Velveeta and Bacon-yummy!

Holy Cow-it's been a month! "Holy cow" what does that mean anyways? Is it a phrase we somehow adopted from the Hindu religion? If so, what does that mean about "holy guacamole"? Though, if you ask me, there could definitely be something holy about Mexican food. I mean it must be something ordained from God to have free chips and salsa at every meal.

Anyhow, it has been a long time since I last was able to sit down and share with all of you my thoughts and ideas and moments in life, my humor, my annoyances, my food, my dog, and the general craziness that is myself! Wow, that's a lot of me's-oh how do you put up with it? (I did find out through the absence of my blogging that I do have a couple or three people that do check this thing out on a regular basis and were excited for me to again begin regular posts-perhaps as only a diversion from Facebook-but flattering enough to me.) I have lots of things to share, ideas to broach, and meals to make. Get excited!

I have been having some problems with my computer. I believe it has come down to the fact that I need a new battery for my laptop. And those things cost like $150! It might have to wait until a little more after Christmas before I make that purchase. But if I set my laptop on a sturdy surface, hold the charger thingy on the right side just so, and pray-I am able to stay on. But if for any reason I may move the computer, or exhale loudly, off it goes! It's simply reminding of the importance of saving! And helping to break me of the dependence of the Internet to make it through a boring evening. We'll see how long it takes til I break and just make the big purchase.

For now, I'll give a quick preview of some topics and fun! Cody is still the cutest dog ever, though his tail may be the death of me (and my computer!) I'm cleaning out my cupboards, so there's some interesting/creative recipes (Velveeta is the Great Equalizer-processed cheese makes everything a little better.) And this......

The Explanation of it All

Pretty sure it's because I'm from Planet Awesome.

Mother of a Puppy

My husband and puppy left early last Sunday morning. They were on there way to go hunting with some other boys and dogs. They have gone hunting a few times, just the Man and Dog, but Sunday was the first day that they are going out with others. And I was so nervous! I just want my little man to do well, and be popular, and be a natural. I want to be able to brag about how intelligent our little Cody is. "Oh, my Cody, he just flushed out those birds like it was nothing. He pointed and fetched like nobody's business." Or whatever I would say proudly about a dog, I don't know this-I'm not the hunter, just the mommy.

So, what's the deal? Why do I care how my dog does? I didn't want Mark's hunter buddies thinking we were not good dog owners. Do I really associate how my dog does hunting at 7 months old with how I am perceived? Apparently. Is it wrong? Probably. But the thing that scares me the most is this is just my dog. How horrible will it be with my actual children, my flesh and blood, those that carry half of my genetic makeup? Oh gawd, how will I deal. I'm sure I'll be a great mother up until that time that I have to interact with others.

It's a crazy small world

It's amazing the way that life works out. All those twists and turns that lead you down a path that you never would guess. Today I spent some time at some friends's house for their two kids's birthday. I'm just starting to get to know these two great people and their wonderful family. They are lots of fun and people that I feel so comfortable with, from the beginning I didn't have all of that small talk akwardness. I met them because the husband works with Mark and the wife sells Mary Kay, and we ran into each other at the bank I work at, and we decided to have a party together. But the crazy thing about it is, the husband and I grew up in the same small little town. He's a few years older than me, and I never knew him back when I was in school, but now he's working with my husband, Mark, and I'm loving hanging out with these "new" friends. It's great how life turns out.

The Life of an Elevator Widow

My husband has been busy with fall harvest for what seems like ages. Due to the nature of his work, there are times where he has to be at the elevator anywhere as early as 4am to as late as 11pm. And it's everday in a row for 3, 4, or even 6 weeks straight! I know I'm a wife, and I'm supposed to be full of all those funny obnoxious husband stories - and I still am full of them - but I do kind of miss the guy. He is my best friend and I like to hang out with him every so often. I swore growing up that I would not marry a man that would require me to pray for rain so that I could have an active social life with my husband, but here I am hoping for rain or sleet or whatever just so that harvest will be over! But I know he loves it, and he's good at what he does. So I sit at home by myself, go to football games by myself, and take out the trash by myself. So, in honor of my husband, I'm going to add some pictures of the beautiful side of harvest.

