Ever noticed how some people with great talents can't seem to apply those same talents in their personal lives? Take my grandmother for instance. In her younger years she was Vice President of a Bank and did a damn good job. Bank files were always in balance. However, in her personal life, she's had to file bankruptcy twice because she lacks the ability to control her own finances.
Same goes for me. I have a psychology degree, and can see every one of my friend's, and even some stranger's, reasons for behavior, but can't seem to figure out what I'm doing wrong.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Glad to See I'm Not the Only One Trying to Just Breathe
It's just about 3am and I've yet to fall asleep tonight. Maybe it was the nap I took this afternoon, or the diet coke before bed, or maybe it's the million things that I can't seem to shake from my head. I've tried visualization techniques, I've tried reading in bed, I've tried relaxation methods, and to no avail. The song "Breathe" keeps running through my head, so in an attempt to kill time and potentially make myself sleepy, I decided to post. Ironically, in my search for the lyrics to this song, I find this blog and it's as if she wrote this post for me. It's exactly what I'm living and exactly what I want to write (obviously with the exception of "Aaron" and an "ex-husband", of which I have neither):
Just Breathe (are we suffocating?)
“2 AM and I'm still awake, writing a song
If I get it all down on paper, it's no longer inside of me,
Threatening the life it belongs to
And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to”
--Anna Nalick, Breathe (2AM)
3AM and I toss restlessly in bed. I can’t fall back asleep. The covers are closing around my neck, as though they have a savage purpose of their own. The night that wraps around me activates my thoughts—sparks of ideas firing around in my brain—ideas I’ll never retain until morning. I try my usual repertoire of mental sleep strategies, no luck. Over and over in my head the chorus of Anna Nalick’s Breathe whispers in my head.
I finally get up; Aaron remains breathing peacefully, rhythmically—despite my repeated surreptitious attempts to rouse him. The dogs follow me into the den, their feet padding like little tap dancers behind me. I fire up the computer—maybe I’ll write. I want to hear Breathe so I access iTunes and search for the song. There are currently well over 50 songs with the word “breathe” as the title, or factoring strongly into the title. There is also a group called Breathe.
This gets me wondering about all these poetic attempts to encourage breathing, to remind us of this basic function. Are we all suffocating? What is constricting us? What makes my life so much more animated at night, in the confines of my over-burdened imagination? How many times a day do I realize that I am holding my breath, that I must make a concerted effort to release the holding? Do we do this less when we’re children, when we lack adult self-consciousness?
Anna sings:"'Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button, girl.
So cradle your head in your hands
And breathe... just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe"
I download the song, beautiful songwriting, beautiful singer. She’s living her art. I want to live my art, but the risk makes me store it instead in my head—maybe to be intentionally forgotten. What hurts more, singing out loud off-key, or just listening to the music in your head? My ex-husband used to sing off-key in church, loudly, proudly. I remember hating him, rather, for his healthy abandon as I just mouthed the words.For complete lyrics to Breathe follow this link.
Thank you for your post, stranger on the internet. Hope you get some sleep.
Just Breathe (are we suffocating?)
“2 AM and I'm still awake, writing a song
If I get it all down on paper, it's no longer inside of me,
Threatening the life it belongs to
And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to”
--Anna Nalick, Breathe (2AM)
3AM and I toss restlessly in bed. I can’t fall back asleep. The covers are closing around my neck, as though they have a savage purpose of their own. The night that wraps around me activates my thoughts—sparks of ideas firing around in my brain—ideas I’ll never retain until morning. I try my usual repertoire of mental sleep strategies, no luck. Over and over in my head the chorus of Anna Nalick’s Breathe whispers in my head.
I finally get up; Aaron remains breathing peacefully, rhythmically—despite my repeated surreptitious attempts to rouse him. The dogs follow me into the den, their feet padding like little tap dancers behind me. I fire up the computer—maybe I’ll write. I want to hear Breathe so I access iTunes and search for the song. There are currently well over 50 songs with the word “breathe” as the title, or factoring strongly into the title. There is also a group called Breathe.
This gets me wondering about all these poetic attempts to encourage breathing, to remind us of this basic function. Are we all suffocating? What is constricting us? What makes my life so much more animated at night, in the confines of my over-burdened imagination? How many times a day do I realize that I am holding my breath, that I must make a concerted effort to release the holding? Do we do this less when we’re children, when we lack adult self-consciousness?
Anna sings:"'Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button, girl.
So cradle your head in your hands
And breathe... just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe"
I download the song, beautiful songwriting, beautiful singer. She’s living her art. I want to live my art, but the risk makes me store it instead in my head—maybe to be intentionally forgotten. What hurts more, singing out loud off-key, or just listening to the music in your head? My ex-husband used to sing off-key in church, loudly, proudly. I remember hating him, rather, for his healthy abandon as I just mouthed the words.For complete lyrics to Breathe follow this link.
Thank you for your post, stranger on the internet. Hope you get some sleep.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Idiots!
I'm about to go off on a slight rant or three. I just got home from work, so I'm entitled.
Rant #1
I work with a bunch of idiots. I mean, idiots. The shame of it is that for the most part, they are talented, even smart people, they just don't THINK. I think I'm the only one that uses the grey matter in my head. C'mon people, it's not rocket science, it's advertising! We're not trying to save the world, but we ARE trying to get customers into the stores. Let's try and think like that. THINK! I could strangle them all after today. Just as a hypothetical example: here's a strategy brief - the ad must be yellow no matter what. And what do I get back today for a proof? A blue ad. And why do I get back a blue ad? Because it's "pretty." Yeah, but it doesn't meet the strategy now, does it? Oh, you didn't even bother to read the strategy. Huh, wonder why I even bothered to put together a strategy brief? Maybe because I needed you guys to produce a YELLOW ad??? Figures. Geez...
Rant #2
I can't stand people that are afraid to drive their cars. Oh, you know these people. The ones that do 5 miles below the speed limit on the interstate. They use their blinker to change lanes for 10 minutes before actually attempting to slowly drift their car over into a completely empty lane. The ones that ride their brakes for miles because someone 6 miles away tapped their brakes for 2 seconds. The ones that sit rigidly upright in their seat, white nuckles clinching the wheel, and won't budge when merging traffic tries to enter the lane, OR they practically come to a stop to let a car on the interstate not realizing that it's the other car's job to merge into the flow of traffic, not their job to stop completely to let them in. Just DRIVE dammit! If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you're the one I can't stand. Get off the road.
Rant #3
Mark my words, I, Kara, will never date a man named Ryan ever again. They are all the same. I've dated two Ryan's in my lifetime, both were 5 and 10 years ago respectively, but I've come to find that they are all the same guy. My good friend has a guy named Ryan interested in her, and he's the same kind of Ryan as the 2 that I've dated in my past, and I.can't.stand.that.guy. It's the kind of guy that's so sickeningly-syrupy sweet that you want to roll your eyes and gag. He's sending her emails that say things like, "on the 7th day when God created light, he must've created your smile. You light up a room everywhere you go, and your charm is left behind of a precious token of your essence when you leave...blah blah blah". Don't get me wrong, I can be just as romantic as the next girl, but puh-leese. I actually broke up with the former Ryan's that I've dated for being "too sweet." I just couldn't stand sitting on that pedestal.
Whew. I'm feeling better, either because I've gotten all of this off my chest, or the pinot noir is kicking in.
Rant #1
I work with a bunch of idiots. I mean, idiots. The shame of it is that for the most part, they are talented, even smart people, they just don't THINK. I think I'm the only one that uses the grey matter in my head. C'mon people, it's not rocket science, it's advertising! We're not trying to save the world, but we ARE trying to get customers into the stores. Let's try and think like that. THINK! I could strangle them all after today. Just as a hypothetical example: here's a strategy brief - the ad must be yellow no matter what. And what do I get back today for a proof? A blue ad. And why do I get back a blue ad? Because it's "pretty." Yeah, but it doesn't meet the strategy now, does it? Oh, you didn't even bother to read the strategy. Huh, wonder why I even bothered to put together a strategy brief? Maybe because I needed you guys to produce a YELLOW ad??? Figures. Geez...
Rant #2
I can't stand people that are afraid to drive their cars. Oh, you know these people. The ones that do 5 miles below the speed limit on the interstate. They use their blinker to change lanes for 10 minutes before actually attempting to slowly drift their car over into a completely empty lane. The ones that ride their brakes for miles because someone 6 miles away tapped their brakes for 2 seconds. The ones that sit rigidly upright in their seat, white nuckles clinching the wheel, and won't budge when merging traffic tries to enter the lane, OR they practically come to a stop to let a car on the interstate not realizing that it's the other car's job to merge into the flow of traffic, not their job to stop completely to let them in. Just DRIVE dammit! If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you're the one I can't stand. Get off the road.
Rant #3
Mark my words, I, Kara, will never date a man named Ryan ever again. They are all the same. I've dated two Ryan's in my lifetime, both were 5 and 10 years ago respectively, but I've come to find that they are all the same guy. My good friend has a guy named Ryan interested in her, and he's the same kind of Ryan as the 2 that I've dated in my past, and I.can't.stand.that.guy. It's the kind of guy that's so sickeningly-syrupy sweet that you want to roll your eyes and gag. He's sending her emails that say things like, "on the 7th day when God created light, he must've created your smile. You light up a room everywhere you go, and your charm is left behind of a precious token of your essence when you leave...blah blah blah". Don't get me wrong, I can be just as romantic as the next girl, but puh-leese. I actually broke up with the former Ryan's that I've dated for being "too sweet." I just couldn't stand sitting on that pedestal.
Whew. I'm feeling better, either because I've gotten all of this off my chest, or the pinot noir is kicking in.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Didja Miss Me? Been Busy. You Know - Poker Queen and Movie Star
Hey kids (rock and roll, rock on...)!
Didja miss me? I've been super busy and haven't had time to write or read, but finally got a chance tonight. I've had a million things to write about, but with so much time passing between events, I've just about forgotten everything I wanted to document. Hmmm, let's see....
Well, ever since I got back from Vegas, I've been playing Texas Hold'em every Monday night. (you know, where the crazy guy plays too) I've gotten pretty good, I must say. Last night was the final tourney for this quarter, and I came in 8th overall. Not too bad for a fairly new player. I won a fancy beer tshirt. Yep, jealous aren't you? Ok, so maybe I'm not a poker queen, but I'm working on it.
Also, weekend before last, I was a movie star. Ok, so maybe my definition of movie star is slightly askew from that of, say, Julia Roberts, but whatever. We're both from Georgia. But seriously, Matthew McConaughey (yes, he's on my top 5 list) and Matthew Fox (could there be a more perfect pair of hotties?) are in town filming a movie coming out this fall called We Are Marshall (the two Matthews play the Marshall University coaches). I'm not sure how a movie could be any more perfect for me: two HOT Matthews, one of which broke up with Penelope Cruz just before my debut, and the movie is about FOOTBALL! Anyway, I was a very famous movie extra sitting in the stands as the all important "crowd-member #248". Did you know that most crowd scenes are filled with blow up dummies? Yeah, they just intersperse real people amongst the dummies for movement effect. Well anyway, I was sitting between dummy #247 and dummy #249 right about halfway up the bleachers on the 45 yard line. Look for me when the movie's out. I'll be on the red carpet at the movie premier, and I can sign an autograph, too, if you'd like. I'm still down to earth with "the little people" (that'd be all of you non-movie stars out there). But since we're all such close friends, I'm going to hook you up with exclusive footage of the movie, and the hotties, before the movie even comes out. I'm sure People or US Weekly will be dying to pay me for my photos.
Didja miss me? I've been super busy and haven't had time to write or read, but finally got a chance tonight. I've had a million things to write about, but with so much time passing between events, I've just about forgotten everything I wanted to document. Hmmm, let's see....
Well, ever since I got back from Vegas, I've been playing Texas Hold'em every Monday night. (you know, where the crazy guy plays too) I've gotten pretty good, I must say. Last night was the final tourney for this quarter, and I came in 8th overall. Not too bad for a fairly new player. I won a fancy beer tshirt. Yep, jealous aren't you? Ok, so maybe I'm not a poker queen, but I'm working on it.
