Home Sweet Home...

Well, we're back from vacation...

Las Vegas has to be one of the best places on earth.

SHD and I LOVE Vegas. We have such a great time there.

I think because of SHD's gambling habits, I just might get to go on another cruise someday... just because there's a casino on board.

Vegas was great.

SHD's Sister and I saw Celine Dion... and I'm proud to say it was one of the best show's I've seen. I really like her... I don't care how much shit I get either. It was amazing.

SHD and I went to the Price Is Right, Live Show... my ticket was a Christmas gift from SHD's Mom and another Sister. We didn't get called up on stage, but it sure was like we were at the original show. We had a blast.

I'm not rich, but I didn't spend near the amount of money I actually took.

Now my only decision is... do I take my extra vacation money and pay some bills... or get that new tattoo I'm considering?

Tomorrow I'll talk about the pipe that burst in the dining room upon our return to frigid KC... but today... I'd like to bask a little more in the great vacation we had.

Why do I watch these things?

Because sometimes they kick ass!

I just love to watch people dance, like really dancing. Probably because I can’t do it. So when I see movies and shows where they dance, and they are really good dancers, I’m a sucker and most likely I’ll watch.

So, I’ll admit that I’ve been recording the “Dirty Dancing” reality dancing show on WE. I pretty much fast forward the bulk of the show (because the actual show is kinda lame) and just watch the final dance where the guy has to choose his “Baby” character.

Last night I watched the most recent new show. They were dancing hip-hop and there was a red-headed gal and a super cool Asian chick (can you tell who I liked best?). The Asian gal, her name was pronounced Va, kicked ass. She was super cool and good. The red-headed gal was OK, I mean, I couldn’t do what she did, but she was stiff and just didn’t move like Va.

So the guy had to pick his partner and said, “there’s only one choice, only one partner that I can take to the championships and win with”. And he chose Va. Kick ass right? No, it gets better.

Va asked for the microphone and asked to speak. She told Mr. “Thinks-he’s-hotter-than-he-really-is”, (this isn’t really a quote, but a run down of how I interpreted her little speach) “I came out here tonight and really rocked it out; dancing is one of the only things that I truly love and just wanted to have fun. This past week, you have taken the fun out of dancing for me. This is where my journey ends.”

So, Mr. “Thinks-he’s-hotter-than-he-really-is” has to choose the other gal to stay in the competition. She’s all like… “you can only win with one person? But that person wasn’t me?” but then agrees to stay in the competition and dance with that creep! Get it… because he’s hot! I see some pretty steep self esteem issues there.

Anyway… I guess you’ll find drama anywhere you look these days.

One more thing… and then I’ll quit, I promise.

People are giving Simon a really hard time for berating people on this year’s American Idol. Please… if you’ve watched the show and you look like a circus freak, how could you NOT expect to be belittled. If you are a parent, please, stop lying to these circus freaks (Mom of the Novela writer) and spare them the embarrassment of looking like a complete ass on television.
IMO, if you go on national TV to try out for something you have absolutely no business doing, you deserve to hear the things Simon has to say. Go Simon!

I am the Queen of Patience...

Update on the job front...

I have been notified that the interview process for the job I so desperately want... is temporarily on hold. This makes me a little sad.

Apparently, I am the only qualified candidate (my interpretation of what I was told) and they would like more than one person to interview with the department before they make their final decision.

My interpretation of being the only qualified candidate stems from the email I received saying that although they are definitely interested in having me come back for a second interview, they want 2-3 qualified candidates to interview with their department (within the same week) and at this time, they didn't have any others for a second interview... so, that leads me to think that I'm the only person they are interested in hiring at this time.

I wish they would just realize that this job is a perfect fit for me (I actually told her that) and that they are just delaying the inevitable.

I'm the best. They would love me... and I really think I would love them too.

Next week... Las Vegas... I LOVE vacationing with SHD... I can't wait. Send me winning thoughts!

Ha... Haa... Haaa... Haaaa!

"Dear Lord," the preacher began with arms extended and a rapturous look on his upturned face, "without you we are but dust..."

