Thoughts of a Red Head....

Trying to keep up-to-date

2006-05-25T17:51:00.000-05:00

Well, I've not really been MIA, just not keeping up with this. I spend most of my time at my MySpace...so I'll probably just try to keep that blog up-to-date. Check here if you're dying to know what I'm up to. =)

Fun in the SUN!

2006-04-14T20:58:00.000-05:00

I'm home...and I already am desperately missing the ocean! I loved it out there (apart from all the Spring Breakers - made me feel OLD!)

We didn't do a whole heckuva lot, but we spent A LOT of time on the beach and in the ocean (I have the monster sunburn to prove it! LOL). We also hit Daytona USA to see Jimmie's car in its place of honor.

Daytona USA Pics

Rest of our trip Pics

So, who's up for moving with me to the beach? Anyone?? =)

Bring on the beach....

2006-04-06T19:13:00.000-05:00

It's almost time for my trip to Florida! I'm SO excited! =) I am FINALLY going to see the ocean .And walk on the beach.

I.Can't.Wait.

If I can survive one more hellacious day at work, I'm in the clear. And then I'll decide if I even want to come home. LOL

Is something wrong with me?

2006-04-02T13:34:00.000-05:00

I found out today that another of my friends is pregnant. I'm VERY happy for them because she will be an amazing mom. But this makes nearly all of my good friends here either currently pregnant or relatively new moms. And me? I'm just not quite ready. I know it's fine that I am not pregnant, but I can't help but feel a little bit like a loser. I was the first of all of my friends to get married, but the last to have a baby. I worry that something is wrong with me because I don't want to have kids right now.

And it may sound silly, but I'm afraid of losing my friends because our interests are going to be so different now. *sigh*

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

2006-03-17T17:36:00.000-06:00

I always *love* this holiday! Anything that makes being a redhead even more fun! =) I'm outta here to go drink some green beer. Qhee! :)

I hate my job.

2006-02-27T16:55:00.000-06:00

I honestly don't enjoy it anymore. I think if I had *anything* else I could do, I would pursue it. I just dread every single day. And that isn't healthy.

Sick....

2006-02-25T19:25:00.000-06:00

I've been MIA because I have been SO sick! I managed to drag myself to work this week and then I would collapse in bed by 6 each night. I finally made it to the doctor on Friday to get some medicine. Turns out I have an upper respiratory infection with the start of bronchitis. But the meds are helping!!

I think I got so stressed out at work the last couple of weeks that I just wore myself down. I realize nothing is worth getting this sick over. Whatever I don't get done at work, just doesn't get done. I can only do so much.

We'll see how long I can keep up my "no stress" mood!!!

Daytona 500, baby!

2006-02-20T07:30:00.000-06:00

WOO! Congrats to Team 48 on their huge win yesterday. I just hate that Chad wasn't there, but this win is for him. =)

I got tagged....

2006-02-11T18:00:00.000-06:00

Yay! I've been tagged by Marissa...

4 Jobs I’ve had in my life:

*IVT Studio Technician
*SSA Title XVI Claims Representative
*cashier at a grocery store
*cashier/clerk at a hardware store

4 Movies I can watch over and over:

*When Harry Met Sally
*Moulin Rouge
*Teen Witch
*Office Space

4 TV Shows I love to watch:

*The Office
*One Tree Hill
*Family Guy
*Friends

4 Places I have lived:

*Blue Springs, MO
*Salina, KS
*Hays, KS
*Great Bend, KS

4 Places I have been on holiday:

*Orlando, FL
*Colorado Springs, CO
*Indianapolis, IN
*Las Vegas, NV

4 of my favorite dishes:

*Habey Dip from Habaneros
*Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & gravy
*Salad from Olive Garden
*Tortilla Roll Ups

4 of my favorite bands (Marissa added this one):

*Fall Out Boy
*Def Leppard
*Nsync
*Rascal Flatts

4 Websites I visit daily:

*Lowesracing
*My Space
*Cheesin' Chadwick
*Hotmail

4 Places I would rather be right now:

*Home with my family
*On a beach, somewhere
*Hanging with friends in Vegas
*Italy

4 Bloggers I am tagging:

*Shelly
*Amber
*Megan
*Nikki

SURPRISE!!

2006-02-05T08:48:00.000-06:00

Guess what I did last night? Rich threw me a surprise 30th birthday party! :) I had NO clue...I was honestly shocked. ('Course, it helps that it was a week after my birthday, I certainly wasn't expecting it!) He got almost all of the people I love to be there! We were a rowdy bunch - 14 people drinking Grande Margaritas *always* turns out for the best! ;) Good thing my party had its own room....

Pictures will follow once Ann gets them to me. QHEE!

EDIT: Photos are up!!! But, beware...LOL

Home Sweet Home

2006-01-28T21:45:00.000-06:00

Yeah, so I'm not dealing so well with this whole "my parents are selling their house and moving to another town" thing. I thought I was, but every time I talk to my sister, we both end up crying. :( I was able to get photos of stuff though, and make a collage to remember it by....

30?!?!