I'm Baaack!

I'm back, at least for awhile. I have no wireless router, but the Internet is plugged straight into my computer. Let's hope, for your sake as well as mine, that it keeps working. I know that you have just been lost and sad without me for this past week. I've just been so busy-so much to do!

Yesterday I went to give blood at the local drive. I have O Negative blood, so anyone in the world can be helped by my donation-which if you think about it, is pretty awesome. But when I got there, the computers went down, and so they couldn't do anything. They couldn't do the preparation and tests before you gave blood and they couldn't track or record the donations. So, it kinda stopped things. I ended up being there for an hour and a half. I only have an hour for lunch. 30 minutes past the time I was to be back at work, the girls at work were kind of getting worried. Did she pass out? Is she ok? Did she quit? So, they called my husband. "Mark, we're worried about Miranda. She hasn't got back yet from giving blood. Do you think something happened? Is she ok giving blood? Did she pass out?" My husband's response, "Eh, she's fine. I'm not worried." "Are you sure? She really should be back by now." "She's fine. I saw her before she went, she's fine." That's it honey? You didn't even give it a thought! My co-workers cared, where were you at on this whole deal. You saw me before I went? What does that mean? That since I was fine before I donated blood, that I'd be fine after? Man, I have to be the luckiest gal around.

Gone, but not for long.

My computer hasn't been working. Well, not so much the computer as the router isn't working. What in the world is an Internet-dependent gal to do? I'm at work right now, so shhh....promise not to tell on me. I just wanted my sister (and all the other adoring fans I have, ha!) to know what was going on. I haven't forgotten you. I promise to be back soon.

It's gonna work!

I am active, busy, succesful, and a Mary Kay booking fiend!

This is my new Mary Kay positive affirmation. I have it posted all over my house now and am saying it, believing it, and living it!

Happy Day after Election

I do not feel that it is necessary to shove my political views down the throat of others. I do not feel that I should look down upon those who believe differently than I. But I do completely believe that every person should take a look at our amazing country. I am so in love with my country, with the people that make it up, and what our future is right now. I am very worried about our economy, about what will happen to rural America, small businesses, socialist tendencies, and what will happen with my husband's family farm.

Yet, at the same time, how can we not be inspired by the "change" we see in people. To know that the majority of America will vote for a black man for the Presidency is awesome to me. I can remember being in school and writing essays about influential women during the Revolutionary war, and being inspired by what the "weaker sex" was capable of during a time when they did not even wear pants! Now I hope that my children will someday be inspired by a Presidency race involving the first woman and the first black man and will be able to truly believe that they can do anything. I hope that people who have never voted, never cared before, will take a more active role in our world. And I pray that people smarter than me will work together in whatever partisan/bi-partisan way to help lead our country in the right direction, and to put our Country First. It's time we show the world who we are. Yes we can.

The Devil won.

This morning, as Mark and I were getting ready for church, he was shaving and I ran downstairs to iron his pants. While downstairs, I noticed a big ol' leak coming from the ceiling, where Mark was shaving right above me. So, we went into panic mode (and by we I mean I) called our landlord, pulled apart the pipe right under the sink, and ended up heading to the local store to buy some Drano. We wanted to give that a try before deciding what needed to be done next. So, an eventful morning no less.

We were really excited to go to church. We're trying to both be more involved, especially with church. I guess it just didn't happen today.

I'll update on the plumping situation later. Man, I do have to say though, there's nothing scarier than having a "plumbing situation."

Peace and Quite

I can not wait until next Wednesday. How about you? You know what important day next Wednesday is right? The day after the election. Now I'm a big believer and proponent of the democratic process, I like it as much as the next person. But I am so tired of all the ads! Please enough with it all.

