Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.30.08

Homer: Donuts. Is there anything they can't do?

New Game

Okay, I discovered a Yahoo puzzle game yesterday called Line Balls. I'm hooked. It's so simple, but as soon as I got to work I wanted to play it. That is one of the hazards of slow works days. I find Yahoo games that call to me whether we are busy or not!

It's nice and quiet at work today and I have a project to work on. I prefer projects over lots of little jobs, whereas John, the guy I share an office with, likes to do lots of little jobs every day. Makes him feel like he is getting a lot done. And he is! Together, we are a great team and we do 90% of the work that is done at this company. Of course, because we are the only two non family members, we are making MUCH less than everyone else, but so it goes.

Line Balls. Check it out.

At some point today I want to email myself a list of everything I would like to get done while I am house sitting. Hope I can be productive.

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.29.08

Marge: You like Shake n' Bake. You used to put it in your coffee.

My Last Single Christmas

I've been doing that a lot lately. "This is my last single _____". Sometimes it's silly. Like the last time that I will spend an entire day at home, my parents home, in my pajamas. (I did that today... I'm sick). Or the last time (hopefully) that I will spend half the night in my parents bathroom. (Did that two nights ago... I'm sick). Funny how silly, everyday things become special when they are soon to be a thing of the past. But this was a big one. My last Single Christmas. My last Christmas Eve to sit up with my sisters and arrange Madi's presents from Santa. My last Christmas Eve with my sisters. Makes me cry just to think about it. hehe... I'm such a girl!

When Madi turned 1 in 2003, she and my sisters and I had our picture taken. We did that again this year because Melanie and I are getting married in 2009. This was our last year to all be single together. We are growing up. How can something so special and full of hope be, at the same time, so painful. My sisters are more than my best friends, they are like an extension of myself. I am fascinated by how we are alike, and even more so by how we are different. How can 4 girls who were raised in the same house, by the same parents, and are so close in age, be so different? We share similarities, we all talk alike and we laugh alike, we have very similar smiles and matching eyes. But we are different in so many ways. We have different strengths and weaknesses. Different preferences. Sometimes I wish that I could take pieces of my sisters for myself. Like Melanie's timing. No one can pace a conversation like Melanie. She is so smart and so funny and she notices everything. Or Laura's ease with children. Kids love her! No matter who it is, Laura always knows exactly what to do to make a child, not only feel safe with her, but enjoy her immensely! And Jenna can be so tactful. She tells the funniest stories about subbing. She is subbing long term for a middle school special-ed math class. Talk about crazy situations! But she always seems to say the right thing. Jenna is so confident when she is good at something.

I will always love my sisters. And in some ways, the older we get, the closer we get. Age differences always matter less when you are older, because people pretty much experience all the same things in their twenties. But in other, more tangible ways, the older we get, we seem to grow further apart. Because we are creating separate lives. Next year, Santa won't come to my parent's house. He will visit Madi at home, with Melanie and JD. And when I leave my uncle's house on Christmas Eve, our favorite family tradition, I will go home with Brett.

I am happy that I am getting married this year. But there are a lot of experiences that will be bitter sweet.

Speaking of getting married this year, the 3 month mark came and went without me noticing it! I had so much to do to get ready for Christmas, when the 21st came, I didn't realize it. So the wedding is now LESS than 3 months away. I freaked out a little when the "less than 3 months" thing occurred to me, but now that Christmas has come and gone, I am ready for action!

Brett and I are signing our lease on Monday, and he will move into our apartment 3 weeks from yesterday. I am house sitting, one last time, at my favorite house in Dallas starting this Wednesday. I will have 5 nights in that house, and I intend to use them well. By this time next week, I plan on having a wedding blog, a doctor's appointment scheduled, an informed wedding party, and a new dresser, which is the only piece of furniture that is crucial that we buy before the move. Well, to be fair, we already have a dresser. Sort of. Brett has some furniture, that if worst comes to worst, we can keep and use until we replace them. But I have to be honest. I am a furniture snob. It's important to me that I come home and LIKE the place that I live in. The aesthetics of my home matter. Just to me. I'm not out to impress anyone. I just have to like it. And I am willing to use my Christmas money and house sitting money to buy a dresser that will make me feel peaceful when I look at it.

We also need a dining room table and chairs, 2 bookcases (one large to match the 2 that Brett owns now, and one smaller one for me), nightstands and at some point, a coffee table, though we will probably just get a leather ottoman for that. In fact, the one that we liked at Target is on sale this week. I may go ahead and snag it while that is the case.