2006-01-25T20:03:00.000-06:00

Aack. How can I be 30 years old??? Well, technically I have a few more hours. I should be living it up, huh?? :)

But alas, here I sit. I am having dinner with Tracy tomorrow night and P.F. Changs on Saturday with Rich. Mmmmmm....I can hardly wait! And I am hoping to get out of work early tomorrow so I can maybe do some birthday shopping. I think every 30-year old outta get some new clothes.

Maybe it won't be so bad.....

Moving On...

2006-01-13T18:23:00.000-06:00

My mom just called to tell me they bought a new house - in a new town. My childhood home and the town that I will always consider my hometown and I'll never see it again. They will be moving in to the new place in 3 weeks and I won't get a chance to get off work to make the trek back to see it all before they move.

I'm sure it's stupid to be so upset about this, but I just am. I have so many memories there - in the house AND in the town. Memories of so many Christmas mornings running out to the living room to see what Santa brought, or sitting on the patio with my dad watching storms roll in, or dozens of slumber parties, or of being a little girl, sitting in the bean bag watching my big sister get ready to go out on a date. Or places in town - my schools, my best friend's house, the playground where I used to go to sort out my thoughts, the place where I had my first date. Just so many things.

I lived in that house for 18+ years. Granted, now I only make it home 2-3 times a year, but it was always *there*.

It was always HOME.

Sick

2006-01-04T20:08:00.000-06:00

I hate being sick. Several people at work have not been feeling well and recently Rich has come down with something. And now my throat feels like it's on fire. Ick.

Have to get my obligatory January 4th post out. It was 2 years ago today that I was in my car accident. I don't dwell on it anymore, except when I see accidents or on this particular day. I've come a long way since then. Sure, I have occasional aches in my knee and wrist, and some fear of vehicles still, but I am so lucky. And I really have so much to be thankful for.

And now I'm going to bed. Perhaps I'll feel better in the morning!!

2005 - A recap

2005-12-31T17:38:00.000-06:00

Well, I thought it would be appropriate if I tried to do a recap of some of the stuff that went on for me in 2005.

Here I go:

**Losing 25 pounds since May and I keeping it off!
**The death of my grandmother - she was the last of my living grandparents
**The birth of my iPod (best gift EVER!)
**Getting swooped up in a hug - and a few noteworthy emails from Mr. Knaus
**Genuine upheaval at work that actually turned out to be for the best
**Fun trips to St. Louis, Atlanta and Vegas
**Wearing my hair straight - and LOVING it!
**Seriously contemplating auditioning for American Idol - only to find out I was too old
**Concert fun: Sara Evans, Sawyer Brown, Keith Urban
**Dealing with the dizziness I had for several months
**The Colts being 13-0 (including a HUGE win against the Patriots)
**Getting to see "Rent" on the big screen after having loved the stage musical for years.

All in all, 2005 turned out to be quite the interesting year!

To be a kid again...

2005-12-27T21:51:00.000-06:00

Yeah, so I got sucked into the internet looking at old shows I used to watch when I was a little kid.

These were shows that I absolutely LOVED, but had completely forgotten about until I started looking. Shows like:
Kids Incorporated (I *so* wanted to be on that show!)
Shirt Tales
Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors (Why did I like this show? LOL)
Head of the Class
Just the Ten of Us
Kate and Allie

Not to mention your "classics":
Care Bears
Rainbow Brite
My Little Pony
Fraggle Rock
Punky Brewster

Good stuff...that 80's TV. I miss it!

Happy Christmas Eve Eve!

2005-12-23T15:51:00.000-06:00

Wishing everyone a fabulous holiday! :) We're outta early in the AM to celebrate the holidays with both of our families.

Hope Santa brings everyone exactly what they are wishing for!

Lookie!

2005-12-12T19:36:00.000-06:00

It's a picture of Rich and me! We don't have a lot of those, so I thought it warranted its own blog entry. LOL :)

Great Cookie Escapade 2005

2005-12-10T22:35:00.000-06:00

It's done! The cookies are done!!

YAY!

I'm exhausted...LOL

Work

2005-12-07T18:21:00.000-06:00

Honest to God. Work is slowly killing me. And not just me, but everyone I work with. We have too much work to get done in our 8 hours and since we aren't allowed to work extra to get caught up, we have all never been so stressed. I seriously think I'm suffering from panic attacks while I'm there. I can't seem to take a full breath and my mind is so scattered while I'm there.

Oh well. I'm home now. *sigh*

Our internet

2005-12-05T20:50:00.000-06:00

is PISSING me off. It only seems to work sporadically. *sigh*

I should...

2005-12-02T22:55:00.000-06:00

*Write some Christmas cards
*Wrap some gifts
*Go to bed
*Stop obsessing over C.K.
*Finish the laundry
*Get something to drink
*Wash my face

I think I'll work on that 3rd one...

;)

Keith Urban!

2005-12-01T23:51:00.000-06:00

Just home from the Keith Urban concert in KC. What a FUN time!! :) I'll work on getting my photos uploaded tomorrow. But for now...I *must* get to bed so I can get up for work in the morning!!

:) QHEE!

EDIT: My Photos are up!! There aren't very many...but a lot of them didn't turn out well at all.

My Photos

Can I get a

2005-11-28T22:44:00.000-06:00

shoutout to my 11-0 Colts??? QHEE! :)

RENT...

