My New Year's Resolution is to blog more. You can see from my archive list (down on the right side of the blog) that I only blogged 66 times this whole year. That's sad when compared to the year before, when I blogged 162 times. I can not believe twitter turned me blog lazy, after I blogged once about twitter being the death of blogging. After almost 3 years on twitter, I still L.O.V.E it, but sometimes it can seem impersonal.
So I'm going to try very very hard to blog eight times per month. That would give me (hold on, getting out calculator..) ninety-six blogs in 2010. This is still less than 2008, but a vast improvement over 2009.
May your New Year be merry, yo.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Top Ten of 2000s..
So I'm going to go ahead and jump on the band wagon and blog a top ten list.
It is the end of a decade (but isn't every day the end of a decade?) and to commemorate my young adult years, here is my list of the top ten moments for me from January 1st, 2000 until December 30, 2009. I could wait one more day and see what happens, but I'm motivated now.
#10- Getting to see Barack Obama in Hickory before the NC primaries (April 29th, 2008)
This was the one and only time I've gotten to see a U.S. President, and it was especially cool because I voted for him. And it was the day before my birthday. Yay!
#9- Getting my first real job (Oct. 18th, 2004)
I thought about maybe not having this on the list because it's work and all, but I am pretty proud I was somehow able to land a job where they pay me and I have insurance and benefits and shit. And? I don't have to cook! Moving to Hickory, and thus meeting Jared, was all a direct result of this job. Did I mention that it was the first job I even applied for out of college? I thought I had bombed the interview but somehow my boss liked my completely flustered 'oh crap, did I really just say that?' attitude.
#8- It's a tie between a) Trip to California (August 2004) and b) Vegas (2008).
a)California- This was special to me because I just finished up with my internship (which is #7 on this list!) and was in between college and the real world. It was something I did all by myself, like a grown-up. Sure, I went to see my ex-beau, but that was really just the excuse I needed to do something on my own. I flew across the country, rented a car (under 25, I might add) and drove from LA to Santa Barbara (a major feat) all by myself. It was empowering and something I will never ever forget. My only regret is that I didn't have a nice camera to take pictures with. I had a disposable camera.
b)Vegas- I'm talking about the first time Jared and I went. The second time was nice too, but the first one takes the cake. It was the most fun I've ever had on vacation, and I owe that to Jared. We had such a blast, you can read all about that here.
#7- Internship with Queen Anne's Revenge Project (Summer 2004)
Hello? Pirates? Blackbeard? When Mark Ramsing called me to tell me I got the internship and that I'd be working in Morehead City doing GIS stuff with their project, I literally almost died. Okay, not literally, but I was on cloud nine. If you don't know, the Queen Anne's Revenge was Blackbeard the Pirate's flagship in 1718. It sank in that year in Beaufort Inlet (between Morehead City, NC and Beaufort, NC). In 1996, a group of researchers (treasure hunters) found the ship. The NC Department of Cultural Resources put together a special team to excavate the ship (through the Underwater Archaeology Branch). Anywho, that summer of 2004 they wanted a GIS intern to map the channel movements in the inlet to see how dredging has affected the site. So that's what I did. It is probably the coolest thing ever. Really. Here's their website so you can learn a whole more about this ongoing project.
And here's me sitting on a 300 year old cannon that once belonged to Blackbeard:
#6- High School Graduation (May 26th, 2000)
Sure, a lot of people graduate from high school, but I am still damn proud. After 13 years of getting up early, eating crappy lunches, riding the bus, listening to boring teachers, and following way too many rules, I was DONE. And we graduated in snazzy silver gowns (for the new millenium).
#5- Meeting Jared (February 14th, 2006)
The only reason this isn't higher on the list is that I have a great top four, with number one also involving Jared. Sure, I didn't actually snag the Jayrod until a couple of months later, but I sure did think he was the cuteness that day. He was so quiet, and ... quiet. But I somehow managed to break him out of his magical shell!
#4- Owning a House (well, condo) (March, 2006)
I'm not sure what made me decide to buy a place back in 2006. I mean, I was living with a really cool roommate (Andrea), and in a great location. I think maybe it had something to do with wanting a cat. The point is, stumbling through the process and spending all of my savings was pretty much worth it since now I have a townhouse, but I also learned that I am not good with home repairs.
#3- College Graduation (May 9, 2004) When I was a senior in high school, I made the best decision of my life by choosing to go to Appalachian State University. I only applied for there and UNCGreensboro, since I knew I'd be going the student loan route and at the time, those were the least expensive state schools. I ended up choosing Appalachian for one reason: they have a marching band. Yes, I am that much of a dork. But the point is, I loved every second of my four years living in Boone. The people, the view, the weather, the view, the clean air, the view. It's just still such a fantastic place for me. I know people living there sometimes probably get tired of the weather and I don't blame them for not liking the ice storms and snow that knock out their power. That would totally suck. But I still love Boone, and would give up a lot to be able to live and work there now. Anywho, I'm totally proud of myself for going to class most of the time, for getting mostly good grades, and for doing it in four years (although maybe I should have stayed a little longer..). Oh, and my graduation was on Mother's Day. A bonus for my mom.
#2- The Upset - Appalachian vs. Michigan (Sept 1, 2007)
It was almost three years ago when Katie invited me to go to the Michigan vs. AppState game with her and Jeff and Tracy. None of us thought we had any chance at all of winning, but we knew there'd be a fight. Little did we know we'd be going to the biggest upset ever! The last 26 seconds of that game will be the greastest 26 seconds anyone has ever seen in football. Ever. And up until a week ago, it was the greatest day of my life. Actually, I'm still debating it. I think this may have been the greatest full day ever, and my #1 on this list is the greatest thing ever.