I officially have every address that we need and we are WAY over our limit on guests. But not everyone will come. That's all I can say about that. One more word and my nervous laughter will drown out my reassurances.

Well, I have more to say, but something just came up. That's typically how things in my life are right now. I keep making plans and then something jumps up to change them. But so it goes. I'm off!

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.23.08

Homer: Our lives are in the hands of men no smarter than you or I. Many of them incompetent boobs. I know this because I've worked alongside them, gone bowling with them, watched them pass me over for promotions time and again.

Totally Registered

Okay, I just spent my lunch hour creating a registry on the Bed Bath and Beyond website. I feel so much better! I feel like we have registered for everything that we need to now. Wedding experts, whoever they may be, recommend that couples register at 3 stores so people have a variety of places to shop and price ranges. We had registered for dishes and a couple of other things at Macy's, and then our other items at Target. But we hadn't found any decorative items and there were a few kitchen things that I hadn't really found in my style, so we decided to browse in Bed Bath and Beyond on Saturday. I tell you what. I am going to miss Linens N Things, but they are practically the same store. BB&B feels crowded... the aisles are smaller and they are jam packed. But we found all of the items there that we had hoped to find at Linens N Things before they closed, so I am really pleased. It was too crowded to register on Saturday, and we were trying to get home to do some packing, but it was easy to do online, so good times! We are done!

I am really thankful that this week is here. Tomorrow is Brett's birthday. I am taking him to work in the morning. I will have breakfast and a small present for him when I pick him up in the morning. And then I will pick him up from work and we will head to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner and more presents. I realize that's not a diet friendly restaurant, but hello. It's two days before Christmas. What's the point?

Food has been horrid lately. Well, let me rephrase. Food has been delicious, but my choices? Yeah, I pretty much go to bed hating myself every night because of the food I ate that day. When this week is over, life will be a lot easier in that aspect and in a few others. I LOVE Christmas! But the wedding is 89 days away and it is ready to take center stage in my life. Time is short and there is still a LOT to do.

But it will get done. This week I want to enjoy the people in my life that I love. First of all, to recognize Christ's sacrifice and love. I am humbled by God's grace and so thankful for his gift of salvation. I don't really have adequate words...

And I get to see my family this week. =-) My whole family. It is my favorite part of the holiday season. I think I still have a present or 2 to wrap also, which rocks! I love to wrap! And HOPEFULLY I have a little more shopping to do. If I end up not getting a Christmas bonus, then the shopping is done, but I don't know yet how that is going to turn out, so we shall see.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good Monday!

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.22.08

Ralph: My parents won't let me use scissors. (The rest of the class laughs)

Miss Hoover: The children are right to laugh at you, Ralph. These things couldn't cut butter.

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.21.08

Scully: Homer, we're going to ask you a few simple yes or no questions. Do you understand?

Homer: Yes. (Lie detector blows up)

Weekend Forecast

Okay, I know this is Texas and all, but still, I think it's crazy that the high tomorrow is 67 and the high on Sunday is 37. Of course, yesterday my weather widget said that the high tomorrow is 69 and the high Sunday is 29. So who knows! I am predicting a heat wave. Or a blizzard. One of the other.

Brett and I have a lot going on this weekend, but no where near what we had going on last weekend. Our main goal is to get a lot of packing done. We want to fill all of the boxes that we have so we can evaluate and see what else we need. I would like to take some things to Good Will also, if there is time. Tonight the plan is sandwiches and packing while we watch/listen to one of my favorite Christmas movies, Love Actually.

Tomorrow my day will start by sleeping in, thankfully! And then we are celebrating a friends birthday in the early afternoon, but after that we are free to pack! We will probably sort through Brett's comic collection.

I am creating a scrapbook for my friends grandfather and I have to finish it by Christmas Eve. I have started it but there is a LOT left to do. I know I will get it done though. And it has been amazing! This man was incredible. His life was full of interesting moments, but the thing that impresses me the most is that he seemed to be a genuinely good man. He was a hard worker who loved his family and was madly in love with his wife. There are love notes all throughout the box I am sorting through.

I am so close to being done with my Christmas shopping! I need a couple of boxes, and hopefully I will remember to grab them from work today. And I need something else for Brett. But what exactly that something else is will depend on whether or not I get a Christmas bonus next week. Sigh.

I may not make it to 5:00 today. We are so slow and I have so much to do! I may see if I can leave at 3 if there is nothing for me to do. That would be incredibly helpful!

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.20.08

This one is so good, I can't wait until Monday to post it. So here you go.

Jesse: I'm a level five vegan. I won't eat anything that casts a shadow.

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.19.08

Homer: First you don't want me to get the pony, then you want me to take it back. Make up your mind.