2005-11-26T15:28:00.000-06:00

...in T-minus one hour!! YAYAYAYAY! :) I cannot wait! QHEE!

Three Free Shrimp

2005-11-23T10:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, my disclaimer: This is a random, pointless entry. I *HATE* that commercial. LOL I don't know why. And what I really hate? I then can't stop trying to say "Three Free Shrimp" 3 times fast....

;)

Designing woman...

2005-11-18T22:18:00.000-06:00

I've been following the trend of the folks at the Lowesracing board and I've made my very own MySpace. Just what I need...something else to try to update. LOL But I've managed to make a nifty background and I think I'll call it a night.

We're off to see Rich's family tomorrow morning and I'll return Sunday afternoon. That day outta be interesting: The final race (GO JIMMIE!) and it's the Colts/Bengals game which means someone in my house will NOT be a happy camper that night. I've decided I'll not be cranky at all if Rich's Bengals beat my Colts as long as JJ somehow pulls off the Championship.

*crosses fingers*

:D

I can't keep it up!

2005-11-15T17:20:00.000-06:00

This insane pace of work is going to be the death of me. I just know it. *sigh*

"I Dreamed a Dream in Days Gone By..."

2005-11-13T09:07:00.000-06:00

Rich took me to see "Les Miserables" yesterday at the Music Hall in downtown KC. It was wonderful! I had seen it several years ago, but had forgotten how moving it was. The performers were wonderful and the crowd was lively.

If you haven't seen this musical and you have the chance, do it! :)

random musings...

2005-11-09T18:02:00.000-06:00

...so we were in a team meeting all day and several things cracked me up:
John - "I go both ways"
Sean - "Aah, sweet hydration"
Earl - "I was just gonna put my hand up later" (In response to the statement, "Raise your hand if you're a procrastinator.")
Me - "Do you need me to do the flourish action?"
Dave, Sean and Me - "So...go ahead and uh, wear a Hawaiian shirt and jeans."

I'll add some more as they come to me...

:)

Go Colts!

2005-11-07T23:16:00.000-06:00

WOO!!! YAY!! I haven't cheered that loudly in a long time. :)

Way to *finally* beat those darn Patriots!!

QHEE!

3 Day Weekend!

2005-11-07T07:42:00.000-06:00

Yeah, so I took today off work. Lovely plan, don't you think? Other than the fact that I'm already awake, it's turning out well. I'm hoping that I'll just curl back up in bed soon with a book or a movie or something. :)

And I don't have to do a darn thing today if I don't want to. I raked leaves and finished all my laundry yesterday so I'm FREE!!

Know what movie I watched yesterday morning??? The Outsiders. It was so good....just as good as I remembered it being. It really makes me want to read the book again though. I think it's amazing how that book was written in the 60's yet it is still pretty representative of life nowadays.

Maybe I should watch it again, right now!! I love having Mondays off. ;)

Graduation!

2005-11-01T19:49:00.000-06:00

It was graduation for our latest class today and it was a riot! We dressed up, we laughed, we danced, we sang. And most of it went off without a hitch! QHEE!

I managed to capture a few screen shots from the DVD here, and I've now added a few MORE photos! It's not every day I have a photo of us in all of our Halloween finery! lol

:)

Working late...

2005-10-27T20:14:00.000-05:00

....and working hard!

I have been so busy at work lately. We're wrapping up the latest class so I've been quite busy trying to get a graduation blooper video edited, brainstorm for Halloween/Graduation, think of a costume to wear on-the-air and work up (and appear in!) some skits to be shown on graduation day.

It's been hectic, but really a lot of fun. But I think I'm creatively tapped out.

:)

The Adventures of...

2005-10-17T10:53:00.000-05:00

...Leeza, Greta, Lacey and Sydney--2005 VEGAS Style:

Where are you?
Where am I?
Cup of Tea!
Wait for it...
Eh?!?
I want salad
I'm so fuckin' thirsty!
Emp-teh!
My feet hurt
Don'tcha wish your girlfriend was hot like me?
My butt itches
Who wants a frozen drink?
Why did he give me his card?
15th floor elevator lobby...show at 11
"...and that's a bicycle."
Leeza's Booty Shakin'
I have your cell phone--you left it in the cab!
This damn camera sucks
Are we almost there?
My feet hurt (again)
Cannonball!!
"Leeza coming!"
Our room with a View
I'm tired of looking at boobs!
I hate loud cars!
Oh my God! Where did those cups come from?
Speedwalker Jill
Drunk Kansas Angels in the hoooouuuuuse
Dim Sum
It's Vegas, Baby!
My feet hurt (have we said that?!?)
I'm so hot
Why are there no lights in here? And what's that light switch for?
I'm sticky!
Woo! (x 10,000)
You go to Pizza Room, yes?
The "Flickers"
Lovespell, 'nuff said
"He's so lucky"

And the best question asked of us on the trip......

DO YOU LIKE TO GAMBLE....OR DO YOU LIKE TO SHAMBLE?!?

Photos to come once Ann or Jill get them to me. :)
EDIT: Some photos are here!!!

VEGAS, Baby!

