Day 30 - Over and Out

Oh, NaBloPoMo, what can I say to you? You forced me to post during an extremely difficult time in my life. And for that, I kind of hate you. And yet, I also kind of love you for it. It was nice to have you to look forward to everyday. Even on the days where I had nothing at all to really post about, I was forced to come over and say something to the faithful internets who read this site. And now that I've done it, I feel proud of my accomplishment. So today, I am thankful for you, NaBloPoMo. You are like a habit I can't quit and I will now be entering blogger rehab because of you. But if loving you is wrong, then I don't want to be right.

Day 29 - That it's over? Almost?

NaBloPoMo is killing me. I don't know. What am I thankful for? That the paper is over? That we are making it through this time? I feel like a broken record right now.

Alex and I have this fleece/down comforter that I love. It is keeping me warm right now and it makes me feel so happy. A laptop, a comforter, and reruns of America's Next Top Model. That's a pretty good night, I think.

Y'all, Sweeney Todd looks WEIRD.

Day 28 - Almost There

I'm almost there for NaBloPoMo and I'm almost there with this semester. Coming up, I've got two finals, three one page papers, one self-study paper, and one essay left. Three classes, three days. Interesting, isn't it? But I can't talk about work, which is what I spent the majority of my day doing. And then I went to class and it was super, mega, major depressing because we talked about death and dying. At least I felt like an expert.

The one thing I can talk about from work is that I'm officially in charge of decorating the office for Christmas. That should be a good times. Hmmm...that's not so much interesting either.

Anyways, I can do make it through the next week and then I will be free for a month. I can do this! And how will I do it? With the help of sweet, sweet sleep. Which I am about to partake in. Now. Good night.

Day 27 - DOUBLE SPACED PAPERS

Now, I know I'm a little out of practice, but for some reason, I thought that my paper that is due tomorrow needed to be single spaced. And it is supposed to be 7 - 10 pages long. That is a long paper. Why did I think that? Did I have to write single spaced papers at OBU all the time? Maybe I did.

Anyway, I just realized that APA style is double spaced. DOUBLE SPACED. I just went from having around 2 1/2 pages done to having 5 1/2 pages done! And I haven't even added in my references yet!!! I feel like Christmas came early this year.

P.S. I know this is shallow. The visitation and funeral were really wonderful and moving and supportive. But I have GOT to get this paper done and sadly, it is more important at the moment. Thanks again to everyone for their support during this difficult time. Hopefully I can resume normal updates Thursday...or Wednesday night if class doesn't kill me.

Day 26 - Eeesh

Hi! Have you met me? Because I am addicted to school. I love it and can't get enough of it and I always, always, always make it my #1 priority over everything else. But tonight is the visitation for my father-in-law (That still feels really weird to type. I have in-laws. Odd.) And what else is tonight? It's my last class before my final next week! Ack! Ack! What do I do? Where do I go? I cannot express to you how much it bugs me to miss this class. I am an over achiever in every sense of the word when it comes to academia, particularly when it comes to class attendance. I never skipped a class in undergrad until my senior year. And then? It was only once so I could read and be prepared for a different class later in the day. THAT is how big of a nerd I am. (The class I skipped? Human Development. Ironic that I am now taking it for real in graduate school five years later, eh?) So it is paining me. Seriously, PAINING me to miss it.

The point? Is there one? Did I really come to my blog to complain about missing class when there is a family member to be mourned? No, I'm not. But as I lay awake this morning stressing out about school and life and getting everything little thing done, I became convinced that the best thing to do is skip class and go to the visitation. Which, in my defense, was never a doubt in my mind. But this morning, I experienced a true moment of clarity while I was wrapped up in a blanket with Murphy on one side of me, Parsnip on my chest, and Alex snoring on the other side. Because at the end of my life, I know I will look back on this and be glad I went. And that I can't even properly describe how important it is to be a supportive wife, daughter-in-law, and sister-in-law. I'm a part of a much bigger family than the one I grew up in. And I like it. And I'm glad I get to be there with them and trudge through the difficulties of life together. That is far more important than whether or not I ace that final.

So if you need me tonight, you know where I'll be.

Day 25 - Photo Mania

Retroactive pictures to make up for the previous posts where I kept saying that I'd post pictures if only I had my camera cord. Well, well, well, today I have my camera cord and today, I will post picutres.