#1- Engagement!! (Christmas 2009)
Yes! The thing every girl dreams about, putting on that ring, and being loved. On Christmas morning, I unwrapped a huge mostly empty box and rifled through all of the tissue paper and finally came to a small box. I opened it and found a most beautiful diamond ring. I said "Yay!" cause I'm a dork. Jared asked the question, and I of course, said yes. Then, came the crying. And shaking. I was shaking so bad I couldn't even take it out of the box. He had to do it for me. It was so sweet. So perfect. And I'm so happy. Choosing to be with him was the greatest decision I've ever made, and I'm defnitely reaping the benefits. Before you ask, NO, we haven't set a date yet, although I'm pulling for January 2011. I have a lot of planning to do, people. Here is the ring:
Happy New Year Ya'll!! I think 2010 will be great! Or at least, it has to be better than 2009, which sucked until Christmas.
It is the end of a decade (but isn't every day the end of a decade?) and to commemorate my young adult years, here is my list of the top ten moments for me from January 1st, 2000 until December 30, 2009. I could wait one more day and see what happens, but I'm motivated now.
#10- Getting to see Barack Obama in Hickory before the NC primaries (April 29th, 2008)
This was the one and only time I've gotten to see a U.S. President, and it was especially cool because I voted for him. And it was the day before my birthday. Yay!
#9- Getting my first real job (Oct. 18th, 2004)
I thought about maybe not having this on the list because it's work and all, but I am pretty proud I was somehow able to land a job where they pay me and I have insurance and benefits and shit. And? I don't have to cook! Moving to Hickory, and thus meeting Jared, was all a direct result of this job. Did I mention that it was the first job I even applied for out of college? I thought I had bombed the interview but somehow my boss liked my completely flustered 'oh crap, did I really just say that?' attitude.
#8- It's a tie between a) Trip to California (August 2004) and b) Vegas (2008).
a)California- This was special to me because I just finished up with my internship (which is #7 on this list!) and was in between college and the real world. It was something I did all by myself, like a grown-up. Sure, I went to see my ex-beau, but that was really just the excuse I needed to do something on my own. I flew across the country, rented a car (under 25, I might add) and drove from LA to Santa Barbara (a major feat) all by myself. It was empowering and something I will never ever forget. My only regret is that I didn't have a nice camera to take pictures with. I had a disposable camera.
b)Vegas- I'm talking about the first time Jared and I went. The second time was nice too, but the first one takes the cake. It was the most fun I've ever had on vacation, and I owe that to Jared. We had such a blast, you can read all about that here.
#7- Internship with Queen Anne's Revenge Project (Summer 2004)
Hello? Pirates? Blackbeard? When Mark Ramsing called me to tell me I got the internship and that I'd be working in Morehead City doing GIS stuff with their project, I literally almost died. Okay, not literally, but I was on cloud nine. If you don't know, the Queen Anne's Revenge was Blackbeard the Pirate's flagship in 1718. It sank in that year in Beaufort Inlet (between Morehead City, NC and Beaufort, NC). In 1996, a group of researchers (treasure hunters) found the ship. The NC Department of Cultural Resources put together a special team to excavate the ship (through the Underwater Archaeology Branch). Anywho, that summer of 2004 they wanted a GIS intern to map the channel movements in the inlet to see how dredging has affected the site. So that's what I did. It is probably the coolest thing ever. Really. Here's their website so you can learn a whole more about this ongoing project.
And here's me sitting on a 300 year old cannon that once belonged to Blackbeard:
#6- High School Graduation (May 26th, 2000)
Sure, a lot of people graduate from high school, but I am still damn proud. After 13 years of getting up early, eating crappy lunches, riding the bus, listening to boring teachers, and following way too many rules, I was DONE. And we graduated in snazzy silver gowns (for the new millenium).
#5- Meeting Jared (February 14th, 2006)
The only reason this isn't higher on the list is that I have a great top four, with number one also involving Jared. Sure, I didn't actually snag the Jayrod until a couple of months later, but I sure did think he was the cuteness that day. He was so quiet, and ... quiet. But I somehow managed to break him out of his magical shell!
#4- Owning a House (well, condo) (March, 2006)
I'm not sure what made me decide to buy a place back in 2006. I mean, I was living with a really cool roommate (Andrea), and in a great location. I think maybe it had something to do with wanting a cat. The point is, stumbling through the process and spending all of my savings was pretty much worth it since now I have a townhouse, but I also learned that I am not good with home repairs.
#3- College Graduation (May 9, 2004) When I was a senior in high school, I made the best decision of my life by choosing to go to Appalachian State University. I only applied for there and UNCGreensboro, since I knew I'd be going the student loan route and at the time, those were the least expensive state schools. I ended up choosing Appalachian for one reason: they have a marching band. Yes, I am that much of a dork. But the point is, I loved every second of my four years living in Boone. The people, the view, the weather, the view, the clean air, the view. It's just still such a fantastic place for me. I know people living there sometimes probably get tired of the weather and I don't blame them for not liking the ice storms and snow that knock out their power. That would totally suck. But I still love Boone, and would give up a lot to be able to live and work there now. Anywho, I'm totally proud of myself for going to class most of the time, for getting mostly good grades, and for doing it in four years (although maybe I should have stayed a little longer..). Oh, and my graduation was on Mother's Day. A bonus for my mom.