2005-10-13T20:15:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm off. Or almost. I've been packing all evening, I swear. Who knew it was so hard to pack for 3 days in Vegas? I've managed to stuff my suitcase full of comfy clothes for walking the strip, trendy clubbin' clothes for going out in the evenings and lotsa extra shirts 'cause I have been unable to decide on exactly what I'm wearing. I'm not the most decisive person and packing is always a chore for me! LOL

This, in between crazed phone calls from my other friends who are Vegas-ing with me. All with the same problems as me. What shoes are you wearing? How much money are you taking for gambling? Are you gonna be checking your luggage or carrying it on (are you kidding me? I have a MILLION clothes?!)? What time are we meeting?

LOL If we all arrive in Vegas with our luggage, it will be a miracle. ;)

I'll be back late Sunday!

*muah*

Christoper Columbus rules...

2005-10-10T19:13:00.000-05:00

QHEE! :) It's a long quiz, but if you love 80's music, it's kinda fun!!

Today's relaxation brought to you courtesy of Christopher Columbus. I'm so glad he discovered America on the weekend I needed an extra day off.

And one last thing: Did I mention lately that Chad Knaus gave me a hug?? LOL I know, I know. I'll stop that. Soon. ;)

Head in the clouds...

2005-10-08T18:34:00.000-05:00

:)

Just home from the track and oh, what a day! I was at the Nascar Performance taping (where I ran into Tiffany, from the Chad board...FUN!) and we had a blast. It all kinda went by in a blur, it felt surreal to be standing there watching Chad talk. LOL

When he came onto stage, he looked out at the small crowd and said "Hey, how are you?" to me. I thought for sure he was just being friendly and didn't remember me, but...

Anyways, they did the show and that was cool. He turned around once during it and asked me "Aren't you cold?" 'cause I had a tank top on and it hadn't been very warm lately, but I had gotten hot waiting in the sun. Chad and Bootie just seem to have a fun relationship...you can tell they genuinely like hanging out! After the show, Bootie took the Speed koozie he had been using and tossed it and Rich got it. LOL Chad got up and was asking the Speed dude to crank up the music and he started to dance a bit. (*sigh485979849871*) :) Then he grabbed one of his crew chief hats that he had signed when he was sitting on the stage and came right up to me and gave me the hat. Then he just kinda swooped me up in a hug (!!) and I was overwhelmed. While he was hugging me, I asked "Do you remember who I am?" and he laughed and said "Well, yeah, I remember you!" We chitchatted for just a minute and then he realized he forgot his Sharpie so he went to get that. Then he came back and asked if I had anything he wanted me to sign so I had him sign my MOJO shirt and asked for a picture. "But of course" he says and then Rich got a photo of us. He told me to take care and thanks for everything. Then he signed some stuff for some other people there and as he was leaving, I was just taking a few parting shots and he saw me, stopped and waved! :) What a total sweetheart.

I've been floating around since then and it's a lovely feeling...

:)

Photos will be up just as soon as I get them ready! QHEE!

EDIT: PHOTOS from Friday & Saturday

*still has Permagrin* :D

Off to the races!

2005-10-06T21:03:00.000-05:00

WOOOO!! I cannot wait for this weekend to hurry up and get here. :) I'm hitting the track tomorrow with Denice from work which ought to be interesting since she knows nothing about racing and I get to explain it all. :) And she swore she'd help me holler at Chad. LOL I'm so glad she was game to go with me since I've been pouting all week about having to go by myself....

And then Rich and I will be at the track again Saturday (where, God willing, I'll be taking in some "Nascar Performance" taping) and Sunday. :)

QHEE!
*dances out*

EDIT: Photos up from today You'll sense a Chad pattern in them...I apologize :)
And Denice had a fabulous time...became a huge Elliott Sadler fan, even convincing me to stand in line for an hour to get an autograph. LOL I'm still not sure he was overjoyed to sign anything for me, seeing as how I was decked out in JJ gear. My battery died in my camera, though, so she has those photos. I'll add them once I get them from her. :)

Hard work!

2005-09-27T20:14:00.000-05:00

Man, I'm exhausted!! Tracy & Shawn moved into their new house on Monday, so I spent last evening and all of today helping them. We moved all of her clothes in today and then spent the entire day cleaning out cupboards, putting shelf liner down and unpacking all of the Kitchen boxes. Who knew that could take so long??

But what a fun day! I think a day of mindless, hard labor is just what I needed. I feel great tonight....exhausted, but great. I think I need more days like this. I just wish I could help her again tomorrow (nothing beats taking days off of work...LOL!)

*kicks her feet up*

And on a totally unrelated note--I was decked out in all my Bohemian glory at work on Monday:

I think it's kind of a good look for me...groovy, baby! ;)

Reading and wallowing

2005-09-25T19:41:00.000-05:00

I finished reading this book and it was wonderful! I was a bit afraid of it 'cause it was HUGE, but I tackled it and got to the point that I couldn't put it down! Highly recommended...

I missed Jill's big party last night. I was SO sick yesterday.I woke up with the worst headache ever and I was so dizzy. I couldn't hardly get out of bed, so I mostly just laid in bed all day. It was kinda nice. I needed some "me" time to unwind and de-stress. The only bad part was that I had to miss the big hoopla. At least Vegas is still looming! :)

And what a win today for Jimmie! And seeing Chad on Victory Lane! And having the Colts be 3-0 (even though Peyton seems to have forgotten how to throw a touchdown)! So, there is some good even in these hard times for me.