Remember when I talked about my super cute dogs? This is Murphy charming the socks off of anyone within a five mile radious. This is his classic Murph-dog pose.

Next, we have Parsnip in her red hoody sweatshirt ready for the Ohio State/Michigan game.

This picture is my personal favorite. She was exhausted and done with our stupid human ways before people even arrived at the house.


As many of you know, I would NOT SHUT UP about Republican Pie for about a week leading up to Thanksgiving. So without further ado, here are pictures of its greatness and wonderfulness in full splendor.


MMMMMMMMM! Many thanks to my aunt for hooking me up with this recipe. And many thanks to Alex who cooked it. What? You thought I had really learned how to cook? Why do that when I married a man who loves cooking and is WAY better at it than me?

And finally, our family portrait. This might just be our Christmas Card picture this year. (Spoiler!)

Aren't we adorable? Yes, I know we are. But you can chime in if you want.

So today, I am thankful for my camera for preserving the Good Things of Thanksgiving 2007. It was our first of many and I'm thrilled that I couldn't have a better family to begin new traditions with.

Day 24 - Creature Comforts

Today, I am thankful for warm showers and beds and peace and quiet. A restful today to end a difficult week and a chance to recover before another difficult week begins.

Day 23

Alex's father passed away last night at the age of 58. All of this occurred after I posted yesterday's peppy post. Obviously, it put a damper on the day.

My father-in-law battled lymphoma for the past 11 months, and now it's over. It's weird and surreal and I'm not sure how much it has affected us all yet. But right now, they are arrangements to make and suits to dry clean. I am finding it a bit difficult to feel grateful today. I'm sure you understand.

Hug your parents today if you can.

Day 22 - Thanksgiving

Two posts today!

My first Thanksgiving with my new family has gone pretty well. Alex and I began the day by heading out to the grocery store to pick up a few last minute Thanksgiving Day treats. We also got to pick up an edible arrangement that a friend of the family sent. We then went back to the house and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, which I do pretty much every year. Something about the spectacle fascinates me. Also? I ate doughnuts and fruit during the parade. What a life.

Afterwards, I talked to my parents and my grandmother and then we all ate together. The meal was delicious and our Republican Pie was AMAZING. Unfortunately, I don't have my camera cord with me, but I do have a few pictures of the half eaten success. I'll have to post those later. But everyone loved it and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside to know that I got to bring something unique from my family to share with my new one.

After dinner, we had our official nap time. My future sister-in-law and I have been checking out the Black Friday Ads, watching TV, and of course, eating pie.

I still miss my mommy, but I can't complain. Today has been going pretty well. And we've got Catch Phrase to play tonight and Grey's Anatomy to watch. Happy Thanksgiving, y'all. I hope yours was as great as mine.

Day 22 - Happy Anniversary!

Today marks two months of married bliss for Alex and me. Woo!

Day 21 - Doggy Dogs

One of the things that caused a bit of nervousness when I first met Alex, was how our dogs would mesh. Parsnip is an 8 pound Momma's girl who is a total priss. Murphy is a 40 pound Pound puppy who means business. Alex was confident they would be best buddies when they met. I was not. So one day, with slight trepidation, I took Parsnip over to Alex's house and let the games begin. We decided to bring Parsnip inside first and get her comfortable with her surroundings. Then we brought Murphy in and to his credit, he was really gentle and kind with her. However, Parsnip did not care. All she saw was a huge beast with big teeth and she immediately jumped into my arms and did not budge the ENTIRE time Murphy was within her vicinity. It took Parsnip weeks to get used to Murphy. I brought her over often, so she could get the hang of things, and eventually I started leaving her at Alex's house all the time. We basically forced their odd couple parenting, but it has worked out. They are now best buddies, and while this can be annoying when they are wrestling and all you want to do is SLEEP. But it's fantastic to have two happy dogs who love both their owners.

I'd post pictures, but I'm at the in-laws without picture access. Which I feel is doing the dogs an injustice, because they are both seriously cute. But what's a girl to do? Post this instead?
This is from last year. And yes, I am spooning with the dogs. And no Parsnip's eyes aren't actually glowing an evil green. She's just not a photogenic little booger.

