Pisces Peach

Mentally Ill

2004-08-23T21:36:00.000-04:00

With an eye on U.S. vote, North Korea rails at Bush

10 out of 10 terrorists agree...Anybody But Bush!

My Presidential Agenda

2004-08-23T19:31:00.000-04:00

Just in case I become President one day, I thought it would be a good idea to go ahead and start planning my agenda. Below is what I'd like to do when I become Prez:

***Majority of post removed due to trolling.*** I simply won't allow it on my blog.

You'll just have to vote for me anyway. Trust me, the world would be a better place for everyone.

Good point, Mom.

2004-08-23T19:10:00.000-04:00

Just want to give my lovely Mom a hat tip here.

We always talk about politics because we agree on everything, and it's a relief to speak with someone with common sense after hearing the blah blah blah that's always coming out of the vile Democrats' mouths.

She mentioned something today that I hadn't thought of.

Dems like to say that President Bush "used his father's status to get into the National Guard" during the Vietnam conflict. Um, no. That's beyond ridiculous. You know why? Because my uncle (Mom's brother) got into the National Guard and he didn't even have a father.

Unconscious...or maybe not

2004-08-22T18:51:00.000-04:00

Olympics: gold medals
Wicked: witch
Intoxicating: wine
Radical: Michael Moore
Misinformed: liberals
Triplets: Sleeping Beauty
Coronation: England
Asimov: Isaac
Contemporary: style
1: first

Go mutter yourself.

Anti-Liberal Rant

2004-08-22T17:14:00.000-04:00

As a Christian, it takes every cell in my body to turn the other cheek when it comes to the pure, outright, blatant evil that is the liberal agenda. Everywhere I go, even in totally nonpolitical arenas, there they are, ruining everything. I belong to several forums online, and I'm not very active in any of them because I just don't have the time, but I do read quite a bit, and "lurk" around. It stuns me how messed up some people are. I mean really. They are so angry, so malicious, so incredibly wicked. As always with liberals, there is their version of the story, and then there's the truth (which is usually the complete opposite of what they believe).

I have to keep reminding myself that they will eventually self-destruct, and that vengeance is not mine, it is the Lord's. But it's just so sad to see them tear down our country, our freedoms, and our rights.

Powerful advertising

2004-08-21T07:59:00.002-04:00

I have always been a sucker for a good commercial. I'm a fool for body lotion, perfumes, restaurants, and many other things. I'm a definite impulse buyer, too.

But there is one group of radio and television commercials out there right now that I just love. And I don't even need their product. It's e-Harmony.com. Have you seen these? I wish Jeff and I could do their personality profile to see how compatible we are. Except for money, driving habits, and animals, we get along great. But those commercials are just so sweet. I hope they have really helped a lot of searching souls find the love of their lives.

I know a few bloggers who might like to try e-Harmony. Come on! Let me know how it goes!

My Election Year Temper

2004-08-21T07:43:00.000-04:00

I can't even watch Fox News anymore, my former favorite television channel ever. Why? Because they are (no matter what those whiny liberals like to have you believe) fair and balanced. Unfortunately, each time they have someone from the right on there, they have to "balance" them with someone from the left. My blood pressure shoots up to the roof each time I hear all of that shrill, harsh, pure propaganda come flying out of the lefty's mouth. Mom says they act like that because they know they're going to lose and they're desperate. I agree, but that doesn't help the fact that I'm amazed at how they can lie so often and keep a straight face. It infuriates me.

Oh yeah, now I remember

2004-08-20T15:50:00.000-04:00

My temporary brain lapse has apparently ended. I now remember why I hate my job.

Because I do all of the work.

Thank God it's Friday.

More media spin

2004-08-18T19:36:00.000-04:00

The dishonesty of the media absolutely astonishes me. This is the #2 headline on Yahoo right now: "Top GOP Lawmaker: Iraq war a mistake"

However, this "top GOP lawmaker" is none other than Representative Doug Bereuter of Nebraska. I have never heard of this person until today, and I'm someone who can identify the voice of many congressmen or congresswomen on TV or radio without even seeing their face.