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.18.08

Grandpa: Dear Mr. President, There are too many states nowadays. Please eliminate three. P.S. I am not a crack-pot.

I'm So Stupid!

I've been wanting to read Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer's 5th book in the Twilight series, which she discontinued writing after someone leaked a partial copy of it, ever since I found out about it a couple of months ago. But my eyes aren't what they used to be. It's hard to imagine sitting and reading a 264 page story on a computer screen. But that's also way too much paper and toner to waste at work.

But yesterday, I was so bored! I downloaded the pdf. I don't know what I was thinking. Now I can't stop reading it. I'm at work, where I should be WORKING, but the pdf is open and hidden in my background and I keep going back to it. I thought I would just read a little today while I ate lunch, but now I can't seem to stop.

I feel like a jerk!

Also, I really want tacos right now. I had yummy taco salad with Jennifer last night and it was so good. I wish I had some right now!

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.17.08

Marge: Thanks for taking the kids on such short notice.

Selma: We'll have fun, won't we kids?

Bart: To get to Duff Gardens, I'd ride with Satan himself!

Selma: That's the spirit! (To Marge and Homer) See you tonight!

Lisa: Bye, dad! Don't eat any solids!

Homer: But I love solids!

Seriously?

The release date for the next Twilight Movie, New Moon, was announced today. It will be in theaters on November 20, 2009.

Gee. The amount of time they are taking to make the second movie just FILLS me with confidence that the cheesy effects from the first film won't be an issue in the second.

I realize that you have to move while the actors still look the same age, but I want it to be a GOOD movie.

I need to see Twilight again. I think I will be much less critical the second time around. At least, I sincerely hope that is the case. I have enjoyed reading the books a second time. I am ready to finish so I can read Tales of Beetle the Bard!

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.16.08

Yesterday, my Simpsons Quote generator updated, so I have all new quotes! I'm overloaded by funny!

This one made me giggle yesterday. Love it.

Mr. Burns: Release the League of Evil. (Wall opens to reveal a table with skeletons at it) What happened to my league?

Smithers: Even monsters need air, sir.

Spit it Out!

I HATE not having time to blog. My head gets so full that I think it's going to explode.

I am going to post a quick entry before another day gets under way and I have that much more to say! My days have been very eventful lately.

Saturday was GREAT! Brett and I drove to Fairfield, Texas to eat lunch with our friends from The Woodlands. We decided to find a place halfway between us to meet and exchange presents. We ate at a really neat place called Sam's Buffet that apparently, I'm the only person in Texas who had never heard of it. The front was like Cracker Barrel, a little shop with gifts and trinkets. Really neat! I almost bought a little coin purse that was made out of a baby sock. But I couldn't buy 1 without buying 5 (they would be perfect stocking stuffers for the girls in my family) and I could only afford 1, so I didn't buy any.

Lunch was SO tasty and it was SO good to see our friends, the Willinghams. It was almost a relief. Like breathing fresh air without realizing that I needed it so badly. I have been treading water lately, and I guess I had slipped beneath the surface without acknowledging it. Seeing my friends felt like new life for a couple of hours.

Then on our way home we stopped in Waxahachie to see Brett's other BFF and his family. So we had lots of fun delivering presents and eating yummy food and most of all, seeing special people. It was our first Christmas tada.

Sunday was a whole nother kind of interesting. It sounds like poor planning, but it wasn't intentional... some things didn't work out like we had planned so we had to reschedule and we ended up having 2 class events on one Sunday.

My day began at 7:30. I met Jared in the sanctuary to rehearse because we were going to do a skit in both services. Jared had KidStuf practice at 8 so we met extra early. When we were done I had plenty of time to run a couple of errands and pick up what I needed for the rest of the day. So I drove across the street to get donuts for the class first. And then I decided to go down the street to my bank and get cash that I would need for our party Sunday night. I still can't believe this, but when I got out to go to the ATM, I locked my keys in the car. I have been expecting that to happen because it has ALMOST happened several times over the last month. My head is so full... I'm thinking of too many things at once. I realized it when I was standing at the ATM waiting for it to spit my money out. My keys weren't in my hand. I checked my pockets. Nothing. I walked back to my car and there they were, grinning at me from the passenger seat.

So I walked next door to a restaurant and asked to use their phone. I had a spare key at home, so I called my house 3 times. No answer. I called my friend Jenina 3 times because she lives really close to the bank. No answer. I called Brett one time. No answer. So I gave back the phone and started walking back to the church. It was SO funny! I wish someone could have seen me. I was tripping over my boots the whole way. After 15 minutes or so I took them off and carried them. There is no way that I didn't look drunk. It wasn't cold, but it was very windy and my hair flying over my head made me six feet tall.