Back to the in-laws, my brother-in-law brought his Jack Russell and Golden Retriever up here, so we have four dogs running like mad in this house. I am thankful they are full of life, yes. I would also be thankful if they would all CALM THE HECK DOWN.

Day 20 - Friends

They are amazing and I love them all. Today, I received three concerned e-mails based on the state of this blog and a cryptic e-mail promising something happy in the real mail. And that is so fantastic. Y'all lift me up and help keep me going. Thank you.

Day 19 - Well, dangit

The thing I'd really like to write about, I can't, because it's related to things I don't want to blog about. And it's not like I DON'T want to blog about it, I just feel like it's something I can't blog about. Which is annoying. Seriously. But today was a good day! Alex and I celebrated by going out to LaRosa's, so I could force him to try their Montgomery Inn Pizza. Which is weird that I like it because it combines barbecue sauce and pizza, two things I don't overly enjoy. But when you combine them, it's like magic. Magic I can eat. Which is the best.

In other exciting news that I CAN talk about, I finally, at long last, made my hair appointment! So Wednesday at 5:30 Eastern/4:30 Central, I'll be cutting and coloring my hair. And no, I'm not doing it myself. I am paying a professional to the snipping and dying and handling of the tin foil. I'm extremely excited because I have been needing something fun and (slightly) shallow to look forward to in this (pretty much) drab time in life.

Another exciting thing? The book club my friends and I will be starting this week. Which is excellent. I wish my new book would arrive in time before Thursday, so I could have something to entertain myself with while Alex sleeps in a turkey-induced coma. Instead, I'll just have to make due with eating half a pan of Republican pie.

So good things are happening. Which is awesome, but some very bad things are happening too. And there's nothing we can do about the bad, but hold on and pray. Which we are doing, but the good things sure do help get us through.

P.S. I'm not pregnant. I just re-read this and thought it could be easily construed as a bun in the oven being the good news. Which it is not. At all. I had a glass of wine at LaRosa's too, just so you know.

Day 18 - Cable

What would I do without America's Next Top Model? My life would be more intelligent and my time better spent. But I like it anyway. Because...seriously. I love that show. And what else would I do on the weekend when there is nothing to do, but sit. And wait.

Day 17 - Wii

Today, I am thankful for the Wii and Catch Phrase and Family Fued DVD 2nd Edition. Good times with friends on a cold afternoon and evening. What more can you ask for?

Day 16 - ...

Today was incredibly boring. Boring to the point where I called Alex on the way home and sang him songs and asked him random questions and said, "I love you," at least 12 times. Bless his heart.

I'm really not sure what today's thankfulness is. I'm hoping it'll come to me while I blog and then I can go back and change this title. But then again, I could just be thankful for ellipses. They ARE pretty cool.

NaBloPoMo has definitely taught me that I'm not cut out to be a writer. Seriously. How do people write every single freaking day!? It's ridiculous.

Alex just got home and we are going to visit his parents this evening. He just asked me where my OSU jersey is. Because I was going to look for it when I got home. Guess what I didn't do? Tomorrow is the big OSU/Michigan game. Yay? I have no idea. I'm so confused. I think it's the dish soap.

I just slammed my face into Alex's stomach, only to hit his phone which was in some super secret pocket on the inside of his jacket. Ow.

God love ya, Internet. Tomorrow will be better. Seriously.

Day 15 - I'm Not Dead

This morning, I hastily washed out my travel mug. I usually do this every morning, because I am both lazy and forgetful. I used our snazzy new all in one soap scrubber thingy. I rinsed it out and wiped it down with a paper towel. Then, as per usual I re-filled it with water to make the coffee. As I was pouring the water into the coffeemaker, I thought the water looked a little misty. I assumed it was my eyes messing with me since it was so early in the morning and I went along my merry way.

I finished my coffee at work and went to rinse out the cup. I poured it out while filling it with water and what do I see? DISH SOAP BUBBLES COMING OUT OF MY CUP. Lots and lots of dish soap. Apparently, that misty water wasn't just a figment of my imagination. I hadn't washed out all of the dish soap. So instead, I drank it. All of it. There was dish soap in my belly.

I immediately walked into the office and asked everyone if dish soap kills. They said it did not. I tried to drink my new cup of coffee, but all I could taste was dish soap. I am glad I did not die.