It just baffles me that the media can get by with crap like this. Now, if Senate Majority leader Bill Frist or Speaker Dennis Hastert came out and said something like this, then the headline "Top GOP Lawmaker" would be justified. Little Dougie from Nebraska, who only has 2 weeks left in the House anyway, just can't be considered a top GOP anything. Not in the real world, anyway.

Another handmade piece of art(?)

2004-08-18T15:16:00.000-04:00

Here's a bookmark I made. What do you think?

Job requirements

2004-08-18T12:39:00.000-04:00

While looking in the classifieds for a job for Jeff, I came upon this sentence in one of the ads:

"Must have a valid driver's license, a reliable & insured vehicle & a working brain."

That cracks me up!

Sick = Yuck

2004-08-16T22:56:00.000-04:00

At the risk of sounding like my hypochondriac co-worker, I feel terrible. My head hurts and feels like it's full of water, my nose is runny, my throat is scratchy, and I'm generally achy all over. Eew.

An Olympic-Sized Thank You

2004-08-14T10:47:00.000-04:00

This picture from last night's Olympics opening ceremony speaks volumes to me. The men in green are from Iraq. And you know who the guys in navy blue are.

You're welcome. More than welcome.

Hurricane Charley Destruction

2004-08-14T09:49:00.000-04:00

My prayers go out to everyone affected by the turmoil that Hurricane Charley has caused. It breaks my heart to see homes that have been lost, and now they are saying quite a few lives have been lost as well. I hope that a sense of community and sharing will help the people of southwestern Florida overcome this disaster.

Long lost friend

2004-08-12T20:58:00.000-04:00

Today is my friend Larissa's birthday. She's 27 today. We were bestest friends in high school and up until a few years ago. She moved to Australia and we lost touch. I miss her.

Macaroni makes me happy

2004-08-12T20:23:00.000-04:00

Does macaroni & cheese make you happy? It soothes my soul. I'm making some right now. But Jeff and I are going on a serious diet on Monday. Seriously. We're going to do it this time. No more eating baked fish one day and then going out for pizza the next day. Nope. It's healthy healthy healthy all the way. My first goal: lose 10 pounds by October 1. No more macaroni for a while.

I've been watching the progress of Hurricane Charley. I've just always been amazed at the power of Mother Nature. Jeff is going to Chicago tomorrow, and his flight is fine as far as we know (out of Atlanta). But his friend Eric, who was flying out of Tampa, has to drive up to Atlanta tonight because his flight has been cancelled. Hate that for him. Waah.

Tonight is supposed to be the Perseid meteor shower. I'm hoping to get to catch a couple of falling stars. Well, not literally. That would hurt.

Fed up with it

2004-08-11T21:46:00.000-04:00

What the heck makes people think it's okay to kill their own children and call it "choice"?!?!! I've just been doing some Internet surfing today, and I've seen some incredible comments by some feminist wackos who are downright giddy about the fact that it's legal to murder babies.

I just don't get it.

It's time for those of us who believe in the sanctity of life to stand up for what's right and quit letting these evil, evil people take over everything. We've let it go on for too long already.

Important information

2004-08-11T21:13:00.000-04:00

Just in case you care about our national security: Call for Sandy Berger to be charged with treason

Neighborly Love

2004-08-10T20:21:00.000-04:00

Okay, so the title of this post is a little sarcastic.

I'm getting a little bit tired of living next to my in-laws. To be fair, I think they have been quite tolerable up until just recently. However, they seem to be getting a tad bolder with their comments, opinions, and visits. Jeff promised me when we decided to live here that they would leave us alone. And I have no reason to doubt his promises to me. But it's not Jeff - it's them.

I'm not going to blog too much about it, because I tend to be too negative here already. Let's just suffice it to say that it would be a dream come true if we get to move one day. I don't want to be too far away from either set of parents, but definitely more than walking distance (okay, a lot more than walking distance).

I don't want to be a flip-flop

2004-08-09T21:12:00.000-04:00

In my lifelong quest to be the exact polar opposite of a liberal, I proudly made a firm decision last week. A fairly important one, at that. And I'm going to stick to it.

I'm not going to be a medical transcriptionist.