#2- The Upset - Appalachian vs. Michigan (Sept 1, 2007)
It was almost three years ago when Katie invited me to go to the Michigan vs. AppState game with her and Jeff and Tracy. None of us thought we had any chance at all of winning, but we knew there'd be a fight. Little did we know we'd be going to the biggest upset ever! The last 26 seconds of that game will be the greastest 26 seconds anyone has ever seen in football. Ever. And up until a week ago, it was the greatest day of my life. Actually, I'm still debating it. I think this may have been the greatest full day ever, and my #1 on this list is the greatest thing ever.
#1- Engagement!! (Christmas 2009)
Yes! The thing every girl dreams about, putting on that ring, and being loved. On Christmas morning, I unwrapped a huge mostly empty box and rifled through all of the tissue paper and finally came to a small box. I opened it and found a most beautiful diamond ring. I said "Yay!" cause I'm a dork. Jared asked the question, and I of course, said yes. Then, came the crying. And shaking. I was shaking so bad I couldn't even take it out of the box. He had to do it for me. It was so sweet. So perfect. And I'm so happy. Choosing to be with him was the greatest decision I've ever made, and I'm defnitely reaping the benefits. Before you ask, NO, we haven't set a date yet, although I'm pulling for January 2011. I have a lot of planning to do, people. Here is the ring:
Happy New Year Ya'll!! I think 2010 will be great! Or at least, it has to be better than 2009, which sucked until Christmas.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Christmas Yo!
I'm not doing Christmas cards this year, for various reasons. But if I were, this picture would be involved somehow:
(Click to make it bigger)
(Click to make it bigger)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Dang Twitter.
Funny how life doesn't really change all that much, but you do. I love twitter, but it's an evil evil service for taking me away from my blog. I just feel so lazy about not using my blog anymore, but twitter is too easy. I don't want to give up on my blog, though. Here's an update..
Meatwad: My kitty got sick in July, then August, September, and late October. When he got sick AGAIN in late November, I gave up and decided he needed the damn expensive surgery. As of now, he's locked in a 3ftx4ft dog crate, with a cone on, and a shaved butt. And his litter box has shredded paper instead of litter. I have to shut it all up in my extra bedroom so that my other cat, Beefcake, will leave him alone. He goes back Tuesday to get his stitches taken out, and has to stay crated until next Thursday.
Here's a picture of him in his crate, going crazy:
And here he is trying to eat:
Poor Meatwad.
I guess you could say that's really the biggest thing going in my life right now. 2009 has kind of sucked money wise. First I had to have a damn porcelain bridge put in my mouth and then the cat cost me 8 million dollars. So that brings me to my next bit of news: I'm going to go back into the part time job business. Yes, in January I will start seeking out a waitressing job. I know a lot of people prefer retail, but I can't do that. All that work and not seeing any profit until payday? And for only like $6.00 an hour? No, thanks. I'm a damn good waitress and I love making tips. Lots of tips. I'd bartend again, but I'm not interested in staying out until 3:00 am on weeknights. My real job is too important for that.
Jared is doing well. We've got a sweet Christmas tree going on at home, with lots of presents. Most of them are for our families. Even though I've been hit a little hard, I still have more than some people which is why I contributed more than usual to my office's Angel Tree family. I think Jared and I are going to do our own next year, as well.
Saturday is a BIG day for all of Appalachian Football Nation. Our team is playing at Montana and it is the LAST playoff game. I'm super excited but wish I could be there. Did you know it would take 36 hours of straight driving to get to Missoula, Montana?
Well if they win, you WILL catch me in Chattanooga next Friday. That's all I have to say about that.
Meatwad: My kitty got sick in July, then August, September, and late October. When he got sick AGAIN in late November, I gave up and decided he needed the damn expensive surgery. As of now, he's locked in a 3ftx4ft dog crate, with a cone on, and a shaved butt. And his litter box has shredded paper instead of litter. I have to shut it all up in my extra bedroom so that my other cat, Beefcake, will leave him alone. He goes back Tuesday to get his stitches taken out, and has to stay crated until next Thursday.
Here's a picture of him in his crate, going crazy:
And here he is trying to eat:
Poor Meatwad.
I guess you could say that's really the biggest thing going in my life right now. 2009 has kind of sucked money wise. First I had to have a damn porcelain bridge put in my mouth and then the cat cost me 8 million dollars. So that brings me to my next bit of news: I'm going to go back into the part time job business. Yes, in January I will start seeking out a waitressing job. I know a lot of people prefer retail, but I can't do that. All that work and not seeing any profit until payday? And for only like $6.00 an hour? No, thanks. I'm a damn good waitress and I love making tips. Lots of tips. I'd bartend again, but I'm not interested in staying out until 3:00 am on weeknights. My real job is too important for that.
Jared is doing well. We've got a sweet Christmas tree going on at home, with lots of presents. Most of them are for our families. Even though I've been hit a little hard, I still have more than some people which is why I contributed more than usual to my office's Angel Tree family. I think Jared and I are going to do our own next year, as well.
Saturday is a BIG day for all of Appalachian Football Nation. Our team is playing at Montana and it is the LAST playoff game. I'm super excited but wish I could be there. Did you know it would take 36 hours of straight driving to get to Missoula, Montana?
Well if they win, you WILL catch me in Chattanooga next Friday. That's all I have to say about that.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Nightmare
I had a dream last night that I was pregnant.
With quadruplets.
And I gave birth in a public bathroom.
No, thank you.
