The Best of 2007!

So, I keep thinking of writing up a post of all of my New Years Resolutions, but I am just to lazy to think them all out... maybe not being so damn lazy should really be at the top of my resolution list. It would help with many other resolutions like start working out a little, or maybe cook at home more...anyway, I figure I can totally buy a little extra time on the resolution topic with a year in review post from Bio-Girl!

I love going back and reading my blog. I always feel a little silly doing it, and it isn't at all like I sit there thinking, "MAN, I am a GREAT Writer!!", but I do get a kick out of some of the old posts. Usually it just brings back memories of things that would have long ago been forgotten had I not gotten it down in writing. So, as a special treat to you all (what, this doesn't really seem like a treat at all...having you reread old posts...whatever) I will go ahead and list a few of the posts that I think top the charts from 2007. You don't really have to go back and read them...but you know you kinda want to!

• Remember this little gem when I busted out the seam in my pants.
• and then there was that time I decided (and then was held to my word) to donate my hair to Lock's of Love
• and I had totally forgotten about the time I was driving around with the "broken" AC
• of course that annual evaluation at work...
• or when I was so sure it was snowing...
• and when I realized I was the key master
• or when I allowed my mind to wonder for 12 hours in the car
• and that one time I got stuck on the roof...
• Oh, and pushing the truck
• and (Just for you Mandy) that picture of my curly hair

So, there are ten posts that are worth reading over. They might not be the best, because due to the previously mentioned laziness, I did not actually read them. Rather, I scanned the titles and grabbed the ones I remembered. Hope you enjoy them and have a wonderful New Years Eve! See you in 2008!

Back To Normal...but Bigger

Our house is small. It works really well for us, and although we commonly think it would be nice to have a little more room (maybe a larger dinning room so we can have more people over for dinner and use that China, or a larger family room so we can actually host parties when it is cold outside) on a daily basis it is perfect for us. I commonly think of the country song "Loves Grows Best in Little Houses" and it makes me smile. Loves grows well at our house.

So, most of the year our house is small, but comfy. Then Thanksgiving rolls around and it is time for the Christmas decorations. We go all out. We both have big families that we buy for, so by the time actual Christmas rolls around we are busting at the seems with the tree, the decorations, the TONS of wrapped gifts. I love every second of it! Now, this year we added in the fact that we were down one entire bedroom. All of the furniture from our room was in the guest room, which was where we were also living. Christmas in the living room, dining room and kitchen, two bedrooms, two adults one dog and one cat living in the guest room. Our house was about to bust.

That was up until Monday. Monday the gifts started clearing out, and by Tuesday night the living room looked half empty with only the decorations and the tree. Then on Thursday they came and put in the carpet for the master bedroom. The last step. We could move back in! When I came home Thursday night Nick had somehow managed to put the entire room back together by himself. IT. IS. AMAZING! I will load pictures soon...really. But for now I will tell you how wonderful it is to be back in our bed. Back in our room. Back to normal...

Yesterday I came home from work with plans of cleaning up the house for Nick's cousin who is in from South Carolina with his girlfriend. I get home and imagine my extreme joy to see that Nick had single handedly taken down all the Christmas decorations!!! (How much do I love that the University gives him off the entire week between Christmas and New Years...) He had packed them all up and just needed me to hand them up to him in the attic. I usually wait until New Years Day to take them down, but Nick thought with our company it would just be easier to get it done. No complaints here! I love putting them up, but HATE taking them down. Once they were in the attic we cleaned up the house. Really cleaned. Spotless cleaned. Then we went to the grocery and stocked the fridge. Let me tell you, all is now right with the world. All is better than right. For now, my house feels like a palace. We have so much room! The addition on the bedroom makes all the difference in there. It is perfect. The guest room is back to normal, the entire house is back to normal...normal, but bigger. And bigger is great!

20 Questions

Our Christmas totally rocked. We had two days of eating and laughing and opening gifts. I wish we could have seen everyone we love, but considering the amount of time we actually had, we did pretty great! We also walked away with an amazing haul of presents...not that that is what Christmas is about, but just saying...MAN, we cleaned up! We got a new flat screen TV for the bedroom (with build in DVD player...that was totally worth going out on Black Friday to get) and a portable DVD player (so I can stop stealing Charing's kids...) plus Nick got a new table saw, and I got the new debit card Monopoly....Nick got a drill, I got a blow dryer, tons of clothes, a beautiful new ring, Wii Olympics....lots and lots of great gifts.


We loved it all. Seriously. But there was this one gift that has totally captured my mind. This one little random extra present from my mom. She got me this Harry Potter 20 Questions game. You can think of anything, (ANYTHING) from any of the seven books or five movies. It will play 20 questions with you and it ALWAYS gets the answer. I am talking really obscure things. Blast Ended Shrew...got it. Hagrid's Pink Umbrella...got it. Fleur...got her. Godric's Hollow...got it. Resurrection Stone...got it. SERIOUSLY. I know how 20 questions works, but this still blows my mind. Any character, any item, any location...20 questions. It did take 22 questions to get the resurrection stone, but in its defence it guessed Tom's Diary, which is down the same lines. I also liked that it didn't give up. Oh no, it knew it could figure it out! Plus it taunts you. That's right. It tells me it is smarter than I am...it is so funny to me.

So, I guess my point is that I think that I have rediscovered a lost joy of Christmas. It has been a very long time since I got a simple toy like this. I usually get clothes and maybe some big electronic. Those gifts are wonderful the entire year long. We use them and love them and always always appreciate them. But sometimes, sometimes it is nice to just get a simply toy and play with it a million times over a period of about a week. Then, most likely, never look at it again. But that doesn't matter. Because for now, I am totally in love. thanks for the wonderful gift mom!

Christmas is Coming...

Well, it's nearly here. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and in this house that is the true start of Christmas. Nick's parents are divorced, so we rotate each year who we spend Christmas Eve with (the same parent that we spend actual Thanksgiving with) and who gets us on Christmas Day. My parents always get us on Thanksgiving Day and on Christmas Day...because they are my parents...which I am thinking needs no further explanation...

We were planning on staying the night with Nick's mom tonight because it is her year for Christmas Eve, but we just have so much to do around the house. I was out tonight finally finishing up my Christmas shopping (I say this as if it is some big achievement, but really it is the very last minute. Done or not, Christmas is here!) and Nick was sanding the drywall in the addition. We spent the day with my grandparents on my moms side, which was really nice. While we are with Nicks mom tomorrow, my dad's side of the family (you know...the blogging side) will all be getting together. I hate missing the family time, but I guess when you grow up and get married, holidays just seem to get a little more complicated.

Christmas morning Nick and I will wake up and exchange gifts between the two of us. Then, it looks like there is a good chance I will be heading into work. How sad is that? Tarp always does the big holidays, so I have no room to complain, but he called me from North Carolina and said his car is all sorts of messed up. He thinks it might be the transmission, but he isn't sure. Him and Jim are basically stuck until they can get someone to look at it and get it back on the road for them. With it being the holidays, I am thinking it will be hard to get that done and be back in time to work. If I do have to go in, it really will only take me about an hour...it is just the hassle of working on Christmas day. Once I am done there we will head to Nick's Dad's house, then back to our house for Christmas Dinner with my family.

This sounds like a lot....I know it is a lot, but to be honest, I just love it. I love the fact that at the holidays you make yourself make time. While I was at my grandparents today I just kept thinking that I should do this more. I should make more time. I am a busy person. We have full lives....and maybe this is one reason I love Christmas so much. It isn't the gifts or the shopping. It honestly is the time with the people I love.