He would have continued, but at that moment one very obedient little girl (who was listening carefully) leaned over to her mother and asked quite audibly in her shrill little girl voice,

"Mommy, WHAT is butt dust?"

Church was pretty much over at that point...

Maybe I’m just a silly romantic…

I’m listening to the soundtrack to Moulin Rouge and I LOVE IT. Moulin Rouge is a truly kick ass movie.

So, the other day a small group of us were talking about books. I’ll admit that I’m not an avid reader. But when I do read, aside from Janet Evanovich (who's a mystery writer), I want it to be something that is mindless, exciting (not kinky), funny and romantic... hopelessly romantic.

I like to read books that make you feel good… not always with a “happily ever after” because sometimes the ending is tragic (i.e. Message in a Bottle, which IMO the movie did NO justice to) but the love story is incredible. Nicholas Sparks and Jennifer Crusie are the authors coming to mind right now that I absolutely love.

I think I inherit from my Mother. I like to be entertained when I read, reading is a relaxing thing and I don’t want to have to think a lot. No, I’m not lazy, either. :)

We also talked about these books portraying an unattainable goal. No man, I don’t care who they are, does the things the men in these books do. Seriously. Have you read the Notebook? That stuff just doesn’t happen.

Don’t get me wrong… I have met many super wonderful men. Even some considered to be pretty romantic and they still don’t do the things written in some of these books… and there’s nothing wrong with that. As long as you’re in love and feel loved, that’s all that really matters.

But just for the record… not giving flowers because “they’re just going to die anyway” is not a good enough excuse not to give them. Girls like them... they don't have to be delivered to the office... they don't have to cost a fortune... hell, steal them from you next door neighbor... we don't care. Flowers make girls happy.

I want this t-shirt!!!

And a happy new year...

I'm not sure about anybody else... but I drank WAY too much champagne on New Year's Eve! I LOVE cheap champagne!!!

I hope that everyone is happy and safe in 2007. I usually like to stick close to home (thank goodness most of our friends live close by) because I am scared to death of stoopid drunk drivers on New Year's. I was hit head-on when I was 16 by a drunk driver... I don't want to tempt fate by asking for trouble... ya know?

Anybody know where I can find a cheap... cheap, manequin head and dress form?

I need a head to model my stocking hat creations... and a dress form to help me sew something that isn't meant to necessarily fit me.

Anyways... much love to all in 2007!

I hope *fingers crossed* the gym isn't filled to capacity. I'm starting my from "Couch to 5K" tonight... again. I just found out that an old friend ran his first marathon in October. Yay for you! I want to do that too!

MySpace…

Is not only a place for dirty, nasty, child molesting wierdos… it’s also a place to find friends you haven’t seen in a while.

I don’t spend much time there (it’s banned at work and I seem to only check it after a night of drinking) but I’m always surprised to see a friend request from someone I absolutely adore that I (shamefully)allowed myself to lose contact with.

That’s the thing about who I used to be… I totally lost contact with most of my dear friends when I was dating/engaged/married to my ex-husband. I was lost… I forgot who I was… but only for a bit. What’s sad is that when I finally woke up, the people I used to hang with were not in the same places they were before, you know, because time changes everything.

So I’ve decided that when I once thought it was silly to have a MySpace page (I thought it was silly to drink Boone’s Farm outside of high school parties too…), I’ve decided that MySpace rocks… if for no other reason to see what’s going on in the lives of those I’ve lost contact with.

This is REALLY Cool...

I just totally fell in love...

I found it here.

And now I wait on pins and needles...

I think I NAILED it! *as I grin from ear to ear*

I had the most wonderful interview this morning... she's asked me to come back for a second interview mid-January!

I WANT this job! It sounds perfect for me.

I'm so excited!!!!!!!

Do me a favor?

I have a job interview tomorrow... I would appreciate you sending your happy thoughts my way.

This job could be a very good thing for me... and I want to do really well.

I just need to remember to... be myself... and what is meant to be... happens!


And... Thanks! for the nice words about my aprons. :) You'll just really have to see them in person... they are so much cuter!