I really want to be a mother, sometime in the next five years. But for the love of God, please don't let me have multiples. If I had four, I'd just keep one and give the rest away as Christmas presents to my family. "Here, Mom! Dad, you said you wanted another grandbaby, here's one you can keep!!" And I'm sure I've got a friend who needs a baby. Like, "Katie, here's a little ginger snap for you!"
Sounds like endless fun to me!
With quadruplets.
And I gave birth in a public bathroom.
No, thank you.
I really want to be a mother, sometime in the next five years. But for the love of God, please don't let me have multiples. If I had four, I'd just keep one and give the rest away as Christmas presents to my family. "Here, Mom! Dad, you said you wanted another grandbaby, here's one you can keep!!" And I'm sure I've got a friend who needs a baby. Like, "Katie, here's a little ginger snap for you!"
Sounds like endless fun to me!
Monday, November 09, 2009
The Wad Update
So, you know what's amazing? The incredible difference a new veterinarian makes. Meatwad has gone to the same vet since I brought him home 3.5 years ago. Things seemed to be okay, but I got a strange instinct that maybe it was time to switch to somewhere else. I mean, he went the three times since July with the same problem (not being able to pee, kidney sand). Each time he went, he was there for almost a week, and when I brought him home it took several weeks before he seemed to be back to normal. I just figured that's how it is. But I decided if he got sick again, I'd try a new Vet, just for kicks. Plus, my vet has a HUGE sign that says "ABSOLUTELY NO CREDIT". And, since Meatwad's three previous vet visits had pretty much wiped out my savings and maxed out my credit card, I knew I would need to find a vet with credit anyways.
So of course, last week, Meatwad got sick again. There is nothing worse than seeing your child in pain (and yes, I know he's a cat, I can't imagine how much worse it will be it is my actual child). On Wednesday I called a new vet which offers care through the CareCredit program. So, I took Meatwad in.
And just two days later, on Friday, I got to bring him home. Sure, this new vet cost a little bit more, but they let me pay it in payments, not all at once. And they gave me some free food. As soon as they brought him out, I stuck my finger in the cat-carrier door to rub him and he was ALL OVER my finger. So loving, which is unlike him. And all Friday night? Sweet, kind, loving. Of course, that could be the kitty Valium.
The point is, he seems to be okay, and back to normal. This is huge to me! I mean, I hope I'm not jinxing anything by writing this, but I think this time he might actually be good for a while! I hope. Anywho I guess I'll find out.
Look at this sweet boy:
So of course, last week, Meatwad got sick again. There is nothing worse than seeing your child in pain (and yes, I know he's a cat, I can't imagine how much worse it will be it is my actual child). On Wednesday I called a new vet which offers care through the CareCredit program. So, I took Meatwad in.
And just two days later, on Friday, I got to bring him home. Sure, this new vet cost a little bit more, but they let me pay it in payments, not all at once. And they gave me some free food. As soon as they brought him out, I stuck my finger in the cat-carrier door to rub him and he was ALL OVER my finger. So loving, which is unlike him. And all Friday night? Sweet, kind, loving. Of course, that could be the kitty Valium.
The point is, he seems to be okay, and back to normal. This is huge to me! I mean, I hope I'm not jinxing anything by writing this, but I think this time he might actually be good for a while! I hope. Anywho I guess I'll find out.
Look at this sweet boy:
Friday, October 30, 2009
Confession Time
Okay. I know this is going to make me into a huge mega-dork (as if you didn't already think that) but I have a new guilty pleasure t.v. show. Make fun all you will, I know it's cheesy and ridiculous and follows all of the emo trends, but I <3 Vampire Diaries. Yep, a CW show.
I don't even like any other shows on that channel. I did love Dawson's Creek back when it was the WB channel, but that's neither here nor there.
Last night's episode was especially awesome because I got to see the one annoying character get killed off in a totally gruesome way (yay!). It's funny, and sweet, and squeeful when the main character, Stefan, is on screen. Sure, the leading lady is a little weird, but I like her because she's not a supermodel.
Anywho I just wanted to share how much of a dork I am. Happy Halloween ya'll!! I'm going as Dr. Acula.
I don't even like any other shows on that channel. I did love Dawson's Creek back when it was the WB channel, but that's neither here nor there.
Last night's episode was especially awesome because I got to see the one annoying character get killed off in a totally gruesome way (yay!). It's funny, and sweet, and squeeful when the main character, Stefan, is on screen. Sure, the leading lady is a little weird, but I like her because she's not a supermodel.
Anywho I just wanted to share how much of a dork I am. Happy Halloween ya'll!! I'm going as Dr. Acula.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I saw this at the gym the other day and almost fell off the treadmill.
I'm not sure what they were thikning, but here is Genesis "Land of Confusion" video which is one of the top five creepiest things I've ever seen. Ever.
Darn it I was going to embed it, but embadding is disabled and I'm too lazy to look for another version. So click here.
Other creepy things
1: Blair Witch Project (I saw it in the theater the first weekend it came out, so I thought it was real, which is why I consider the creepiest thing I've seen).
2: Paranormal Activity (except for the very very end).
3: The Dark Crystal (I've never actually watched it because the pictures from it creep me out).
4: 3 words: TALKING. BABY. COMMERCIAL.
Darn it I was going to embed it, but embadding is disabled and I'm too lazy to look for another version. So click here.
Other creepy things
1: Blair Witch Project (I saw it in the theater the first weekend it came out, so I thought it was real, which is why I consider the creepiest thing I've seen).
2: Paranormal Activity (except for the very very end).