Also, weekend before last, I was a movie star. Ok, so maybe my definition of movie star is slightly askew from that of, say, Julia Roberts, but whatever. We're both from Georgia. But seriously, Matthew McConaughey (yes, he's on my top 5 list) and Matthew Fox (could there be a more perfect pair of hotties?) are in town filming a movie coming out this fall called We Are Marshall (the two Matthews play the Marshall University coaches). I'm not sure how a movie could be any more perfect for me: two HOT Matthews, one of which broke up with Penelope Cruz just before my debut, and the movie is about FOOTBALL! Anyway, I was a very famous movie extra sitting in the stands as the all important "crowd-member #248". Did you know that most crowd scenes are filled with blow up dummies? Yeah, they just intersperse real people amongst the dummies for movement effect. Well anyway, I was sitting between dummy #247 and dummy #249 right about halfway up the bleachers on the 45 yard line. Look for me when the movie's out. I'll be on the red carpet at the movie premier, and I can sign an autograph, too, if you'd like. I'm still down to earth with "the little people" (that'd be all of you non-movie stars out there). But since we're all such close friends, I'm going to hook you up with exclusive footage of the movie, and the hotties, before the movie even comes out. I'm sure People or US Weekly will be dying to pay me for my photos.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Let Me Treat You To Taco Bell
I'm sure you've all seen it in one form or fashion - the commercial of the girl paying for the guy's dry-cleaning, or the guy that pays the toll for the guy behind him. Well, I did it too. I was feeling generous, spry if you will, so when I was in the drive-thru at Taco Bell last night, I paid for the food that the guy behind me ordered and then I just drove off. Yep. Didn't do it because I thought he was cute, I did it out of the kindness of my heart. Felt like making his night. Gave him a story he'd talk about for weeks. Cliche these days? Maybe. But it was fun. You should try it - just make sure I'm behind you when you do so I get paid back for my good deed.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
If You're a "Crazy" I'm Sure You'll Find Me
So I know you've all heard me complain before about being a freak magnet. Here's more evidence to back up my claim:
Monday nights have been poker nights lately. It all started after my trip to Vegas, and now I'm playing Texas Hold'em every Monday at a local bar. Usually the same crowd shows up: Ed, who's about 65 but looks 95; John, who's 21, Asian, and has a mohawk; Stuart, one of my friends who got us started with the poker crowd; Dana, one of my good girl friends that I drink wine and laugh uncontrollably with; Clifford, an older guy with some sort of accent ("he ain't from around here" :-P); Ryan, a late 20s guy that my friend Dana has a crush on (he went to Auburn, bless his heart); Brent, a quiet, painter guy in his 30s; and me, a super hot girl with a fabulous personality, killer smile, innocent eyes, pouty bottom lip, and very large...brain (ok, maybe I embellished about me a little, but if I don't who will?). Anyway, since my friend Dana has this flirty crush on Ryan, and he has a crush on her, of course those two are in cahoots to "hook me up." The only viable option from their viewpoint is Brent. Of course it is...
Brent came this past Monday night with canvas and paints to paint the poker scene. He's talented, and I enjoy painting, so Dana and Ryan made sure that he and I started talking. The more I talked to him, the more he revealed about himself. Turns out that Brent paints as part of his psychiatric "therapy." Yep ladies and gentlemen, he's a crazy. Self-admitted, his words - not mine. During our conversation, here are a few red flags that I discover, immediately ruling him out of any possiblity of being dating potential for me:
1) His paintings mostly deal with what it's like to have a mental illness.
2) He doesn't paint that often because the meds he takes make him sleep a lot.
3) If he didn't take his meds, he'd be "a loose cannon" to quote him.
4) He doesn't work, rather draws disability from the government.
5) He isn't allowed to drive, therefore doesn't own a car and either walks everywhere (to the bar for poker night) or has friends take him where he needs to go.
So I'm talking to Brent and finding out all about his illness and the more I learn, the more I want to run. But I can't, that would be rude. I'm trapped. So I start to strategize in my head when a good time would be for me to back out of the conversation without him knowing I was heading for the hills in retreat mode. I laugh at his joke, but then worry if the laughter came across as genuine. I try to gauge how long I have to continue with the conversation to be polite. I then start to think that if/when I back away, do I have to return before I leave so he doesn't think I'm ignoring him after he told me he was a "crazy". But then I start to second guess that thought. Of course, I wouldn't want him to think I do have an interest in him other then friends, and if I make a stop back by to say good bye before we leave, will he take that the wrong way? All of these decisions are racing through my head, and it's a very fine line to walk when you want to be polite and friendly, but not come across as flirtatious and interested.
Now, please don't get me wrong here. I was a psychology major in college, so that being my field of study, I do have a certain understanding and/or empathy for those with psychological concerns. All of the anonymous people that at this point want to chew me out for my insenstivity to the subject at hand just back off. However, when it comes to my dating life, husband potential and father of my children, a "crazy" IS NOT, and let me repeat to be very clear, IS NOT even on the "to be considered" list, no matter how desperate my single situation should ever become. Which would explain my distinctive glare followed by an eye roll at both Dana and Ryan when they lean over to ask, "so, have we made a love connection?"
Monday nights have been poker nights lately. It all started after my trip to Vegas, and now I'm playing Texas Hold'em every Monday at a local bar. Usually the same crowd shows up: Ed, who's about 65 but looks 95; John, who's 21, Asian, and has a mohawk; Stuart, one of my friends who got us started with the poker crowd; Dana, one of my good girl friends that I drink wine and laugh uncontrollably with; Clifford, an older guy with some sort of accent ("he ain't from around here" :-P); Ryan, a late 20s guy that my friend Dana has a crush on (he went to Auburn, bless his heart); Brent, a quiet, painter guy in his 30s; and me, a super hot girl with a fabulous personality, killer smile, innocent eyes, pouty bottom lip, and very large...brain (ok, maybe I embellished about me a little, but if I don't who will?). Anyway, since my friend Dana has this flirty crush on Ryan, and he has a crush on her, of course those two are in cahoots to "hook me up." The only viable option from their viewpoint is Brent. Of course it is...
Brent came this past Monday night with canvas and paints to paint the poker scene. He's talented, and I enjoy painting, so Dana and Ryan made sure that he and I started talking. The more I talked to him, the more he revealed about himself. Turns out that Brent paints as part of his psychiatric "therapy." Yep ladies and gentlemen, he's a crazy. Self-admitted, his words - not mine. During our conversation, here are a few red flags that I discover, immediately ruling him out of any possiblity of being dating potential for me:
1) His paintings mostly deal with what it's like to have a mental illness.
2) He doesn't paint that often because the meds he takes make him sleep a lot.
3) If he didn't take his meds, he'd be "a loose cannon" to quote him.
4) He doesn't work, rather draws disability from the government.
5) He isn't allowed to drive, therefore doesn't own a car and either walks everywhere (to the bar for poker night) or has friends take him where he needs to go.
So I'm talking to Brent and finding out all about his illness and the more I learn, the more I want to run. But I can't, that would be rude. I'm trapped. So I start to strategize in my head when a good time would be for me to back out of the conversation without him knowing I was heading for the hills in retreat mode. I laugh at his joke, but then worry if the laughter came across as genuine. I try to gauge how long I have to continue with the conversation to be polite. I then start to think that if/when I back away, do I have to return before I leave so he doesn't think I'm ignoring him after he told me he was a "crazy". But then I start to second guess that thought. Of course, I wouldn't want him to think I do have an interest in him other then friends, and if I make a stop back by to say good bye before we leave, will he take that the wrong way? All of these decisions are racing through my head, and it's a very fine line to walk when you want to be polite and friendly, but not come across as flirtatious and interested.
Now, please don't get me wrong here. I was a psychology major in college, so that being my field of study, I do have a certain understanding and/or empathy for those with psychological concerns. All of the anonymous people that at this point want to chew me out for my insenstivity to the subject at hand just back off. However, when it comes to my dating life, husband potential and father of my children, a "crazy" IS NOT, and let me repeat to be very clear, IS NOT even on the "to be considered" list, no matter how desperate my single situation should ever become. Which would explain my distinctive glare followed by an eye roll at both Dana and Ryan when they lean over to ask, "so, have we made a love connection?"
"Make it Madras"?
Dear Old Navy,
Saw your new commercial a few times tonight during American Idol and you can call it what you want, but really, at the end of the day, it's "plaid". Nice try though.
Yours in "tartan",
Kara
Saw your new commercial a few times tonight during American Idol and you can call it what you want, but really, at the end of the day, it's "plaid". Nice try though.
Yours in "tartan",
Kara
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Hope
Just when I was about to run out of hope completely, a friend comes along and makes me think that it is possible. Hope is restored, and I'm still hanging.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Hi, I'm Sugar Heavenhooter (said with a southern accent) Who Are You?
Follow the instructions to find your new stripper name. C'mon, you know you want to. It's just for fun so stop blushing... Once you have your new name, put it in the comments lounge for everyone to laugh
1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your new first name:
a = Fantasia
b = Chesty
c = Starr
d = Diamond
e = Montana
f = Angel
g = Sugar
h = Mimi
i = Lola
j =Kitty
k = Roxie
l = Dallas
m = Princess
n = Heidi
o = Bambi
p = Bunny
q = Brandy
r = Sugar
s = Candy
t = Raquelle
u = Sapphire
v = Cinnamon
w = Blaze
x = Trixie
y = Isis
z = Jade
2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:
a = Leather
b = Dream
c = Sunny
d = Deep
e = Heaven
f = Tight
g = Shimmer
h = Velvet
i = Lusty
j = Harley
k = Passion
l = Dazzle
m = Dixon
n = Spank
o = Glitter
p = Razor
q = Meadow
r = Glitz
s = Sparkle
t = Sweet
u = Silver
v = Tickle
w = Cherry
x = Hard
y = Night
z = Amber
3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
a = hooter
b = horn
c = tower
d = fire
e = thighs
f = hips
g = side
h = jugs
i = shock
j = cocker
k = brook
l = tush
m = sizzle
n = ridge
o = kiss
p = bomb
q = cream
r = thong
s = heat
t = whip
u = cheeks
v = rock
w = hiney
x = button
y = lick
z = juice
1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your new first name:
a = Fantasia
b = Chesty
c = Starr
d = Diamond
e = Montana
f = Angel
g = Sugar
h = Mimi
i = Lola
j =Kitty
k = Roxie
l = Dallas
m = Princess
n = Heidi
o = Bambi
p = Bunny
q = Brandy
r = Sugar
s = Candy
t = Raquelle
u = Sapphire
v = Cinnamon
w = Blaze
x = Trixie
y = Isis
z = Jade
2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:
a = Leather
b = Dream
c = Sunny
d = Deep
e = Heaven
f = Tight
g = Shimmer
h = Velvet
i = Lusty
j = Harley
k = Passion
l = Dazzle
m = Dixon
n = Spank
o = Glitter
p = Razor
q = Meadow
r = Glitz
s = Sparkle
t = Sweet
u = Silver
v = Tickle
w = Cherry
x = Hard
y = Night
z = Amber
3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
a = hooter
b = horn
c = tower
d = fire
e = thighs
f = hips
g = side
h = jugs
i = shock
j = cocker
k = brook
l = tush
m = sizzle
n = ridge
o = kiss
p = bomb
q = cream
r = thong
s = heat
t = whip
u = cheeks
v = rock
w = hiney
x = button
y = lick
z = juice
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Wayne Newton, Here I Come!
I'm heading out
with several friends for a few days. First trip there, and I'm SUPER excited! Six of my friends and I got a great, cheap deal to stay at the Monte Carlo, but I have a feeling I won't be spending too much time in my hotel, rather acting like a 19 year old again pulling all-nighters. I'm sure my body will start to protest by Friday morning, and I may very well need a liver transplant when I get back. I'm A positive if anyone would like to donate to a worthy cause upon my return. If I strike it rich, it's been real guys, but I won't be back. If I get married, please let it be by Elvis or Marilyn.
I get back at 5am Sunday morning, so I will try to post once I recover, which will most likely be sometime in the first two weeks of July.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Trouble in Paradise
This guy found my blog after looking up this search:
can+i+trust+my+wife+after+i+catch+her+cheating+
she+said+that+want+to+stay+with+me
Not sure how my blog is linked with that search, but in the event he hasn't found the answer to his question, I'm going to go ahead and answer:
No.
can+i+trust+my+wife+after+i+catch+her+cheating+
she+said+that+want+to+stay+with+me
Not sure how my blog is linked with that search, but in the event he hasn't found the answer to his question, I'm going to go ahead and answer:
No.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Guess Who's Hanging Around My House This Weekend
I live near an Air Force base and the Blue Angels and friends have been flying over my house all weekend. It sounds li
ke I'm in a war zone, but the visuals are cool! Wish I weren't so busy this weekend so I could stop to watch the show.
ke I'm in a war zone, but the visuals are cool! Wish I weren't so busy this weekend so I could stop to watch the show.
You Look Like a Monkey, And You Smell Like One Too
I'm off to my cousin's 4th birthday party today. We all know how much fun I have at these...
I don't even know what 4 year olds want. I usually stalk little kids in the toy section of Target on days like today to do small focus groups. Guess that's just the marketer in me.
I don't even know what 4 year olds want. I usually stalk little kids in the toy section of Target on days like today to do small focus groups. Guess that's just the marketer in me.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Honeysuckle Mornings
The honeysuckles have started to bloom and the whole right side of the fence in my backyard is covered. Yes, I know they're technically a weed, and somewhat unsightly as the bush grows wildly on the railing, intertwining branches reaching out to find the sun's rays. But I have to tell you, there's nothing in my world lately that smells sweeter then the bursting of fragrance I'm greeted with first thing in the mornings when I take Darby out. In that brief moment that I inhale, everything's right in the world.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Who's The Lucky Guy?
I was out running errands yesterday, and one of my stops was the grocery store. I hadn't really taken time that morning to fix up, had no make up on, didn't fix my hair after my shower, and just threw on a tshirt, jeans, and tennis shoes. I was standing in the laundry aisle when a man starting talking to me. He gave me a compliment that put me on cloud 9 all day. He walked over to me and said, "tell your husband he's got a good thing going on." At first I didn't hear what he said (honestly, I didn't), and asked him to repeat. Then he said, "tell your husband, I'm sure a girl like you is married, that he's got a good thing going on. He's a lucky man." I blushed a bit, realized it was a complete line, and responded, "I'm not married" then quickly added "but I'll tell the guy that I am seeing." I didn't want to leave the guy an opportunity to ask me out if he found out I was single. As sweet as his compliment was, he wasn't someone I'd be interested in dating. I typically go for guys with a few more teeth. But still, I was very flattered.