Speaking of the people I love...I finally got around to updating my photo slide show on my Myspace page. Most people do this on a regular basis...mine was like two years old. So, with all that work I thought you all might enjoy watching it as well! I am thinking I will not be blogging again until after Christmas, so I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday with the people you love. Merry Christmas!

A Random Story

Sorry I have not been posting as much as normal. I am sure I don't have to explain that it's Christmas, so....you know....it's really busy around our house. On top of normal Christmas crazy, we have the addition in full swing. (mental note to self to eventually load pictures of addition on blog...). Missy is moving in in January, plus we have company coming into town for New Years, so we are really trying to get the bedroom done, so people who come to stay don't have to sleep on the couch...that just doesn't seem as hospitable.

Anyway, last night Nick was working on the room. I came home from work late(Tarp and the GM are both off so they can travel to their families for the holidays) and throw together an easy dinner. Have you all had the TJM Philly Cheese Steaks? I just searched for a link to show them to you, but couldn't come up with it. It doesn't matter. They come in a bag in the freezer section. They have the break and onions and cheese...They are WONDERFUL. Now, as a fair warning, they are terrible for you. Don't even bother to look at the nutritional information. It will only break your heart. Wow, totally of the actual subject of this post here...lets try again...

So, after dinner Nick goes back to work in the bedroom and I head out to do some Christmas shopping. I am extremely unsuccessful, but do come home with two new things for me! I get home around ten. I walk in, toss on my new cozy sleeping pants and ignore Nicks protests that I already have ten pairs of sleeping pants, and really...how many do I need. I lay on the couch and then I remember. I need ovulation strips. Damn it. I really need them. We are using this magical little digital meter, and if I miss a day I have this feeling that all will be lost. I yet again ignore Nicks protests that with the insurance deal, we aren't even trying this month, so what does it matter. I want to let the meter to get to know me...I want to track my days. I want to go get the strips.

So...off go the sleeping pants and on go the jeans. I tell Nick I am running down the street to Rite Aid. Well, who knew that Rite Aid closes?? I didn't. I go to get out my phone to let Nick know I will be a little longer than I thought, but apparently I didn't bring my phone. Whatever, he will figures it out. I run to Kroger. No strips. I run to Walgreen's. VICTORY! Now, here is the point of this never ending story....When I get back home Nick is in the driveway. When I left he was in his boxers on the couch. He has on his cords and his baseball hat (so cute in a hat as a side note). He has his jacket on and the hood up...because it is raining. Now, here is the kicker. He has his bike out. That's right. He was pumping up the tires...to come and look for me. Yes. I pull up and he has this huge grin on his face. He is embarrassed. It takes me a second...I say, "Were you...coming to look for me?? On your bike?!?!" We both get so tickled. He says, "WELL...You have been gone a REALLY long time!!"

He then says he spent so long getting the tires pumped up he wants to go for a ride...but I talk him out of it. It is raining...and really late. We both just laugh and head back into the house. I have thought about it all day. I have decided a few things from the events of last night.

1. I sure do love my husband
2. I really need to remember my phone when I go out late at night
3. We could really use another car...maybe Santa will bring us one

Christmas Party!

So, do you know what is an absolutely terrible idea to do on the day of your Friend Christmas Party??? Trying a totally new hair style. You may think this sounds harmless, but you are mistaken. You see, when you try a new hair style, you need to work out all kinks...and that is difficult to do when you are already running a little late...

So here is what happened. I usually straighten my hair. While in the shower one hour before we are suppose to be at the party I think, "Man, it has been a long time since I let my hair be curly. I am going to go with that!" I jump out of the shower and put in the gel. I then manage to get some rockin' 80's kink going on. All is well until I go to get my curling iron to get it under control. Apparently my curling iron has been lost. How is this possible? Who the hell knows. It has gone the way of my blow dryer...I am currently using a travel blow dryer from my high school days, but that is a different story. Yes, I am a fool. Anyway, I then quickly grab for my hot rollers. All I apparently own in that department are these spiral "Lock and Roll" hot rollers from the mid 90's...right. So, I go with that. This is the result. I know you are all totally jealous.

I have about three minutes and Nick keeps asking me if I am ready yet (but yes, I did stop and make him take my picture...come on, this was worth it). I am digging through all bags and baskets in the bathroom looking for a God forsaken hair tie. I yell to Nick that I cannot seem to find ANY hair ties and he says (innocently I might add) "well, there are always so many around the house I have been cutting them and throwing them away"...WHAT! So now I have nothing to pull this back with...I do manage to dig up a couple of Bobby pins. I solemnly swear to never do a new hair style when I will have one million pictures taken of myself...*sigh* Anyway...on with the party!
Here is me and Nick at Charing and Scott's annual Christmas Party! (The hair did actually come together okay I think...)

Our Christmas party has really grown over the last few years. It started as just the ZPO girls at Charing's house, but eventually we made it for couples. This year we were up to twenty people. That's a large group for a sit down dinner and Christmas exchange! Everyone did really wonderful with their secret Santa presents and we all had so much fun! Now..for lots and lots of pictures!

Here are all of the ZPO's!

My little sister Missy and her boyfriend Weston

Boo and Liz...such a group of bloggers....

Me and Tarp...

Candice and Davis looking adorable in their matching red

Me and the perfect hostess!

Ryan and Arielle

Rhi and Travis

Liz and Cory

The boys...I totally stole this pic from Liz's blog because they were both a blur in all my pics and they are so stinkin' cute here!

Anyway, there were tons of great pictures because it was really a great night! I love Christmas and I love parties, so basically this was perfect! Hope everyone had as much fun and we did!

Not the Best Start...

Well, I am officially on my three day weekend. This one had been greatly anticipated, seeing as how I had hellishly long days at work last Saturday and Sunday and we are all around extremely crazy busy this week. That being said, I am having a little bit of guilt with being out of the lab. I mean, since the beginning of the Friday-off routine, we have said that we take our day no matter what. If we get into the habit of coming in on our days off, then we will eventually lose the days entirely. Two people are always capable of handling it for a day...and if they are there late that night, so be it. It will be you there late next time and you will know it is okay, it is just one day and isn't that big of a deal...except today it seems like a big deal. I just feel like I am abandoning them...I called Tarp and told him I would come in (something we have all done from time to time when we are worried it is just to much) and he is thinking it over. Usually the answer if automatically no, but this week is different. This week is CRAZY. We will see, but looks like my long weekend might be cut a little short. Not that I really mind. I got to sleep in and pick up my house...I am good to go in for a few hours!

In addition to the guilty start to my three day weekend, Ellie managed to take the joy of the day down a bit for me too. I let her out this morning, then made my coffee. I let her back in and we headed to the office, her with her treat and me with my jo, for a nice relaxing morning of checking emails and reading blogs. As I sit down...I smell something. I think she may have gas because, well...it is just the two of us here, and I don't have gas, so it must be Ellie. I ignore it (it is polite) but then it gets stronger. I think maybe she is sick or something...but then I look at her. For the very first time in her life she had decided to sounded like fun to roll in poo. That's right people! I know some dogs do this a lot, but not mine! This has never been an issue in our house. Why in the heck after six years of life would she thing, "Man, you know what sounds fun?? Some Poo rolling!!"

So, that was the end of the nice morning of coffee and blogs. Instead I dropped her in the tub. She was in serious need of a bath anyway, and now she has the lovely smell of Pantene on her coat. Once the bath was done, then I started to clean the house. Starting in the hair covered bathroom. Now I am locked in my office with Smelly Ellie because I have a Chimney Sweep going to town in my living room. One of Nicks Dad's Friends had his house burn down because of a Chimney fire, so we thought we should have it checked out. He informed me that "Nothing had been done to this chimney in "a VERY long time". Well, that's why we called you! I really want to ask him to speak with a British accent and maybe do a little song and dance, but I just can't bring myself to say it...come to think of it, that is probably best.

