My room is cleaned (minus my unmade bed and dirty clothes in the hamper). My bags are packed. I have a great book to try to keep me distracted while on the plane. My Christmas crafts are halfway done (which I must say is pretty good for me). The rest of my unfinished Christmas crafts are packed away to be finished in Maryland. I'm mostly caught up with work. And I get to leave in a half hour for a week and a half break. Hooray!
I may or may not post while I'm in Maryland. It depends how long my camera battery lasts and how much time I have to devote to blogging during the week I am home. I do promise to take pictures and maybe even post some (I know that I've promised that before but this time I actually mean it).
So just in case I don't post in the next few days/weeks...Merry Christmas! I hope you have as wonderful a holiday season as I am planning on having.
12.22.2009
12.21.2009
I watched Pride and Prejudice the other night. The only version that is worth watching. The long BBC version. The one where Colin Firth plays Mr. Darcy. Because unless Colin Firth is Mr. Darcy, then I'm not sure that I want to watch it. He seriously has the best stares ever. If you haven't seen this version, you are missing out. Watch it immediately.
Anyway, the amazingness of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy and the need for everyone to watch the movie are two very good points but not the point I want to make in this post. So I will move on and pretend that everyone has just promised me that they will watch it immediately and now I have peace of mind.
So I'm watching the movie and it gets to the part where Charlotte Lucas accepts Mr. Collins' offer of marriage. In the past I have always despised this part. How could Charlotte marry someone as horrible as Mr. Collins? Why did she give up on finding love? It drove me crazy.
This time I found myself thinking...maybe Charlotte didn't get such a bad deal. She is married and has enough money to live well on. She has a house. She knows that she will be taken care of. And I seriously thought to myself...that doesn't seem so bad. It wasn't until after the movie that I stopped and really thought about this.
Have I reached the point in my life where I would do what Charlotte Lucas did???? As I've gotten older, I've certainly changed some of my marriage criteria and realized that some things are certainly more important than other things in the long run. I've realized that maybe you really do have to settle just a little bit (80% anyone?!?!) But would I settle for someone that I didn't even love just for the peace of mind of not being single anymore? Would I give up on the chance of finding a good relationship built on love just because I couldn't find it in my first 27 years of life? I certainly hope that I haven't reached that point yet. But it's scary that I suddenly think Charlotte's plot in life doesn't seem so bad.
**Footnote: I am not saying, in any stretch of the imagination, that I would settle for Mr. Collins. Because he is creepy. And gross.**
Anyway, the amazingness of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy and the need for everyone to watch the movie are two very good points but not the point I want to make in this post. So I will move on and pretend that everyone has just promised me that they will watch it immediately and now I have peace of mind.
So I'm watching the movie and it gets to the part where Charlotte Lucas accepts Mr. Collins' offer of marriage. In the past I have always despised this part. How could Charlotte marry someone as horrible as Mr. Collins? Why did she give up on finding love? It drove me crazy.
This time I found myself thinking...maybe Charlotte didn't get such a bad deal. She is married and has enough money to live well on. She has a house. She knows that she will be taken care of. And I seriously thought to myself...that doesn't seem so bad. It wasn't until after the movie that I stopped and really thought about this.
Have I reached the point in my life where I would do what Charlotte Lucas did???? As I've gotten older, I've certainly changed some of my marriage criteria and realized that some things are certainly more important than other things in the long run. I've realized that maybe you really do have to settle just a little bit (80% anyone?!?!) But would I settle for someone that I didn't even love just for the peace of mind of not being single anymore? Would I give up on the chance of finding a good relationship built on love just because I couldn't find it in my first 27 years of life? I certainly hope that I haven't reached that point yet. But it's scary that I suddenly think Charlotte's plot in life doesn't seem so bad.
**Footnote: I am not saying, in any stretch of the imagination, that I would settle for Mr. Collins. Because he is creepy. And gross.**
12.10.2009
Ten Things You Just Might Not Know About Me
1. I have a brand new niece...born at 2:06 this afternoon (Maryland time). Her name is Molly Sophia and I bet she is adorable but I haven't been able to receive my picture message since I work way past the middle of nowhere. In the past 16 months, I have acquired four new nieces and 1 nephew with another nephew on the way. When my family decided to get going, the got going fast!
2. I'm always dreaming of my next big career move. Recently I decided that I should become a book on tape reader. I practice my reading skills while I read outloud to the kids during my weekly character ed lessons. I'm getting pretty good.