3: The Dark Crystal (I've never actually watched it because the pictures from it creep me out).
4: 3 words: TALKING. BABY. COMMERCIAL.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Saving some green
I don't know if you know this about me or not, but I'm kind of cheap :). I don't like to spend money on stuff unless I absolutely have to. Of course, I'm no master shopper like PIGS or anything, but when I come across a great deal, I do what I can to make it work for me.
Every year for Christmas I make my family calenders with pictures of my three nieces. Usually I make them on Cafepress.com. However, last week I got an ad in my email for Snapfish (the website I use for picture prints) saying that all calenders were 35% off for the week. So, naturally I went with that. I also usually wait until November to make my calenders, but I somehow pulled it together Friday afternoon.
Here is a snapshot of my ultimate shopping victory:
Every year for Christmas I make my family calenders with pictures of my three nieces. Usually I make them on Cafepress.com. However, last week I got an ad in my email for Snapfish (the website I use for picture prints) saying that all calenders were 35% off for the week. So, naturally I went with that. I also usually wait until November to make my calenders, but I somehow pulled it together Friday afternoon.
Here is a snapshot of my ultimate shopping victory:
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Men
Times when it is good that I work with mostly men: when I go to a conference and I get my own hotel room (yay, I don't have to clean!!).
Times when it is not good that I work with mostly men: when I stay out of work one day due to wicked bad cramps. I come back the next day to a lot of "feeling better?" "What was wrong?". Not that I have a problem saying "oh, my cramps were killing me!". But I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable. So, I just say, "Oh, you know, just generally feeling bad".
Times when it is not good that I work with mostly men: when I stay out of work one day due to wicked bad cramps. I come back the next day to a lot of "feeling better?" "What was wrong?". Not that I have a problem saying "oh, my cramps were killing me!". But I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable. So, I just say, "Oh, you know, just generally feeling bad".
Monday, October 12, 2009
Meatwad
So my cat Meatwad has been in and out of the vet three times since July with the same problem: a blocked up urethra. Basically, he has kidney sand, the kitty equivalent to kidney stones. This means he couldn't pee. That is very bad. It stressed me out a lot and I worried constantly whether or not he would recover properly.
He's been home now for two weeks since his last visit. And he is peeing. But I guess part of his "healing process" is to pee where ever the hell he wants, because he has decided to make my couch his toilet. GRRRRR!!
It has been a goal in my life not to turn out like my mother, in the pet department anyways. She has never NOT had four to five cats wondering in and out of her life. And there's only ONE litter box that she has for them all to use. So they're pretty bad about peeing where ever the hell they want and making her house smell funky. But she tries and at least she spays and neuters any cat that chooses her for an owner.
The point is, though, that I didn't want a stinky house. My brother and his family went to the APP game with me this past Saturday and on their way back down the mountain stopped off at my house on Saturday. And of course, Meatwad had just peed on the couch. A lOT. This was very upsetting to me because of course, my brother made fun of me and called me "mom".
After they left I spent several hours cleaning my house and cursing and yelling at Meatwad. I mean, I love that cat more than anything but come on!! Two litter boxes and God forbid a sink, and you choose the couch? sheesh.
On the bright side, he's peeing. I just hope he gets over this phase soon. I HATE having a stinky house.
He's been home now for two weeks since his last visit. And he is peeing. But I guess part of his "healing process" is to pee where ever the hell he wants, because he has decided to make my couch his toilet. GRRRRR!!
It has been a goal in my life not to turn out like my mother, in the pet department anyways. She has never NOT had four to five cats wondering in and out of her life. And there's only ONE litter box that she has for them all to use. So they're pretty bad about peeing where ever the hell they want and making her house smell funky. But she tries and at least she spays and neuters any cat that chooses her for an owner.
The point is, though, that I didn't want a stinky house. My brother and his family went to the APP game with me this past Saturday and on their way back down the mountain stopped off at my house on Saturday. And of course, Meatwad had just peed on the couch. A lOT. This was very upsetting to me because of course, my brother made fun of me and called me "mom".
After they left I spent several hours cleaning my house and cursing and yelling at Meatwad. I mean, I love that cat more than anything but come on!! Two litter boxes and God forbid a sink, and you choose the couch? sheesh.
On the bright side, he's peeing. I just hope he gets over this phase soon. I HATE having a stinky house.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Wickedness
Wow okay so Hey Everyone!
I had a super awesome great time in Vegas, but I don't really have any stories to tell. We didn't win or lose a lot of money. We only got drunk once. We're NOT married or engaged. We didn't see any celebrities. It was 118 degrees one day and an average of around 99 each day we were there. Of course, the day after we left and every day since then has been in the 70s or 80s. I still had a good time but I'm okay with going somewhere else next vacation. I'm thinking a cruise. Where the food is included. Because DAMN, food in Vegas is WAY expensive. We didn't get a chance to go downtown where the food is cheap. We stayed on the strip. I did see more mullets in Vegas than I've seen in a LONG time. Unfortunately I didn't get any good pictures. You'll just have to settle with my regular, plain old pictures.
here they are (click the picture)
Believe it or not I am still trying to catch up on my sleep over a week later. The cats have been refusing to let me sleep. Meatwad has decided to just start peeing on whatever he wants because the two litterboxes aren't good enough. At least he's peeing, but I wouldn't mind if just went back to peeing in the bathroom sink like before!
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Will someone PLEASE nominate me for "What Not to Wear". I'm feeling very icky about my wardrobe lately.