How To Annoy Me

I walk into the salon tonight to get my wonderful, glorious, amazing massage and I look around not seeing my lady that is supposed to give me my massage. Figuring she's in the back with someone else or getting ready, I say hello to the two ladies cutting hair and sit down. Both of them somewhat ignore me and never make eye contact. So, I sit down to wait. I didn't ask about my lady or tell them who I am, but they didn't ask either. Oh, how I hate hate Hate not knowing what I'm supposed to do. Am I supposed to announce myself, should I ask about her, do I walk to the back, am I here at the wrong time? Aack! If only those other chicks working at the salon would have looked at me, at least acknowledged me, asked me who I was waiting for and reassured me that I my massage lady would be out soon. I hope I don't sound bitchy but I was annoyed.

AND like I said, one of my biggest fears and phobias is not knowing what I am supposed to be doing. I can distinctly remember being about 15, having to drive my car into town to drop off at the auto shop so they could check my tires and whatnot. And I was freaking out, I wasn't sure where to park, what to do with my keys, am I supposed to go inside, who do I talk to, what do I say? I always hate that feeling I have when I don't know what I am supposed to be doing. Everyone else just knows all these things, and I'm clueless about all the common stuff. I try hard not to be put in any sort of situation that I am not familiar with, hating that uncomfortable feeling. I'm such a chicken.

What's for Supper Tonight?

Tonight at 5:30, I have a very important date, my hour long massage. So, after my important date, I'm looking to make something really easy. I have some leftover brisket from the freezer that I do believe I will toss in a skillet with a bit of stock and Worcestershire sauce. How do you say that word? I mean seriously, I either call it W sauce or worcheshtershireshchsh sauce. I'll toss some onions in with the brisket and let them get all warm, soft, and yummy. I might have to check out my fridge and look for some green peppers. Then the whole yummy mess will go on some sub sandwich rolls with some mayo and cheese. It'll be my own version of a Philly cheese steak. Sounds good right?

But probably not as good as my massage! Gotta go!

What's for supper?

I've decided to add another section to this wonderful little thing. What's for Supper? It's a great question, and something that is always discussed throughout the day at work, something always on my mind, and I know a concern of my husbands. It's not something I'll do everyday. For one, I don't cook every night. For two, you probably don't want to hear how I make hamburger helper (though as my husband puts it, I even have to 'Miranda up' the ol' Helper box.)

So, what's for supper?

Tonight it's knip. Knip is a German dish that my husband's family makes. This last year was the first time I got to help out with the whole process. We boiled pork and beef, used the broth to make oatmeal and mixed and ground it all together, added allspice, and we ended up with knip! Sounds weird, and it kind of is, but it's a great cold weather meal. We throw it in a skillet, let it get real crispy and serve it with cornbread and dark corn syrup.

In case you don't have a massive cast iron pot to boil 30 lbs of meat outside yourself, you can most likely travel to your nearest locker plant and find some there, especially if you live in a German-influenced area. Plus I have a few extra bags in my freezer if you want to come over and try it!

Thinking

So, my cousin gave me this awesome tip. And I'm happy to share it all with you. But, if I do, you have to promise not to laugh. Promise? Because if I do, it'll really show how boring and wifey I am.

Ready?

Promise not to laugh?

Rubber gloves. For washing dishes. It was the greatest part of my day. Did all sorts of dishwashing! Almost made me excited to do it....almost.

And from the front row

Yesterday I attended a seminar for my place of employment. Everyone filed in, chatting and grabbing their caffeinated beverage of choice, and trying to get comfortable in their chairs. Of course, there was that one guy who had already taken his front row seat, his pens neatly layed out; he was ready! You know who I am talking about-the first to raise his hand, the one with the all the stories and the questions (which aren't really questions, just a way for him to demonstrate how he already did the right thing and wanted the reassurance of his high intelligence.) He makes a point when no point is needed and truly believes that he and the speaker are friends and cohorts.

What is it with those people? They drive me nuts. I know I have my issues, and I need to work on some things myself-but seriously-I do not understand how those people operate. Do you think they go home and say into the mirror, "Now, would you say that I should brush my teeth this way? Because I already have brushed my teeth, and of course, I do maintain that I have the greatest toothbrush. But suppose that I acquiese the hypothesis of the onomatopoeia blah blah blah."

Did he just say onomatopoeia?