It'll all be okay. I just need to breathe deeply and not worry so much. Something like that.

on the edge

2005-09-22T19:17:00.000-05:00

I honestly think I'm on the edge of a breakdown. It would certainly explain a lot of things lately.

I just can't take all of this right now. I wish I could just go somewhere, kick back and do NOTHING. I need to get rid of some of this stress or it's gonna tear me up.

Ugh.

Dizzy

2005-09-18T16:32:00.000-05:00

So, I've been dizzy at various times throughout the day for the past week or so. Who knows what in the heck that means? Perhaps I've not been eating right or something with the change in the weather. I blame it on stress from work!!

I think I need a vacation!! BUT...only 26 more days until we leave for VEGAS!!! QHEE! :) That just might keep me going. ;)

Fall-like

2005-09-15T20:53:00.000-05:00

Aah, what lovely weather we've been having. Temps in the lower 70's and a light breeze. Good times, good times. :) I love fall (even though I guess it's not technically here yet). But I have learned that I need some new fall dress clothes, since we are now having to dress up for work. I have a few good items, but a girl can't ever have enough new clothes!! :)

Check it out--Marissa, you are too cool!! *big grin*

And now I'm off to bed to prepare me for another fun-filled day of work. I swear, these last few weeks have been dragging. I have been so exhausted by the time I get home each evening, but I *have* been managing to get some workouts in. Yay!

Strange!

2005-09-11T11:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a strange day for me.

I laid on my couch for 4 hours watching True Hollywood Story on E!. I don't do things like that for that length of time, without getting bored. My attention span just won't hold up that long!

I found myself rooting for Ryan Newman to make The Chase for the Nextel Cup. Now, anyone who knows me at all, knows I don't cheer for No Neck under *any* circumstance. And even now, I find myself hoping he does well in the Chase. (*feels forehead for any sign of fever*)

I couldn't combat my desire for a hot fudge sundae in the evening. I've been doing so good and have been able to talk myself out bad things, but I just couldn't help it. And it was oh, so tasty!

I didn't have the urge to go shopping and buy myself some new clothes. *That* is incredibly strange. I was bored yesterday and usually that is the first thing I would opt for. But alas, no.

Hrm. Must've been the moon or something. :)

I'm Kind of a Big Deal...

2005-09-09T20:17:00.000-05:00

It's Friday! It's kickoff weekend in football! Good times are abounding! :)

My buds and I at work hit Subway for lunch. Keep in mind that the Deniceum are "famous" at the local downtown Subway because of how often we eat there. They start our order when we walk in the door, without us even having to tell them what we want. They tell the other customers that we are their favorite people. They laugh as we wave and dance our way out after lunch. As we were leaving, I told Sean that it must be difficult to hang with such "celebrities" and, without missing a beat, he assures me that "I know, you're kind of a big deal." ;)

Not much on the agenda for this weekend. Tracy is needing to finish up her packing since they move in less than 2 weeks. So, I'll be helping with that. And then mostly parking myself in front of the TV for racing and FOOTBALL! QHEE! :)

Highs, lows & in-betweens

2005-09-06T19:07:00.000-05:00

This makes me happy:

I saw TG today....and that makes me sad all over again.

Our new boss arrived and it was okay. That just scares me. LOL

Reading Rainbow....

2005-09-05T11:31:00.000-05:00

I just finished this book. I LOVED it! It was written entirely in email/IM convos (which is such a fun format ala some of Meg Cabot's books) and the stories of all of the characters were wonderful. And eye-opening. For me. It had the right combo of funny and sad. And it was such a quick read. Perfect for a lazy holiday weekend. :)

not much going on...

2005-09-03T13:59:00.000-05:00

Hrm. I've been neglecting this, haven't I? Well, I've been down the past week or so but I'm starting to feel a bit more Denise-like. Thank God. I hate being depressed. *sigh* I'm not 100% yet, but I think I'll pull through.

I got up this morning and weighed....17 pounds lost since I started this whole diet thing. Yay! I think my goal of losing 20 pounds *could* just come true!! :)

Rich and I are going to a BBQ at Ann's house tomorrow night, so I'm looking forward to that. And you gotta love an extra day off. I must prepare myself for the arrival of our new boss on Tuesday. I'm freaked, but I'm hopeful that things will go smoother this round. We're not as resistant to change as we were when she was here in July, so that should help out some. I'm sure I'll be updating that saga as it rolls along.

That's it. I'm off to the library (aren't you proud, Marissa?!?) ;)

...

2005-08-26T22:09:00.000-05:00

today was one of the hardest days.

*sob*

It's the weekend!

2005-08-20T13:26:00.000-05:00

AAh, Saturdays. I've officially done nothing all morning. Yay! :) It's a wonderful feeling to just lay around the house with a good book. And tonight, Rich, myself and Tracy are going to the Chiefs game. What could be more fun than friends and football at night?? :) Add in some cooler weather and some beer, and you just have an all around fabulous time!

I guess I'll just get this out: TG is leaving. Friday is his last day. I can't help but have mixed emotions about this. I'm glad on numerous accounts, but there is sadness mixed in there. I'm trying to get my head around all of it right now. It's as it should be and it's certainly for the best. But I get attached to people, even those that I shouldn't be.