And...just because I think she is so cute...

I almost made it the whole year being good....Can I still get my presents...also mama, you make me look like a demon dog with my crazy red eye...

**UPDATE** Ellie says" Thank God my Papa can make me look normal! Nobody wants to look like a demon dog at Christmas."

All Wrong

So, apparently when I choose to do an update post, I should really check all my facts first. Lets see...we are not buying the car from our friends any more. They just aren't sure if they want to sell just yet (and I totally can't blame them, they are both finishing up school and they live in Cleveland, so the four wheel drive is nice) and we figured we should move on without them.

In other lies, it looks like Nick does not have to go to Pittsburgh until after the first of the year. They don't have the samples ready yet. With the holidays fast approaching, they are just going to wait a few weeks. On a side note, how awesome is it to work for a University?? I am not even talking about teaching here, which we know has wonderful hours, but just regular old working. Nick (and nearly the entire university staff) is off work from Christmas until after New Years Day. This is not vacation time, the entire week is just scheduled holidays....now why can't the rest of the jobs in the world realize we all need that time!

In other updates, this has by far been the easiest period I have had in years. I was so sure it was going to be terrible with me being so late. I just knew the endo was back, and it was all down hill from here. Not so much. I have nearly been like a normal person! I can't tell you how exciting this is for me...not to miss an entire week of life. Looks like I might be okay with the 43 day cycle!

Now, all of this is not that exciting. So if you want to see something really amazing, run over to Optimistically Waiting and check out the newest picture of my gorgeous niece!! I can't tell you how much it means to all of us to see her sweet face again...we just can't wait to bring her home!

A Dream

So I have gone over before how I feel about people telling all these details of their dreams....I am not a fan. Yet sometimes I break my own rules (I am crazy like that), and this is my blog so I can do what I want. I do want to say for the record, that I do know that I hate when people do this, and I don't care. Also, this isn't even my dream I am about to jump into, so there is something in that, right?

So here we go. My mom was at the post office in the town where she lives. (This is not the dream. This is a true part to my tale). My parent live in a town about an hour from the city where I grew up. This town is where my mom grew up, my parents met, and all my grandparents live, but when my parents had us they moved to the "big city". When my grandfather was sick my parents moved back to their home town and bought the house my grandparents had lived in forever. They now live their with my grandmother. Okay...good details on the back story...

So, like I said, my mom was at the post office the other day. While she is waiting her sisters childhood best friend walks in the door (we will call her Cathy...because I am about 80% sure that is her name...). They start chatting, being that they hadn't seen each other in years. They talk about their children, then Cathy says, "So tell my about your grandchildren!" My mom tells her that she doesn't have any grandchildren here just yet, but that her daughter is in the process of adopting her daughter from Guatemala.


Now, here is where the dream comes in. Cathy looks at my mom and says, "Well, I know this is strange, but I had a dream about you the other night!" My mom looks at her, thinking this is very odd indeed, but Cathy goes on. She tells my mom that in her dream, she was at my grandparents (on my dad's side...) house. She adds in at this point that she has no idea why she would be there, and she doesn't even know if my dad's parents still live there. My mom informs her that actually, her and my dad have lived in that house now for about 18 months. Cathy seems amazed by this fact and goes on with the rest of her story. Apparently in her dream she walks into the farm house and there is a little girl who is about two or two and a half years old with black curly hair. There is also a little nine month old boy that is reaching for the little girl with a really sweet little smile on his face. Cathy said she woke up and thought, "Now why in the heck am I dreaming about Nancy??", but now she knows it was my moms grandchildren.

So...I know I don't believe in dreams...but you gotta admit this one is a little crazy. I mean, this lady didn't even know my parents lived at the farm house...or about the adoption...and okay, I will admit it. I just really, really like the dream. Even if it is nothing more than a story, it really makes me happy to think that when Avery is two or two and a half we might have a new little boy here...who has a really sweet smile...

Things I Keep Meaning to Write About...

I have a million things I have brought up on here, then later I realize I never talked about any of these topics again. I always think, "Man, I should really post an update on that topic!" Then I promptly forget and go about my day. Later I sit down to write a post, my mind blank, and I finally settle on " I love Fudge"...Really?? That is my best topic?

So, on with the random updates:

*Looks like we might have a new car. We were talking to our friends who live up in Cleveland about our car search and told them we were looking for an 02-03 Xterra. They informed us that they have an 01 Xterra with 60,000 miles on it and they were thinking of trading in, and maybe we could just work out a deal! How amazing is that?? They are seeing if they are really able to get something new. If so, then we are doing the transfer when they are here for Christmas. We will soon be a two car family!

*The addition is really coming along. This deserves its own post, and I will give it one soon with pictures of the progress. You all will not believe how far it has come. It is an actual room now! It was windows and framed walls....the bedroom is drywalled and ready for putty, then paint. We are hoping to get the carpet in over the next couple of weeks and move back in!

* Did I mention that Nick and I had to clear out that entire room in order to get this done? We are living in the guest room, and my house is seriously overflowing with stuff...I can't wait to get everything put back together!

*Justin won tickets on the radio AGAIN. this time to some random concert. He is really the luckiest person I know.

*I finally started my period. It took 43 days. Lets hope this is not a new trend...

*Looks like Nick is heading to Pittsburgh next week. He has no idea what days he has to go because he avoided the guy who would have told him on Friday. I did tell him he was crazy and that he was not going to get out of it just by never finding out...one day he will hunt him down and say "Go NOW!". He is going up there by himself, and he is driving. I think it sounds exciting, but he thinks it sounds terrible. We are thinking he wont have to be there that much because this new microscope has amazing programing that will do a lot of the work for him. As soon as he actually finds out the details, I will let you all know!

And that is all I can think of off the top of my head on updates. Now, for some new topics that I will never go back to:

*Tonight is my works Christmas party. We are doing dinner at Outback and then going bowling. It should be a really great night! Okay, actually I hate bowling and really just wish we were doing dinner, but I am sure we will have a good time because we always do. Tarp has a new camera, so I am thinking there will be tons of pictures. I will try to remember to post them...

*My little sister Missy is moving in with me and Nick. That's right. I am thinking this will definitely be mentioned again...We are really excited about her coming to stay. She is living with our other sister Boo right now while she finishes up school. With baby Avery coming home soon, Boo and Chris need that extra room. Missy is graduating this month, and will then be looking for a job and saving up some money to get her own place. It will be really great having her in the house!

Okay...I am out. I am sure as soon as I hit post a flood of other topics will come to me, but for now here are your updates!

Fudge

I love fudge at Christmas time. I really don't like or eat fudge any other time of the year. This past year at the 4th of July I was going to Tarp's White Party and told him I would make these truffles that were filled with fudge and covered in white chocolate. They were heaven last Christmas, but on the 4th of July they were good...very good, but crazy sweet. During the holidays I guess the sweetness doesn't bother me as much...

So, with my insane love of fudge, I got started a little early with the Christmas baking. Last weekend I was at the grocery, noticed the evaporated milk, and basically went crazy filling my cart with all the ingredients I needed. I got stuff to make chocolate fudge, but also figured I could whip up some peanut butter fudge...and why not go ahead and make the white chocolate cookies and creme fudge too...Yep, I bought it all.

So I get home and right away decide to make the chocolate fudge. That very night. I pull out my mom's trusty best-fudge-ever recipe and get to work. The problem...apparently I had bought double ingredients for all three types of fudge. So what do I do people? Do I make the single or the double batch?? The double. Because, you know...everyone will want some. Right.