But anyways, I really had sat down with a co-worker of mine, and we had been listening for about 15 minutes to our speaker, when from the front row the guy lifted his hand to ask that question that's not really a question. My co-worker and I didn't even have to say anything. We just looked at each other and instantly had the same thought, "D*****bag." (Of course, due to the fact I have no idea who reads this blog, but I do have a few guesses, I'll just leave it at that.) I truly believe that he thinks we all are bettered by his help. Oh please sir, teach me more with all your educational questions and stories. Thank you for that.

But, I do have to say, it wouldn't really seem like a seminar without him.

Thinking

So, if I did some work out in the yard yesterday-did I weedate? or did I weed eated? or did I just do some weedwhackin'!

Thinking

F to the R to the E to the E, to the C to the R to the E D I T, Re to the PORT to the DOT to the COM - Come on everybody, grab your bike and sing along!

Crazy Thing cont.

So, another update on the walks with Cody. Today, he chewed through his leash. All the way through, while I was standing there. Like, at one moment, I was holding a leash attached to my dog, the next-still holding the leash, not so much the dog.

The Crazy Thing

So, I am trying to do better at my goals. And, it's getting a little better, my life, ever so slowly. I did take my crazy little dog on some walks last week. And frankly, I'm exhausted just thinking about it. At one point, when we reached the place of my husband's employment, and Cody had seen my husband across the way-he literally dragged me a good 50 feet. Ok, maybe not literally dragged, but he did forcibly pull. My husband told me Cody looked like a sled dog, at the beginning of the Iditarod. And let's not even talk about this whole concept of a walk. Cody doesn't understand that it's supposed to be a good thing. He kind of hates his leash. It does not bring him pleasure to see me grab the leash. In fact, I'm pretty sure he thinks it's his enemy. We may have to give Cesar, the dog whisperer, a call if this doesn't end.

Work Hard for The Money

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSH_M8T_0kk

I know you work hard for your money! A lot of people have lots of questions about the safety of their money in their bank accounts, what with all the bank failures and economy problems. But, I do want to reassure you. For the most part, the small banks are a great place to be. They did not participate in the questionable loans and are probably excited to work with you in their loan departments. Plus, in your deposit accounts (checking, savings, money markets, CD's, NOW accts) as long as you have under $250,000 you are insured by the FDIC. (As long as your bank is a member of the FDIC, it should be on all of their ads and on front of the doors and their teller windows.) If you have more than 250,000 in one bank, there are definitely ways to get additional coverage. If you have any questions, let me know. I'd be glad to help or you can check out this website:

http://www.myfdicinsurance.gov/

That's right. You come to this blog not only for all the witty commentary, but the unending fountain of knowledge.

The Ex-Files

So, a couple months ago, a co-worker of mine was reading the police blotter in the local paper, when she came across a name that was familiar to me. An ex-boyfriend. And not just any ex, but one of the big ones. The guy I dated both as an 8th grader and again as a sophomore. He was the guy that I first snuck out of the house for, my first date (he cooked me supper,) and my first broken heart. And, most importantly, my first big mistake. After knowing him longer, it wasn't a surprise that he ended up in the police blotter at all.

Well, after seeing his name in the paper, about a month later, I could have sworn I saw him walking down the street of my little town that I now live in. I circled the block (maybe twice), but didn't see him again. Days later, I thought I saw him in the little blue truck that he used to drive back in school (that was over 7 years ago, but somehow in my mind, that's all that I can see him driving still) and then just last week I saw, FOR SURE!, his brother in the grocery store. I immediately called my sister in shock. What to do? What to do!? I hid in the chip aisle and wondered why I did not move further than 50 miles away from my hometown.

My poor husband, he has to think, why in the world is my wife so obsessed with her ex's. But still, you have to admit it is interesting to see where your ex's are at in the world. I do honestly hope that all of my former boyfriends are able to find someone that makes them happy, she just needs to be less pretty than me ....hey-don't think badly of me, you know you think the same thing.

But other than the long-distance stalking and closer akward, pretended ignorance, I have not really had any direct run-ins. I hope to someday be able to make nice and at least say hello. How about you guys, you my adoring fans, hello? ... hello?? anyone there? Yes, well, if there is anyone there-do you have any stories of good run-ins with ex's?