When I was walking past Lively a woman from my church spotted me and gave me a ride the rest of the way THANK GOODNESS because I was worried I was going to miss the skit. There were only two of us in it, so Jared couldn't do it without me.

After the skit, which went well, by the way, Jared took me home to get my spare and then back to my car so I could go back to church.

After big church we had a class project that only 5 people, including Brett and I, showed up for. We were planning on 12 so that is how many people we bought pizza for. Yeah, we'll be eating pizza all week. But we got it done, and that's the important part.

Then Sunday night 5 class members and 1 guest went to see Ebenezer at The Pocket Sandwich Theater in Dallas. The past few years we have had a Christmas party at someone's house, but we are in a unique position right now. No one connected to our class lives in a house. So we needed an alternative. This musical is what we came up with and I am THRILLED that we did! Every show at the PST is a unique experience and this one did not disappoint.

Okay, so after locking my keys in my car Sunday, the crazy had apparently not worn off yesterday. I felt like getting out on my lunch break so I ran to Target to grab the last part of Brett's birthday present and then I drove to Chipotle to grab a burrito bowl. When I got to Chipotle I realized that I didn't have my wallet with me. I frantically searched my car but came up with nothing. So I drove back to Target and looked in the parking lot where I had been. Nothing. I went to the register where I had paid 5 minutes before. Nothing. So I went to customer service. I stood in line for 10 minutes, the panic rising towards my eyes the whole time. I was SO relieved when they had my wallet! I cried walking back to my car. As soon as I got in the car I opened my wallet. Every card is still there. I was so thankful. But then I realized that my tithe check was missing. I missed the collection plate Sunday morning so I was going to drop the check in the mail this week. It was made out to my church, but it was a signed check. I am a little worried still. Yesterday I was so upset. Just last week I heard a story on the radio from a dj who had a check of his stolen that was made out to his neighbor. The person who took it crossed out the neighbor's name and the amount, wrote his own name and $500 on the check and got it cashed at Walmart. Are you kidding me? So I stopped payment on the check at my bank, an action which unjustly cost $20, and I am going to watch my accounts like a hawk. I am worried that someone will make fake checks with my info or buy things online. But I talked to my bank. They know there is an issue, so hopefully if anything happens, I won't have trouble fixing it.

Last night was MUCH more enjoyable. I had to leave Brett's early when the weather turned nasty, but I addressed all of our Save the Dates! I did so while watching Things We Lost in the Fire, which was a good flick, incidentally. I dropped them in the mail on my way to work today. It turned out pretty cute. Check it out!

Okay, now time to work. Finally!

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.15.08

Homer: (At the dinner table) So, how was everyone's day at school?

Bart: Horrifying!

Lisa: Pointless!

Marge: Exhausting! It took the children forty minutes to locate Canada on the map.

Homer: Oh Marge, anyone can miss Canada, all tucked away down there.

Engagement Pictures

We ended up with some really cute poses from our photo session. We took some silly shots too, so those are fun. Unfortunately, the lighting was no bueno. Most of the pictures are really dark and some of them are way too bright. I did what I could to adjust them, but in the end, they were just okay. Still cute, just not great lighting. Here are the poses that I like.

Car Stuff, Once Again

Ya know, there's just no such thing as a quick trip to the dealership. Because my car is still under warranty, I have to get every but of maintenance, including oil changes, done at the dealership. The service writer (I don't think that's his actual title, but I can't remember what it is... the guy who comes out to your car when you pull up) has taken a liking to me because I complimented him to my father one day when my dad was helping me drop off my car and get to work. He's really friendly and he always tries to save me money when he can. When it's time to have my car serviced he goes through the checklist and only does the things that need to be done. If it can wait, he tells me it can wait, and I usually do.

At my last oil change, it was also time for my 50,000 mile service. He did what needed to be done and it cost around $500. Well today, when it was time for another oil change, it was also time to get those "they can wait" things done. They're done waiting. It will be at least $500 and he also informed me that I need to replace my tires as soon as possible. I knew that was coming, but there's just not anything that I can do about it today. Maybe after Christmas. MAYBE. He said it would be $553 to get all 4 replaced and have them balanced and all that jazz. He seemed really excited about the price being that low. My credit card can take that hit, but it will be the last hit that it can take, and that leaves me in a state of worry.

Tires are important. I want to feel safe while I am driving and nothing scares me more than bad tires. Ever since Jordan had the blowout on the highway and didn't survive, I have been extremely aware of my tires. I know it is important. I'm also extremely tired of my brakes squeeling and I would like to get them looked at before it turns into a more serious repair.