Day 14 - Cell Phones

Alex and I are married now. Revelation, I know. And as such, that means we are now obligated to spend holidays as a unit. Sadly, our families live a good 900 miles away from each other. Which means that we can't split the day in two and spend time with both of our parents. Which means, that yes, my first Thanksgiving not in Tennessee with the family is upon us. And I knew this was going to happen to eventually, but DANG, it is WAY harder than I thought it would be. Seriously. You'd think months of mental preparation would have me better....prepared.

Which leads me to the point of the ramblings. I called my mommy and almost cried and it was good. And there was night and there was morning and I will make it. Alex is going to attempt my aunt's famous Republican pie and I will be a good wife and daughter-in-law and Thanksgiving will be had.

Day 13 - Mayonnaise/Miracle Whip (Or possibly parenthesis) (Or tangents)

I just realized that everything I chose to eat for "dinner," (I use this term loosely since I have yet to reach "full" status) involved Miracle Whip. Which is a perfectly acceptable substitute to mayonnaise as far as I'm concerned. I realize this is sacrilege in parts of the south, but I'm going there. I'm an honorary Midwesterner as it is.

Tonight, I had a pre-run (Which just didn't go well and I had to give up less than half way through. I am convinced that I have bad form. And I am unsure how to correct it. But I've got to be doing something wrong because I simply refuse to believe that I am just this big of a whuss.) snack of two lettuce wraps each with one piece of turkey bacon, 2% cheese, and Miracle Whip. And then post-run (Which again...not really a run...more of a walk punctuated with deep intakes of breath filled with PAIN.), I had a can of tuna mixed with Miracle Whip. And it was fabulous. (I almost just wrote "fabu." How's THAT for a call back to my past??)

I'm not sure if that's gross or not, but I really enjoyed them and it got me to thinking about how much I prefer mayo over mustard. Which is sad because mustard is infinitely better for you, but mayo just tastes so darn good. I occasionally treat myself at Subway and get light mayo instead of spicy mustard. Yes, I really am blogging about this. Is this boring? Am I boring? I'm so sorry.

Also now? I'm baking muffins in the world's most awesome toaster oven. Which doesn't include Mayonnaise at all, but I had to brag that I'm baking something, even though it's a pre-made muffin mix, so all I had to do was add milk. But I poured it! Into little muffin cups! That counts as me being a domestic housewife, right? Right??

Day 12 - Sleep/Naps

Sorry about yesterday's post. I have no excuse for it other than sheer laziness combined with financial worrying. (Needless worrying, might I add. Alex and I aren't mere moments away from the poor house, don't you worry. I just want to be a better financial planner and I am woefully inexperienced in this.)

So yes, today? Today, I cannot wait to go to sleep. I actually just spaced out and wrote that previous sentence incorrectly.

For whatever reason, I hate going to sleep on Sunday nights. I'm not sure why because my job does not suck in any way, shape, or form, so there is no reason for me to be all, 'I don't wanna!' But I do it anyway and by the time 2 am rolls around and I'm cranky and exhausted, I think, 'Okay, maybe I'll go to sleep.' So when the alarm clock goes off at 6 am, I am really unhappy and not well rested. What a great way to start the week! What makes this even more incredibly stupid, is that I also have class on Monday, immediately following work. And today I had a Pampered Chef party to attend immediately after class. Why, oh why, do I torture myself like this?

So I can't wait to go to bed tonight and sleep a peaceful sleep and dream a lovely dream, preferably including chocolate and a million dollars.

Day 11 - Exercise

I went for a run/walk today at the gym. It was great and I am so glad that I have a gym that has locations near here. I am once again looking to run the Jingle Bell Run this year and I am woefully out of shape. So today was a step in the right direction. Let's hop I can stick with it.

I realize this is kind of lame, but it's all I got. Oy, I am tired.

Day 10 - iPod(s)

Here's an embarrassing revelation: Alex and I own a total of four iPods between the two of us. I brought two into our relationship - a now-ancient 4th generation 40GB and a 1st generation 4GB nano. Then, for our wedding gifts, Alex and I gave each other iPods. Which is ridiculous, I know, but we didn't plan it that way, I promise. I got him an 80GB classic and he gave me an 8GB touch. So we now have a total 132GB of digital music storage. Excessive? Completely. But do I love it? Completely.