Thank you Mr. Ericson

So, I have to say, I have a problem with Christopher Columbus. I mean, I just don't understand why we celebrate the fact that some random, lost guy ran into the Bahamas, especially when a beautiful, striking, tall Norse explorer, Leif Ericson, was the real first European to discover North America. He's the true hero. And actually October 9th is recognized as "Leif Ericson Day" in some areas. And so, I will forever spend my days, informing and encouraging others to recognize the importance of the Viking Ericson.

*This has nothing to do with my maiden name being Erickson, nothing. Nope, not even when I was in fourth grade and first read the true story, hoping my classmates would recognize the true legacy of the Eric(k)son name and applaud my amazing family-forever understanding what a fraud Columbus was. I knew then that Leif Ericson's true honor was stolen. I am not biased by my maiden name at all.

Code

So, I'm liking this new layout and colors. I wish that I was Internet or 'code'-savvy so that I could set up things the way I liked. I wouldn't have such difficulty putting in a picture or spacing everything out. Maybe I'll have to get out that old book from college where I did take that one class. But, I'm pretty sure that my website class was really just 'code' for sudoku and crossword time.

Thinking

Nothing works as better motivation for cleaning my house than getting a little (or a lot) perturbed with the husband.

Looking forward

So, as I have stated, I have no true expertise. But thinking about this whole deal has made me evaluate my life in general. I know, this blog is getting deep. But I have come up with some goals and aspirations for my life, and maybe this blog will help to hold me a little more accountable. OK-so:

I'll start out kinda easy and basic.

Daily Goals:

-Dishes done. Oh how great life would be with a dishwasher.

-Mail dealt with. No more piles.

Weekly Goals:

-Work my Mary Kay twice a week

-Walks with Cody 5 times a week

Monthly Goals:

-Budget done and (somewhat) followed

-Mary Kay special selected

-All filing for Mary Kay done

-Major grocery shopping list and menu selected. (I've seen this done, and I really think I could do it.)

Here's the deal. I want three different things. I want my husband and I to be healthier, both in food and our lifestyle. I want to do better with our money. We do put a good amount back, but I still think we could do better! And my final major goal is to be able to do Mary Kay full time within two years. I absolutely love my career as a Mary Kay woman. AND no one is more surprised than I am about this revelation. But, I would love to be able to eventually stay home with my children. I enjoy hanging out with fun, interesting women and I kinda like makeup! Plus all the free prizes are kinda a big pull.

So, we'll see how it goes. I'm not expecting perfection. But step by step, a healthier life, a move towards self-employment, and overall a richer (ha-get it) life. Plus, I'll always include cute pics of the men in my life, especially Cody, and my interesting trips to local gas station for my soda pops.

Listening to

I LOVE Jackson Taylor, and when there are evenings that are full of doing dishes, laundry, and putting away all the crap! that has gathered onto my tables, there is nothing better than a Jackson Taylor Live CD really really loud.

*Click on the Title to go to their music video.

Purpose

I have to say, I'm loving this whole 'blog' thing. It's fun to put my thoughts down into coherent sentences. It's good practice, because if you know me, finding anything coherent can be difficult. You see, if I wrote like how I thought, oh I wonder what's on TV tonight, should be a new Grey's, man I missed How I Met Your Mother the other night, oh well, I'll just watch it online, oh what was I doing online already, I can't remember what I was going to look up, maybe ideas for supper or maybe it was ...blah blah blah... That is what is going on in my brain most of the time.

Anyways, so what was I saying? Yes, I'm loving doing this blog. It's been fun to get reactions from people who have read this. Of course, that was only after the whole pregnancy test post which of course was highlighted on my facebook. Most people wouldn't have cared too much, but you mentione the word pregnancy and it piques your interest! My husband has been joking that I need to start money on this whole deal, be a professional blogger like dooce.com and all the others. I guess I have really impressed him by the success of my past, like what 12 posts. (Editor's Note: including this post, it actually brings the total to 20 posts!)