3. I hate shaving. I mostly hate it because I suck at it. It doesn't matter if I'm in the tub or in the shower or standing or sitting or using soap or shaving gel. I always cut myself. Always. I used to just let my hair grow out during the winter in order to avoid the dreaded chore but I recently made a goal to shave my legs daily. And even though the cuts might be more frequent, I do love the feeling of soft legs.
4. I have a serious addiction to shopping. I'm pretty sure that everyone in my family has the addiction gene. I just decided that rather than alcohol or drugs or exercise or whatever else you can be addicted to, I would be addicted to shopping and to eating. My shopping habits have been a little bit better since moving to the middle of nowhere but I try to make up for it whenever I go to a city.
5. I'm obsessed with random celebrity gossip. I can barely remember a thing from my undergraduate college courses but I know all about who is dating who and where they were seen and what they were wearing. It's kinda embarassing actually.
6. My favorite color of finernail polish is black. It's the goth side of me coming out, I guess. I just love the way it looks...especially on short nails. And my nails are always short since I have a serious nail biting issue.
7. I am super clumsy. Like ridiculously so. I spent most of my teenagerhood with bruised shins from falling up the stairs. Right now I have a cut on my wrist from dropping the back of the truck down on it, I have a cut on the front of my hand from scraping it on the ice that is still covering my car, I have a cut on my finger from where I cut it with a knife, a burn on another finger from the flat iron and then a reburn in the same spot for touching a hot pan, I have a bruise on my knee for consistently hitting it on the way out of the car, and I have 4 cuts on my legs from shaving. Seriously, I shouldn't be let out of the house.
8. I have some serious OCD issues. Like I hate when playing cards are put back into the box facing different directions. Or when pictures hung on the wall aren't straight. And I like things to be clean and organized. It makes my messy life seem a little more in order.
9. I love Diet Coke. And I drink way too much of it on a daily basis. But when you can get a huge refill for only $.52-why not enjoy it?
10. Sometimes when I get really bored, I practice being good at random things. Like I perform math equations in my head. Or stack golf balls. Or play random games. I also practice sudoku and crosswords like there is no tomorrow but that doesn't really count as random!
So there ya go, things you just might not know about me. Although I'm a pretty open person so chances are that you already knew all of these things.
2. I'm always dreaming of my next big career move. Recently I decided that I should become a book on tape reader. I practice my reading skills while I read outloud to the kids during my weekly character ed lessons. I'm getting pretty good.
3. I hate shaving. I mostly hate it because I suck at it. It doesn't matter if I'm in the tub or in the shower or standing or sitting or using soap or shaving gel. I always cut myself. Always. I used to just let my hair grow out during the winter in order to avoid the dreaded chore but I recently made a goal to shave my legs daily. And even though the cuts might be more frequent, I do love the feeling of soft legs.
4. I have a serious addiction to shopping. I'm pretty sure that everyone in my family has the addiction gene. I just decided that rather than alcohol or drugs or exercise or whatever else you can be addicted to, I would be addicted to shopping and to eating. My shopping habits have been a little bit better since moving to the middle of nowhere but I try to make up for it whenever I go to a city.
5. I'm obsessed with random celebrity gossip. I can barely remember a thing from my undergraduate college courses but I know all about who is dating who and where they were seen and what they were wearing. It's kinda embarassing actually.
6. My favorite color of finernail polish is black. It's the goth side of me coming out, I guess. I just love the way it looks...especially on short nails. And my nails are always short since I have a serious nail biting issue.
7. I am super clumsy. Like ridiculously so. I spent most of my teenagerhood with bruised shins from falling up the stairs. Right now I have a cut on my wrist from dropping the back of the truck down on it, I have a cut on the front of my hand from scraping it on the ice that is still covering my car, I have a cut on my finger from where I cut it with a knife, a burn on another finger from the flat iron and then a reburn in the same spot for touching a hot pan, I have a bruise on my knee for consistently hitting it on the way out of the car, and I have 4 cuts on my legs from shaving. Seriously, I shouldn't be let out of the house.
8. I have some serious OCD issues. Like I hate when playing cards are put back into the box facing different directions. Or when pictures hung on the wall aren't straight. And I like things to be clean and organized. It makes my messy life seem a little more in order.
9. I love Diet Coke. And I drink way too much of it on a daily basis. But when you can get a huge refill for only $.52-why not enjoy it?
10. Sometimes when I get really bored, I practice being good at random things. Like I perform math equations in my head. Or stack golf balls. Or play random games. I also practice sudoku and crosswords like there is no tomorrow but that doesn't really count as random!
So there ya go, things you just might not know about me. Although I'm a pretty open person so chances are that you already knew all of these things.