One batch Nick and I have nearly finished off ourselves. We have had some people over, and they take a piece here and there, but it really is mainly us. The second batch I so thoughtfully packed up and took to work. You know, the lab where only four people work. Yesterday Justin was sitting there eating some and said, "There is no way we ate all that fudge! Someone else must have been back there.." No, no Justin. It was just us. He did go on to say he couldn't wait to finish it so I could make the peanut butter...it's his favorite. Looks like another double batch. The peanut butter is also Nick's favorite, so it will be made this weekend. Then, as soon as that is done, the white chocolate...I love it. So it looks like my house will be stocked with fudge through the holidays. When I start bitching in January that I just don't know how I could have possibly put on all this weight, just remind me of the fudge. I will forget. At least I am smart enough to take everyone down with me. If I am putting on weight, so is everyone else around me!!

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

I have been extra good this year. I know that you have forbid me from wearing any of my new Christmas present clothes before actual Christmas day, but I was so hoping you would look into your heart and possibly make one exception. You see Santa, I have this Christmas work party coming up, and you got me this perfect hot pink sweater and dark jeans that would make the the absolute cutest person at the party. I would be so cute in fact that when I walk in, they will most likely give me a raise on the spot...and maybe stock in the company, just for being so put together and adorable...I am sure it will happen. The problem is that all will be lost if I am not able to wear said hot pink sweater and wonderful skinny-butt dark jeans...then I will be forced to wear a paper bag and most likely get fired. This will most likely lead to the worst Christmas ever. I will leave the decision with you, Santa. Please let me know what you think. Also, totally off the subject...I sure do love you Santa. Lots and lots and lots...

Your Favorite Middle Child (in the whole world),
Sarah

Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy Anniversary!!

The title is better if you are a member of my family and know the tune to the Anniversary song, but alas, you are not all that lucky. I would write it all out for you, but that is basically it...again and again. When Boo called me and Nick (separately, on both our cell phones) and left us messages of the song, he thought she had lost her mind. One day he will sing it too...he is already saying "You want it, we got it..Toyota" Whenever he catches someone (especially me) reading street signs. He has not hope.

Anyway, I am totally off my topic here...today is my parents 30th Anniversary! How amazing is that? I knew it was their anniversary, but it just occurred to me this weekend that it was the big 3-0. It just doesn't seem like it has been five years since we had them their big 25th Anniversary Party. Just another sign that I am getting older...but this is not the point either. The point it is that my parents are the best and I hope the have a wonderful Anniversary! You guys have set such an amazing example for your children with your love for us and your love for each other. Congratulations!

What the Hell...

You know what really sucks? Trying to get pregnant while having the good old endometriosis. It sucks even more to realize you are suppose to start on Thanksgiving, and thinking, "Aw...Thanksgiving miracle! We will totally be pregnant this month!!" Then you take a test on Thanksgiving and it is negative. Your heart breaks a little, but you move on. Two days later, before going shopping you take a second test, you know...because you don't want to go and buy all new clothes just to find out you should have gotten maternity. Alas, it is also negative, which was fine. You knew it would be, but just had to check.

Now, this is when it really starts to suck. Days continue to tick by, and you start to really think maybe the tests were wrong. It happens. Maybe your hormone levels just were not high enough yet...so, after five more days with no sign of starting on the horizon you take YET ANOTHER test. Negative. This one is heart breaking. You really had thought it was going to be positive. You have never been this late...so here we are at day 36. THIRTY SIX PEOPLE. No pregnancy. No period. Awesome.

The very very shinny silver lining is that we found out yesterday that starting tomorrow my company is offering short term disability. This will give me paid maternity leave (as well as $2000 for a three day hospital stay), which is incredible. Had I already been pregnant, it would have been a preexisting condition, and would not have been covered. I know it is better to wait and have this. It is a HUGE blessing. We were not sure how we were going to have me off work for six weeks without pay, plus now I don't have to hoard all my vacation time and can actually take days off and go to Florida with my family. But for now, this day, that is hard to focus on. We were just really sure it was time. Three negative tests and still no signs of starting in one month is just a little hard on my heart...but I am really excited about the silver lining.

Christmas Decor

I told you I would post pictures of my tree and all my mad decorating skills. I know that this unfulfilled promise has been keeping you up at night, so here you go!

Please make note of the actual WRAPPED presents under the tree. I am so proud of myself...

Please also make note of the hand in Nick's stocking and the foot in mine. When I protested, Nick insisted it was tradition.

Here is one of my sweet husband putting the star on the top of the tree. Now, doesn't it feel like Christmas time!

Our tree looks wonderful and festive from outside our house. To bad we have the tackiest neighbors in the history of time and their horrendous overdecorating completely out shines our sweet little tree from the road. Oh well...if I can sneak a picture of their yard in all it's glory I will definitely post that picture as well!

**as a total side note, but still in the theme of a picture post...Nick and I installed a new ceiling fan! Yes readers, you read that right. we did it all by ourselves. I know Nick does that stuff all the time, but this time I for real helped. I am (once again) not smart enough to take a before picture, but here is a shot of the new fan.

Wait, this can still count as a Christmas decor picture. See the cute little snowman hanging by the vent and the moose on top of the curtain rod! Yes...I do have a moose on top of my curtain rod...also a penguin on the other side...for balance!

Memeology

I seem to be drawn to these memes....I just can't help myself! Maybe it is because it is an easy post, maybe it is because I really enjoy reading them and finding stuff out about bloggers...who knows. What I do know is that I was going to skip this one, but then just couldn't seem to let myself! So, without further ramblings, a new meme from Mrs. Who!

FOODOLOGY

Q. What is your salad dressing choice?
A. Ranch and French mixed together. You all say Eww...until you try it!

Q. What is your favorite Fast Food Restaurant?
A. McDonald's. Classic.

Q. What is your favorite sit down restaurant?
A. Well, if we are going for nice I would say Dudley's, but as a more common one, gotta go with Outback

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. Always, always, always 20%. Sometimes more if the service was great.

Q. What food could you eat for two weeks and not get sick of?
A. Gravy and Biscuits

Q. What is your favorite type of gum?
A. Bubble Gum

TECHNOLOGY
Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. A picture of Arlington Cemetery

Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. Three

BIOLOGY
Q. What’s your best feature?
A. Maybe my eyes...I like them...

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. Tonsils, Adenoids, extra gum, tons and tons of endometriosis, cysts...yeah, just a few things!

Q. Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?
A. Touch

Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. A few months ago I had a small one

Q. What is the heaviest thing you’ve lifted?
A. Our couch, which I dropped on Nick. I did tell him I thought it was to heavy for me!

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. Yea, I think I was knocked out in a car crash when I was little...

BULLSHITOLOGY
Q. If it were possible would you want to know the day you are going to die?
A. No way.

Q. Is love for real?
A. Of course

Q. If you would change your first name what would you change it to?
A. Not sure, but something with a cool nickname

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. Brown

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. I am sure I have. I am a fool.

Q. Have you ever saved someone’s life?
A. Not to my knowledge.

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. Not that I can think of in the conventional pull me out of a burning building sense...

DAREOLOGY
Q. Would you walk naked for a half a mile down a public street for $100,000?
A. Oh yes. If anybody laughed I would just call them suckers for not taking the money too!

Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A. Sure

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
A. No way in hell

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000.00?
A. Oh yeah.

Q. Would you pose nude in a magazine for $250,000.00?
A. NO, I don't think so. Pictures last forever and I would not want to regret it later.

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1,000?
A. Sure.

Q. Would you, without fear of punishment take a human life for $1,000,000.00?
A. No I would never do that. Hired Hit man doesn't suit me.

Q. Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000.00?
A. sad to say, but I don't think I would.