I can't really put my finger on why I am so in love with the iPod, but my obsession runs deep. I take, at minimum, two of them with me at all times. The nano is good for working out (not that I've done that recently....) and the new touch plays videos and has wi-fi capabilities. So if I'm ever in Panera Bread, I am hard pressed to be torn from my little black machine of goodness. I had to get the oil changed in the Sentra recently, and I busted out the touch and watched an episode of "The Office." Which was great because I was laughing in McDonald's, kind of like an idiot. I looked up at one point and this old man was watching me. I gave him an embarrassed smile and he smiled back, also embarrassed. Because he probably thought I was crazy.

Day 9 - TP

Toilet paper.

I would be really sad without it. I've traveled internationally only a few times in my life, but every time I have, I have come back with a renewed appreciation for toilet paper and America's septic tank systems. They are amazing.

I can't talk about this subject too much, because that'll just get gross. But toilet paper is just so great. I believe that if you think about it you'll agree. Who hasn't experienced the frustration of reaching for a wonderful square of pillowy softness to realize that they are out? That is just the worst feeling. I hate it when that happens so much, that I started buying toilet paper in bulk and scattering the rolls within easy reach throughout the house. I also got married to ensure that there would be someone to hear my cry for more toilet paper. That's right. I just said I got married so that someone could fetch me toilet paper when needed. It's true. That's what love is. Bringing you toilet paper when you are otherwise disposed. Why yes, I am a romantic, thank you very much.

Day 8 - Not sure how to word it....

Well, I think I'm thankful for the fact that the nurse was wrong. Sort of. Truthfully, I'm incredibly pissed off that a professional health care provider would grossly misdiagnose a patient and then not even bother to come back by when he miraculously woke up from the coma that she said that he would DIE IN.

Ahem.

So I'm thankful that the terminal coma of death was a false alarm. This is true. I just wish it hadn't have happened at all because to go through that kind of emotional trauma and then realize that it's not happening, but that it still will eventually, is just awful in so many ways.

Look, I've been positive for an entire week on here. Did you think I could really go an entire month without complaining some?

In genuine, untainted, non-angry news, my mom had surgery today and everything went well. She's now resting at home with her arm propped above her heart. For the next three days. Should be a good time, eh?

Day 7 - Fast Cars

Today, I am thankful for cars that can bring you places you need to be quickly. Especially when important and sad things are happening. More details to come as things happen. Also? Cancer sucks.

Day 6 - Warmth

Today, I am thankful for blankets, sweatshirts, gloves, scarves, hats, and socks. It's finally gotten cold and this old house is insanely drafty. I'm glad I can bundle up and stay warm and toasty. I just need to find some hot chocolate and I'll be ready for winter.

Day 5 - Kicking Cancer's Butt

When I was 12, I met a girl with curly hair who was quiet and shy but talked a WHOLE lot when you got to know her. We forged a lifelong friendship one night at a Mandeville High School football game and I count her among my nearest and dearest friends. She was a bridesmaid in my wedding and I know I can tell her any problem that I could ever possibly have and she will listen (or read..which is most likely the case) and respond with concern and love. Her entire family is the bee's knees and I love them all dearly.

This past August, her little sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. This came as a huge shock since she is only 25 and there is no history in the family. Her sister immediately began chemotherapy and has valiantly fought the disease. Since the disease was fairly advanced, they have been hitting her with lots of fun drugs as precautionary measures. A part of those cautionary measures was to have a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

Today, she had the surgery. And today, they examined the tissues and could not find any tumors. I couldn't be more thankful that such a beautiful person is winning this difficult battle and that such a beautiful family has great news to celebrate today.

Day 4 - New School

Well, it's Sunday evening, so that must mean I'm doing everything BUT homework. I have a tendency to get REALLY motivated about housework whenever I have homework to do. I'm sure Alex wishes I had a permanent homework assignment so the house would be cleaner at all times. So yes, Sundays seem to be designated cleaning day mainly because of my Monday class.