I swear, weirdness is abounding around here.

Vegas BABY!

2005-08-14T21:08:00.000-05:00

WOO-HOO!! I'm going to Vegas in October with 3 gal pals! :) As of 5 minutes ago, our hotel and flights are booked. QHEE!

Is Vegas ready for us? I think not!

*dances out*

Thank goodness...

2005-08-07T21:08:00.000-05:00

...for Chad's quick reaction in getting Jimmie out of that car. I don't know when I've been more scared while watching TV. It makes me so proud to be a fan of Chad's. He's amazing.

Happy Birthdays!

2005-08-05T07:34:00.000-05:00

Happy, happy birthday to my beautiful niece, Kayla and to that equally beautiful (but in a *very* different way) crew chief, Chad Knaus!! :)

That's it. I'm outta here for the weekend.

*muah*

We are the champions...

2005-08-04T21:02:00.000-05:00

I've been drinking. On a school night. Only it's not really a school night seeing as how I'm off work tomorrow. QHEE! I am so stoked to see Jill and her new baby! :) I love other people's babies, I just don't want my own right now. And an extra day off of work can only mean good things, no?

And today was a fun day at work. We had a customer service seminar and it was actually quite good. Sean and I were teammates and we won macaroni & cheese and a Scooby Doo air freshener because we got the most matches in the quickest amount of time. But of course, that's not entirely fair seeing as how the two of us spend a lot of time together and know a lot about each other. But I can't complain about free food & odor prevention. :)

And we were celebrating all day long that we were the champions. Everyone loves a winner....

:)

sick day...

2005-08-02T19:03:00.000-05:00

I'm so dedicated....I knew I didn't feel well when I got up this morning, but I also knew that I was going to be the only tech available to run stuff this morning until Earl got in sometime before noon, so I got my sorry butt into work. But I did get to leave at 10:15 so it wasn't too bad. I just felt so darned sick to my stomach. I have noshed on saltine crackers and Diet 7-Up all day and I think I feel a little bit better.

I took a 4 hour nap and I think that helped, too. I'm hoping that I feel fine and dandy in the AM. As for now? I think I'm off to bed for the night to try to ward off the rest of the illness.

...and on a SCHOOL night...

2005-07-29T20:39:00.000-05:00

We had a work gathering last night at Aron's house and it was a freakin' blast! We BBQ-ed hamburgers and chicken, drank beer, daiquiris and other festive beverages. I love that we finally have a group of people that are so much fun! It was just some great bonding. And I know I'm proud that I was keeping up with Sean, beverage for beverage. ;)

But I didn't feel so hot this morning. I'm too old for partying on a school night....

On-The-Air!

2005-07-27T19:56:00.000-05:00

We're back on the air after our 5 week break. During which we *completely* revamped our studio and equipment. I must say that today went quite well. It almost made all the stress of the last month worth it! :)

There is ....

2005-07-25T22:30:00.000-05:00

....just no substitute for a friend. One that listens to you whole heartedly and that you try to give the same attention back to. Someone to confide in, commiserate with and laugh with. Even if you hardly say a word.

It's just what I needed this evening and it makes me so happy to know someone has my back. And I hers.

Feelin' hot, hot, hot!

2005-07-23T08:03:00.000-05:00

It's too hot. It's supposed to be 103 degrees today. *That* is too hot. I like summer for a little while, but now I'm ready for fall and some cooler weather.

But seeing as how I can't do anything about it, I think I need to hit Oceans of Fun and just soak in the water. :)

As of this morning? 14 pounds lost. 14!! Qhee! :) And to think if I could only get back to working out. I could be over 15 pounds! But seeing as how I haven't gotten home from work before 7 pm this week, I'm too exhausted to do anything except eat supper and go to bed. LOL

Sad? Yes, but then there's always "My Two Chads"....

2005-07-18T20:47:00.000-05:00

Ever get sad for no apparent reason? Who knows. I think I'm slightly insane these days. I was feeling just fine and something hit me and now I'm crying at every little thing. I think I certainly need to turn off the sad tunes. That can't be helping.

I am slightly cheered at our update. My Two Chads. *giggles* We crack me up. ;)

Work was a little better today, actually. My boss' boss pulled me aside and told me how impressed the Atlanta folks were with my knowledge, enthusiasm and willingness to do whatever needed done in regards to our studio redesign. She told me they thought that I would be the one to make the redesign a success. Talk about praise! And stress! If I make it through to next Wednesday when we go back live on-the-air with all the changes, it will be a miracle! But it makes me proud to be such a crucial element.

See? I should be happy. Who knows what my deal is.

Concert fun

2005-07-16T11:14:00.000-05:00

Rich and I were in Atchison for the Sara Evans & Sawyer Brown concert last night. It was pretty fun, but REALLY HOT. And I don't do heat. LOL But they were both awesome in concert and I'm glad we went. It was lawn seating, so we got there pretty early and scored seating right up front! Here are just a few of our photos. We didn't get home until 2 AM this morning from the concert and I'm thinking perhaps I'm already in need of a nap. :)

And just 'cause I was so excited this morning: 12 pounds lost!! QHEE! :)

Do you ever wonder...