Q. Give up myspace for $30,000.00?
A. Yeah, I like it, but not THAT much!

DUMBOLOGY
Q. What is in your left pocket?
A. cell phone

Q. Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A. It is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen!

Q. Do you have hardwood floors or carpet in your house?
A. Both

Q. Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A. Stand. Who sits in the shower??

Q. Could you live with roommates?
A. Yeah, but I hope I never have to!

Q. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?
A. maybe four.

Q. Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A. Well, I had that ticket, and the other ticket...but I have never had would I would consider a real "Run in with the cops".

Q. What do you want to be when you grow up?
A. a mom

LASTOLOGY
Q. Last friend you talked to?
A. Tarp and Justin

Q. Last person you called?
A. Charing

RANDOMOLOGY
Q. First place you went this morning?
A. Work

Q. What can you not wait to do?
A. Short term, each lunch. Long term, be pregnant.

Q. What’s the last movie you saw?
A. The new Futurama movie! We got it yesterday and to say it was a big day in our house is a huge understatement!! We LOVED it!

Q. Are you a friendly person?
A. Yeah, I think I am!

Five Day Weekend

I cannot believe (or maybe just cannot accept) that my five day weekend is over...I thought the break would have me totally revitalized and ready to work. In reality, the break made me dream of a day that I could stay home, cook, clean, shop...you know, take care of everything as my full time job! Will that day ever come, maybe at retirement, but a girl can still dream!

Anyway, I clearly enjoyed my five day weekend. We stayed the night with Nick's mom on Wednesday night, and that was wonderful. Do you ever have a house that when you get there, you just feel like you should sleep over? I can't think of any other place that has been this way for me, but that is how I always feel at Nick's mom's house. I think it is because back in 2000 they moved away from our home town. From then on, whenever we went to see them, we stayed. Sometimes a week, sometimes a few days, but we always were on a mini vacation. This has led to a wonderful relationship between me and my in-laws. I love them. Love spending time with them, talking to them, hanging out...lucky me, right?

Thursday was classic Thanksgiving. We ate early at Sally and Ron's, then went to my parents for dinner. The food was wonderful. My mom and little sister cooked all day and made the best meal ever...while sitting around after dinner and being thankful, we looked through all the store ads. I was sure there was nothing I wanted enough to get me out on Black Friday...that was, until I saw the ad for the $199, 19" HDTV LCD with a DVD player built in....HELLO, that is an amazing deal! We NEEEEED that for the new bedroom!!

So on Friday, I somehow managed to talk Boo into going and getting in line with me at Target. Being a perfect sister, she agreed, even though she had nothing she needed to get up that early for. We got in line at five and we thought we were pretty far back. Then, over the next hour more people showed up than you could ever imagine. Seriously. It. Was. CRAZY! When they opened the door they had all the Target workers out there like security guards trying to hold back line cutters. People were yelling, and going crazy trying to get in the store. Boo took off running for electronics and I grabbed the cart. It just isn't in me to fight over a TV. It is, however totally in Boo! By the time I got to her people were going crazy and Boo was sitting on TWO TVs. She said (all Innocent) "Well, if everyone wants one this bad, maybe I need one too!". She is crazy. Friday night Nick and I got all of our Christmas decorations up. I will put some pictures of the tree on here soon. Our house is so cute and festive!

Saturday Boo, Missy and I headed out at seven am for a big day of shopping at the outlet mall in Indiana. We had a blast. I love my sisters and I love shopping, so it was basically perfect. The crowds were really not to bad, and we all got so much great stuff. I had 30 people on my list which I had not started shopping for at all. When I got home on Saturday night at midnight I was totally done with 24 people! Plus, I got TONS of new clothes for myself from my parents. So excited!! As an added bonus, I got a new Coach purse, calender, wristlet and wallet to replace all my stuff that was stolen back on 7-7-07... I heart my new bag and will also take pictures of that to show you all...

Yesterday (many, this is the post that never ends...guess that is what I get for not posting for five days...) We had Thanksgiving with Nick's dad and his family. It was also great. We haven't seen all the girls in a while, so it was fun to hang out with them all. The food was great, and it was basically the perfect end to the long weekend! Hope you all had a great holiday weekend too!

Thankful

I am off work today. I have been catching up on my DVR, having lunch with my sisters and Nick, and cooking for tomorrow. As I have been working away, completely relishing this extra day off, I have been thinking of the things that I am truly thankful for this year. I had a very sweet email from my cousin this morning saying how thankful she was for her friends, and it has just been on my mind all day. So I have been thinking, what am I thankful for?

I am thankful for Nick. I could never put into words exactly how thankful I am to have him in my life. he makes me a better person. He is so kind and giving and good. He gives with no thought of reward. He loves our families and friends. He is so understanding with my endometriosis and our baby struggles. He loves me unconditionally, and that allows me to be who I am. Yes, I am very thankful for Nick.

I am thankful for my sisters. As I had lunch with them today, it hit me how very very lucky I am to have them in my life. To be given two sisters is such a gift. The three of us have always been extremely close. Sharing in each others achievements and heart aches as if they are our own. We have grown up as one, and I cannot imagine my life without them. Yes, I am also thankful for my sisters.

I am thankful for my parents. They have always been so proud of me, and always made me believe I could do anything in this world that I want. There have never been two more supporting and loving parents. They have given all of themselves to me and my sisters. Sacrificing to give us everything they could. They have taught me to be caring of others, to be driven and strong. To always believe in myself. Yes, I am also thankful for my parents.

I am thankful for the many supportive strong women in my life. I come from a family of strong women. From my cousin, who is so near a third sister to me, to my aunts and my grandmothers, to my very best friends. I have always been taught to be a proud and outgoing adult. To never be afraid to stand up for what I believe in. To put myself out there at the risk of being hurt, but for a chance for such rewards. I have such an amazing support group in these women, that I know I will never truly fall. They are all there, with reassuring phone calls and comfort food in my times of struggle. They are there with hugs and laughter and joy in my times of triumph. I am truly never alone. Yes, I am also thankful for all of these amazing women.

I am thankful for our pets. As I sit here typing this with Sammie in my lap and Ellie at my feet, I think of how much joy they give Nick and me. How their unconditional love is so rewarding. How I would do anything to keep them safe and happy, and how they would do the same for me. Yes, I am also thankful for my pets.

I am thankful for my job. Sometimes I forget, but I so love my job. It is not often that someone finds a job that they enjoy. One that they are able to take so much pride in. I am thankful for my friends at my job, which makes every day so enjoyable. I am thankful for the money that my job provides so that Nick and I are able to have our comfortable life. Yes, I am also thankful for my job.

I am thankful for our home. It might be small, but it is ours. I love the character in these old walls. I love the warm feeling of home when I walk in the door. The wonderful yard, the wood burning fireplace, the hardwood floors. Yes, I also love our home.

And I know I am thankful for much, much more. And I know these are things that everyone might be thankful for, but sometimes it is good to list them all out, and remember. Remember the people that make you who you are. Remember then things that you hold close to your heart, and be thankful for them.

Auction

We are officially in fast forward on buying the car. We have been waiting on our car guy to find one for months now, but I have now officially had enough of bumming rides. I am fairly sure it was the pushing of the truck that put me over the edge...anyway, I have now called in the help of my dad. We didn't originally go this route because we thought it would take to long. How terribly wrong we were.

Now my dad and I are working together looking for the cars and then bidding on them at online auctions. So...that is why I am home right now. In the middle of the workday. We found a good (great) Xterra, and I am hoping in goes within our budget. I am not sure if it will...this one seems a little to good to be true, but here's hoping it works out! If not there are many many others. Looks like we should be able to get me something in the next week or two. Keep your fingers crossed for me that this one will be the one!