So while I would prefer Mondays not to be a long day where I have to run around like a crazy lady, I really love being back in school. I'm actually surprised at how much I like learning some of the most mundane things (read: fifty thousand theories that sound REALLY similar all the time). I was really nervous that I wouldn't be able to get into the swing of things again and it has been quite an adjustment. I'm not as motivated as I was in my undergraduate days (see: Blogging and watching The Amazing Race instead of doing homework assignment), but I think I have been able to pull it off pretty well so far.

For example, I have a different attitude than before and am focusing more on learning useful things, as opposed to my undergraduate career, in which I stressed and cried and at my way into a really great GPA that would go on to impress....no one. I have my diploma from OBU on display in our house and while Alex very sweetly tells me that I'm a smarty-pants, there really is no other benefit to my killing myself to graduate with a 4.0. So this time? I'm doing it differently. And I love it.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some amazing racers to watch and some final questions on counseling theory to write.

Day 3 - Diet Coke

I can't live without it. It makes my head feel better and perks me up. And I'm pretty sure that it will eventually find a cure for cancer. Just give it time.

Day 2 - Fruity

Today's delicious bit of thankfulness?

Fruit. I love it. And I feel like this sounds weird and shallow, but I seriously am in love with apples. I mentioned my idea to Alex last night and he kind of snickered because...fruit? That's something I'm thankful for? But it is! And I thought it'd be okay when I came up with this concept, because I didn't think I'd sound like such a cheeseball, but that's how it's turning out. Oh well, I can't help it. I'm hopelessly devoted to nature's sweet treats!

Anywayz, I'm thankful that I make enough money and live in a place where I can just waltz into a grocery store and pick up apples, grapes, strawberries, oranges, peaches, and pears. I can't seem to get enough of them, which is good because they are both yummy AND healthy. I also get really excited when I think about how I have an apple waiting for me as a snack every morning. And every time we go to my favorite brunch place, I get the fruit crepes. See? I wasn't kidding! I'm seriously in love with fruit. And I'm sad I already ate my daily apple, because I'd like another one right now. Can anybody out there deliver?

Day 1

In case you haven't noticed, I mainly blog when I feel like bitching. And while it's nice to have this outlet, it's portraying my life in a negative light. And frankly, my life rules. I'm the happiest I've ever been and I feel as though I'm doing the people in my life a disservice to only talk about things that are pissing me off. Plus, it has GOT to be a bummer for y'all to read.

So I'm lightening things up around here. Starting today. I am dedicating the month of the November to thankfulness. I came up with this plan while I was bored at work this morning. While making the new calendar on the white board (a.k.a. spacing out), I thought, "Self, why don't you write a happy post every day this month? OOOH! Let's draw a turkey on the calendar because it's Thanksgiving! Hey! I should write a thankful post everyday!" I even thought, "It's like that thing Leah did once with the posting everyday."

Turns out, that thing she did last year is starting today! Serendipity, ya'll! So I joined up here and posted the badge in the sidebar and there you go. I'm NaBloPoMo-ing it up all month long here at the Sand Palace.

So, back to my plan. I want to write a positive post everyday listing at least one thing for which I am thankful.

So....Day One of Thankfulness NaPoBloMo 2007, here we go!

Alex. My husband. Sound too obvious? Not so fast! Allow me to brag on my husband for a second. I have been out of coffee all week and can't remember for the life of me to buy some while I'm out and about. Last night, right before I fell asleep, I was all, "Ugh. I forgot coffee AGAIN. What the H, yo?" And then this morning, Alex wakes me up and asks if he can make me breakfast and coffee.

Which...that is weird. Alex hates morning. He hates them more than I do, and I hate them A LOT. If we could both somehow work it out to where we didn't have to rise until around 10 am, that'd be great for both of us. Sadly, my job requires me to be there at 8 am, so I am always the first one out of bed. I usually grab a pop tart and throw food at the dogs, all the while cursing about how I hate that I'm always running late. So the fact that Alex was awake and lucid before I had even gotten out of bed was a big deal.

I groggily replied, "Well...no coffee. I'm out." To which he responds, "Yes, yes you do have coffee." He got up early and went to the grocery store and purchased me coffee. Y'all. Amazing. And when I came downstairs? There was scrambled eggs, toast and a cup of coffee waiting for me. Not a bad way to start a morning.

See? My life rules.

P.S. Thanks for the hair color votes! I'm planning on getting it done in the next week or two and I will post pictures of the results then!