2005-07-13T21:13:00.000-05:00

....why you bother to come back to work after a mini-vacation?

Oh yeah. 'Cause I like to buy things and for that, I need money.

What a day. Ick. Ugh. Blah.

I hate that all I seem to do is complain lately. It's so not me and I don't like it at all.

I'll work on that. ;)

Hot-Lanta....and beyond!

2005-07-08T19:08:00.000-05:00

I'm home from Atlanta! I had a wonderful time visiting the Atlanta IVT Studio with Denice. The people there were wonderful and Denice and I always have a fantastic time together. There's no stopping "The Deniceum"!

I can't believe we survived the tropical storm Cindy remnants (as experienced from the 47th floor of our mostly glass hotel, The Westin), conquered the revolving restaurant AND bar and even braved the MARTA. Subways are not my thing, especially after the tragedy in London.

I have uploaded some of my photos, so check 'em out if you want! :)

I'm off to see the fam tomorrow morning, so I'll catch up with y'all when I return. (I've spent too much time with those folks down south...)

I've got personality...

2005-07-03T07:32:00.000-05:00

You are dreamy, peaceful, and young at heart.
Optimistic and caring, you tend to see the best in people.
You tend to be always smiling - and making others smile.

You are shy and intelligent... and a very hard worker.
You're also funny, but many people don't see your funny side.
Your subtle dry humor leaves your close friends in stitches.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Much thanks to Carrie for this....I love taking any quizzes (however short or long). So, if you have any other good ones, just let me know! :)

Oh, and to keep this updated: 11 pounds lost, baby!! QHEE!

10!

2005-06-25T10:59:00.000-05:00

Woo! I can't believe I've lost 10 pounds!! *dances*

I'm a trouble maker, no?

2005-06-24T20:57:00.000-05:00

Dave and I nearly got ourselves fired today for our "conduct" the past few days. We have a new person on staff and let's just say, our personalities are completely different. She seems to operate well under a stressful environment, we thrive on our laid-back, lower stress nature.

I admit I haven't been the nicest person in the world to her for the week she's been here, but nothing that to me warrants calling a meeting with our bosses. Basically I react to people in the manner I've been treated--which hasn't been very nice. It all started when she barked at the staff last Friday. Let's just say it didn't start things out on a good foot. I was honestly working on moving past that when she jumped on another co-worker about his time on the internet (he says he was on his lunch break). That set me back again. So I haven't exactly been Miss Friendly. Then the other day, she completely ignored me, walked past me and asked my coworker (who has the exact same job as me) for something that she could've asked me about. All apparently because she couldn't look at me since earlier in that day, I had slammed things down at my desk and shunned her when she talked to me. First off, I slam things in my file cabinet every day. I know this. It certainly has nothing to do with her. Or anything really. I just toss my bookbag & purse in and it is loud. As for the ignoring her? I honestly don't think I heard her. When asked to recount details of the incidents we've had, I couldn't remember things. But you know what? I don't remember a lot of things since my accident. Head trauma is a weird thing.

But we've put our differences aside for the good of the project. 'Cause it's gonna take everyone being on the same page to get the redesign done in time to go back live on-the-air at the end of July. And I most certainly do not enjoy the negative atmosphere that has been created so I'm all for putting whatever happened in the past and moving forward. This is why I'm getting this out and won't mention it again. We are all adults and are certainly capable of acting like it. I've apologized and she's apologized and we're moving on.

What worries me? I'm sure as hell not losing my job because someone is here on a 5 week detail and has already put me in some hot water with my bosses. I love my job and most of my co-workers. I work hard and take pride in what I do.

What a way to start my weekend.

The weekend...finally!

2005-06-18T10:25:00.000-05:00

This week has been insane. And I only worked 3 days!? Why is it that those short weeks always are so much crazier? But it's Saturday and I'm pumped. I'm lounging about this morning before shopping and supper with Tracy tonight. I haven't seen her for almost 2 weeks! That's absurd, huh?

I have some pics of me with my parents and Rich at the Royals game from last week. I think Kaufmann Stadium is just so pretty. :)

Rich and I
Mom, Dad and myself
And again...

And I'm up to 9 pounds lost in case anyone is keeping track! QHEE! :)

Last but not least, in keeping with my red-head theme of this here blog: What is up with Lindsay Lohan's BLONDE hair?? Ick. I think she should embrace her natural red hair. There are so few of us. Anyone else agree? Or am I just partial to red hair? Nah, that can't be it!! ;)

Seven...

2005-06-11T07:42:00.000-05:00

....pounds lost!! QHEE!

That's really the only point of this post.

But, I'll go ahead and write a little more. My parents are in town through Wednesday. I'm very excited to see them, but not quite sure what I'm going to do to keep them entertained. We have the Royals/Dodgers game on Tuesday and we're gonna do some BBQ-ing, but that's all I have planned. We'll see...

And, did I already say "QHEE"?!?

;)

MIA?!?

2005-06-07T19:32:00.000-05:00

Yeah, so I'm around. Rich's mom and sister were here visiting for several days last week/weekend so I'm just now getting around to getting online some. We had a good time, watching the Royals beat the Yankees (much to Rich's family's dismay...), eating some good food and hitting Worlds of Fun.