But what about the wedding? It is 99 days from today and there are still a lot of things to be paid for. Rather than being able to save more once Christmas is over, I will be spending MUCH more because of the new apartment. I know that God will provide. He has been providing so faithfully this month. I did 3 logo designs, I made some ornaments for a friend, I am making a scrapbook for another friend and I just got asked to house sit. None of those will bring me tons of money, but it will be little bits here and there that mean I can get an account set up so we can have electricity in our apartment. And I will have presents for everyone that I was supposed to buy presents for. And somehow, when it is time to pay for half of a months rent on January 16, we will be able to do it. I think. I hope. I know. God will provide.

Sigh.

Look Out!

I was just practicing my ninja moves in the bathroom. I'm getting really good!

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.11.08

Ralph: When he grows up I want to be like me.

The Countdown Officially Begins

I can't believe it, but the wedding is 100 days from today.

Wow.

In a lot of ways I am SO ready! December is a perfect reminder of how nice it will be when Brett and I are finally married and living together. Our lives are already so intertwined that, even though we have separate activities sometimes, we really have just one schedule. "Our schedule". It can be really annoying having to coordinate with each other. Have to meet and drop off cars and go home to change... it will be a relief when we have a common home base!

I actually had to admit to my friend Jared last night that I am now carrying 2 calendars in my purse. One is my planner that I have had for months that I write in, and the new one is "our calendar". I thought I would use it to write down activities that Brett and I both need to be aware of, but now I am thinking of ditching my old one, because I very rarely do things without him. Tonight I am going to meet with Jenina to get pictures for a scrapbook I am making for her father in law, and next Tuesday I am eating dinner at Jennifer's, but the rest of the month is all me and Brett. And after the madness of Christmas we will have the madness of the wedding. I remember when it was a year away. And now... 100 days? They are going to fly by!

We have a lot left to do. I'm more worried about paying for the things that still need paying for than I am about actually getting them done. We registered at Macy's last night, so that's good. We are done registering and now we don't need to think about that anymore. I feel a little awkward because so many items cost more than I thought they would or should. For instance, I've never had fancy dishes before. Fiesta isn't "fancy" but it is definitely pricier than my Target dishes that I bought when I lived in my first apartment.

It is time to pack! Brett will move 5 weeks from this Saturday and I am going to move as much of my things as I can that weekend. It will help us to unpack if we know what all needs to be put away!

I need time to sit down and organize my thoughts and calendar. I know I've been saying that for weeks, but it's still true. We have plans all weekend, so I will probably feel a little stressed on Monday when my to-do list isn't much shorter, but I will try to make up for that next week.

Okay, lunch is done. Back to work!

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.10.08

Lisa: Mom! Dad's on PBS!

Marge: Mmm. They don't show police chases, do they?

These Boots are NOT Made For Walking!

What is up with my boots? They make my left foot feel like I have a cramp in the middle of my foot. These boots are not cute enough to suffer in. They're not stylish at all, they're practical. So they shouldn't be allowed to hurt my foot! I'm protesting.

There is a pair of boots that I want that are on sale for $30. They look so warm and comfortable. But $30! That's a lot when I still have Christmas presents to buy.

Hmm... What to do, what to do...

I Just Have To Say

The Dark Knight is seriously good.

The first time that I saw it, I liked it, but wasn't blown away. There was SO much build up! I expected it to knock my socks off, but I just thought it was good.

Well tonight Brett and I watched it at home on Blu-Ray (should there be a dash in there? I'm too tired to look it up). Okay, the second time through, I LOVED it! The story is so good! I think that I was caught up in the actors the first time around. And the IMAX thing freaked me out because we were on the second row, I think. But tonight I was SO into the story! I enjoyed every minute of it.

That's all I have to say about that.

Ross For Less

This REALLY made me giggle. John, who I work with, saw it on Comedy Central and he found it the next day to show me. I love this store, but it is all true.

Enjoy!

http://comedians.comedycentral.com/sebastian-maniscalco/videos/sebastian-maniscalco---dress-for-less

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.08.08

Homer: I didn't raise him to be a quitter. It must have been you. You quit every job you've ever had. Cop, pretzel vendor, church counselor, professional gambler.

Marge: He's doing what he thinks is best.

Homer: Well, if quitting is the best, maybe I should just quit my job! (Homer walks over to the phone and dials Mr. Burns' number)

Mr. Burns: Ahoy-hoy?