12.09.2009
My sister is having a baby as we speak. Or at least, as I write. And fine...she may not officially be in in labor yet. But she is at the hospital. Which means that hopefully sometime in the next 24 hours I will have a new niece!
Brittany went into the hospital yesterday morning (Utah time) or yesterday afternoon (Maryland time) to be induced. It's been kinda slow going but I'm super excited. Especially since the timing doesn't matter much to me since I won't be able to meet the tiny bundle of joy until Christmas Eve anyways when I fly into MD. **Speaking of which...can you believe that Christmas Eve is only 2 weeks and 1 day away!!! I'll be back in MD before you know it**
So right now I'm sending happy thoughts to Maryland and waiting anxiously by the phone for the phone call that the newest Nuse has arrived!
Brittany went into the hospital yesterday morning (Utah time) or yesterday afternoon (Maryland time) to be induced. It's been kinda slow going but I'm super excited. Especially since the timing doesn't matter much to me since I won't be able to meet the tiny bundle of joy until Christmas Eve anyways when I fly into MD. **Speaking of which...can you believe that Christmas Eve is only 2 weeks and 1 day away!!! I'll be back in MD before you know it**
So right now I'm sending happy thoughts to Maryland and waiting anxiously by the phone for the phone call that the newest Nuse has arrived!
12.08.2009
In Maryland, a wondrous miracle called a snow day exists. A snow day is when it snows so much that it makes driving dangerous so the school board decides to close down the schools for one day. Students everywhere rejoice and then put on their snow pants and boots and play in the snow until they can't feel their fingers anymore. Then they come inside for delicious hot cocoa and blankets and movies. Noses are red, toes are frozen, and hearts are full. It's amazing.
Apparently in Utah they have never heard of this miracle. Utahns believe that no matter how much snow there is or how dangerous the roads are, school should still be held. Because education is so important to them (is that why Utah is like number 48 on the list of funding for education?!? Because we care so much that we put our children in over populated classrooms with old textbooks?). This morning I woke up to what in Maryland, would have been a joyous sight. A foot and a half of snow that fell overnight and more expected throughout the morning. It would have been amazing except that it was only 5:15 in the morning and I was getting up to go to work.
The roads were horrible, we got stuck a few times, I prayed multiple times for my life. My beautiful snow day was ruined. Thanks a lot Utah. Thanks a lot.
Apparently in Utah they have never heard of this miracle. Utahns believe that no matter how much snow there is or how dangerous the roads are, school should still be held. Because education is so important to them (is that why Utah is like number 48 on the list of funding for education?!? Because we care so much that we put our children in over populated classrooms with old textbooks?). This morning I woke up to what in Maryland, would have been a joyous sight. A foot and a half of snow that fell overnight and more expected throughout the morning. It would have been amazing except that it was only 5:15 in the morning and I was getting up to go to work.
The roads were horrible, we got stuck a few times, I prayed multiple times for my life. My beautiful snow day was ruined. Thanks a lot Utah. Thanks a lot.
12.07.2009
12.04.2009
I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. Well, okay, the truth is that I don't have a bed and I sleep on the 5 foot long couch in the trailer so I can't really wake up on the wrong side of it. But I think you understand what I'm saying.
First of all, I set my alarm for 5:30 PM...which is about 12 hours later than I need to get up in order to make it to work on time. So I didn't wake up until 6:10 when Angie got up and woke me up. Which means that I had to go to work with no shower and no make-up. My hair is a mess and I have a headache and I'm just not happy.
Then on the way to work I became fixated on the fact that no matter what I do, I can't seem to do the right thing in some people's eyes. I got angry, I vented to the ladies I ride with, then I felt guilty for talking. Which is ironic considering the whole reason I was venting was because people keep talking about me behind my back. And yet I'm the one who feels guilty. Story of my life.
I just hate it because I feel like I am doing the best that I know how to do. I wake up each morning and strive to be a little bit better. I do my best not to find faults in others. I forgive over and over. How is that not good enough?
Bah...for once I am really not looking forward to the weekend.
First of all, I set my alarm for 5:30 PM...which is about 12 hours later than I need to get up in order to make it to work on time. So I didn't wake up until 6:10 when Angie got up and woke me up. Which means that I had to go to work with no shower and no make-up. My hair is a mess and I have a headache and I'm just not happy.
Then on the way to work I became fixated on the fact that no matter what I do, I can't seem to do the right thing in some people's eyes. I got angry, I vented to the ladies I ride with, then I felt guilty for talking. Which is ironic considering the whole reason I was venting was because people keep talking about me behind my back. And yet I'm the one who feels guilty. Story of my life.