But it seems that all of those people have some sort of expertise or their own little niche. I've seen blogs about kids, about photography, coupons and shopping specials, organizational ideas (that's one I need to follow maybe,) politics, and so much more. But I have no niche, and definitely no expertise. I am only so witty, and not every day is interesting enough to share with the world. Though I'm not at all truly thinking about making this blog some sort of money maker-it is an interesting thought about having some sort of direction or theme for my own little ol' blog thing. I don't know, you'll just have to stick around to see. I know you're dying to find out about all my expertise.

How To Amuse Me

Last night I got home a little late. When I did get home, it was to a house with all the lights still on and TV still going and both my men asleep. My husband was passed out on the recliner, my dog was passed out on my couch. Boy's night must have been a blast.

Max Hold

So, last weekend, my husband and I attended the last wedding of our season. It was fun, beautiful, great decorations, and they did something that I had also done at my wedding. In the bathroom, they provided a little toiletry basket full of all sorts of stuff. I love it, how considerable we brides are of our guests! Bobby pins, aspirin, tic tacs, etc. I had done the same thing, using samples of stuff, or whatever it would take so people wouldn't be sharing their cooties. Well, it was getting late in the dance, I had had lots of fun doing the Twist, the Shout, the Electric Slide, and all the other great wedding dances. I was really going at it, and it was quite crowded and warm. So, I decided to stop at the basket and maybe...freshen up a bit. So I grabbed the tall aerosol can labeled Dove, to de-odorize and anti-perspire. I made a quick spritz under the right arm, and I thought it smelled surprisingly sweet. I wanted to see what scent it was and took a closer look. And then I looked again. That's right, my friends, I hairsprayed my armpit. Hairsprayed my Armpit. Seriously. Hairsprayed

Enriching MY life

So last Wednesday, I treated myself to an hour long massage. (My husband bought himself a sprayer for the four-wheeler, so I got my hair done and the massage-still about half the cost of the sprayer.) It was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. She started at my back, worked down the butt (oh yes, I go hardcore) the legs, and to my feet. And oh my God, the feet. I think I may have orgasmed when she got to my feet. I know my husband is reading this and thinking, Oh my God, somebody touched those nasty things. Yes, yes she did, she took on the challenge and how I loved it. I think she had to use about half a bottle of lotion on my feet alone.

I do believe it is important to take time for yourself. Feel good about yourself, make yourself important, all of that. I love to soak in a bubble bath, read a good book, take time for my makeup and skin care, of course get a massage, and especially to get my hair done. That's like my own therapy. Just time for me. I do hope that when I help girls with their makeup and skin care, through Mary Kay, that some of them will realize how important they are, and how wonderful it feels to take that time for themselves. I hope that I give them a bit of self-confidence, just by realizing how gorgeous they are, and how great it feels to spend that time on themself. It's part of the reason why I love Mary Kay so much, "Enriching Women's Lives." Not only do the women who use Mary Kay feel better, but especially the women who sell Mary Kay and participate in such an awesome company. I also like Mary Kay for all the free prizes I get!

Watching...

Oh goodness.. Love IT!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ivUOnnstpg

How to Amuse Me

Bring me two beautiful red carnations into work, just because I helped you out with a problem, you wonderful older gentleman -especially considering I didn't even get flowers from my husband for our anniversary. I was really just doing my job (I'm doing my SuperHero pose right now.)

Thinking

Rob Lowe sounds exactly like Patrick Dempsey. And looks like him too. Now that's a Miranda sandwich I could get excited about.

How to Amuse Me

Chase a chicken around a parking lot on national TV, oh JimBob from Arkansas with 17(+) kids.

Thinking

Has it really been one whole amazing year since I've been married to this guy?

The kind of treasure hunt you don't want to find the X (or a +)

I just don't understand why a pregnancy test would be so difficult to find in a grocery store. I was in Manhattan, at the grocery store, and it just so happened that I needed to find such a product ( so that my husband would allow me to fully enjoy my weekend with my beverages of choice.) I'm looking through all the aisles, trying to act as if I'm not searching for something so that I do not get asked what I am looking for. -I hate being asked if someone can help me find something. I know that's juvenile, and they're only there to help me. But I feel like such an idiot in the first place, and then they have to lead me to the aisle and the exact shelf. The only thing that is worse is when they can't find the item either and have to call their manager, they're calling each other on the radio, taking me to a couple different aisles, and then I feel bad, because by the time I get there, I've talked myself out of having to buy such a difficult item. Because of course, if I like whatever the hidden item may be, I have to go buy it a second time and I just might not be able to find it yet again. Or worse, it may not live up to it's Treasure Hunt excursion and excitement. So, I'm happier just wondering around, pretending interest in whatever is in front of me.