Now it's my parents who will be visiting. Who knew we were so popular? :)

In other news--I am up to 5.5 pounds lost. QHEE! Counting every calorie really can make a difference, huh? I just feel so much better with even just the 5 pounds. It's been just over 5 weeks and I'm hoping that I can keep it up.

What else??? Carrie made me a wonderful icon:

Cool, huh? Thanks again Sweetie!

One last thing. I've been playing some Kitty Cannon (don't play if you have a love for cats...I'm just warning you). It's somewhat addictive. And slightly gross. But hey, I'm weird.... ;)

The day from H-E-L-L

2005-05-25T18:27:00.000-05:00

Today was the day from hell at work. I swear, a girl takes one measly day off to relax and everything falls apart. Our One Touch system that allows the students to call in broke this morning and then our character generator just shut off, citing a fatal error. Add that to the fact that I'm trying desperately to get the time and leave done because of early closeout before the holiday weekend and you have the makings of a pure day of crap.

Crap.

But I think I got things under control for tomorrow so maybe it will go smoother. Or at least I can hope.

The bright side?

I'm pumped to watch the finale of American Idol tonight. I'm pulling for Carrie, but I like Bo, too, so I'll be happy with whatever the outcome.

I'm also pumped because I've managed to lose 4 pounds (YAY ME!) in the last 4 weeks. Great news considering I've monitored absolutely everything I've put in my mouth since then.

That's it. No more complaining for the day! ;)

Yoda & the Wookies....

2005-05-23T17:48:00.000-05:00

"Strong relations with the Wookies, I have." -- Yoda

I LOVED "Revenge of the Sith". Absolutely loved it! It was great to see the newer movies tie in with the older ones. And seeing how Darth Vader came to be was quite interesting. If you haven't seen it and you are even remotely interested in Star Wars, GO! Go now!!

:)

Aah....yes, that's nice!

2005-05-22T17:11:00.000-05:00

So, I managed to catch Peyton on NFL Total Access again and get a couple decent screen caps:
Peyton--a little blurry
And again...

*sigh*

Surprise!!

2005-05-22T09:16:00.000-05:00

What fun! Last night was Ann's surprise birthday party and we had a blast! :) We had some wonderful Rancho Grande food and margaritas and then back to Ann and Scot's for some beer and hanging out on the deck. It was so good to see Jill and we made plans for me to come stay with her after the baby is born. She's dying to go out and have some fun (and drinks) after the baby!! I'm all for that!

And it's also so wonderful that I can get together with my friends from different times in my life and have everyone get along so well. I think that's a testament to the wonderful kinds of people my friends are. They just love everyone!! :)

And now, it's off to see "Revenge of the Sith" with Rich and Tracy. Qhee!

....well damn...

2005-05-20T21:49:00.000-05:00

...that just about sums this week up. Just damn.

But, even though I've not been feeling the Chad love as much as one should, HUGE thanks go out to Kiki for finding and posting this photo!
*thud*

And Peyton Manning was on Colts cam on the NFL Network the other day...and looking quite nice, by the way. Things like that kinda give the whole week some sort of redeeming quality.

AND...if anyone could find a screen cap of Peyton on that show, I would love you forever!!!

Let the good times roll!

2005-05-16T20:34:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been doing a whole lot of nothing. And loving it! :) I've managed to catch up on some much needed sleep, catch some rays sitting at the ballpark, try out the new Chinese food place and spend some quality time with friends over the weekend.

Good times, huh?

and then there were 3...

2005-05-11T21:15:00.000-05:00

....American Idol wannabes left. I must say that I honestly think they have the best 3 contestants left. :) Who knew I would get so addicted on this show this year??

In some good news: I've been having a hellacious time at work lately, just trying to deal with a lot of crap from co-workers, etc, but I found out today that I got a cash award for all of my hard work in the studio over the past year. Yay! I was completely shocked, but proud that I was nominated for an award and received it. It doesn't fix all the problems I've been experiencing, but it does help me feel better about myself for all the hard work I do around there. :)

Kenny ties the knot?!?

2005-05-10T17:24:00.000-05:00

Well then. So, I'm getting ready for work today when I hear on the news that Kenny Chesney and Renee Zellweger got married. What?!?! I didn't even know they were an item, let alone getting married! At least I like her....he could've married someone I don't care for at all. LOL But that didn't stop me from being distraught all day long.

I told Rich that pretty soon all of my "Top 5 men" are going to be married. *gasp*

:)

I'm ashamed...

2005-05-08T20:43:00.000-05:00

...to admit I *love* the latest Aaron Carter song. LOL Take a listen! It makes me happy....and reminds me of days-gone-by! :)

Oh, and in case anyone is dying to know how my chocolate craving turned out, I made brownies so that solved that whole problem.

Mmmm.....

Chocolate

2005-05-08T15:45:00.000-05:00

I want some chocolate. Now. But, that is not in keeping with my "I'm gonna lose some weight" thing I've got going. Perhaps just a bite size Kit Kat? Hmm. *That* sounds like a great idea! :)

just starting out...

2005-05-07T09:56:00.000-05:00

Just what I need--another place for me to do my "thinking." Yay! :) It's cute and fun. And new, which is always good.