I had a super awesome great time in Vegas, but I don't really have any stories to tell. We didn't win or lose a lot of money. We only got drunk once. We're NOT married or engaged. We didn't see any celebrities. It was 118 degrees one day and an average of around 99 each day we were there. Of course, the day after we left and every day since then has been in the 70s or 80s. I still had a good time but I'm okay with going somewhere else next vacation. I'm thinking a cruise. Where the food is included. Because DAMN, food in Vegas is WAY expensive. We didn't get a chance to go downtown where the food is cheap. We stayed on the strip. I did see more mullets in Vegas than I've seen in a LONG time. Unfortunately I didn't get any good pictures. You'll just have to settle with my regular, plain old pictures.
here they are (click the picture)
Believe it or not I am still trying to catch up on my sleep over a week later. The cats have been refusing to let me sleep. Meatwad has decided to just start peeing on whatever he wants because the two litterboxes aren't good enough. At least he's peeing, but I wouldn't mind if just went back to peeing in the bathroom sink like before!
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Will someone PLEASE nominate me for "What Not to Wear". I'm feeling very icky about my wardrobe lately.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
slow down!
My God, I'm tired. Life won't slow down, damnit! I'm not used to being busy constantly and for the past month straight and the next month straight I've got almost no time to just relax, baby.
Let's see... the first weekend in September I went to East Carolina vs. Appalachian football game with Katie, Jeff, Tracy, Chad, and Brianne. It was fun even though we lost. Much better than that awful trip to Louisiana last year. We had fun hanging out with ECU tailgaters, eating good food, and just generally had a good time. Pictures from that can be seen by clicking the picture below:
The next weekend was the first Appalachian home game in Boone. The pictures from that game haven't been uploaded to Flickr yet. I hope I'll get time to put them up, along with pictures from my other adventures (see below) before I leave for my big adventure (see below) on Friday. The home game we played against McNeese St (another team from stinking Louisiana) and lost.. big time. Even though we only lost by five points it felt much worse than losing by five points to ECU (like we did the week before). Perhaps because we never had a rallying point. Oh and there was drama in the stands because some older alumni have no sense of humanity. Not all, of course, just the one guy.
Four days after this game, I left for a work conference at Carolina Beach. Now, I love the beach, and I love conferences, but I hate driving. Since I was going to Savannah with Katie and Alisa for the weekend, I had to drive separate from everyone. This is a five hour drive. The way down wasn't so bad..
The conference itself was a blast! From the sunset boat cruise to the Fat Pelican bar, to the Rock Band room party, to the karaoke and the 3 AM dip in the ocean, I had fun. But I did not have sleep. And then on Friday, I drove another five hours from Savannah.
At first, the second five-hour trip was awful. I was *so* tired. I pulled into a rest stop and just kind of wandered around trying to wake up. But then, Katie called and they weren't too far down the road behind me. So, I waited for them and then followed Katie all the way to Savannah. This was a LOT easier since I didn't have to think about anything but keeping with Katie.
Savannah was a lot of fun! We ate a lot of good food, and we went on a haunted pub crawl! You know I love the pub crawls. It was extremely hot, but not too bad inside. And the weather was great. It was Alisa's bachelorette party so we made her wear a sash and tiara and we all wore light up rings and beads! This was all well and good until the pink beads turned all of our necks bright pink! Seriously! See Katie's picture here.
Now. As I mentioned earlier, I hate driving. So let's see, I drove five hours to the beach, then five hours to Savannah. Then, I had to drive home. This was the absolute worst. THE WORST! I was so incredibly tired. I did not have a proper night's sleep in four days! You all know how much I dislike South Carolina. I was so desperately tired, though, that I spent 45 minutes at a rest stop in South Carolina taking a power nap on a picnic bench. That's desperation there. By the time I finally got home, I was one giant ball of stress and unease. It actually made me physically sick to my stomach doing all that driving. I'm just a wimp I guess. But then, my stress multiplied by a million because about an hour after I got home, I realized Meatwad was sick. Again.
My poor kitty has urinary issues (kidney sand) and he spent 6 days at the vet in July.. Now he's back again and hopefully will be coming home today. I hope. This is extra stressful since on Friday morning, we are leaving for Vegas. Yep. Vegas again! I'm so excited but at the same time so worried about my Meatwad!
We'll be there for six days and five nights. This will be a lot of fun, and I'm going to try to relax, but then it's not like life will slow down after that either. With football season and two weddings and Christmas and Jared's birthday, I don't see myself being able to chill out until January.
But I promise, I vow, I will do my best to hold my shit together. All I can ask is that I don't go crazy in the meantime.
Let's see... the first weekend in September I went to East Carolina vs. Appalachian football game with Katie, Jeff, Tracy, Chad, and Brianne. It was fun even though we lost. Much better than that awful trip to Louisiana last year. We had fun hanging out with ECU tailgaters, eating good food, and just generally had a good time. Pictures from that can be seen by clicking the picture below:
The next weekend was the first Appalachian home game in Boone. The pictures from that game haven't been uploaded to Flickr yet. I hope I'll get time to put them up, along with pictures from my other adventures (see below) before I leave for my big adventure (see below) on Friday. The home game we played against McNeese St (another team from stinking Louisiana) and lost.. big time. Even though we only lost by five points it felt much worse than losing by five points to ECU (like we did the week before). Perhaps because we never had a rallying point. Oh and there was drama in the stands because some older alumni have no sense of humanity. Not all, of course, just the one guy.