But I digress-I searched for the pregnancy test near the tampon section ( I mean it all has to do with down there anyways) near the deoderant and shampoo (personal hygiene maybe?) the baby aisle (kind of the first baby product you need) the aspirin and pain reliever (cause and effect.) I also remembered that the last time in the store in Clay Center, as I was checking out and reading about how Brad and Angelina were over, and Tom was kicking out Katie, I had noticed some pregnancy tests right next to hand sanitizer, decks of cards, and lighters (never would I consider it an impulse buy) so I passed the checkout lines but to no avail. The only other aisle I was thinking about was the one with the condoms and lubes and such. But I missed that aisle somehow, which may be a large factor in the search for the pregnancy test. I mean really, in a college town, at the point where you have to go to the store to get the test, the last thing you want to do is wander around for 15 minutes looking for the test. Enough to make you sick and nauseous just thinking about it.

But, after making a final trip to WalMart before heading home, a stop for a (non-alcoholic at this point) drink, and making it home to my husband, I have no need to worry and have already cracked open my beer to celebrate (which is now allowed by the Dear Husband.) Just think there will be a future day, soon enough, where I will be celebrating a different result with a much different toast.

Thinking

It's probably a pretty bad sign for my walk if I can only muster up the energy to put on my shorts and sports bra and to find my shoes before taking a break on the couch to catch up with the Internet.

The Important Part of I Do's

This weekend, Mark and I will be heading to our 6th wedding since the beginning of August. I absolutely love weddings. I love seeing everyone dressed up, I love waiting for the bride to come out, watching the two newlyweds exchange rings, and then of course the reception. There is no better dance than a wedding dance. Everyone's there and is willing to let loose, the best dances always happen. Most of the time my husband will agree to dance with me at least once. And if I do say so myself, we're pretty dang good together! And of course Crazy Aunt Lou might have one too many and make the night real interesting.

Before my wedding, I always used every wedding as an inspiration or as something to do differently than. Now, after the wedding, there's still a comparison, and I believe we did pretty good. But seriously, haven't you all been there. The colors are horrid, the decorations are tacky, the food is bad, and they are charging at the bar. Ugh. I can at least promise you that any wedding that I am a part of will never charge at the bar. There's always gonna be at least some free kegs. If I give anything to the world, let it at least be that promise.

How To Amuse Me

Protect me, by growling and barking (a big boy bark!) at that mean looking dog (he looks a little familiar) that is sitting on the exact same couch you are that is on the other side of the room in the mirror.

Vote for Me!

So my little sister called to tell me that she is going to run for StuCo for her 7th grade class. She has to make all the signs and everything, come up with a whole speech and give it in front of the entire Jr. High student body. Of course, our family has been involved with 4-H and my sister has given project talks and been in front of judges since she was 7 years old. But I'm nervous for her. Jr. High is a whole different world. It's tough and can be really difficult. My sister is awesome, I love her sense of humor, but she and I are exactly alike and I had a hard time in school. I was never really comfortable with myself until I got to college. I met some of the greatest guys there that accepted me for who I was, my dry humor and bitchy, mothering ways. I finally have been able to really like myself, after finding others that accepted me. And since that time, I have had better relationships with other girls, my family, everyone.

Never have I felt so grown up than when I could talk to and have a conversation with that one high school bully just this past year. You all know who I am talking about, the guy that made you dread walking down the hallway, the one that you hope you see at the reunion fat, bald, and alone! I really knew I had grown up when I no longer felt that way, though it would maybe still be just a little, tiny bit funny. Mainly, I just hope I am able to give my beautiful sisters some confidence that I had to work so hard for. Those difficulties are worth the lessons, but life seems so much more difficult for the younger kids now than even when I was in school (was it really that long ago?)