**The Buick is back up and running. It just needed a new battery. Lucky us!**

UPDATE** Auction just ended...didn't win. I will try again tomorrow!**

Fool...Foolish Fool

I try, I really do, to be a normal person. A person who does not do the stupid things that always seem to find me. I am not sure how I am drawn to making these foolish mistakes, but alas, where I go, random misunderstandings seem to always follow. I think I am rolling along, blending in with the crowd, then I just drop the ball and take on the roll of complete fool. There was that time I was on vacation with my friends family, and as many times as I said I would not do anything dumb, I allowed myself to try to make pizza rolls, place them on a plastic serving tray rather than a pan (IT LOOKED LIKE A COOKIE SHEET), catch it on fire in the oven, have then entire condo fill with toxic fumes, alarms sound...entire condo COMPLEX evacuated, and (of course) have the fire department show up to give the all clear so everyone can go back to their vacation...There was that time I let (asked) my little sister to fold me up in the hide-a-bed sofa. That is a long story I have promised to eventually write up in full on the blog, but lets just say the fire department was involved again. There are many many examples...want to hear the newest addition? I knew you did!

The Buick died. I KNOW! We are down to one car and it is now not working. How completely sad is this? I am still on the hunt for the Xterra, but looks like we need to light a fire under that little search. Anyway, this post is not really about the Buick. I have accepted our car troubles and hope that Nick can get it running this weekend. The think is, I have to work this weekend. Clearly I cannot drive myself to work in the Buick(and yes I could bike it, but it is cold outside!), so I asked the GM if I could use a company car for the weekend. She said of course I could (sometimes I don't appreciate my job like I should. They are just so easy sometimes.) and gave me the keys to the Ford Ranger which she said was parked in the back.

Flash forward a couple of hours. I am the last person in the lab and it is getting dark. I decide to move the truck around to the front door. I run out, scan the fleet of white trucks with our logo on them, see the Ford and jump in. (wait for it...here is where I let my guard down for just a second and become the fool) The keys were in the ignition which I think is strange. BUT, we have several sets of keys for all of our trucks, so I just drop my key in my purse and pull on out of the spot. The truck sounds...funny. Kind of like it is struggling to go. I pull around to the side of the building (about 50 yards from the trucks parking spot) and I decided something is most definitely wrong. I notice the truck has 489,000 miles. I knew the ranger was about to flip over to 100,000. I am totally in the wrong truck.

No big deal, right? Just put it back and get in the Ford RANGER, and not the Ford F150. Here is the thing. The F150 was back there (with keys and what not) because it broke down a month ago and we realized the transmission was totally shot. Yeah. So we just hadn't had time to decide what to do with it. We had it towed to that spot. I don't panic, I just back up a bit to turn around(red flags!! NEVER take a car that is driving with no transmission out of gear!!)...then go to put it back in drive...but I get nothing. Back to reverse...nothing. Here is the problem. I am in the most terrible position imaginable. I am blocking in ALL the cars. Not just my companies, but like four different companies cars. There is no way I can just leave it. Drive, reverse, drive reverse. NOTHING HAPPENS.

So, as it turns from dusk to night, I decide the only thing I can do is get out...and push. Like I said, it was only about 50 yards, and I really didn't want to call anyone and tell them I was such a fool. I just wanted to deal with it myself. So I did. I pushed the huge truck back to it's spot. I had to get behind it, and push with all my freaking might to get it going(Really. All. My. Might), then RUN up and push by the driver side door so I had control of the wheel....oh the heart ache every time the stupid thing stopped rolling and I had to start again...After thirty minutes of dealing with my own mistake, I was back to the original spot, but not IN the spot.

I tried so hard to cut the wheel enough to pull it gracefully in, but it was just not possible. The truck might have hit the fence, but I would rather not worry about that...finally I gave up. My entire body ached (and aches more this morning). My arms, my legs, my back! So, now the truck is all kittywompus, but it is out of the way. My dream would have been to put it back in it's home and hope nobody would notice, but I am telling you they are going to notice on Monday. Then I have to tell them I am a fool, and beg them to work out the details...but I am not pushing anymore. I am all pushed out. At least I didn't have to call the fire department!

Google Reader

I have had a long standing aversion to Google reader. To any reader really... I argued that I love to SEE the blog. I love my template (thanks Liz!) and the overall look of my blog, and I just feel like to really read it right, you need to actually be taking in the entire page. There is also my love of my site meter to take into account. I LOVE seeing how many people have visited my page. Looking at where they clicked on to get here, what part of the world they are in, it just entertains me. Plus (look at all these reasons to not like readers) I really don't like that you can't comment from them. I like comments. Actually, I LOVE comments. Anything that takes them away from me is evil...The way I see it, if I want people to come to my blog to take in the page, make a mark on the site meter, and leave lots and lots of comments, then most people would like that favor returned.


So, with my low level hatred of the cunning Google reader, imagine my own surprise that I have allowed myself to sign up, put on all my favorite blogs, and then become totally addicted to the stupid thing! I KNOW!!! I am just as amazed as you are! Allow me to explain. There are lots of blogs I would love to read every single day, but I just don't have time! It takes so long to go from blog to blog and see if they have updated. I am okay with this dedication, and enjoy it when I am working my way around the blogging world, but I have started dropping some blogs that I just don't have time to keep up with. Then there is the work issue. I just can't be on a million blogs a day at work. I usually do my blogging from home, but here I sit, each and every day looking at my laptop. Work doesn't care for us to do some personal stuff on the computers, but hitting fifteen to twenty blogs a day (multiple times a day because usually they haven't updated and it is a quick stop) just looks really bad.

A solution, Google reader. I just go to Google, log in, and it tells me if my blogs are updated! I can read them straight from there. I am actually able to keep up with ALL my blogs! (What's that? You all know this because you have been using a reader forever...right) So, now I am a begrudging fan of the reader. I promise to still come to your blogs and look at how pretty they are. I promise to still read and leave comments. As a matter of fact, when I am home, I will still blog the old fashioned way. But at work, at work I will use the reader. It lets me keep up. Honestly it lets me read blogs that otherwise I would just have to stop reading. So...the Google reader is my friend. Just a sneaky evil friend.

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

Today is my godson's birthday. How sweet is this boy? I know I am partial, but come on...he is perfect, right?? Wesley baby, you gave us such a scare two years ago when you came so early, but every day since then you have given us nothing but joy with your beautiful smile and infectious giggle. Happy Birthday my sweet, sweet boy!!

Gone Again

So Tarp has headed back to Costa Rica. I know, I know. You are all say "Again!" but it is true. Wait, maybe that is just me and Justin saying "Again!". Maybe it does not faze you all in the slightest that he is on vacation. Yes...I could see that. No matter. I will just assume that everything that matters to me is of dire importance to all of my readers. I am happy for them that they have their house. What did I expect to happen once he bought property in another country? Of course they are going to go. I did tell him that I was sure one day he was going to call me from Costa Rica and just say they have decided to stay for the entire winter and he would not be back. He laughed...but never said "Oh NOOOO, you fool!" just a laugh...

Like I said, I am happy for them. Honestly, I am totally jealous. It has been so long since I have seen the beach. Justin and I will be fine at work. We are very busy and will be working long days, but I always kind of think it is better when one of us is gone and the other two are pushed to the max. I figure if we were sitting around twiddling our thumbs it would be a red flag that three people were not needed back there. Three people are totally needed back there. I just think of when he went to CR and I was alone...the horror. A big perk for me (in that odd perk kind of way) is that I am working this weekend, so I have a five day weekend for Thanksgiving! So excited about that...