The Reduction
My mom called this evening...crying. My first thought was, oh my goodness, who died? Then I realized they were tears of joy. My mom, who's not a large lady - a mere 5'2 on a petite frame - has a rather large bust. Ok, more than rather large...HUGE. I didn't inherit her petite frame with my 5'7 height, but I do come by my, um, "endowment" honestly. Anyway, her upper body size has been something she's hated, and been self-conscious about, for YEARS. And rightfully so, it was just too much for her frame, creating serious neck and back problems. Recently, she went to see a plastic surgeon about her situation, who in turn wrote a letter to her insurance company indicating a medical necessity for a reduction surgery to be performed. She got her letter from the insurance company today agreeing to pay for her surgery in full! I couldn't be happier for her, as I know it's a huge weight, literally off her chest.
Speaking of Fire
My home computer got fried by lightning...or something. It won't turn on. It's weird because it's plugged into a surge protector that my monitor and printer are plugged into, too, and those are both ok. It's just my hard drive that won't do anything. No sputtering, no lights, no nothing. I guess I'll have to take it into Best Buy to find out what's wrong. It's not even 2 years old yet. Sucks. At least I have my work laptop!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
C'mon Baby Light My Fire
Lit the pilot light to my gas water heater all by myself last night. Yep, sure did. Still have my eyebrows, too! Scared? You bet. But when faced with the option of a cold shower in the morning, I made it happen. Took me 45 minutes to figure it out and get up the nerve to stick a fire source into an opening you know is being pumped with natural gas, but I did it. And you know what? I had a hot shower this morning, thank you very much.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Insomnia
It's almost 4am and I haven't slept at all. The worst part is, I'm not even tired, so sleep for me is no where in sight. I had a horribly stressful night, so I'm sure that's the cause. I came home from my Easter weekend staying with my parents to a house full of black flies. I have no idea where they came from; I can only assume the attic since my house has been vacant and closed up since Saturday morning. I have heard squirrels up there, so the only guess I can think of is that the flies have congregated because of something the squirrels have up there. Walking into my home was like a scene out of a sci-fi movie. I'm thoroughly disgusted and have disinfected just about everything in the house. It took me 2 hours to kill the 30+ flies with wasp and hornet poison. And as if the thought of flies in my home isn't bad enough, my dog is deathly afraid of anything that flies, so he was going crazy. I was worried that he'd step in poison and lick it off his paw, so I had to put him in my car parked in the driveway while I went through my house. He's still pretty unsettled, which is probably another reason I can't seem to get any sleep. Work's going to be a blast tomorrow. I'll go check to see what's on tv and let those of you lucky enough to be sound asleep know what comes on at 4am. Probably Cheaters or Blind Date.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Taxes
Just finished doing mine. Who the heck knows how to figure out a cost basis for selling stocks from your ESPP stock plan? Various purchase dates, reinvested dividends, first in first out - I probably didn't do it right, but whatever. Remind me next year to go to H&R Block. Either that or marry a CPA between now and 4/15/07.
Got this forwarded to me today and decided to post it. I'll probably make some people mad with this, and I'm not really looking to get into any political debates, but I totally feel where this guy is coming from, whoever wrote this:
Dear President Bush:
I'm about to plan a little trip with my family and extended family, and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this. I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way over? I don’t want to be arrested and charged with a felony for going over the border into Mexico illegally like they would most people, oh and to be sure to alert their border patrol that I’m coming, so that they won’t shoot us. And while you are at it, also let him know that I will be expecting the following:
1. Free medical care for my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. All government forms be printed in English.
4. I want my kids to be taught by native English-speaking teachers.
5. Schools should include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying lower down.
7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from Pres. Fox to leave me alone, please be sure that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals. I also expect fresh turkeys in the market during the last week of November.
12. I would also like to have a job without paying any taxes, and don't enforce any labor laws or tax laws.
13. Please tell all the people in the country to be nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy.
I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that Pres. Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely. Please also advise him that if the above demands are not met, I will get together with my extended family and friends and plan a huge demonstration that will be sure to disrupt traffic- people trying to get to work, to the airport, to school, etc.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
Dear President Bush:
I'm about to plan a little trip with my family and extended family, and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this. I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way over? I don’t want to be arrested and charged with a felony for going over the border into Mexico illegally like they would most people, oh and to be sure to alert their border patrol that I’m coming, so that they won’t shoot us. And while you are at it, also let him know that I will be expecting the following:
1. Free medical care for my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. All government forms be printed in English.
4. I want my kids to be taught by native English-speaking teachers.
5. Schools should include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying lower down.
7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from Pres. Fox to leave me alone, please be sure that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals. I also expect fresh turkeys in the market during the last week of November.
12. I would also like to have a job without paying any taxes, and don't enforce any labor laws or tax laws.
13. Please tell all the people in the country to be nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy.
I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that Pres. Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely. Please also advise him that if the above demands are not met, I will get together with my extended family and friends and plan a huge demonstration that will be sure to disrupt traffic- people trying to get to work, to the airport, to school, etc.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Tornado Warning
Living in the deep South, tornados along with their warnings are just another part of spring. I'm sure Midwesterners can relate. We were taught at a very young age the "duck and cover" position, and in fact, held drills at school where we'd line the walls of our halls in the duck and cover position, much like a school would have fire drills. I can only remember one time being in school and having to actually do the duck and cover for fear of a real tornado. Most of the time we just giggled during drills as most wiggled their butts in the air goofing off. However, the reality is, when faced with the prospect of a tornado, it's really scary.
Yesterday was a glorious day. Skies were blue, sun was shining, temperatures reached 80 degrees, the sun doesn't set until 8 - 8:30pm these days, and after work, I was enjoying a margarita (or 3) with friends on the patio of a local mexican place in town. When I got home around 1am and crashed in the bed, I didn't realize I'd be faced with the possibility of a tornado 3 hours into my slumber. But at 4am, my cell phone rings with a call from my mother: "Kara, there's a tornado warning for our county, you need to get in the hallway and be ready to take cover." Sleepy, and a bit relaxed still from the after effects of the tequila, I didn't really want to get out of bed, but the tornado warning sirens blaring off in the distance compelled me to get up. So I grabbed my pillow, a blanket, some shoes, a flashlight, and my furry "kids", and got in the safest part of my 1 level home - my hallway. I closed off all the doors to rooms to help protect from broken glass in the event of windows breaking, turned on the tv in the other room with the volume up loud enough to hear, and sat there on the hardwood floors waiting for the storm to pass. The lights flickered frequently, and the thunder boomed, but the wind didn't sound like it was that bad. It was still scary to sit alone in the hallway, praying that the Lord would keep me safe. My biggest worry was having some of the large trees around my property tumble onto my roof. I wasn't really in the mood to be crushed by a tree last night. I heard the weatherman say the warning expired at 4:30am, and thankful to have escaped the brunt of the storm, I decided all was clear and got back in my bed to finish my night's sleep.
Waking up this morning, I turned on the tv and happened to catch the news, still oblivious to the damage the storm created. Oblivous that is, until I saw my neighborhood on the news and the newswoman report, "the hardest hit by the storm were Sherwood Lane and Mossy Creek Drive. Let's go live to the scene..." My mouth dropped open, and sure enough, they were reporting just 2 streets over from my house. People's homes were destoyed. Trees had crushed roofs, cars, toppled across the streets, and roofs were blown away. As a blessing, I'm not even missing a single shingle from my roof. It's like it completely skipped over my street.
Here are a few photos I took when I went for a walk with my dog Darby this afternoon. I wasn't allowed in some of the harder hit areas of my neighborhood as it was blocked off with yellow caution tape and police. Pictures just don't do the damage of mother nature justice. I'm thankful to have been under the radar of the fury from the storm.
Yesterday was a glorious day. Skies were blue, sun was shining, temperatures reached 80 degrees, the sun doesn't set until 8 - 8:30pm these days, and after work, I was enjoying a margarita (or 3) with friends on the patio of a local mexican place in town. When I got home around 1am and crashed in the bed, I didn't realize I'd be faced with the possibility of a tornado 3 hours into my slumber. But at 4am, my cell phone rings with a call from my mother: "Kara, there's a tornado warning for our county, you need to get in the hallway and be ready to take cover." Sleepy, and a bit relaxed still from the after effects of the tequila, I didn't really want to get out of bed, but the tornado warning sirens blaring off in the distance compelled me to get up. So I grabbed my pillow, a blanket, some shoes, a flashlight, and my furry "kids", and got in the safest part of my 1 level home - my hallway. I closed off all the doors to rooms to help protect from broken glass in the event of windows breaking, turned on the tv in the other room with the volume up loud enough to hear, and sat there on the hardwood floors waiting for the storm to pass. The lights flickered frequently, and the thunder boomed, but the wind didn't sound like it was that bad. It was still scary to sit alone in the hallway, praying that the Lord would keep me safe. My biggest worry was having some of the large trees around my property tumble onto my roof. I wasn't really in the mood to be crushed by a tree last night. I heard the weatherman say the warning expired at 4:30am, and thankful to have escaped the brunt of the storm, I decided all was clear and got back in my bed to finish my night's sleep.
Waking up this morning, I turned on the tv and happened to catch the news, still oblivious to the damage the storm created. Oblivous that is, until I saw my neighborhood on the news and the newswoman report, "the hardest hit by the storm were Sherwood Lane and Mossy Creek Drive. Let's go live to the scene..." My mouth dropped open, and sure enough, they were reporting just 2 streets over from my house. People's homes were destoyed. Trees had crushed roofs, cars, toppled across the streets, and roofs were blown away. As a blessing, I'm not even missing a single shingle from my roof. It's like it completely skipped over my street.
Here are a few photos I took when I went for a walk with my dog Darby this afternoon. I wasn't allowed in some of the harder hit areas of my neighborhood as it was blocked off with yellow caution tape and police. Pictures just don't do the damage of mother nature justice. I'm thankful to have been under the radar of the fury from the storm.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Ammendment to Post
Please let me ammend my post from 4/2/06.
First of all, "hate" is a strong word for me to have used in response to the time change. I mean, what did the time change ever do to me? I think I must have just been irritable for lack of sleep during that 1 hour I was cheated out of. So, please allow me to say this:
I love the time change. The weather's gorgeous, I can work all night as usual, come home by 7pm and STILL have daylight time to take my dog for a 45 minute walk around the neighborhood.
Please forgive my harsh words. Time change and I are friends again.
Thank you.
First of all, "hate" is a strong word for me to have used in response to the time change. I mean, what did the time change ever do to me? I think I must have just been irritable for lack of sleep during that 1 hour I was cheated out of. So, please allow me to say this:
I love the time change. The weather's gorgeous, I can work all night as usual, come home by 7pm and STILL have daylight time to take my dog for a 45 minute walk around the neighborhood.
Please forgive my harsh words. Time change and I are friends again.
Thank you.
What Hurts The Most by Rascal Flatts
Cool song from Rascal Flatts. Thought I'd post it so I'd remember it.
I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house,
that don't bother me
I can take a few tears now and then
and just let them out
I'm not afraid to cry
Every once in a while even though goin on with you gone still upsets me
There are days
Every now and again i pretend i'm okay but that's not what gets me
What hurts the most, was being so close
And having so much to say
And watchin you walk away
Never knowing, what could have been
And not seein that lovin you
Is what i was tryin to do
It's hard to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere i go
But i'm doin it
It's hard to force that smile when i see our old friends and i'm alone
Still harder gettin up, gettin dressed, livin with this regret
But i know if i could do it overI would trade, give away all the words that i saved in my heart that i left unspoken
What hurts the most, is being so close
And having so much to say
And watchin you walk away
Never knowing, what could have been
And not seein that lovin you
Is what i was tryin to do
What hurts the most, was being so close
And having so much to say
And watchin you walk away
And never knowing, what could have been
And not seein that lovin you
Is what i was tryin to do
not seein that lovin you
that's what I was tryin to do
I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house,
that don't bother me
I can take a few tears now and then
and just let them out
I'm not afraid to cry
Every once in a while even though goin on with you gone still upsets me
There are days
Every now and again i pretend i'm okay but that's not what gets me
What hurts the most, was being so close
And having so much to say
And watchin you walk away
Never knowing, what could have been
And not seein that lovin you
Is what i was tryin to do
It's hard to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere i go
But i'm doin it
It's hard to force that smile when i see our old friends and i'm alone
Still harder gettin up, gettin dressed, livin with this regret
But i know if i could do it overI would trade, give away all the words that i saved in my heart that i left unspoken
What hurts the most, is being so close
And having so much to say
And watchin you walk away
Never knowing, what could have been
And not seein that lovin you
Is what i was tryin to do
What hurts the most, was being so close
And having so much to say
And watchin you walk away
And never knowing, what could have been
And not seein that lovin you
Is what i was tryin to do
not seein that lovin you
that's what I was tryin to do
Sunday, April 02, 2006
From the Weekend
I cheated on my normal hairstylist yesterday and went to a new man. I liked him better because he doesn't talk while he's highlighting/cutting my hair, rather wears headphones and bounces to the music. And, my highlights look better than usual.
I hate springing forward in time. I feel cheated. I feel tired.
Failure to Launch was a cute movie. Matthew McConoughey goes topless on several occasions so you really can't go wrong going to see it.
It's hot here and I'm suffering from spring allergies.
I don't want to vacuum and mop my floors yet they are in desperate need.
One of my good friends is a self-admitted, bonefide psycho when it comes to men and she still complains about being single.
