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

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...

Kara Goes to Washington

I'm off to DC for business. Y'all try to behave until I get back...

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?

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.

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...

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.

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.

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??

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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...”

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!!

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?)