Homer: Mr. Burns, this is Homer J. Simpson, the father of the big quitter! Well, I just wanted to tell you I'm a big quitter, too! And I quit! (Homer winks twice)

Marge: Homer, Mr. Burns can't see you winking.

Homer: So... (Screams, hangs up phone)

Sweet!

My Best Friend's Wedding is on Hulu today! Sleepless in Seattle is good, but I was pretty close to having it memorized, so now I can switch to listening this in the background every day when I get bored at work. I like this movie =-) It makes me think of Jeff Tsunekawa and Justin Harrison because I have memories of watching it with each of them. 

Day of Fun and Surprises

Well, yesterday was certainly productive. Very full! But not exhausting. Of course, I say that, and at this moment Brett is one and half hours past when he said he would get up from his nap. But it definitely could have been worse!

I guess our errands technically began Friday night. We had a goal for Saturday of creating at least one wedding registry. We are planning to register at a few stores, two at least, but it is definitely time to get that taken care of. The wedding is less than 4 months away and the Save The Dates will be going out this week (I hope... I am still a few addresses short, and we are still waiting on pictures from our photographer). So Friday night we went and walked around Target getting ideas of what we liked and needed so that the registry process would be a little simpler. 

Saturday, we started the day with a quick errand by the new apartment complex. They needed a copy of a pay stub from each of us to keep on file. The man who we had been interacting with so far was not there, but the girl who met was very nice! She told us that we could come sign the lease any time, so we will probably go ahead and do that before Christmas just to get it out of the way and make our moving day a little smoother.

Then we went for a quick lunch at a place that I had never been, but Brett had visited for lunch a couple of times. If you haven't been to Firehouse Subs, I recommend checking it out. Particularly if you are a fan of meatball subs. My turkey was tasty, but Brett's meatball – seriously yumm!

The errand that we ran after lunch was certainly our most amusing of the day. We went to Men's Warehouse to look at tuxedos and get an idea of what the men in our wedding will be wearing. This is probably the part of yesterday that Brett and I will always remember, but I already know it's not a story that tells as well as it was experienced. We told the story twice today, and it's not as funny if you weren't there. But I'll give you a quick summary. 

We were greeted when we walked in and shown where to wait for someone to come talk tuxedos with us. After 10 minutes or so, a young man came and sat at the desk with us. He was 12. Okay, not 12, but in all seriousness, I'm pretty sure this was a high school kid. How can he know anything about tuxedos when he hasn't even been to prom yet? Basically it was the least helpful conversation I have ever had with a salesperson. He could have won a "Salesman of the Day" award if, and only if, it was opposite day. The two lines that won him the award were "All of our suits are made of wool... and that's bad." and "This is my favorite suit. It's $129 but it should cost $300. Just kidding."

I know it's not funny when you just read it, but when we drove away from the store, after 5 minutes of chit chat with Skippy the wonder salesman, we were roaring with laughter! We giggled about it all day and are still throwing out our favorite line... "and that's bad."

Aww, the memories.

Okay, moving on. After Men's Warehouse we drove to Macy's. The dishes that we would like to register for are there and there were some things, like shower curtains and bathroom accessories, that didn't wow me at Target so we wanted to look around. Well, after looking around 15 minutes or so, Brett was kind of ready to go. We saw some things that we liked but, for whatever reason, probably the Y chromosome, he wasn't quite ready to start the process at that moment.

Before we left the mall we went by Helzberg and picked up his wedding ring. It is sitting safely in my room, ready and waiting for the big day! So that's one big thing to check off the list.

We needed a break after that. We came back to Brett's and while he played some Prince of Persia, I balanced my checkbook and then watched him play. I was thinking he was done for the day. We had had some giggles and a bit of drama at the jewelry store (not a story worth telling) and he seemed kind of kaput. But he assured me that he was up for Target because he knew that I wanted to get a registry done. So we drove back to Target and spent a really fun hour with a scanner and a list, and registered for all sorts of fun and necessary items. Some things cost more than I thought they would, and I am a little worried that people will look at our registry and think that we are being extravagant. But I promise! We picked the cheapest set of red utensils that Target had!

I just got online and viewed our registry. Woohoo! I also made a couple of changes to it. There were a few items that didn't get deleted and one that got left off. Two of the items that didn't get deleted were items that, when we scanned them, showed up with the wrong product because they were scanned upside down or at a weird angle. Guess what showed up instead of the items we were scanning? A 56 count pack of Huggies diapers and an Evenflo carrier. Haha! What? I can name about 20 people, including Brett, who would have a heart attack if they pulled up our wedding registry and saw baby items on there. So I just took care of that, and all is well.