I'm a bit uninspired to write lately.
I hate springing forward in time. I feel cheated. I feel tired.
Failure to Launch was a cute movie. Matthew McConoughey goes topless on several occasions so you really can't go wrong going to see it.
It's hot here and I'm suffering from spring allergies.
I don't want to vacuum and mop my floors yet they are in desperate need.
One of my good friends is a self-admitted, bonefide psycho when it comes to men and she still complains about being single.
I'm a bit uninspired to write lately.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Now With Added Protein
Dear bakery company that rhymes with Fara Fee,
As a marketer myself, I can certainly appreciate the fact that you are trying to jump on the healthy trend bandwagon on the heels of the Atkins craze, by attempting to incorporate more protein into your products. I am a bit concerned, however, of the means in which you are adding the additional protein. I purchased your Honey Wheat bread last weekend and went home to make a turkey sandwich for dinner. This is when I noticed this new addition to your bread. Just as I began to spread the mustard on a slice, I noticed a dark "something" in the slice, and thinking it may just be a burnt grain, decided to pull it out of my bread. It was then that I realized that it was not a burnt grain, rather what appears to be a piece of rodent defecation. Well you can imagine my horror and utter disgust in this realization! Might I suggest you go back to the product research with this product and instead try a soy protein or maybe even a nice walnut in the future as I don't know many consumers that will be thrilled with this form of protein instead. I'm sure the FDA isn't on board, but look forward to hearing back from them on their approval.
Best,
Kara
As a marketer myself, I can certainly appreciate the fact that you are trying to jump on the healthy trend bandwagon on the heels of the Atkins craze, by attempting to incorporate more protein into your products. I am a bit concerned, however, of the means in which you are adding the additional protein. I purchased your Honey Wheat bread last weekend and went home to make a turkey sandwich for dinner. This is when I noticed this new addition to your bread. Just as I began to spread the mustard on a slice, I noticed a dark "something" in the slice, and thinking it may just be a burnt grain, decided to pull it out of my bread. It was then that I realized that it was not a burnt grain, rather what appears to be a piece of rodent defecation. Well you can imagine my horror and utter disgust in this realization! Might I suggest you go back to the product research with this product and instead try a soy protein or maybe even a nice walnut in the future as I don't know many consumers that will be thrilled with this form of protein instead. I'm sure the FDA isn't on board, but look forward to hearing back from them on their approval.
Best,
Kara
Thursday, March 23, 2006
My Luck's Looking Up!
That's because it HAS to after everything I've been through this week! I wont go into great detail tonight because, well, I'm tired. But here's a list of a few things that have happened this week:
- Rat poop found in some wheat bread I bought from the grocery store
- Blisters on toes
- Car accident where I was hit by a commercial truck
- 3 hours spent waiting for cops in DC to show up
- Missed my reception
- Hotel room was not ready by the time I got to the hotel at 10:30 PM
More to come on these issues in the next few days...
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Dinner with Grandmother
As I told everyone already, my grandmother just celebrated her 80th birthday the day before mine. As my gift to her, I decided she'd much rather have my time then something to sit around her apartment collecting dust, so I told her I'd take her to dinner. Tonight was the birthday dinner night.
I made it over to her apartment around 5pm as we discussed. Of course, she was already all dolled up, had probably been ready to go since noon. When I got to her apartment, I went in and she offered me something to drink. We sat in the living room drinking a coke, talking, and going through a few old pictures before dinner. She was THRILLED to have my company. So thrilled in fact, that she ended up buying ME a gift - a beautiful necklace and earring set that I loved so much that I took off the jewelry I had on to wear hers instead. That's just like my grandmother. Always thinking of others.
We headed out to the restaurant around 6:30pm. During dinner, we were talking a bit about me and my career, and she started telling me a bit about hers - more than I'd ever realized. My grandmother is from a very small town in Alabama. She didn't exactly have the same opportunities that I had living in Atlanta, so my success in my career, although I'm very proud of my accomplishments, don't quite hold the same weight as her success in her younger years. Essentially, she is a very ambitious and strong woman, and made herself into a big fish in a little pond. In small town Alabama, she was the Vice President of an independent bank. Everyone knew and loved her. In the 1950s-1980s, a woman in banking outside of a clerk or teller was unusual, let alone a woman that was a VP. She said she was the only woman at the state banking conventions. Out of her small town, she got to know the governor, George Wallace, on a first name basis. She went to Washington DC to meet with congressman and senators. She was on the Housing Authority and State Marketing Committee. She was a very successful business woman. Out of determination, a self-made successful business woman from a tiny Alabama town.
As a girl growing up, I didn't realize the influence she had on me. But at the dinner table tonight, it clicked. I am a fortunate woman to have come from a family of strong women. Ambitious women. Smart women. Generous women. Loving women. I get my ambition, my drive to succeed, from the examples that were set for me. From the inspiration in the path that was laid before. And just as I was feeling that my career was trivial, that it was a substitute for my lack of family of my own, I realized tonight that it's not. My career is a continuation of the strength passed down. The courage, the intelligence, the hardwork and dedication. I come by my ambition honestly, continuing to lay the path of success and strength, in the hopes that I may pass on these family attributes to the next generation of leaders in my family. What better way could I honor my grandmother, even long after she's gone, then that?
I made it over to her apartment around 5pm as we discussed. Of course, she was already all dolled up, had probably been ready to go since noon. When I got to her apartment, I went in and she offered me something to drink. We sat in the living room drinking a coke, talking, and going through a few old pictures before dinner. She was THRILLED to have my company. So thrilled in fact, that she ended up buying ME a gift - a beautiful necklace and earring set that I loved so much that I took off the jewelry I had on to wear hers instead. That's just like my grandmother. Always thinking of others.
We headed out to the restaurant around 6:30pm. During dinner, we were talking a bit about me and my career, and she started telling me a bit about hers - more than I'd ever realized. My grandmother is from a very small town in Alabama. She didn't exactly have the same opportunities that I had living in Atlanta, so my success in my career, although I'm very proud of my accomplishments, don't quite hold the same weight as her success in her younger years. Essentially, she is a very ambitious and strong woman, and made herself into a big fish in a little pond. In small town Alabama, she was the Vice President of an independent bank. Everyone knew and loved her. In the 1950s-1980s, a woman in banking outside of a clerk or teller was unusual, let alone a woman that was a VP. She said she was the only woman at the state banking conventions. Out of her small town, she got to know the governor, George Wallace, on a first name basis. She went to Washington DC to meet with congressman and senators. She was on the Housing Authority and State Marketing Committee. She was a very successful business woman. Out of determination, a self-made successful business woman from a tiny Alabama town.
As a girl growing up, I didn't realize the influence she had on me. But at the dinner table tonight, it clicked. I am a fortunate woman to have come from a family of strong women. Ambitious women. Smart women. Generous women. Loving women. I get my ambition, my drive to succeed, from the examples that were set for me. From the inspiration in the path that was laid before. And just as I was feeling that my career was trivial, that it was a substitute for my lack of family of my own, I realized tonight that it's not. My career is a continuation of the strength passed down. The courage, the intelligence, the hardwork and dedication. I come by my ambition honestly, continuing to lay the path of success and strength, in the hopes that I may pass on these family attributes to the next generation of leaders in my family. What better way could I honor my grandmother, even long after she's gone, then that?
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Ding Dong the Fly is Dead!
And peace has been restored to my home once again!
I had a fly in my house yesterday and my dog is deathly afraid of flies for some weird reason. I had to kill it in order to get him to calm down.
I had a fly in my house yesterday and my dog is deathly afraid of flies for some weird reason. I had to kill it in order to get him to calm down.
No Way!
So I met my new neighbor this past weekend. From I could tell as I stalked him any time I saw movement out of that house, he was young, like me (hey, 29's still young!). He moved in a few weeks ago and I've been curious ever since. Nosey neighbor syndrome I guess. Anyway, he had a ton of friends over on Saturday, drinking beer and playing frisbee and horseshoes in the backyard. Well, it just so happened that Darby had to go out, so I opened the door and he "ran away" over into the neighbor's yard (and by "ran away" I mean that I walked him to the side of my house so he'd be sure to notice the people and want to go over there). So, with Darby as my ice-breaker, I met my neighbor and neighbor's friends that afternoon. They were all very nice (except they were Georgia Bulldog grads), and I found out they're all about 4-5 years younger than me. They offered me a beer, and we chit-chatted for a few minutes, but I was actually on my way out to meet a friend, so I didn't stay to hang out.
Fast-forward several hours. I've returned from my not-so-outing with my friend (long story, but she stood me up for another glass of wine or 10 with her match.com date). As I get out of my car, my neighbor and friends are all out on his porch, still drinking from the keg. Here's a summary of the conversation:
Neighbor: Hey, Kara! Come have a beer!
Me: Hey there, sounds good, thanks!
Neighbor's friend: We're playing beer pong, wanna play? (this is essentially, as I found out, a game that's a cross between drunken ping pong and that Bozo the Clown throw the ball in the popcorn looking buckets for prizes game that was on TV when I was a kid).
Me: Sure...
Fast-forward some chit-chat. However, something important to note is that during the conversation, I found out they all went to my high school.
Me: No Way! I went to SHS!
Neighbor and friends: No Way! (laughter by all)
Me: Does Ms. Lynn still teach? She used to live in my neighborhood.
Neighbor: She lived in MY neighborhood. Wait, where did you live?
Me: Holly Springs
Neighbor: No Way! Me too!
Me: No Way!
Neighbor: Wait, did you have a younger sister named K?
Me: YES!
Neighbor: I went to elementary school with your sister! We used to play at the pool!
Me: No Way! So you went to my elementary school where you knew and played with my sister, my middle school, my high school, you lived in my old neighborhood, and now you live next to me here?
Neighbor: Yep!
Me: You're like my shadow! I'm not telling you where I'm moving next because I think you're stalking me!
It's the craziest coincidence EVER! What are the chances of something like this happening? In talking to some of his friends, I also found out that one of his friends is the younger brother of a guy I graduated high school with, and the older brother I knew married a girl I was good friends with in middle school! Just uncanny all of the people we had in common once we all started talking!
Of course, my mom's happy that there's a guy living next to me that can keep an eye out for me in case of emergencies. I'm happy because I now have help moving heavy things and *maybe* can bribe him to cut my lawn for beer or money.
I guess
afterall...
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Barbie Doll
My "Life's Little Instructions" daily calendar said for me to share with a friend a favorite poem today. It just so happens I've been searching for this poem for a few days to share with everyone, and I finally found a hard copy of it amongst some old papers from college that meant something to me. It's pretty tongue in cheek there at the end, but gets the point across well. A poem I definitely relate to, as I'm sure many women do.
Barbie Doll
by Marge Piercy
This girlchild was born as usual
and presented dolls that did pee-pee
and miniature GE stoves and irons
and wee lipsticks the color of cherry candy.
Then in the magic of puberty, a classmate said:
You have a great big nose and fat legs.
She was healthy, tested intelligent
possessed strong arms and back,
abundant sexual drive and manual dexterity.
She went to and fro apologizing.
Everyone saw a fat nose on thick legs.
She was advised to play coy,
exhorted to come on hearty,
exercise, diet, smile and wheedle.
Her good nature wore out
like a fan belt.
So she cut off her nose and her legs
and offered them up.
In the casket displayed on satin she lay
with the undertaker's cosmetics painted on,
a turned-up putty nose,
dressed in a pink and white nightie.
Doesn't she look pretty? everyone said.
Consummation at last.
To every woman a happy ending.
Barbie Doll
by Marge Piercy
This girlchild was born as usual
and presented dolls that did pee-pee
and miniature GE stoves and irons
and wee lipsticks the color of cherry candy.
Then in the magic of puberty, a classmate said:
You have a great big nose and fat legs.
She was healthy, tested intelligent
possessed strong arms and back,
abundant sexual drive and manual dexterity.
She went to and fro apologizing.
Everyone saw a fat nose on thick legs.
She was advised to play coy,
exhorted to come on hearty,
exercise, diet, smile and wheedle.
Her good nature wore out
like a fan belt.
So she cut off her nose and her legs
and offered them up.
In the casket displayed on satin she lay
with the undertaker's cosmetics painted on,
a turned-up putty nose,
dressed in a pink and white nightie.
Doesn't she look pretty? everyone said.
Consummation at last.
To every woman a happy ending.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Happy National Women's Day! No one sent women in the U.S. the memo so instead of celebrating (or protesting as some did) with all of the women of the world, I just had to hear about it on TV. Apparently women in Belgium got flowers.
American Idol Men: One word, braces. What's with all of the jacked-up teeth this season? However, while on the subject, I just want to say that I HEART Taylor Hicks. I know, those that watch the show, or even click his link, are probably like, huh?? But he's fun and quirky and goofy and southern AND a great singer - I can't help but smile when I see him perform. I lust after Chris Daughtry though. Boy, he's hot.
Just saw a trailer for a new movie coming out called ATL (for those of you not "hip", this is short for Atlanta). It appears to be about a bunch of drug-dealin' thugs. I'm just so proud.
On my way to work this morning, I was given a wonderful gift. Driving through my neighborhood, a few houses down were hundreds of those small blackbirds all over my neighbors' yards. As I carefully drove by, I stirred them all up and they all took flight, changing directions, circling, swirling back and forth in unison, which is one of my favorite things in the world to see. It was awe-inspiring driving through and beneath them against the bright blue Spring sky.