Four days after this game, I left for a work conference at Carolina Beach. Now, I love the beach, and I love conferences, but I hate driving. Since I was going to Savannah with Katie and Alisa for the weekend, I had to drive separate from everyone. This is a five hour drive. The way down wasn't so bad..
The conference itself was a blast! From the sunset boat cruise to the Fat Pelican bar, to the Rock Band room party, to the karaoke and the 3 AM dip in the ocean, I had fun. But I did not have sleep. And then on Friday, I drove another five hours from Savannah.
At first, the second five-hour trip was awful. I was *so* tired. I pulled into a rest stop and just kind of wandered around trying to wake up. But then, Katie called and they weren't too far down the road behind me. So, I waited for them and then followed Katie all the way to Savannah. This was a LOT easier since I didn't have to think about anything but keeping with Katie.
Savannah was a lot of fun! We ate a lot of good food, and we went on a haunted pub crawl! You know I love the pub crawls. It was extremely hot, but not too bad inside. And the weather was great. It was Alisa's bachelorette party so we made her wear a sash and tiara and we all wore light up rings and beads! This was all well and good until the pink beads turned all of our necks bright pink! Seriously! See Katie's picture here.
Now. As I mentioned earlier, I hate driving. So let's see, I drove five hours to the beach, then five hours to Savannah. Then, I had to drive home. This was the absolute worst. THE WORST! I was so incredibly tired. I did not have a proper night's sleep in four days! You all know how much I dislike South Carolina. I was so desperately tired, though, that I spent 45 minutes at a rest stop in South Carolina taking a power nap on a picnic bench. That's desperation there. By the time I finally got home, I was one giant ball of stress and unease. It actually made me physically sick to my stomach doing all that driving. I'm just a wimp I guess. But then, my stress multiplied by a million because about an hour after I got home, I realized Meatwad was sick. Again.
My poor kitty has urinary issues (kidney sand) and he spent 6 days at the vet in July.. Now he's back again and hopefully will be coming home today. I hope. This is extra stressful since on Friday morning, we are leaving for Vegas. Yep. Vegas again! I'm so excited but at the same time so worried about my Meatwad!
We'll be there for six days and five nights. This will be a lot of fun, and I'm going to try to relax, but then it's not like life will slow down after that either. With football season and two weddings and Christmas and Jared's birthday, I don't see myself being able to chill out until January.
But I promise, I vow, I will do my best to hold my shit together. All I can ask is that I don't go crazy in the meantime.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
This blog is a little... strange.
I would like to start out this blog by saying I'm sorry. I'm sorry to all of my friends, or any of my friends, who feel like I've been kind of.. standoffish the last few months. I don't honestly know if anyone feels like I have been standoffish, but I noticed that I don't see my friends near as much as I did last year or before. The fact is, I haven't really been standoffish, I've just been kind of.. vacant. And I'm not sure of the total reason for this. I'm sane, I think. I'm not desperately unhappy or going through some kind of depression (I think).
Last night I stared at myself in the mirror for a long time trying to figure it out. I stared and I looked at myself in the eyes and asked "what's missing? what is different? who are you?" I just don't seem to have that spark anymore.
At first I thought it must be that I'm getting older. I don't want to go out and party as much because I don't enjoy it as much anymore. I don't like getting trashed and wanting to pass out. I don't like waking up feeling embarrassed of myself for something I did or said. While that part of it is true, I still don't think that's what my problem is.
I think the honest reason for my slump the last few months is because I became so content with just existing. I've spent the last 27 years of my life existing, and being okay with that. I've always thought that looking for meaning to life was kind of pointless. Why not just live life and roll with it?
But what if I do need to find a meaning? What if there was a purpose other than just living, working, loving, and watching tv?
This is what I found when I looked in the mirror last night. I need a purpose, a meaning. I need to find out what it is I can do to be more than just Allison, mapmaker from Hickory.
But what? I'm still searching for that.
I just hope that now I've come to this conclusion, that what I need is more from life, that maybe I can be more of a friend. More of a person. I hope you (all of you) can understand me a little better now. I'm not putting you out. I love you, all of you.
Last night I stared at myself in the mirror for a long time trying to figure it out. I stared and I looked at myself in the eyes and asked "what's missing? what is different? who are you?" I just don't seem to have that spark anymore.
At first I thought it must be that I'm getting older. I don't want to go out and party as much because I don't enjoy it as much anymore. I don't like getting trashed and wanting to pass out. I don't like waking up feeling embarrassed of myself for something I did or said. While that part of it is true, I still don't think that's what my problem is.
I think the honest reason for my slump the last few months is because I became so content with just existing. I've spent the last 27 years of my life existing, and being okay with that. I've always thought that looking for meaning to life was kind of pointless. Why not just live life and roll with it?
But what if I do need to find a meaning? What if there was a purpose other than just living, working, loving, and watching tv?
This is what I found when I looked in the mirror last night. I need a purpose, a meaning. I need to find out what it is I can do to be more than just Allison, mapmaker from Hickory.
But what? I'm still searching for that.
I just hope that now I've come to this conclusion, that what I need is more from life, that maybe I can be more of a friend. More of a person. I hope you (all of you) can understand me a little better now. I'm not putting you out. I love you, all of you.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Sometimes I feel totally manipulated by George Lucas"
A co-worker and I were talking about Star Wars and how Lucas completely ruined the ending of 'Return of the Jedi' by changing Anakin Skywalker to the young, Hayden Christianson version. Not that I don't love Hayden, but come on!