We are going to register at Macy's on Wednesday night and then decide if we need another registry after that.

When we were done with our day we went to dinner and ran into 3 of my favorite people in the whole world. My sisters! I walked in and said "Oh, there's Laura! Oh, and Jenna! OH! And Melanie!!!" It was great to run into them!

Now we are off to the church Christmas concert. I am excited! It's going to be a great show!

One of Those Moments

Everyone has them. When you drive a car for the first time. When you kiss someone for the first time. When you go to prom. When you walk across a stage and someone hands you a diploma. When you sign a lease, or a ballot, or a marriage license. There are dozens of milestones in life that, as children, we assume we will someday experience or accomplish. But as we grow older, we realize that not all of those things are experienced by all people. Not everyone is fortunate enough to own a home. Not everyone is able to graduate from college. The bank will always hold the title to some people's car. But when we do reach a milestone - one of the milestones that as a child we take for granted will someday take place for us, because we believe it to be the norm for most - there is always a moment of realization. When the truth sinks in that you have made it to that mark. It is a humbling moment.

Tonight my moment stopped me in an aisle of a Target. I can't believe this day has come. I, me, crazy silly Kim, am registering.

Laugh if you will, but registering is, for most girls, a part of the wedding that we look forward to our entire life. Picking patterns, choosing colors, testing pillows, that will fill our future and make up our home. Not that I equate these possessions with the home that Brett and I will build, but registering for these items is tangible evidence that it is really happening! Brett and I are getting married! We are going to be grown ups who live together and love each other and eat off of dishes that WE picked out!

The whole thing blows my mind.

Tonight we walked around Target looking for certain items that we know we will need in hopes that tomorrow, when we have the scanner, it will be an easier process than going in blind. I THINK we are starting at Macy's because our dishes are there. I am also hoping to find a shower curtain that I like more than the ones that we saw tonight. And then we will hit Target.

I am not certain that we will get both stores done tomorrow, but I would LOVE if we do. That would be a big item to check off of the list. We have lots of big items left to do, but we are slowly but surely checking them off the list.

I picked up the bridesmaid dresses yesterday, so that part is done. My mom is shortening all of them, but we probably won't think about that until mid January or so.

I have also made progress on my Christmas shopping. I still need to shop for Brett and I need birthday presents for Brett, his mom and Madi. And I have a gift card to buy. But I THINK that is it.

There is a LOT that I would like to accomplish this weekend. We'll see how it goes. =-)

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.05.08

The guy that I share an office with laughed so hard when he read this one, I thought we were going to have to resuscitate him!

Lisa: (Reading) Come to Homer's BBBQ. The extra 'B' is for BYOBB.

Bart: What's THAT extra 'B' for?

Homer: That's a typo.

Sigh...

I am in desperate need of a good cry.

I'm feeling overwhelmed and fairly close to falling apart. I know I am overreacting to some of the things that are filling my mind and I think a good long cry would get those things out of the way, and then I could focus on the actual issues I need to take care of. I take that back. I doesn't have to be a long cry, just a good one!

I am thankful tomorrow is Friday, but I would be more thankful if TODAY were Friday. Sigh...

I'm okay. Just a little overwhelmed.

"Says me now, Holy Cow!"

10 points to anyone who can finish the line in the title to this blog and tell me what movie it is from. (Come on Jenna. Make me proud!)

If you haven't heard of Hungry Girl, today is the day to check it out! Hungry Girl is just a girl who was a Weight Watcher and loves food. She created her website to share some of the info that she has gathered over the years, like recipes she has experimented with and fun food finds that are low point and tasty. I receive her newsletter every day and I love it! Whether you are a Weight Watcher or not, this is good stuff! Today was all cookie related recipes and I am dying to try the Pumped Up Ginger Snap Crunchers and the Upside Down Pineapple Crush.

Do yourself a favor and click on the link that is in my sidebar, or anywhere you see the words Hungry Girl in this post. Like here: Hungry Girl. Or here: Hungry Girl. You will surely enjoy your encounter with Hungry Girl!

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.03.08

Lisa: Bart, do you realize what this means? The next time we fall asleep we could die!

Grandpa: Ehhh, welcome to my world.

Random Play

iTunes random play mode rocks my socks. I have a ton of music on my iTunes. Some if it is mine and some if it is from cds that people have brought into the office and said, 'here check this out', and loaded onto my iTunes. So random play mode is fun because there are songs I barely know that pop up.