On the subject of being out of town, looks like Nick is going to be spending some time in Pittsburgh. One of his projects he is doing research on needs some special electron microscope and there are only a few places he can use one. Pittsburgh seems to be the best option. That means he will be traveling back and forth over the next several months. I have pictured in my head that he will go for a few days every couple of weeks...I have no idea if this is right, but I have this strong feeling that he has told me the details, and if I ask it will become clear that at some point, before I realized this was important, I just might not have been listening all the way...I will find out soon enough! The really unfortunate part is that he will have to fly. Lots. Poor guy.

Dark

I know I am going to be in the vast minority here, but I am not a fan of the time change. My cousin Ariel has a new post up about how nice it is when she leaves her house at 6:30 in the morning and the sun is coming up. For her, and all my other readers who are up at insane hours of the morning, I am sure the change is a dream come true. My hat is off to you all. You know who the time change kinda sucks for though?? You guessed it. Me. I don't have to be at work until nine. I am not one to complain about a little extra sleep, but trust me, I don't really need it. I am one of few Americans who actually gets the suggested eight hours a night....and I don't go to bed until midnight! The sun light that is available when I am sleeping is totally worthless to me. I know you are thinking I could just get up a little earlier and enjoy the day, but that is just not in me...I will sleep as long as I possibly can. Not matter what.

Okay, so my actual problem with the time change is not exactly the sun coming up earlier. I guess I really wouldn't care to sleep through some daylight...if it didn't have to mean that it got dark so freaking early! I am sitting here, about to walk out the door of work, and it is dark outside. In about fifteen minutes it will be dark dark. Night dark. Bedtime dark. This really sucks for me! I love the summer when Nick and I get home from our jobs at 6:30 and are able to be sitting outside at 8:30 or nine with the sun still up. It makes the days feel so much more substantial. Like we just have more time to enjoy our life. I understand that the actual amount of time is the same. The hours we are home are never different just because of the amount of light coming in the window, but when we finish dinner and it is seven thirty and pitch black, I just want to watch TV and fall asleep. Looks like the winter blues are rolling in fast. Stupid time change....and tilt of the earth...

Nearly Lucky

Have I ever told you all that I am really lucky with radio contests? It is sad that I really cannot remember what I have posted about on here before...oh well. If I have already talked about it, just consider this a reminder of my mad radio contest skillz. That's right. With a Z. Said skillz have managed to win me six tickets to see Paula Abdul and Color me Bad in concert when I was in middle school. Eat your hearts out....I have won tickets to movies, free gift certificates to restaurants, just lots of random crap.


This skill was amazing to Tarp when I first started working at the lab. He had never been a person to call in to the radio stations, so the fact that I did, and then actually won sometimes was just more than he could handle. Now that we have Justin in the lab, I have a Radio contest kindred spirit. The problem...since he has joined the lab my luck has run a little thin. Maybe the real problem is that the two of us will call on absolutely ANYTHING they ask for callers on. Justin realized I have a small problem with lying...or rather pretending to know what I am talking about, when they had a trivia question about what happened on some date in 1979. I say (so confidently) Star Wars came out. I didn't know he was taking my word as gold! He, of course called, was the correct caller, said on the radio "STAR WARS!"...and was of course totally wrong. (seriously, did I already tell this story on here...if sounds so familiar).


Since then we have gotten through on a few other things. He managed to win a Lazar Tag night to play the DJ's. He named his team the Z-Rock Destroyers. That Justin, he is funny sometimes. Okay, to the point of this being today's post. Z-Rock is yet again giving something away. Something big. They have two tickets to see Hannah Montana. Doesn't sound exciting to you? Okay, it totally doesn't sound exciting to me either, but to kids everywhere it is the event of their young lives. According to the DJ's, the tickets they have are selling on eBay now for over $1000! Seriously, $1000 people. The radio station has one set of tickets. They are playing a game where they give one clue a day, and the clues will eventually point to some place in the world where they have hidden Hannah Montana. Fun, right? So, it is day two of the contest. The clues are Dark and Redneck. Justin, Tarp and I have been discussing theories when Justin tells us he has one. First, did we know that Hannah is actually Billy Ray Cyrus's daughter? Well, I'll be damned, I totally DID NOT know that! Then, he informed he looked up where Old Billy was from and found out he was from the area of Carter Caves! Dark, Redneck...we were SO SURE we had the answer.

So....we call. Remember, they only take three guesses a day. You don't just have to listen to the clues, you then have to come up with an idea, be caller nine, and tell them. I, my Internet friends, was caller nine! I tell them our genius answer of Carter Caves, and then, of course, find out I am totally wrong. Let me tell you, it was a blow. I guess now I know how Justin felt when he said "Star Wars!"...but his prize was not going to sell on eBay for $1000...

*By the way, I did not tell the DJ that I was going to sell the tickets. I told them that my best friend had children that just LOVED Hannah Montana. This was half true. My best friend has children...who would rather die than see Hannah Montana. I just figured they wouldn't take to kindly to me selling the big prize giveaway...

The Wedding

We had such an amazing time in Cleveland...except for the fact that Nick was deathly ill. There was that, which was a big bummer. The poor guy has not been sick in three years. The entire time I was sick with my bronchitis over the last two weeks he kept saying how mad he was going to be if he got sick and I broke his wellness streak. Well...it was broken. He woke up on Friday morning and had to go to the Urgent Treatment center before we hit the road. He found out that he too had Bronchitis, we packed the car and were gone. No time to slow down for illness. The rehearsal dinner was enjoyable, but he was really sick on Friday night. So sick that he had to walk out of the actual rehearsal two times and go and lay in the bathroom floor. So sad.

Amazing that I started this post saying we had such a good time, but we really did! Even sick, Nick had a wonderful time on Saturday. We decided to order room service and have breakfast in bed. What a wonderful invention. There are few things as nice as someone cooking you breakfast to order, delivering it to your bed, then taking away all the dirty dishes when you are done...anyway, after breakfast Nick and Ryan went out with Stephen to see his and Emily's house. While they were doing that, Arielle and I found...Ba Ba Baaaaaaaaa AN OUTLET MALL! Aw, the joy of Gap...and the Coach! I got to be there as Arielle bought her very first Coach. It is always nice being there for the start of an addiction! My favorite was when she told me later, "Ryan didn't seem excited at all about my new Coach!" I told her to just hope he never asks how much they cost!

Okay, to the wedding. It was one of the most beautiful and enjoyable weddings I have ever been to. Seriously. Not just because we love them, but because it was awesome. The leaves were changing and beautiful, the bride was gorgeous, Stephen was the happiest I have ever seen him, all of the food was amazing, (they had Cheesecake wedding cake!) the hotel where all the events were held was perfect, the DJ rocked, it was all just really wonderful. For a girl that LOVES weddings, it was just about perfect. So...I have pictures. Lots and lots of pictures!

Okay, clearly by this first picture you can see that I was on the isle seat...right next to the floral arrangement. Still, don't they look great?

Here are they very handsome groomsmen

Seeing as how our dates were groomsmen, Arielle and I had to fend for ourselves at our dinner table. Thank God she came with us! *Smile and Blush...hi Arielle...I told you I would put your picture on my blog!*


Clearly we managed to keep ourselves entertained by taking pictures of ourselves. Clearly we got along really well!

After dinner the couple had the first dance...

Then did the cutting of the Cheesecake...Pumpkin Cheesecake. Delicious.

We managed to snag the new couple for a group photo...

and then there were of course the many (MANY) shots of the couples...

me and Nick

Ryan and Arielle

and the newlyweds...okay, this is a little blurry, but they just look so darn cute! That is going to be it for now. I have lots more pictures, but as I looked at them, I realized they were basically just us, over and over (and over and over). So, I will just say it was wonderful one more time. We drank and danced and had an all around blast! How does everyone not love weddings as much as I do??