On a non-Star Wars topic, tonight I'm going to China Grove! On a whim, Jared and I are going to see my high school's first football game of the year tonight. I haven't been to a high school football game, let alone MY high school's football game since 1999. When I was a senior. In marching band. That's ten years people. My high school reunion is next year! That seems crazy to me. Gah! I know, I know, I'm comparatively young to some people. But think about this: people born in 1988 are legal to drink alcohol now. 1988!!
Anywho my high school football team has always been terrible but hopefully tonight, since we're playing a smaller school, we'll have good luck.
Go South Rowan Raiders! Woot!
A co-worker and I were talking about Star Wars and how Lucas completely ruined the ending of 'Return of the Jedi' by changing Anakin Skywalker to the young, Hayden Christianson version. Not that I don't love Hayden, but come on!
On a non-Star Wars topic, tonight I'm going to China Grove! On a whim, Jared and I are going to see my high school's first football game of the year tonight. I haven't been to a high school football game, let alone MY high school's football game since 1999. When I was a senior. In marching band. That's ten years people. My high school reunion is next year! That seems crazy to me. Gah! I know, I know, I'm comparatively young to some people. But think about this: people born in 1988 are legal to drink alcohol now. 1988!!
Anywho my high school football team has always been terrible but hopefully tonight, since we're playing a smaller school, we'll have good luck.
Go South Rowan Raiders! Woot!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
ESPN
It's a good thing I don't believe in premonitions. Well, I used to before I grew up and realized that crazy dreams are just crazy. Anywho, last night I had a dream that I got fired. This is good because it means I won't get fired anytime soon. I hope. I dunno I mess around on the internet too much sometimes, but I do try to do my job too. Of course, sometimes I just get bored, and do things like this:
This was made from a John Edwards presidential sign found in Lenoir two years ago.
This was made from a John Edwards presidential sign found in Lenoir two years ago.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Because silver 9/11 $20 bills aren't tacky enough.
So, I'm watching tv, all comfy and cozy on my couch one afternoon. I was probably watching Jeopardy, since it's pretty much my favorite tv show right now, because everything else is crap. It's a commercial break. A new commercial starts showing highlights of President Obama's campaign and really American-esque things. Like fireworks. I start to feel all warm and fuzzy inside thinking 'yes, yes I can'. And then, the tagline come on.
"To commemorate the inauguration of our 44th president with a well known American icon, introducing, (cha cha cha chia) Chia Obama".
Really. Honest to God. There's a Chia Obama. You can buy one and see the commercial by going here.
You know, I kind of actually want one of those. For my desk at work. I think I would be much more motivated to do something other than play on the internet... Maybe.
"To commemorate the inauguration of our 44th president with a well known American icon, introducing, (cha cha cha chia) Chia Obama".
Really. Honest to God. There's a Chia Obama. You can buy one and see the commercial by going here.
You know, I kind of actually want one of those. For my desk at work. I think I would be much more motivated to do something other than play on the internet... Maybe.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
This blog is not about Star Wars (not totally, anyways).
First of all, I recently saw the movie Fanboyz and I must say, if you're any kind of Star Wars fan, you need to see this. It's reeaaally funny. The best part is the cameo by William Shatner. And Seth Rogan plays two parts that are just hilarious.
This week has been kind of poopy because Jared has had to work a LOT. He's been closing every night, which means he doesn't get home til after my bedtime. I've been terribly lonely without him. Luckily the cats try to keep me company, but they kind of smell bad.
Anywho, on Sunday, he asked me to help him out and bartend at the Brush in Wilkesboro. So I did. And it sucked. Stupid air-conditioning was broke-d. Luckily it wasn't too busy, but man. It just reinforces my disdain for summer.
Alas, today has been pretty pleasant weather wise. It was a glorious, foggy, breezy morning. Ah :)
This weekend is one weekend where I plan to catch up on my ZZZzzzs. I always wake up when Jared comes to bed, however late, just to ask him about his day.
I've worked out three times this week and today, I'm going for four. Hell, if I get too bored on Saturday who knows? Maybe I'll make it five. Woot!
This week has been kind of poopy because Jared has had to work a LOT. He's been closing every night, which means he doesn't get home til after my bedtime. I've been terribly lonely without him. Luckily the cats try to keep me company, but they kind of smell bad.
Anywho, on Sunday, he asked me to help him out and bartend at the Brush in Wilkesboro. So I did. And it sucked. Stupid air-conditioning was broke-d. Luckily it wasn't too busy, but man. It just reinforces my disdain for summer.
Alas, today has been pretty pleasant weather wise. It was a glorious, foggy, breezy morning. Ah :)
This weekend is one weekend where I plan to catch up on my ZZZzzzs. I always wake up when Jared comes to bed, however late, just to ask him about his day.
I've worked out three times this week and today, I'm going for four. Hell, if I get too bored on Saturday who knows? Maybe I'll make it five. Woot!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Countdown to ECU game, 25 days
My pretend BF, Coco Hillary
Coco Hillary is my favorite player on the App football team. Mostly because of his winning smile. My favorite part of tailgating is when all of the players walk through Stadium Lot and I get to hoot and hollar at them. I usually yell something along the lines of "hey pretty!!" when I see Coco. We'll see if he remembers that from last year.. The Fanfest is August 22 and I'll be there with bells on.
Coco Hillary is my favorite player on the App football team. Mostly because of his winning smile. My favorite part of tailgating is when all of the players walk through Stadium Lot and I get to hoot and hollar at them. I usually yell something along the lines of "hey pretty!!" when I see Coco. We'll see if he remembers that from last year.. The Fanfest is August 22 and I'll be there with bells on.
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