At Last... Pics!

OK, so since Twit was not here to model my aprons, you get the flat/laid on the recliner version.



This apron is for SHD's Mom... it is a standard design with rounded corners, contrasting ruffle on the bottom, ties around the neck and waist and a small pocket. The apron (including ties) are fully lined in red.



This apron is for one of SHD's Sisters... it has an empire, gathered waist, fully lined in bright pink with criss-cross ties in the back (yes, the pocket is supposed to be folded down).



This apron is for another of SHD's Sisters... I love the simplicity of this apron. It is a standard shape lined in lightweight denim and edged with a contrasting fabric with a big pocket in the middle to hold all of your "stuff".

The last apron I'm showing (one I'm re-doing and one I still have yet to make) is one that was originally going to be a gift, but the more I got into it, the more I fell in love with it... sooo, I'm keeping it.



This is my (one of them) apron... I added darts to fit the bust and there is a diagonal empire type waist. I am not quite finished with this one... I still need to line with bright pink, make the ties around the waist and add a pocket. This fits (and imo looks) more like a dress... if I only wear this apron while cooking... SHD will be eating very good... soon!

I hope you like my pictures... I wish you could see them in person, but since these are gifts, I guess you'll have to wait for your own! (Let me know if you'd like one... I can't promise you'd get it soon, but I will eventually finish all my projects, right?)

A Boy and His Dog...

Here's a thought... I was sent a story about a little 4 year old boy and his feelings about his dog who was dying of cancer and needed to be put to down. After the dog passed this is what he had to say...

"People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice. Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

* You'd better see the disclaimer *

Soon I will be posting pics of my crafting adventures.

*** Beware… I’m thinking pretty highly of myself today *… so if you’re afraid you might barf at my arrogance *… stop now. You've been warned. ***

I think I may have a different Calling. I love crafting!

I love knitting, I love crocheting, and I also love sewing.

With my new found addiction to crafting, I joined a crafting book club. I think it’s funny. I’ve bought all these books… and I’m actually using them! I love it!

One of the books I got was on and about Aprons… you know, we don’t wear aprons as much as we should.

It’s no secret that I don’t really like to cook… I mean, the everyday cooking that you’re supposed to do, like dinner. I like the instant gratification of take-out for dinner. But I do enjoy cooking for special occasions, like Christmas! This Christmas we’re having snack style foods at my Mom’s house (not on Christmas day). I’m bringing my super famous (well really this other lady’s super famous) Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie. It is a very labor intensive apple pie… definitely not easy… but I love making it.

Back to the point… So I’m thinking that if I don’t really enjoy cooking… if I look pretty while I do it… it might be a little better/easier? It’s just a thought… So I’m making one-of-a-kind original NutScraps aprons as Christmas gifts for SHD’s ladies (aka. his Sisters and Mom) and my Aunt and I’ll make one for myself after Christmas. I’m working with a sewing machine, thread, fabric from JoAnn’s and the wildly vivid pictures… pictures in my head. No patterns required… ala from scratch.

It’s so much fun! I’m even thinking I’d like to take sewing lessons… or whatever I can do to learn how to do it better. Don’t get me wrong… they are constructed beautifully (if I don’t say so myself) but I’ll admit things like darts are a struggle, I’ll pull out stitches a few times before its right. I can’t wait to post my pics (first I’ll have to take them though).

*I warned you I was feeling a bit proud today…*

With each apron I make, I like them better and better! I’m really letting go and the ideas are just flowing out. It’s a shame it takes so long for me to create these masterpieces; I could possibly sell them. At least that’s what my Mom says… and I’m not convinced that she’s just saying it because I’m her daughter and she's supposed to think everything I do is amazing.

So, in addition to my fabulously great aprons I’m also making these cute Winter/Christmas themed crochet things for my Grandparents. I think I have a pic around here somewhere… a stocking cap for my Dad and a felted purse for my sister.

Wow. This has turned into the longest post ever! Guess I’m feeling a bit talkative today.

I’m torn…

I’m happy… but torn.

First, the happy part.