American Idol Men: One word, braces. What's with all of the jacked-up teeth this season? However, while on the subject, I just want to say that I HEART Taylor Hicks. I know, those that watch the show, or even click his link, are probably like, huh?? But he's fun and quirky and goofy and southern AND a great singer - I can't help but smile when I see him perform. I lust after Chris Daughtry though. Boy, he's hot.
Just saw a trailer for a new movie coming out called ATL (for those of you not "hip", this is short for Atlanta). It appears to be about a bunch of drug-dealin' thugs. I'm just so proud.
On my way to work this morning, I was given a wonderful gift. Driving through my neighborhood, a few houses down were hundreds of those small blackbirds all over my neighbors' yards. As I carefully drove by, I stirred them all up and they all took flight, changing directions, circling, swirling back and forth in unison, which is one of my favorite things in the world to see. It was awe-inspiring driving through and beneath them against the bright blue Spring sky.
Wanna see in my fridge? Julie Child would be SO disappointed. Hey, at least I have a bottle of wine and some sweet tea. You know, the important things in life...
And finally before I go, a new picture of my baby. I just wanna squeeze him and hug him and love him! How can you resist??
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Forgive and Forget
It's a hard thing to do.
Nicole.
Nicole was the wife of one of my friends. Nicole and I never got along, which is strange because I get along with most everyone. But for some reason, she was always very rude and mean and disrespectful to me. I always thought she felt threatened by me, or insecure around me, so she took it out on me. Anyway, Justin(my ex) was Nicole's husband's best friend. When Justin and I started dating, it about killed Nicole. She couldn't stand the fact that he and I were so serious and she hated me even more - for whatever reason. Maybe she was jealous? Maybe she had a secret crush on Justin? Who knows, but she was always incredibly, intentionally hurtful to me. However, Justin and his friend would want to spend time together, so that left me grinning through my teeth trying to find an ounce of interest in spending time with her during double dates or parties. I always said after Justin and I broke up, that one of the bright spots was that I'd NEVER had to spend time with Nicole AGAIN.
Recently, I received a surprise apology email from Nicole. I haven't spoken to her in years, and frankly, was enjoying it. Out of the blue, I get this random apology email:
Hey Kara!
I am sure that you are totally surprised to be getting this email from me. I had some apprehension about going to Danielle's luncheon but Russ convinced me to go. Before I do I wanted to speak to you about my behavior and how totally ugly and terrible I have been to you in the past. I don't know if it is all that I have been through lately or just that I am trying to get my life straight but I want to apologize to you and ask for your forgiveness. I can't believe the way I acted and how terribly I behaved. Especially towards you. You did NOTHING to deserve the treatment I gave you and I am truly sorry. I actually don't think that sorry could explain the remorse and feelings of guilt I have in my heart. I have been trying to make a changes in my life and change my attitude towards a lot of things. I know that it will take some time but I have to take baby steps to make things better. I do hope that you can forgive me and that we can get past everything that happened in the past. If you are unable I completely understand and it will be totally my fault that the bridge between us has been burnt. I just had to let you know how I felt and how deeply sorry I am for all the hurt I caused. I hope to see you at Danielle's so you can see my little miracle!
Love, Nicole
I know it's legit, and she seems heartfelt. With that said, what I need from you today, internet, is help being a grown-up and accepting her apology. I know I should, and I know it took a lot of courage to send it, but honestly I'm feeling very stubborn, childish, and I don't really want to forgive and forget. I don't want to hold a grudge either, but I do just want to let it go, like I have for the past few years, and go on living our lives without dealing with each other. And now that I know she's going to the luncheon, I don't want to go. Not just because I don't want to be around her, which I could probably get over, but more that she's still friends with my ex, and I don't want her going back to him with any information about me. It's not anger towards him, but I feel that when he chose to not be a part of my life anymore, then that means he doesn't get to hear about my life anymore either. I'm being a baby, aren't I? I know this. I just can't help it. I haven't responded to her email or my friend Danielle's luncheon evite yet.
Nicole.
Nicole was the wife of one of my friends. Nicole and I never got along, which is strange because I get along with most everyone. But for some reason, she was always very rude and mean and disrespectful to me. I always thought she felt threatened by me, or insecure around me, so she took it out on me. Anyway, Justin(my ex) was Nicole's husband's best friend. When Justin and I started dating, it about killed Nicole. She couldn't stand the fact that he and I were so serious and she hated me even more - for whatever reason. Maybe she was jealous? Maybe she had a secret crush on Justin? Who knows, but she was always incredibly, intentionally hurtful to me. However, Justin and his friend would want to spend time together, so that left me grinning through my teeth trying to find an ounce of interest in spending time with her during double dates or parties. I always said after Justin and I broke up, that one of the bright spots was that I'd NEVER had to spend time with Nicole AGAIN.
Recently, I received a surprise apology email from Nicole. I haven't spoken to her in years, and frankly, was enjoying it. Out of the blue, I get this random apology email:
Hey Kara!
I am sure that you are totally surprised to be getting this email from me. I had some apprehension about going to Danielle's luncheon but Russ convinced me to go. Before I do I wanted to speak to you about my behavior and how totally ugly and terrible I have been to you in the past. I don't know if it is all that I have been through lately or just that I am trying to get my life straight but I want to apologize to you and ask for your forgiveness. I can't believe the way I acted and how terribly I behaved. Especially towards you. You did NOTHING to deserve the treatment I gave you and I am truly sorry. I actually don't think that sorry could explain the remorse and feelings of guilt I have in my heart. I have been trying to make a changes in my life and change my attitude towards a lot of things. I know that it will take some time but I have to take baby steps to make things better. I do hope that you can forgive me and that we can get past everything that happened in the past. If you are unable I completely understand and it will be totally my fault that the bridge between us has been burnt. I just had to let you know how I felt and how deeply sorry I am for all the hurt I caused. I hope to see you at Danielle's so you can see my little miracle!
Love, Nicole
I know it's legit, and she seems heartfelt. With that said, what I need from you today, internet, is help being a grown-up and accepting her apology. I know I should, and I know it took a lot of courage to send it, but honestly I'm feeling very stubborn, childish, and I don't really want to forgive and forget. I don't want to hold a grudge either, but I do just want to let it go, like I have for the past few years, and go on living our lives without dealing with each other. And now that I know she's going to the luncheon, I don't want to go. Not just because I don't want to be around her, which I could probably get over, but more that she's still friends with my ex, and I don't want her going back to him with any information about me. It's not anger towards him, but I feel that when he chose to not be a part of my life anymore, then that means he doesn't get to hear about my life anymore either. I'm being a baby, aren't I? I know this. I just can't help it. I haven't responded to her email or my friend Danielle's luncheon evite yet.
It's Gonna Be a Bright, Sunshiny Day
It's 68 degrees, sun's shining, and my sunroof's back. As much as I'm enjoying it, why do I just want to get back in bed and shrink from society for a while? I think I'm restless or slightly depressed, I'm just not sure which at this point, let alone why.
Went to the DMV this morning before work to renew my driver's license. It was expired. I could have renewed online, but of course I procrastinated to the point where the online option was no longer valid and I had to actually go to the DMV. I've been a bit paranoid driving around lately because of my expired license, and well, yeah, my expired license plate. Yes, that too. Both have been taken care of and I'm now legal again. But I've gotten off track. What I meant to write about was the bowels of society that show up at the DMV. Clearly, I was the only one in there that appeared to have showered this morning. The place was packed (of course it was, it's the DMV) so it took right around 2 hours for me to hand them my $20 and get a new picture taken. Quite the experience and lesson learned. Next time, I'll be sure to renew online before it's too late.
Friday night I went out with friends for my birthday. We had a really great time, and I appreciate them celebrating with me. We started off at an Irish pub here in Atlanta called Fado. The live band that night was so much fun, playing anything from Prince (or the artist formerly known as or whatever he wants to be called these days) to Coldplay, and they did all genres well. While at Fado, I was sitting on a bar stool next to my friend Greg sitting on the stool next to me. A very intoxicated stranger came and bought a beer at the bar from between me and Greg. While taking his beer from the bartender, he spilled some on my thigh. I looked at him and pouted, telling him he spilled beer on me. Apologetic, he reached down and started rubbing it off of my thigh for a second, then went to wipe dripping beer from his glass, and then went back to rubbing my thigh, or so he thought. Instead, he mistakenly started rubbing Greg's thigh and all of the sudden Greg shoots up straight and grabs his hand off of him. The guy was super embarrassed, and Greg and I starting laughing hysterically. After Fado, we moved on to the Peachtree Tavern, where the crowd was decidedly quite a bit younger. Very much early college crowd. But, my friend's band was playing, and we promised we'd stop by. We stayed for one drink and took off, not knowing the band was going to do a shout out for my birthday. We were back at my friend's apartment when we got the text that they were singing happy birthday to me. Sorry to have missed it, but appreciated the thought. I made it home around 3am and slept pretty much all of Saturday. But I loved it.
Went to the DMV this morning before work to renew my driver's license. It was expired. I could have renewed online, but of course I procrastinated to the point where the online option was no longer valid and I had to actually go to the DMV. I've been a bit paranoid driving around lately because of my expired license, and well, yeah, my expired license plate. Yes, that too. Both have been taken care of and I'm now legal again. But I've gotten off track. What I meant to write about was the bowels of society that show up at the DMV. Clearly, I was the only one in there that appeared to have showered this morning. The place was packed (of course it was, it's the DMV) so it took right around 2 hours for me to hand them my $20 and get a new picture taken. Quite the experience and lesson learned. Next time, I'll be sure to renew online before it's too late.
Friday night I went out with friends for my birthday. We had a really great time, and I appreciate them celebrating with me. We started off at an Irish pub here in Atlanta called Fado. The live band that night was so much fun, playing anything from Prince (or the artist formerly known as or whatever he wants to be called these days) to Coldplay, and they did all genres well. While at Fado, I was sitting on a bar stool next to my friend Greg sitting on the stool next to me. A very intoxicated stranger came and bought a beer at the bar from between me and Greg. While taking his beer from the bartender, he spilled some on my thigh. I looked at him and pouted, telling him he spilled beer on me. Apologetic, he reached down and started rubbing it off of my thigh for a second, then went to wipe dripping beer from his glass, and then went back to rubbing my thigh, or so he thought. Instead, he mistakenly started rubbing Greg's thigh and all of the sudden Greg shoots up straight and grabs his hand off of him. The guy was super embarrassed, and Greg and I starting laughing hysterically. After Fado, we moved on to the Peachtree Tavern, where the crowd was decidedly quite a bit younger. Very much early college crowd. But, my friend's band was playing, and we promised we'd stop by. We stayed for one drink and took off, not knowing the band was going to do a shout out for my birthday. We were back at my friend's apartment when we got the text that they were singing happy birthday to me. Sorry to have missed it, but appreciated the thought. I made it home around 3am and slept pretty much all of Saturday. But I loved it.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Birthday Girls
Happy 80th Birthday, Grandmother! You've always been a tough act to follow, but I've enjoyed sharing our birthdays together for the past, gulp, 29 years!
Tomorrow will officially be my last birthday. Ever. I think 29's a good age to stop. Besides, my grandmother claims she's only 39. Oops. Sorry grandmother, gave you away, didn't I?
Tomorrow will officially be my last birthday. Ever. I think 29's a good age to stop. Besides, my grandmother claims she's only 39. Oops. Sorry grandmother, gave you away, didn't I?
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
And Then There Was One
So now I’m the last single grandchild standing. My sister’s wedding went very well and she’s off relaxing in the Caribbean somewhere as the new Mrs. “P”. I just thought I’d share a few experiences from this weekend:
"This wedding was brought to you by Pepto Bismal”
I’m not a big fan of the color pink. You know I really must love my sister when I actually pay the manicurist/pedicurist to paint cotton candy pink nail polish on my nails and toes to go with my fuschea bridesmaid dress and coordinated light pink rose bouquet. Molly Ringwold, eat your heart out (for those under the age of 25 that don’t know who Molly Ringwold is, she did several movies in the 80s, before you were born, including one called ‘Pretty in Pink’).
I Spanx-ed ‘em
Squeezing into a pair of Spanx “Power Panties” should be considered for an Olympic event. Seriously. Friday was the qualifying round as I pushed and pulled to get them on for my rehearsal dinner dress, and Saturday was the finals as I tackled getting them on under my bridesmaid dress. Score ended up Kara 2, Spanx 0 - but it was a very close match-up. Very close. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to pull it off. Literally.
The Sun and My Moon
I didn’t realize when I made the appointment that achieving a spray tan would mean a one on one encounter with me in my undies and a stranger with an airbrush gun standing uncomfortably in a small room together. This may be one of the very few times in my life that I wish I wore full-back granny panties.
Light My Fire
When my sister and her husband went to light the unity candle, initially, the candle did light. But by the time they both got their respective candles back in the candle holders, the flame had gone out. They stood there, looked at each other and shrugged as if to say, “oh well.” I had to tap her on the arm and whispered, “light the candle again.” The Minister, who happens to be my cousin’s husband, said, “as you can see, marriage takes a little effort and some support from family…”
Penny For Your Thoughts
If I had a penny for everyone at the wedding that asked when they could come back for my wedding, or when I was going to get married, well, I’d be a rich gir…err…well, I’d at least have enough money for a Coke. Biggie-sized. I also heard every cliché about singledom that I’ve ever known. Over and over I had to hear phrases such as, “the right one’s out there”, “don’t settle”, “it’ll happen when you least expect it”, and my personal favorite, “you’ve got plenty of time”. People, I could be hit by a bus tomorrow. How do you know I have “plenty of time”?