I have a couple of folders that apply to different moods. Like I have a "mellow mix" for when I need to calm down (or sometimes I just play the Garden State soundtrack. Love it!). And I have a fun mix, a holiday mix, a country mix (yes, country is a mood). But I love when I just start on a song and let random play choose my songs, and they are a good flow. Like it's all fun songs when I am feeling happy, or all Motown when I am feeling swingy.

Today my music is definitely all fitting into a mood. It played "What's Up" by 4 Non Blondes, "Time is On My Side" by The Rolling Stones, "Thank You" by Alanis Morissette and "Messy" by Wood Belly. These are totally songs I would listen to if I were feeling chill. Like if work was good and life was good and I wanted a play list to jam to, I would totally pick those songs.

Unfortunately, that mood doesn't apply today. Work is not great, it is a little stressful. And life isn't bad, but I have GOT to look a calendar and make some lists, and until I make time to do that I will feel a little anxious.

I'm still proud of my iTunes though, for trying to lighten the mood. Thank you iTunes!

Rambling

The reason that I post frequently is because if I don't, my head gets overloaded and I have trouble figuring out what to say. Too many things try to come out at once, and they kind of jam. So I will just get a few random tidbits out of the way, and then hopefully the next time I post, it will be something more meaty.

I am not a great public speaker. I'm not the worst, but usually, what I end up saying is MAYBE 50% what I planned to say. The other 50%, who knows where it comes from. I really am a rabbit chaser. So often times, when I sit down after giving a speech, or whatever it is that I had to say, I think to myself, 'I have no idea what I just said'. It always makes me giggle, and sometimes makes me nervous (what if I said something offensive - haha!) Well... there is a certain person in my life that I encounter a couple of times a month in a lecture setting. I don't want to sound mean, because I can totally relate! But listening to this person talk always makes me think of ME and wonder if that is what I sound like when I start to ramble, because seriously – I can listen for 30 minutes straight and at the end of the meeting I feel like this person has said nothing. How do you talk for 30 minutes without saying ANYTHING? I mean, it's harmless mostly, but it used to drive me crazy! I haven't always been on the greatest terms with this person, and it used to aggravate me because I felt like I was wasting my time listening to 30 minutes of nothing. But now I just giggle and try to supportive. It's not exactly like the "wah wah"s from the teacher on Charlie Brown, but it is close.

New topic.

I, like every serious designer (wink) am a Mac user. There are TONS of things that I love about my mac, but somewhere near the top of the list is a little thing called a widget. I heart my widgets. I don't know if this is common knowledge or not, but I will explain anyways. Widgets are little gadgets that appear on your desktop (sort of... they kind of become a second desktop, called a dashboard, over your actual desktop) when you press a button. Every Mac comes with some standard widgets, a calculator, a weather widget, a dictionary... there are a dozen or so. But you can download however many widgets you would like and the options are very eclectic. From sports trivia, to recipe blogs, to games. My favorite widgets are my Harry Potter news, my Sudoku, my wedding countdown, my trailer widget and my Simpson's quote generator. Up until a few weeks ago, my Harry Potter quote generator was on that list, but it suddenly stopped generating quotes, so someone must have shut it down. That was a sad day.

But my other special widget is a Christmas countdown! I downloaded it last year, and when Christmas day came and went, the countdown started over, so I left it on my dashboard. Well, the way it worked last year was a little tree, with a countdown in the center, started out blank and as Christmas got closer, a new ornament would appear every day. Well, I have been checking for ornaments on my little tree since Halloween. I couldn't remember when the ornaments started to appear last year. I checked every day, and as November started to slip by and no ornaments appeared, I became concerned. My countdown was working, but what if it wasn't going to do the ornaments? Should I un-install this widget and download the new one to make sure that it is properly functioning? I knew it was nothing to worry about, but like a child waiting for Christmas, I was slightly over eager. I checked multiple times a day hoping to see the lights on the tree.

Well, the lights came on the day after Thanksgiving. That's my whole story. The Christmas Countdown widget is working. I didn't have to download the new one. I know it's not much of a story, but I was so relieved when the ornaments started to appear! Isn't that funny? This girl takes her holiday seriously! Widgets and all!

And one more thing: I am dying to create a Christmas header! Hopefully I will find time to do that this week. It shouldn't take too long.

Okay, I think that unjammed a few logs. I will try to be more interesting next time =-)

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 12.01.08

Homer: Marge, it's 3 a.m. Shouldn't you be cooking or something?

Ring Trick

I learned my first ring trick =-)

If I want to lean on my hand while I am wearing my ring, like when we were watching the final Planet of the Apes movie Saturday night, I spin it around so the diamond is in my palm instead of poking into my face. Totally obvious, right? I know. But it is fun to have a ring trick. Made me smile =-)