But anyways, the most important thing to consider is...should she give out free suckers with her name on them or just promise no homework and a fruit punch drinking fountain?

It's Been a Good Week!

I love my husband, very much...but I have to say, I was so excited to have the house to myself tonight. I had big plans- a special, yummy meal, full glass of red wine, some quality puppy time, maybe a bit of cleaning while blaring some Jackson Taylor on the stereo. It could only be better if I had a hot, steamy bubble bath and it was the season premier of Grey's! Well, I did have a glass of wine, and I did spend enough time with Cody, the puppy, to get covered in dog hair-quality time is questionable- and my food was pretty awesome, but I didn't get any cleaning done and truthfully I wish Mark was here. But, I'm sure that tonight, when I have our bed all to myself (!) that I'll enjoy it, just for one night.

Oh and just because I'm beyond pumped - I sold over $1000 in Mary Kay last week. Yes, over, as in more than. Meaning the profit = way more than normal! I'm so excited, and I'm trying to keep everything going! I love hanging out with the girls and making them feel beautiful. I had one great girl last week who never wore makeup, said she didn't even own any mascara. She said she never was taught how to put on or wear makeup and whenever she bought anything, it was always the wrong color. She bought everything I put on her, plus some skin care! I'm so excited for her, I hope that she loves the way she looks. I know she'll be beautiful! Another girl really gave me a challenge! We tried on a few different colors for her eyes, and when we were finally done, I hope she realized how beautiful she is! She kept looking down and didn't want everyone looking at her. I can completely understand, but I do hope she can see how awesome she looks. I also found out that I was #6 in Unit Sales for my entire Unit last year. My goal this year is to be top 3! With the momentum I've got going now, who knows what all could happen!

Something more?

I would love to make this blog more than just an update on what has happened lately in my life. Yet, sadly, it seems I have nothing real creative or inspirational or quirky to say. I have no 'way with words' or can provide a humorous, cynical perspective on life. Maybe every so often I'll provide something great, you'll just have to see.

Anyways, I'm not too worried-Brandon's probably the only one reading this.

Time to introduce the most important man in my life...

It's my little Cody! This picture is from the first night we brought him home. He's a lot lot bigger now. He's 5 months old and about 50 pounds. But he still thinks he should be a lapdog, and I'm not so sure I disagree, I like to snuggle, just not for too long.

People always say it's best to get a dog first, before you have kids. You get used to having to think about someone else who can't take care of himself. You have to remember the food, the extra stuff. You can't just take off, you need to find babysitters. But it's so worth it! The love we have, just for our puppy, is awesome. I know a child will be ten times better, and probably hundreds time more difficult!

How To Annoy Me...

Tell me, as I'm filling up my 32 oz. of glorious Mountain Dew, that it's time to repaint my toenails. Mind your own soda, buddy.

It's a waste of gas anyways.

Tonight, Mark and I went to his grandparents's house so we could mow and weedeat their yard for them while they're gone. Hopefully this will be the last time that it needs to be done. The last mow always seems significant, the end of summer-beginning of fall. When I was in high school, my family mowed the local cemetery and oh, how I hated it! Not only did we have bad, old equipment, but it took us at least 12 hours to mow and weedeat. It was boring, and the tan lines you get from mowing are the worst. The top half of your legs and the back of your neck burnt. The tan lines from your tennis shoes-yech. I've tried telling Mark I'm allergic to mowing now, but obviously that hasn't worked.
But anyways, I love fall. I love the cool weather, the leaves changing, the start of school, football, crockpot food, rainy days, baggy sweatshirts, and the end of mowing.

The Beginning

I have just lately become obsessed with reading blogs and taking a look inside others' lives. So I thought I should try my hand at it myself. See if it sticks. And we'll see if anyone else even cares what I say or what's going on in my life!

Today was a good day-lots of cleaning was accomplished and I had my first Mary Kay Open House in Clay Center. It went pretty well, made more money than I normally do in Manhattan, and I still have cookies and crackers and cheese left! I love having all my beautiful products out in the open and set up. It looks so great! Today was a pretty good day.