But seriously, I’m really not as much of a cynic as I sound. I’m really mostly joking about this. I do believe in love and in marriage and in romance. In fact, someone gave me a whole new perspective on the subject this week. He said, weddings are basically standing in front of important friends and family and admitting to all of them that this guy (or girl) that you’re marrying is the best you could do. I’d never quite thought about it like that, but it’s true. I may or may not agree that the man my sister chose is the “best” she could do, but in all honesty, I don’t know that any one would have ever been good enough for her anyway. If she thinks he’s the best, then I truly wish her happiness. After such a beautiful wedding, I think she’s off to a good start.
"This wedding was brought to you by Pepto Bismal”
I’m not a big fan of the color pink. You know I really must love my sister when I actually pay the manicurist/pedicurist to paint cotton candy pink nail polish on my nails and toes to go with my fuschea bridesmaid dress and coordinated light pink rose bouquet. Molly Ringwold, eat your heart out (for those under the age of 25 that don’t know who Molly Ringwold is, she did several movies in the 80s, before you were born, including one called ‘Pretty in Pink’).
I Spanx-ed ‘em
Squeezing into a pair of Spanx “Power Panties” should be considered for an Olympic event. Seriously. Friday was the qualifying round as I pushed and pulled to get them on for my rehearsal dinner dress, and Saturday was the finals as I tackled getting them on under my bridesmaid dress. Score ended up Kara 2, Spanx 0 - but it was a very close match-up. Very close. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to pull it off. Literally.
The Sun and My Moon
I didn’t realize when I made the appointment that achieving a spray tan would mean a one on one encounter with me in my undies and a stranger with an airbrush gun standing uncomfortably in a small room together. This may be one of the very few times in my life that I wish I wore full-back granny panties.
Light My Fire
When my sister and her husband went to light the unity candle, initially, the candle did light. But by the time they both got their respective candles back in the candle holders, the flame had gone out. They stood there, looked at each other and shrugged as if to say, “oh well.” I had to tap her on the arm and whispered, “light the candle again.” The Minister, who happens to be my cousin’s husband, said, “as you can see, marriage takes a little effort and some support from family…”
Penny For Your Thoughts
If I had a penny for everyone at the wedding that asked when they could come back for my wedding, or when I was going to get married, well, I’d be a rich gir…err…well, I’d at least have enough money for a Coke. Biggie-sized. I also heard every cliché about singledom that I’ve ever known. Over and over I had to hear phrases such as, “the right one’s out there”, “don’t settle”, “it’ll happen when you least expect it”, and my personal favorite, “you’ve got plenty of time”. People, I could be hit by a bus tomorrow. How do you know I have “plenty of time”?
But seriously, I’m really not as much of a cynic as I sound. I’m really mostly joking about this. I do believe in love and in marriage and in romance. In fact, someone gave me a whole new perspective on the subject this week. He said, weddings are basically standing in front of important friends and family and admitting to all of them that this guy (or girl) that you’re marrying is the best you could do. I’d never quite thought about it like that, but it’s true. I may or may not agree that the man my sister chose is the “best” she could do, but in all honesty, I don’t know that any one would have ever been good enough for her anyway. If she thinks he’s the best, then I truly wish her happiness. After such a beautiful wedding, I think she’s off to a good start.
Space Filler
As you can imagine, this weekend was chock full of all kinds of busy. I haven't had a chance to write what I want about the wedding, so until then, I'll stretch for more time:
If you were to have a vanity license plate on your car, what would you put on it?
If you were to have a vanity license plate on your car, what would you put on it?
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Going to the Chapel
So my younger sister's wedding is this weekend. The final countdown. And even though I'm still not crazy about the whole thing, I've come to terms with it a little and am even feeling a little on the romantic side myself.
It'll be the quintessential wedding, with pink bridesmaid dresses (hooray for me, another pink one for my bridesmaid dress collection!), pink roses, candles, string quartet, white antebellum mansion (think along the lines of "Tara" from Gone with the Wind) and all. But it's so my sister. At least for her, I hope it's the most incredible day she's ever known. And I'll do my very best to help make that happen. She deserves it and I love her.
It'll be the quintessential wedding, with pink bridesmaid dresses (hooray for me, another pink one for my bridesmaid dress collection!), pink roses, candles, string quartet, white antebellum mansion (think along the lines of "Tara" from Gone with the Wind) and all. But it's so my sister. At least for her, I hope it's the most incredible day she's ever known. And I'll do my very best to help make that happen. She deserves it and I love her.
what day is it
and in what month
this clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up
and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time
cause it's you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to lose
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know whyI can't keep my eyes off of you
all of the things that I want to say
just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping inwards
you got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here
cause it's you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to prove
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know whyI can't keep my eyes off of you
there's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
everything she does is beautiful
everything she does is right
you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to lose
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know whyI can't keep my eyes off of you
you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to prove
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know whyI can't keep my eyes off of you
what day is it
and in what month
this clock never seemed so alive
-You and Me by Lifehouse
and in what month
this clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up
and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time
cause it's you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to lose
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know whyI can't keep my eyes off of you
all of the things that I want to say
just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping inwards
you got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here
cause it's you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to prove
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know whyI can't keep my eyes off of you
there's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
everything she does is beautiful
everything she does is right
you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to lose
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know whyI can't keep my eyes off of you
you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to prove
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know whyI can't keep my eyes off of you
what day is it
and in what month
this clock never seemed so alive
-You and Me by Lifehouse
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Heather
Heather is one of my first cousins, and she and I grew up really close. We were born 2 1/2 weeks apart, so essentially, we grew up like sisters. Heather is beautiful and so sweet. She's one of those kind of people that are just happy to be here. She's naive, a bit ignorant, and very flighty. She's got big brown eyes and when they look at you, you're not quite sure if she "gets it." Sometimes she lives in a bubble, and you just want to pat her on the head.
Heather's a kindergarten teacher, which is absolutely perfect for her. She has the patience to lead that age group, which at times I'm sure can be challenging. Back over Christmas, she and I were talking about how busy things have been at work. She chimes in with, "I know! Did you know that Cobb County teachers didn't get off for their holiday break until December 23rd?! I just don't know when they had time to get their Christmas shopping done!"
I looked at her and laughed, and probably rolled my eyes a bit. "Heather," I said, "When do you think all of the non-teachers get their Christmas shopping done? I don't get a 'holiday break' unless I take vacation, and I don't get off work at 3pm during the week!"
Sometimes I wish I were more like Heather. And sometimes, like I said, I just want to pat her on the head. Bless her heart.
Heather's a kindergarten teacher, which is absolutely perfect for her. She has the patience to lead that age group, which at times I'm sure can be challenging. Back over Christmas, she and I were talking about how busy things have been at work. She chimes in with, "I know! Did you know that Cobb County teachers didn't get off for their holiday break until December 23rd?! I just don't know when they had time to get their Christmas shopping done!"
I looked at her and laughed, and probably rolled my eyes a bit. "Heather," I said, "When do you think all of the non-teachers get their Christmas shopping done? I don't get a 'holiday break' unless I take vacation, and I don't get off work at 3pm during the week!"
Sometimes I wish I were more like Heather. And sometimes, like I said, I just want to pat her on the head. Bless her heart.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
That's When I Knew
At the Beginning
Justin and I met in October of 2002. We had a fast and furious start to our relationship. I came home from our first date, and I was a smitten kitten, to say the very least. We talked on the phone every day, sometimes many more than once, and saw each other on a regular basis right from the start.
At the Six Week Mark
By the six week mark, I was traveling out of state with him to meet family for Thanksgiving and exchanging "I Love Yous". In fact, he was the first man I'd ever exchanged that phrase with. I'm not the kind of girl that falls in love with every guy I date, in fact, quite the opposite. Love, for me has to grow. At least that's how it had always been... before Justin. But Justin, for whatever reason, he was just different. And for the first time ever, I was SO in love.
At the Six Month Mark
Things were obviously growing pretty serious between us, and the subject of marriage had even been broached, although we were both pretty new to this relationship. I was so completely in love, so completely vulnerable to him, and yet, there was still something there that wasn't quite right. So I prayed. I prayed that God would give me an answer on if it was His intent that Justin was the one I'd spend my life with. I was so in love with Justin, I ignored God's answer to me.
That's when I knew.
At the One Year Mark
Justin had been working with his family on the failing family business, not drawing a paycheck, and not looking for another job for well over 8 months. He was absolutely broke, behind on bills, creditors calling. He was very unwilling to even get a part time job, feeling that was beneath him. I was so intoxicated that he was the one for me, that I ignored his actions. I don't think on the surface I was aware at the time, but subconsciously
That's when I knew.
At Christmas 2003
By Christmas, Justin had finally gotten a full time job and was drawing a paycheck, trying to get back on track after his long time struggle helping the family business and then searching for a job. I was excited at the prospect that he and I could move forward together and build toward our future. He handed me a small, wrapped, jewelry shaped box, and I stopped breathing for a second. Could this be it? My heart racing, I opened it up to find a Tahitian pearl necklace. It wasn't really my taste, but I was appreciative for the thoughtfulness regardless. It was the most he'd ever been able to do for me throughout our entire relationship in terms of a gift, so it meant a lot - until I realized that his best friend's wife had gotten the same necklace. Not by coincidence, but by choice. He and his best friend went shopping together and got some deal for buying two of the exact same necklaces. The necklace was her taste to a "T." Somehow, it didn't make the gift as special, knowing he didn't pick it out for me, rather "tagged along" on a purchase for someone else.
That's when I knew.
Valentine's Day 2004
I bought my house in December 2003, and it was a real fixer-upper. I'd spent months with family, friends, and Justin doing renovations, gutting it completely and starting from scratch before I'd move in. It was exhaustive work, almost as if it were a second job. Valentine's Day happen to fall on a Saturday, and we met up with my parents at my new house for a day of hard work before any Valentine's Day plans would be realized. However, there really weren't any Valentine's Day plans planned, I soon learned as the evening hour neared. Regardless, we agreed to go home to our respective houses to change for the evening, and he'd try to find reservations somewhere for us to have dinner. At 6pm on a Valentine Day Saturday, the chances of reservations were slim. However, he pulled something off and we were on our way to nice but not well known restaurant. After dinner, sitting in his car, I gave him the Valentine gift I'd purchased for him, along with "just the right card" I'd found after pouring over all of them at the card shop. He didn't have card or gift for me in return.
That's when I knew.
March 15, 2004
After making it through Valentine's Day and my birthday, I can only assume that he felt enough time had passed after both to finally end our relationship without coming across as an asshole. He couldn't have been more wrong about that, but that's beside the point. That Monday evening, on our usual call before bed, he broke up with me over the phone. I have never been in so much emotional pain and absolute heartache as I was that night, as well as the weeks and months to follow. But during my reflection in dealing with the pain,
That's when I knew.
That's when I knew that the one for me will be blessed by God. The one for me will be willing to make sacrifices for us, and eventually his family, even at the expense of his own pride. The one for me will realize I am special and will make me feel one of a kind. The one for me will be excited to show his love as a priority instead of an afterthought.
That's when I knew he wasn't the one for me. I just wish I hadn't ignored it for so long.
Justin and I met in October of 2002. We had a fast and furious start to our relationship. I came home from our first date, and I was a smitten kitten, to say the very least. We talked on the phone every day, sometimes many more than once, and saw each other on a regular basis right from the start.
At the Six Week Mark
By the six week mark, I was traveling out of state with him to meet family for Thanksgiving and exchanging "I Love Yous". In fact, he was the first man I'd ever exchanged that phrase with. I'm not the kind of girl that falls in love with every guy I date, in fact, quite the opposite. Love, for me has to grow. At least that's how it had always been... before Justin. But Justin, for whatever reason, he was just different. And for the first time ever, I was SO in love.
At the Six Month Mark
Things were obviously growing pretty serious between us, and the subject of marriage had even been broached, although we were both pretty new to this relationship. I was so completely in love, so completely vulnerable to him, and yet, there was still something there that wasn't quite right. So I prayed. I prayed that God would give me an answer on if it was His intent that Justin was the one I'd spend my life with. I was so in love with Justin, I ignored God's answer to me.
That's when I knew.
At the One Year Mark
Justin had been working with his family on the failing family business, not drawing a paycheck, and not looking for another job for well over 8 months. He was absolutely broke, behind on bills, creditors calling. He was very unwilling to even get a part time job, feeling that was beneath him. I was so intoxicated that he was the one for me, that I ignored his actions. I don't think on the surface I was aware at the time, but subconsciously
That's when I knew.
At Christmas 2003
By Christmas, Justin had finally gotten a full time job and was drawing a paycheck, trying to get back on track after his long time struggle helping the family business and then searching for a job. I was excited at the prospect that he and I could move forward together and build toward our future. He handed me a small, wrapped, jewelry shaped box, and I stopped breathing for a second. Could this be it? My heart racing, I opened it up to find a Tahitian pearl necklace. It wasn't really my taste, but I was appreciative for the thoughtfulness regardless. It was the most he'd ever been able to do for me throughout our entire relationship in terms of a gift, so it meant a lot - until I realized that his best friend's wife had gotten the same necklace. Not by coincidence, but by choice. He and his best friend went shopping together and got some deal for buying two of the exact same necklaces. The necklace was her taste to a "T." Somehow, it didn't make the gift as special, knowing he didn't pick it out for me, rather "tagged along" on a purchase for someone else.