I’ve got an interview!!! Not just an interview at any old place… and interview where Toast works!!!

List of Pros:
The pay would be more than I’m making now… although not as much as I’d like to make.
My commute would be shorter and I’d be working South of home and wouldn’t have to drive Downtown everyday.
I might be salary instead of hourly.
Toast says the benefits are great and I’d love all the foofy things they do to celebrate different holidays and employee appreciation things (since we’re a not-for-profit hospital there’s not much splurging on fun and entertainment here).
I’d have normal PTO and won’t have to work holidays (even the ones like Martin Luther King, Jr. Day).
I’d work with Toast!

I’d work closer to our group of friends and might be able to go out to lunch on occasion.
I’d get to go out to lunch on occasion… period.
I’d park close to the building I work in and wouldn’t have to ride the “insta-car sickness” shuttle twice a day.

List of Cons:
I really, really like my Boss here. We’ve become good work friends.
I work for a truly great organization… my job may not be the best, but they do really great things here and I’m proud to say that I work here.
Again, I really, really like my Boss and would really hate to leave her.

This is the dilemma I always face when looking for a new job. I don’t like the “leaving” part. It’s not that I feel like I’m quitting… and it’s not that I don’t understand that in order to move forward you have to leave some things behind… it’s also not that I think they won’t get by and find someone just as good as me to replace me (but seriously, is there anyone as good as me?)… I just get anxious and nervous with a huge pit in my stomach at the thought of putting in my notice.

Replacing employees is hard and I feel guilty when I know that my Boss, who’s so busy already, will have to scramble to find someone else to do the (limited) amount of work I do now. Plus, since we’ve become friends, we talk about personal stuff. She confides in me and if I’m gone… who will she confide in? I keep her sane. I guess I’d feel like I was abandoning her.

Wow… think I wear my heart on my sleeve?

Do I feel older?

Not really... but I never had acid reflux when I was 27. :)

I have had a fantastic day!

I went to breakfast at Succotash with greatest friends... and boyfriend. Went shopping (spent my GC on shoes), took a nap... then had dinner at Sol Azteca with those same friends + one.

I'm truly such a lucky gal. I'm surrounded by people who inspire me to be greater than I am, people who truly care about those around them and people who I love.

My Grandpa and I share the same birthday... today he is 80. I love him... he tells the greatest stories. He knew President Truman... even kept a secret about Bess wrecking their car while he was out of the country on business! :)

I'm such a lucky gal.

So, Happy 28th Birthday to me!

Meet Aminishiki... my newest friend...

He's very cute in person...

I'm stuck... and not in the snow...

I'm stuck in my office.

We are required to park off-site where I work. Shuttle busses take the employees to and from the parking lot.

Today, with the snow and ice and traffic of downtown KC crazies trying to get home... the busses can't get to and from the hospital in a timely manner.

I waited in line (along with 200+) other people for almost 30 minutes before I turned around, got out of line and went back to my desk.

I've been in my office for almost an hour now... and the line is still there. I can't walk to my car, not only because it's five city blocks away and I don't want to get hit by the crazies who don't know how to drive in the snow, but I'm taking an ass load of work home in hopes that I can work from home tomorrow.

I'm stuck... and I haven't even seen the snow yet.

Oh, and I left my cell phone at home today. I called SHD from my desk phone (I'm amazed I know his phone number) and told him I would call again before I headed home. If it takes longer than 2 hours... I asked him to come look for me on Holmes.

Maybe I'll just take a nap. *wink*

At least he knows when he's being bad...

Anyone who has gone out to dinner with me knows they can eat my 'after dinner mint' without even asking.

I hate mint... with an absolute passion. I even use cinnamon toothpaste. The smell of peppermint is the worst... it actually will make me sick to my stomach.

SHD just sent me this message... it made me laugh.

"I'm eating Junior Mints.
It feels kind of dirty."

It's funny. He's vegetarian so I don't bring meat in the house... I hate mint, so he doesn't bring mints into the house. I guess the difference is, I'll eat meat in front of him and not feel a thing.

Bwahahahah! I am the devil.