snuggle time I can say that I finally lost the funk and enjoyed a good laugh while watching the Simpson's. If only I'd know that was what it would take, I would've just started out my day with that and come into work a little late… Ah well, may be next time…

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

A Bartender's Wife 2007 Review

I found this meme via Average Jane and decided it might be a good way to officially end 2007 and begin 2008. I'm sorry I haven't posted in ages but I suppose I need to get back into the habit. Perhaps I should start my own NabloPamo(sp?) for the month of January.

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
I got married!!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't think that I made any New Year's resolutions last year but this year I hope to continue on this healthy eating thing that JB and I have been doing. I've lost 11 lbs and counting!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Summer had little River, Tia had Hayden and several friends are currently pregnant. Actually, it seems like everyone is expecting this year.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
I lost my Aunt Darla & a family friend names Neils and JB lost his Grandmother and Uncle

5. What countries did you visit?
We went to Tahiti, Bora Bora & Moorea on our honeymoon. It was absolutely amazing I highly recommend visiting there if you ever have a chace.

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
I would like to be healthier overall and have more energy. I was sick a lot in 2007 and taking antibiotics four or five times in one year can't be great for your system.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Ooo, there were several but definitely the wedding day 4/14

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving into the new house and completely gutting the inside to revamp it and make it ours. JB did such an amazing job, I suppose it wasn't just my achievement but I am very proud of how great everything looks so far.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Letting my insurance lapse, then not going to the doctor until I was really really sick because I didn't want to pay for it...

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
The chronic sinus infection sure is sucky but other than constantly feeling like I have a cold I guess not! Ha~

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I received some very cool gifts this year i.e. the wii, a set of pearls from my parents, a beautiful tahitian pearl from the honeymoon, the wedding itself, a new house and all the accessories, all the wedding presents, the honeymoon itself, a wine of the month club subscription, etc. Needless to say, it has been an extremely fruitful year.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
JB has worked very hard this year on the house, planning the surprise honeymoon, putting up with my craziness and dealing with a very painful fractured tooth over Christmas and New Years- poor guy...

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? whoever the people are that broke into our office twice (including yesterday) and ransacked our stuff. Why do people feel the need to steal anyway?

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, a new house, interior work and booze...

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The Wedding and more importantly, the Honeymoon!

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
"My Best Friend" Tim McGraw, "I Loved Her First" Heartland- for two of my favorite men in my life

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Definitely Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Definitely Thinner!! Wahoo!
c) richer or poorer?
Richer in love and life

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
organizing and crafts

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
sitting around being lazy and sick

20. How did you spend Christmas?
We spent the holiday with my family at my parent's house and then celebrated over the new year's weekend with JB's family at our house. We had a double wammy of fun this year!

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
As cheesey as it sounds, I fall in love a little more every day

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Heroes, although we just started watching the first season on DVD but it is awesome!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Hate is such a strong and nasty word. I don't think I hate anyone, I have been frustrated with people but I definitely don't hate anyone.

24. What was the best book you read?
I read a lot but nothing really stands out at the moment except the newest Harry Potter novel.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I can't think of one, I know, I'm boring

26. What did you want and get?
I wanted to be able to spend the Holidays with both families and we managed to do that at the last moment with a surprise visit from the in-laws! Yeah!

27. What did you want and not get?
I wanted a big fat bonus from the boss but I suppose just knowing I have a job and a little security there will do for now.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I can't think of everything I saw this year but I recently watched "P.S. I Love You" with Hilary Swank and it really hit the spot with me emotionally. I recommend watching it.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 27 and my birthday was fairly lowkey. JB had to work so I went out to dinner with my parents and then got hammered at his bar with my mom. There is nothing like waking up the next morning and remembering throwing back shots with your mother while yelling at her to "stop being a pussy and finish your shot" - ooooh what a night.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
JB liking his job a bit more, making him happy there would make us happier at home.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
varied, depending on the day

32. What kept you sane?
deep breaths, the internet, my furry babies and my amazing husband

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I'm not sure about this one

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
healthcare and education

35. Who did you miss?
All of my friends and family that don't live close enough

36. Who was the best new person you met?
I'm not sure there is a best one but Tara was definitely a nice addition to my group of friends

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007. Breathe deep and if that doesn't work then call JB so he can tell you how much he loves you- for some reason this always calms my nerves; oh, and never give anything expecting the same in return because it will probably just make you disappointed.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. "Just breathe..."