That's when I knew.
Valentine's Day 2004
I bought my house in December 2003, and it was a real fixer-upper. I'd spent months with family, friends, and Justin doing renovations, gutting it completely and starting from scratch before I'd move in. It was exhaustive work, almost as if it were a second job. Valentine's Day happen to fall on a Saturday, and we met up with my parents at my new house for a day of hard work before any Valentine's Day plans would be realized. However, there really weren't any Valentine's Day plans planned, I soon learned as the evening hour neared. Regardless, we agreed to go home to our respective houses to change for the evening, and he'd try to find reservations somewhere for us to have dinner. At 6pm on a Valentine Day Saturday, the chances of reservations were slim. However, he pulled something off and we were on our way to nice but not well known restaurant. After dinner, sitting in his car, I gave him the Valentine gift I'd purchased for him, along with "just the right card" I'd found after pouring over all of them at the card shop. He didn't have card or gift for me in return.
That's when I knew.
March 15, 2004
After making it through Valentine's Day and my birthday, I can only assume that he felt enough time had passed after both to finally end our relationship without coming across as an asshole. He couldn't have been more wrong about that, but that's beside the point. That Monday evening, on our usual call before bed, he broke up with me over the phone. I have never been in so much emotional pain and absolute heartache as I was that night, as well as the weeks and months to follow. But during my reflection in dealing with the pain,
That's when I knew.
That's when I knew that the one for me will be blessed by God. The one for me will be willing to make sacrifices for us, and eventually his family, even at the expense of his own pride. The one for me will realize I am special and will make me feel one of a kind. The one for me will be excited to show his love as a priority instead of an afterthought.
That's when I knew he wasn't the one for me. I just wish I hadn't ignored it for so long.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Urgent Urgent Urgent Urgent...Emergency
Is it too much to ask that when the mail room at my company receives an overnight mail package for me, or anyone for that matter, that it gets delivered the same day it arrives? I mean, people and/or companies are spending extra money sending packages overnight with the intent that the person receives them the next day for a reason, right? Are my expectations on this just too high?
Apparently they are.
I was expecting a package that I know was delivered at 9am Friday morning. At 4:30pm, I still hadn’t received it. So, I called down to receiving and their answer for me not receiving it yet?
“Well, we had a lot of packages come in today, so we’ll just have to finish delivering them on Monday.”
Monday!? Not. Acceptable. Man, I’d love their jobs where timelines apparently don’t matter and you can get around to doing your work when you feel like it.
“Sorry Mr. VP, I didn’t get your presentation done today as requested because I had a lot of other work to do. I realize you need it to present tomorrow, but I’ll just have to get it to you next week instead...”
Apparently they are.
I was expecting a package that I know was delivered at 9am Friday morning. At 4:30pm, I still hadn’t received it. So, I called down to receiving and their answer for me not receiving it yet?
“Well, we had a lot of packages come in today, so we’ll just have to finish delivering them on Monday.”
Monday!? Not. Acceptable. Man, I’d love their jobs where timelines apparently don’t matter and you can get around to doing your work when you feel like it.
“Sorry Mr. VP, I didn’t get your presentation done today as requested because I had a lot of other work to do. I realize you need it to present tomorrow, but I’ll just have to get it to you next week instead...”
Valentine
Isn't there a song about love the one you're with?
Well, c'mere Darby...
Happy happy everyone.
At least my ring came today! Perfect timing for a round of Happy Valentine's Day to me from me!!
Well, c'mere Darby...
Happy happy everyone.
At least my ring came today! Perfect timing for a round of Happy Valentine's Day to me from me!!
Monday, February 13, 2006
But Blog, I'm Sorry
Dear Blog,
I know that I'm 4 days late in wishing you a Happy One-Year Anniversary. I realize now that that's why you've been so standoffish with me - not showing my blog counter and giving me a hard time inserting pictures. I'm sorry. It's just that EVERY day feels like the first day I typed you, so it's hard for me to single out one day as any more special than any other...
Thanks for making this year so write. You're just my type.
Yours truly,
Kara
(how'd I do?)
I know that I'm 4 days late in wishing you a Happy One-Year Anniversary. I realize now that that's why you've been so standoffish with me - not showing my blog counter and giving me a hard time inserting pictures. I'm sorry. It's just that EVERY day feels like the first day I typed you, so it's hard for me to single out one day as any more special than any other...
Thanks for making this year so write. You're just my type.
Yours truly,
Kara
(how'd I do?)
Saturday, February 11, 2006
"Talkin' 'bout your troubles it's a cryin' sin"
Ever feel like life's passing you by and you don't know how to jump on and you don't know how to make it stop and you don't have anyone holding out a hand to help you up?
"CaTcH a PaInTeD pOnY oN tHe SpInNiNg WhEeL rIdE"
Well that's how I feel. It's whirling all around, all kinds of activity, and yet I can only watch. And wish.
Something. Something's just not right. Somehow I'm super busy, working my way up the corporate ladder, not out of pure ambition (although ambition certainly plays a part) but mostly out of boredom. For some reason, I still manage to have absolutely nothing to talk about or to show for it.
Maybe it's just that I'm on the wrong ride.
"Oh, Heather, you and Thomas are thinking of trying for a baby this Spring? How wonderful! Have you started taking the pre-natal vitamins? I took them at night so I didn't get nauseated..."
"So, how are the wedding plans coming? Ohh, I bet it'll just be BEAUTIFUL. We're all so excited to come. It's the 15 day countdown, what all do you have left on your list to do..."
"Stephanie, expecting again! What great news! What do you think it'll be this time? Another girl? It's so funny how Josh knew before you did. Yes, we'll be praying for a healthy pregnancy..."
"And Kara...uhhh....so, how's [insert company name here]? Oh yeah? That's good. Wow, a promotion, huh? Good.....good. Um, need something else to drink?"
"CaTcH a PaInTeD pOnY oN tHe SpInNiNg WhEeL rIdE"
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
'Office Space' at it's Prime, Mate
Ok, ok, when I'm wrong, I'll admit it. Perhaps there were a few cute commercials during the game. Some of these would have to be the Career Builder commercials . Oh, I can SO relate to these, especially the one called "I understand"...
Monday, February 06, 2006
Super Bore 40
Top 5 Reasons the Super Bowl Flopped
1) I would have rather heard a cat in heat crying all night than suffer through Aaron Neville singing the National Anthem.
2) The game was fixed. Hope Vegas paid out big.
3) Halftime Show sucked. I mean, really. No surprise guest singers? No dancers? No music that's been produced in the past, oh, 30 years? Instead we get a walking corpse with trouble saying his "r"s - "You make a gwown man cwy".
4) You'd think that you could at least count on the commercials for entertainment if the pre-game, game, and halftime show are sucking wind. But, no.
5) MVP Hines Ward. Should've been Shawn Alexander.
The *only* decent thing about the Steelers winning was a Super Bowl ring for former Bama player, Deshea Townsend. He played while I was in school, too, but I don't have the same kind of loyalty to Deshea as I do to Shawn.
1) I would have rather heard a cat in heat crying all night than suffer through Aaron Neville singing the National Anthem.
2) The game was fixed. Hope Vegas paid out big.
3) Halftime Show sucked. I mean, really. No surprise guest singers? No dancers? No music that's been produced in the past, oh, 30 years? Instead we get a walking corpse with trouble saying his "r"s - "You make a gwown man cwy".
4) You'd think that you could at least count on the commercials for entertainment if the pre-game, game, and halftime show are sucking wind. But, no.
5) MVP Hines Ward. Should've been Shawn Alexander.
The *only* decent thing about the Steelers winning was a Super Bowl ring for former Bama player, Deshea Townsend. He played while I was in school, too, but I don't have the same kind of loyalty to Deshea as I do to Shawn.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Super Bowl XL
Typically, I'm not a fan of the NFL. I love football, so I watch NFL on occasion, but I certainly don't follow it like I follow Alabama football, and I don't have a favorite team (although, by default, I kinda like the Falcons). However, I do have an affinity for players, especially those that went to Alabama, such as Shawn Alexander.
Shawn played for Alabama while I was in school there. I was in Baton Rouge, LA at the Bama vs. LSU game where he ran for over 300 yards (kicking LSU's butt, by the way, David). Even though I don't know him personally, I feel a certain bond with him. I think that not only is he a great football player, but a good person, too. And of course, I want to see former Bama players succeed. So, for this Super Bowl, I'm going to have to go with the Seattle Seahawks. Go Shawn!
Now, let's reflect for a minute on SuperBowl XXVIII. Why, Kara, you ask? Well, so I can share something with you that not very many know...
Ahh, who couldn't forget that Sunday, January 30, 1994, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, where the Cowboys took on the Bills resulting in a 30-13 victory (Really, I could. I didn't pay too much attention back then, so I had to do a little research). Emmitt Smith won MVP of the game (and, I assumed, went to Disneyworld), Natalie Cole performed the National Anthem (beautifully, I'm sure), the former Univ. of Alabama great, Joe Namath, did the coin toss (love him! Roll Tide!), but outside of all of that, the most important memory from that day definitely had to be the...
Halftime show
"The halftime show was titled "Rockin' Country Sunday" and featured [high school dance participant, Kara (I'm not lying), along with] country music stars Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, and Wynonna Judd. The show's finale included a special appearance by Naomi Judd who joined Wynonna in performing The Judds' single "Love Can Build a Bridge", to which everyone eventually joined in.
This was the first Super Bowl halftime show in which the main stadium lights were turned off for the performance. The show included dancers [me] with yard-long light sticks."
Yes, it's true. I've been in a Super Bowl halftime show. I was 17 and a junior in high school. The halftime show company solicited all major Atlanta high schools for participants in the show, and about 20 girls from my high school participated. We practiced VERY long hours after school with other girls from local high schools during the month of January leading up to the big event. Saturday before, we had a dress rehearsal with the celebrities and got them to sign autographs, which was very cool.
I was part of the group that came out for Wynonna Judd's song, "No One Else on Earth", which entailed hiding under the stage until our turn to perform. We had these long light sticks that we used as props, mine lit up pink. After her song, we hid back under the stage until the finale, which was The Judds song, "Love Can Build a Bridge". The lights went out in the stadium, and the crowd were given flashlights, so they were part of the show, too. They all swayed back and forth to the song while those of us on the field waved our light sticks side to side. Local choirs came out on the stage at the end with flashlights and sang backup to the stars. It was all in all, pretty impactful. And a great experience to remember and tell others I was apart of.
The only bad side? We were shuffled in before the performance, and shuffled out afterwards, so I can't say that I've actually ever watched a Super Bowl game in person.
So...
I bought it. Can't wait for it to arrive! It's a Valentine's Day/early birthday gift for myself.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
And Now It's Time for a Mad Libs Football Broadcast
Thanks to all that participated! I'll do each of yours separately with your answers in purple. May the real Super Bowl this Sunday be MUCH more entertaining than this! I'd ask you to vote for your favorite, but really, they'll all pretty bad.
This broadcast brought to you by Tiffany:
Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman. This is your favorite sportscaster bringing you the big football game between the Seattle Dogs and the Pittsburgh Trees. The center has just snapped the nut back to the Seattle star halfback, Hugh Jackman, who is running around his own left floor. There he's tackled hard around the back. Now it's Pittsburgh's ball and 13 to go. They're coming out of the huddle. The ball is snapped back to Joaquin Phoenix, who fades back and throws a long, dark pass which is caught by Billy Idol, who is Pittsburgh's heart-shaped quarterback. He's in the clear, and he races over the mountain for a touchdown. No, no, wait! The referee is calling the play back to the 35 - purse line. He's going to penalize Pittsburgh for rolling.
This broadcast brought to you by Jeopardygirl:
Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman. This is your favorite sportscaster bringing you the big football game between the Seattle Giraffes and the Pittsburgh Friends. The center has just snapped the book back to the Seattle star halfback, Orlando Bloom, who is running around his own left compact disc. There he's tackled hard around the elbow. Now it's Pittsburgh's ball and 12 to go. They're coming out of the huddle. The ball is snapped back to Demi Moore, who fades back and throws a long, round pass which is caught by Sir Ian McKellen, who is Pittsburgh's windblown quarterback. He's in the clear, and he races over the marker for a touchdown. No, no, wait! The referee is calling the play back to the 35 - photograph line. He's going to penalize Pittsburgh for waiting.
This broadcast brought to you by Yorkshire Pudding:
Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman. This is your favorite sportscaster bringing you the big football game between the Seattle Wilderbeast and the Pittsburgh Islands. The center has just snapped the corkscrew back to the Seattle star halfback, Chris Martin, who is running around his own left tree. There he's tackled hard around the penis. Now it's Pittsburgh's ball and one million to go. They're coming out of the huddle. The ball is snapped back to Oprah Winfrey, who fades back and throws a long, enormous pass which is caught by Popeye the Sailorman, who is Pittsburgh's greedy quarterback. He's in the clear, and he races over the car for a touchdown. No, no, wait! The referee is calling the play back to the 35 - ocean line. He's going to penalize Pittsburgh for seeing.