**BIG thanks to Charing for lending me the perfect dress!

Cleveland Rocks...and So Does My Niece!

Well, yet again Nick and I are hitting the road for a three day weekend. Today we are heading up to Cleveland for our friend Stephen's wedding. We are going up with our friend Ryan (he and Nick are both groomsmen) and his girlfriend, Ariel. I am really excited about the trip. Usually when you have a wedding, it is just squeezed in to all the other things you have going on that weekend. This will be a wonderful wedding getaway weekend! Should be great. I will get pictures and details up here when I get back into town!

On a totally different note, look at this sweet picture of my beautiful niece!
This is our little Avery Ana. My sister Boo and her husband Chris finally got details on the little girl they are adopting! I just cannot wait to kiss her sweet face and tell her how much we love her! She is three weeks old now, and will be able to come home in the spring. It is going to be a long wait, but we can do it!


Back to the wedding thought process...(wow, I am jumping around a bit...it's early) I will never again wait to get a wedding present for an important wedding until two days before. We went to get their present the other night and there was NOTHING good left on the registry. How annoying! There was like, ice cube trays and a wine bottle stopper. Awesome. We ended up putting something together that I think they will like, but it would have been so much easier to go a month ago and just get one of the good gifts off the list of things we KNOW they want! I guess that is what I get for constantly procrastinating...Okay, that's it. We are hitting the road. Hope you all have a great weekend!

Happy Halloween!

Okay, I know this is a day late and that I don't really have any good excuse because we totally had this party a week ago...alas, this is when I can get it together for you. So...are you ready to see the Tetris costumes....they. were. awesome.

Don't you just love how we all actually fit together??

Here is me and Nick

And Boo and Chris

...and Missy with her boobs and butt Tetris piece

Charing and Scott came as Dorthy and the Tin Man, which won Charing best female costume! Scott felt robbed, but you must wear the costume all night if you want to win!

Liz came as a Playboy Bunny, and Cory was there as a Keg stand supporter...sticking with his annual tradition of boycotting the costumes.

We had football players (which was cute even with the UK loss...) and Honey Bee's

We had Jokers (which won best male costume)

we had some pretty great Pirates

We had Little Red Ridding Hood and Michael Vick...

Then things got a little crazy. We had costume switching

And Keg stands....which you would totally expect from a Pirate

...or even the Joker.

But when you get Tetris doing a Keg stand, you know it was a great Halloween party!

Halloween Meme

So, I do realize I have not gotten the Halloween pictures up yet. I promise I will get details up from the party along with pictures either later tonight or tomorrow (November..HORROR) but for now, I am giving you my Halloween meme. I was tagged by Mrs. Who over at Mrs. Who's Open Book.

1. What's the scariest movie you have ever seen?

Hands down, Event Horizon...it could still give me nightmares. It might have been worse because I saw it in the theater and totally thought it was a sci-fi movie like Star Trek...and I get HORROR. I would have walked out, but was to scared to put my feet on the ground. It clearly scarred me...


2. What was your favorite Halloween costume from childhood?

Maybe when I was the yellow brick road...that was good. Maybe when I was the crayon, just because it was so funny that I could not walk...the punk rocker was awesome...hard to say for sure. I am a big fan of Halloween!

3. If you had an unlimited budget, what would your fantasy costume be for this Halloween?

I can't really think of anything. Nick and I go all out for Halloween and have yet to think of something we want to be that we haven't made happen.


4. When was the last time you went trick or treating?

I went with my friend Shelby in eighth grade. We thought we were so smart. We went around her block, then went and changed our costumes and went to all the same houses again...deviant children! Now that I think about it, I am pretty sure we could have gone around in the same costumes and nobody would have remembered us....

5. What is your favorite Halloween candy?

Maybe Whoppers, just because that little bag is like the perfect amount of whoppers. You never want that huge milk jug, but five is perfect! Same with Jr. Mints...


6. Tell us about a scary nightmare you had.

I have done a blog about my waking dreams. I hate them.


7. What is your Supernatural fear?

I guess the idea of being possessed...that is terrifying to me. Maybe the movie the Exorcist also scarred me.


8. What is your creep-crawly fear?

I don't really like anything creepy or crawly. Mice, snakes, bugs. Just not a fan of any of that...


9. Tell us about the time you saw a ghost. Or heard something go bump in the night.

Besides my waking dreams, which seem very ghost like to me, I have never had an experience with a ghost. Nick and I have always wanted to go on a ghost tour. I guess I find the idea of ghosts very intriguing.


10. Would you ever stay in a haunted house overnight?

I would NEVER go to or stay in the Halloween commercial, people dressed up kind of haunted house. I HATE that crap. I would totally stay in a house with a past, where people say they have seen ghosts assuming the place had beds and was clean.


11. Are you a traditionalist Jack 'O' Lantern carver or do you get creative?

I like being creative with the old pumpkin, but I really am not much of a pumpkin carver...It has been a few years since I did it.


12. How much do you decorate your house for Halloween?

Sad to say, but not really at all. I think I have a few decorations, but we don't even have them out this year. I really don't get into the decorations for Halloween like I do for Christmas...to me Halloween is all about the costume party, and that is never at my house.

Wild Weekend

What a weekend. Between my Birthday, the Halloween Party and Nick's brother being in town from Florida, it was been packed with things to keep me entertained. I also worked, but that doesn't got on the list of fun things I got to be doing...anyway, the birthday dinner was wonderful. If you have not had a chance to go to PF Changs yet, I totally recommend it. I also recommend you bring your eleven closest friends and then order basically everything on the menu between you. This will insure you are able to try all of the delicious food! Also, go on your birthday. They will give you free chocolate cake that is to die for.

After dinner Nick and and I went to the mall where he bought me an adorable new winter coat for my birthday. This is a big score seeing as how my old coat kind of made me look like the abominable snowman....a kind of dingy abominable snowman at that because I have worn the coat the last two years. The new coat is Calvin Klein and a very non-abominable shade of charcoal grey. Love it! After shopping, we went to the movies to see Dan in Real Life. We both really liked the movie, but were a little taken aback by the theater we went to see it in. They didn't seat the movie until five minutes before it started...and they let me stand in line to get popcorn (with about 15 other people) for a good ten minutes before they looked at all of us with a puzzled look and said, "This line is closed". They then just walked away. Thanks buddy.

Saturday night we went to Boo, Chris and Missy's Halloween Party. This party will get it's own post with pictures, most likely tomorrow. Be prepared to be amazed with the Tetris costumes. the were incredible! (and only a little uncomfortable...)

Yesterday Nick and I slept in until noon (told you it was a good party) then I had to work for a few hours. After that, Nick's brother Chris came over to hang out for a while, then we went out to dinner with the family. Chris and his girlfriend are in town for a few days, then they are heading out to Belgium for a week. They are in this band that has gotten a huge cult following over in Europe. Amazingly enough, said following has gotten so large that they were contacted by this music festival in Belgium to come and play some shows. They are flying them out, putting them up in a hotel, getting them a driver...I am completely in awe. When Chris told us he was going to join a band I totally thought he was kidding. When he said he played "electronics", and instrument that he invented, I really thought he was joking....and now he gets a totally free trip to Belgium...who's laughing now...

So, that was my weekend. The birthday festivities are rolling in to this week as well. Tonight we went out to dinner with my perfect family. We were going to eat at a local Italian place, but we got there and they were closed on Mondays. Who ever heard of that? We ended up at a steak house, which was rockin'. I got lots of great gifts, including a MUCH NEEDED beautiful new digital camera. So exciting. Tomorrow night we are going out to dinner with Nick's mom and step dad for the old birthday as well...this is turning in to the longest birthday celebration ever....which is basically awesome.