I just hate it because I feel like I am doing the best that I know how to do. I wake up each morning and strive to be a little bit better. I do my best not to find faults in others. I forgive over and over. How is that not good enough?
Bah...for once I am really not looking forward to the weekend.
12.03.2009
Dear Glee,
For the past few months you have made me laugh every Wednesday night. Even if I was having a bad night, you managed to cheer me up. Multiple times I have laughed so hard that I cried. Once I even snorted which is the real sign that I am amused.
But luckily my enjoyment wasn't just limited to Wednesday nights. I have rewatched some of your episodes multiple times. (Remember the football one and "Single Ladies" or the mash-ups) I have watched clips online. I have listened to your music pretty much exclusively since the first time I heard it. I'm pretty sure that the ladies I ride with to work are going crazy but I just can't seem to stop.
You make me wish that I had been in the Glee Club when I was in high school. Except that we didn't have a glee club. And I can't sing. Or dance. But every Wednesday night, I can dream that those things weren't so.
I am sad that I will have to go months without watching a new episode. I will have to find new ways to spend my Wednesday nights. I will have to find something else that can amuse me as much as you do. Please hurry back...I may not find reason to snort until you do.
Signed,
Snortless without Glee
PS...for those of you who are truly concerned about my sanity for the next few months, I should let you know that luckily I have a roommate who is just as obsessed (okay, probably more obsessed) than I am and has already pre-ordered the first season of Glee. So while I will be missing out on new episodes, I won't be missing out completely.
For the past few months you have made me laugh every Wednesday night. Even if I was having a bad night, you managed to cheer me up. Multiple times I have laughed so hard that I cried. Once I even snorted which is the real sign that I am amused.
But luckily my enjoyment wasn't just limited to Wednesday nights. I have rewatched some of your episodes multiple times. (Remember the football one and "Single Ladies" or the mash-ups) I have watched clips online. I have listened to your music pretty much exclusively since the first time I heard it. I'm pretty sure that the ladies I ride with to work are going crazy but I just can't seem to stop.
You make me wish that I had been in the Glee Club when I was in high school. Except that we didn't have a glee club. And I can't sing. Or dance. But every Wednesday night, I can dream that those things weren't so.
I am sad that I will have to go months without watching a new episode. I will have to find new ways to spend my Wednesday nights. I will have to find something else that can amuse me as much as you do. Please hurry back...I may not find reason to snort until you do.
Signed,
Snortless without Glee
PS...for those of you who are truly concerned about my sanity for the next few months, I should let you know that luckily I have a roommate who is just as obsessed (okay, probably more obsessed) than I am and has already pre-ordered the first season of Glee. So while I will be missing out on new episodes, I won't be missing out completely.
12.02.2009
I love December. Listening to Christmas music. Wearing warm coats and mittens and scarves. The smell of pine trees and cinnamon and fires burning. Singing Christmas carols. Giving presents. Making snow angels.
Seriously, could anything be better? And this year, December started off with a bang. (Okay, fine...it was actually November 30 but I totally thought it was December 1st so it counts...don't fight me on this one). We, as in the Blanding single's group, went Christmas caroling. Which isn't my favorite thing to do so I fully intended on mouthing it the entire time. But instead I actually felt like singing. And sing I did. While riding through town on a hay ride. I felt like a little kid again. In a good way. Then we had hot cocoa and hung out by the heater until our little toes and noses warmed up and then we played a rousing game of Apples to Apples. I hadn't had that much fun in a long time.
The 2 days since then haven't been quite as Christmasy but they've still been pretty dang good. I've broken out the Christmas music and the sweaters (and soon my boots will be out and ready for wearing...they are still in storage so I have to find the time to search for them). I'm looking forward to the next 3 weeks leading up to Christmas eve. What are you looking forward to?
Seriously, could anything be better? And this year, December started off with a bang. (Okay, fine...it was actually November 30 but I totally thought it was December 1st so it counts...don't fight me on this one). We, as in the Blanding single's group, went Christmas caroling. Which isn't my favorite thing to do so I fully intended on mouthing it the entire time. But instead I actually felt like singing. And sing I did. While riding through town on a hay ride. I felt like a little kid again. In a good way. Then we had hot cocoa and hung out by the heater until our little toes and noses warmed up and then we played a rousing game of Apples to Apples. I hadn't had that much fun in a long time.
The 2 days since then haven't been quite as Christmasy but they've still been pretty dang good. I've broken out the Christmas music and the sweaters (and soon my boots will be out and ready for wearing...they are still in storage so I have to find the time to search for them). I'm looking forward to the next 3 weeks leading up to Christmas eve. What are you looking forward to?
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