This broadcast brought to you by Diane Mandy:
Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman. This is your favorite sportscaster bringing you the big football game between the Seattle Pygmee Goats and the Pittsburgh Pens. The center has just snapped the edict back to the Seattle star halfback, John Stewart, who is running around his own left joker. There he's tackled hard around the spine. Now it's Pittsburgh's ball and 7 to go. They're coming out of the huddle. The ball is snapped back to Matt Damon, who fades back and throws a long, bootylicious pass which is caught by David Letterman, who is Pittsburgh's pensive quarterback. He's in the clear, and he races over the judge for a touchdown. No, no, wait! The referee is calling the play back to the 35 - pigeon line. He's going to penalize Pittsburgh for harassing.
This broadcast brought to you by Tiffany:
Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman. This is your favorite sportscaster bringing you the big football game between the Seattle Dogs and the Pittsburgh Trees. The center has just snapped the nut back to the Seattle star halfback, Hugh Jackman, who is running around his own left floor. There he's tackled hard around the back. Now it's Pittsburgh's ball and 13 to go. They're coming out of the huddle. The ball is snapped back to Joaquin Phoenix, who fades back and throws a long, dark pass which is caught by Billy Idol, who is Pittsburgh's heart-shaped quarterback. He's in the clear, and he races over the mountain for a touchdown. No, no, wait! The referee is calling the play back to the 35 - purse line. He's going to penalize Pittsburgh for rolling.
This broadcast brought to you by Jeopardygirl:
Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman. This is your favorite sportscaster bringing you the big football game between the Seattle Giraffes and the Pittsburgh Friends. The center has just snapped the book back to the Seattle star halfback, Orlando Bloom, who is running around his own left compact disc. There he's tackled hard around the elbow. Now it's Pittsburgh's ball and 12 to go. They're coming out of the huddle. The ball is snapped back to Demi Moore, who fades back and throws a long, round pass which is caught by Sir Ian McKellen, who is Pittsburgh's windblown quarterback. He's in the clear, and he races over the marker for a touchdown. No, no, wait! The referee is calling the play back to the 35 - photograph line. He's going to penalize Pittsburgh for waiting.
This broadcast brought to you by Yorkshire Pudding:
Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman. This is your favorite sportscaster bringing you the big football game between the Seattle Wilderbeast and the Pittsburgh Islands. The center has just snapped the corkscrew back to the Seattle star halfback, Chris Martin, who is running around his own left tree. There he's tackled hard around the penis. Now it's Pittsburgh's ball and one million to go. They're coming out of the huddle. The ball is snapped back to Oprah Winfrey, who fades back and throws a long, enormous pass which is caught by Popeye the Sailorman, who is Pittsburgh's greedy quarterback. He's in the clear, and he races over the car for a touchdown. No, no, wait! The referee is calling the play back to the 35 - ocean line. He's going to penalize Pittsburgh for seeing.
This broadcast brought to you by Diane Mandy:
Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman. This is your favorite sportscaster bringing you the big football game between the Seattle Pygmee Goats and the Pittsburgh Pens. The center has just snapped the edict back to the Seattle star halfback, John Stewart, who is running around his own left joker. There he's tackled hard around the spine. Now it's Pittsburgh's ball and 7 to go. They're coming out of the huddle. The ball is snapped back to Matt Damon, who fades back and throws a long, bootylicious pass which is caught by David Letterman, who is Pittsburgh's pensive quarterback. He's in the clear, and he races over the judge for a touchdown. No, no, wait! The referee is calling the play back to the 35 - pigeon line. He's going to penalize Pittsburgh for harassing.
Monday, January 30, 2006
In Honor of the Super Bowl
This is an interactive event, and I need the following from you, please. You can leave them in the Comments Lounge area located just South of here. The success or failure of my next post depends on you. No pressure. Thank you.
1) Animal (plural)
2) Plural Noun
3) Noun
4) Celebrity Male
5) Noun
6) Part of the Body
7) Number
8) Another Celebrity
9) Adjective
10) Another Celebrity (male)
11) Adjective
12) Noun
13) Noun
14) Verb Ending in "ing"
1) Animal (plural)
2) Plural Noun
3) Noun
4) Celebrity Male
5) Noun
6) Part of the Body
7) Number
8) Another Celebrity
9) Adjective
10) Another Celebrity (male)
11) Adjective
12) Noun
13) Noun
14) Verb Ending in "ing"
Dating Criteria
My friend and I went to lunch today and over our Panera ceasar salads, we were discussing men. We came up with the three basic criteria that we feel women typically look for in men when considering them for a long-term relationship, and they are as follows:
1) Personality
2) Looks
3) Career/Financial Stability
Now, once we established the criteria, we realized that most often, girls won't get a guy that is a perfect three out of three. However, we determined that if a girl could get the right combination of either a solid two out of three, or even perhaps a 3/4 in 2 areas and a 1/2 in the third, then that would be acceptable. Here are a few combinations that we felt would be make or break:
Personality + Career/Financial Stability = Make with low-risk
We felt like personality was the most important because a lot of times, if a guy has a great personality, girls will eventually find him attractive if he's only average looking or not at all attractive at first. Looks actually fall by the wayside if a guy has a solid personality and has a great career/is financially stable. However, if the guy is extremely lacking in the looks category, you do run the risk of having ugly kids.
Looks + Career/Financial Stability = Break
If a guy is extremely good-looking and has a great career but is an absolute bore or dud to be around, then girls may use him as eye-candy and a meal for a while, but will quickly grow tired of him and he won't be in the consideration set for a long term relationship.
Personality + Looks = Make with high-risk
A guy with solid personality and solid looks will typically work out long term. The only concern may be financial stress on the relationship if can't hold down a job or pay his bills.
Personality + Looks + Career/Financial Stability = Make
The ideal. As far as we can tell, these men are either extinct or on the endangered list. Obviously, this would be the ultimate equation for a committed, serious relationship.
Once we agreed to what combination of criteria we thought women could be happy with, we then moved on to take a stab at what men's criteria would be. We determined that if men had criteria, it might be these three (we're talking for a long-term relationship, not a one-night fling):
1) Looks
2) Looks. (Ha! Just kidding) Personality
3) Looks. (ok, ok, I'll stop) Convenience/Ease (meaning you guys are lazy creatures so you like women that are geographically convenient, are low-maintenance, easy to get along with, and don't come with a lot of drama)
These are what we came up with as a best guess as to the top 3 things that men look for, anyway. Any of y'all have anything different?
1) Personality
2) Looks
3) Career/Financial Stability
Now, once we established the criteria, we realized that most often, girls won't get a guy that is a perfect three out of three. However, we determined that if a girl could get the right combination of either a solid two out of three, or even perhaps a 3/4 in 2 areas and a 1/2 in the third, then that would be acceptable. Here are a few combinations that we felt would be make or break:
Personality + Career/Financial Stability = Make with low-risk
We felt like personality was the most important because a lot of times, if a guy has a great personality, girls will eventually find him attractive if he's only average looking or not at all attractive at first. Looks actually fall by the wayside if a guy has a solid personality and has a great career/is financially stable. However, if the guy is extremely lacking in the looks category, you do run the risk of having ugly kids.
Looks + Career/Financial Stability = Break
If a guy is extremely good-looking and has a great career but is an absolute bore or dud to be around, then girls may use him as eye-candy and a meal for a while, but will quickly grow tired of him and he won't be in the consideration set for a long term relationship.
Personality + Looks = Make with high-risk
A guy with solid personality and solid looks will typically work out long term. The only concern may be financial stress on the relationship if can't hold down a job or pay his bills.
Personality + Looks + Career/Financial Stability = Make
The ideal. As far as we can tell, these men are either extinct or on the endangered list. Obviously, this would be the ultimate equation for a committed, serious relationship.
Once we agreed to what combination of criteria we thought women could be happy with, we then moved on to take a stab at what men's criteria would be. We determined that if men had criteria, it might be these three (we're talking for a long-term relationship, not a one-night fling):
1) Looks
2) Looks. (Ha! Just kidding) Personality
3) Looks. (ok, ok, I'll stop) Convenience/Ease (meaning you guys are lazy creatures so you like women that are geographically convenient, are low-maintenance, easy to get along with, and don't come with a lot of drama)
These are what we came up with as a best guess as to the top 3 things that men look for, anyway. Any of y'all have anything different?
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Learn to Pretend
Guess I wasn’t the best one to ask
Me myself with my face pressed
Up against love’s glass
To see the shiny toy
I’ve been hoping for
The one I never could afford
The wide world spins and spits turmoil
And the nations toil for peace
But the paws of fear upon your chest
Only love can soothe that beast
And my words are paper tigers
No match for the predators of pain inside her
I say love will come to you
Hoping just because I spoke the words that they’re true
As if I offered up a crystal ball to look through
Where there’s now one there will be two
I was born under the sign of cancer(love will come to you)
Like brushing cloth I smooth the wrinkles for an answer(love will come)
I’m always closing my eyes and wishing I’m fine(I close my eyes and wish you fine)
Even though I know I’m not this time(even though I know your not this time)
I say love will come to you
Hoping just because I spoke the words that they’re true
As if I offered up a crystal ball to look through
Where there’s now one there will be two
Dodging your memories a field of knives
Always on the outside looking in on other’s lives
I say love will come to you
Hoping just because I spoke the words that they’re true
As if I offered up a crystal ball to look through(I have offered up to you)
Where there’s now one there will be two
And I wish her insight to battle love’s blindness
Strength from the milk of human kindness
A safe place for all the pieces that scattered
Learn to pretend there’s more than love that matters
~"Love Will Come to You" by the Indigo Girls
Me myself with my face pressed
Up against love’s glass
To see the shiny toy
I’ve been hoping for
The one I never could afford
The wide world spins and spits turmoil
And the nations toil for peace
But the paws of fear upon your chest
Only love can soothe that beast
And my words are paper tigers
No match for the predators of pain inside her
I say love will come to you
Hoping just because I spoke the words that they’re true
As if I offered up a crystal ball to look through
Where there’s now one there will be two
I was born under the sign of cancer(love will come to you)
Like brushing cloth I smooth the wrinkles for an answer(love will come)
I’m always closing my eyes and wishing I’m fine(I close my eyes and wish you fine)
Even though I know I’m not this time(even though I know your not this time)
I say love will come to you
Hoping just because I spoke the words that they’re true
As if I offered up a crystal ball to look through
Where there’s now one there will be two
Dodging your memories a field of knives
Always on the outside looking in on other’s lives
I say love will come to you
Hoping just because I spoke the words that they’re true
As if I offered up a crystal ball to look through(I have offered up to you)
Where there’s now one there will be two
And I wish her insight to battle love’s blindness
Strength from the milk of human kindness
A safe place for all the pieces that scattered
Learn to pretend there’s more than love that matters
~"Love Will Come to You" by the Indigo Girls
Ok, Party People
This place is a wreck! I just finished talking my way out of going to jail when the cops showed up. They're always a buzz kill. Time for the party to be over - I think 5 days of partying is plenty. Thanks for all that came to "shake what their mama's gave them!"
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Let's Get It Started, HA, Let's Get It Started in Here
Ok, so maybe I'm 6 visitors short...
BUT, in anticipation of it rolling over to the 5000th visitor, I thought I'd go ahead and get the party started in here. Thanks to all of many, many readers (all 6 of you) that visited over and over and over. I love you, man.
BUT, in anticipation of it rolling over to the 5000th visitor, I thought I'd go ahead and get the party started in here. Thanks to all of many, many readers (all 6 of you) that visited over and over and over. I love you, man.
Grab a drink (Yes, Diane, there will be cocktails!) and
Get down with your bad self!
Booked, No, Double Booked Solid
Hectic day today. I was in meetings back to back, some of them overlapped, pretty much all day. Hard to get work done when you're not at your desk. In fact, I had to miss the last meeting because the prior one ran over. On the run all day. Finally able to eat a pack of crackers for "lunch" at 4:30pm, just before running off to meet vendor partners for dinner. Just one of those days.
Glad to finally be at home in my pjs kicked back with my dog at last. Relax. Forecast for tomorrow? Same schedule, different day...
Glad to finally be at home in my pjs kicked back with my dog at last. Relax. Forecast for tomorrow? Same schedule, different day...
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Blog Reader Drive
C'mon people, only 54 more visitors until I break 5000 on my blog counter and we can all experience the balloon drop! Keep those visits coming, and call your friends and relatives to encourage their visit, too.
I appreciate your support.
I appreciate your support.
Didja Know?
Ten Top Trivia Tips about Kara!
- Britain's Millennium Dome is more than double the size of Kara!
- Czar Paul I banished Kara to Siberia for marching out of step.
- If you lick Kara ten times, you will consume one calorie!
- In the Great Seal of the United States the eagle grasps 13 arrows and Kara.
- The first Kara was made in 1853, and had no pedals.
- Three seagulls flying overhead are a warning that Kara is near.
- Kara will often glow under UV light.
- Kara is the only one of the original Seven Wonders of the World that still survives.
- Contrary to popular belief, Kara is not successful at sobering up a drunk person, and in many cases she may actually increase the adverse effects of alcohol.
- Four-fifths of the surface of Kara is covered in water.
Kara's Commentary to her Trivia Facts:
1) Good gracious, I would hope so!
2) Which is how the Kara Sea, just north of Siberia, came to be named. (consult a map)
3) Ummm...
4) I owe it all to my modeling agent! Take that Chanel! Betcha want me now!
5) Quickly corrected when the 1854 model came out.
6) Better than an Albatross, just ask the Mariner!
7) Ewww, kinda like a cheap motel room? Heyyy, what're you sayin' here??
8) Insert Donna Summers song...
9) 'Nother round on me?
10) Only because I don't like to get water in my ears.
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