I am going to stay in my current position (yes, the one I've been complaining about for months) and do my best.

I have worked too hard, sacrificed too much time, and well, I like where I'm at. I took a long, deep look at my career choices, and I came to the conclusion that I'm really blessed to have my job (no matter how many petty things I can find wrong with the company and my co-workers). Jeff asked me what made me change my mind. I replied, "I thought the grass was greener on the other side, but when I got right up to the fence, I was afraid to jump over." Even more than just that - I turned around and saw that I was already in a beautiful meadow. Sure, it has some unexpected holes and a dead tree here and there, but I really couldn't ask for a better job, or a better salary, at my age.

So I talked to my manager this morning and let her know that I want to work toward becoming a specialist. She was very excited that I had decided to stay, and I believe she was sincere in her reaction. I hope so, anyway. I should get a promotion by next March. Not too long. And the best part is: she's going to take some of my accounts away so I'll have more time to devote to other projects.

I can't even describe the relief I feel at having made this decision. I don't know why I put myself through so much undue stress over things like this; I guess it's just the way I am.

Prayers for a soldier

2004-08-08T17:58:00.000-04:00

This morning at church, our pastor announced that one of our members, Derrick, has received his call to go to Iraq. He's in the Reserves, and it's his turn to serve. At the end of the service, after the invitation and a baptism, Derrick and his family (a wife and three precious kids) went to the altar, and many of us gathered around them to pray for them. It was a pretty powerful moment.

I am so thankful for those like Derrick who, when their country calls, they go with their head held high. The work we are doing in Iraq to spread democracy in freedom may seem tedious at times, even futile some days. But I know in my heart that we are doing the right thing. May God bless this country and all the soldiers, past, present, and future, who sacrifice their time and sometimes their lives so that we can continue to enjoy the priceless freedom we love so much.

Unconscious Mutterings

2004-08-08T13:05:00.000-04:00

Sting - bee
BMW - "Beemer"
Jeremy - guy I went to school with
Audacious - bold
Drag Queen gross
Title - name
Stamp - of approval
Bad - evil
Snow White - cartoon
Delegate - campaign

Go mutter yourself.

He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is Named

2004-08-06T23:20:00.000-04:00

This is some very cool Harry Potter Movie news. Ralph is one of my faves.

Feast Eleven

2004-08-06T08:54:00.000-04:00

Appetizer
Who are 3 actors/actresses that you think are totally overrated?
George Clooney, Keanu Reeves, and Julia Roberts

Soup
Admit something. Anything.
I like the way my feet smell. Weird, I know.

Salad
If you could take back one thing you've said in your life, what would it be?
Can it only be one thing? I've said so many stupid things. I really can't just pick one, and even if I could, I probably wouldn't write it in here. It would most likely be something I said to my mom when I was a teenager.

Main Course
What symbol would best represent your personality?
Lately - probably a sword. I've been so mean lately. But overall, probably a leaf.

Dessert
Choose a free gift: a daily back massage, dinner at a restaurant twice per week, or a brand new book twice per month.
This is difficult to choose. I would most likely pick a brand new book twice per month, because I know that I can always con Jeff into giving me a back rub or taking me out to eat.

Chow down on some delicious brain food at Friday's Feast!

What's up with this funky mood?

2004-08-04T22:56:00.000-04:00

I am beginning to wonder if this strange, depressing mood that I have been in lately is permanent. I think I will snap out of it once I finally get my computer, which should be Friday. Until then, I guess I'll just walk around with a sour look on my face.

On a brighter note, I'm finally a member over at Nervousness. I'm pretty excited about it. It's definitely a way for me to keep my creative juices flowing. I'll be sure and post some of my work as I sign up to participate in more projects. I created a really neat birthday gift for another member - I hope she will like it. I thought it was cool and would love to receive something like that as a surprise birthday present. By the way, my birthday is March 16th, and I like chocolate.

I realized this evening that I can't go to my dentist appointment tomorrow. I have to premedicate with penicillin because my doctor "thought" he heard a heart murmur years ago. Ever heard of Lewis Grizzard? He had a heart murmur, and dentist work caused bacteria to enter his blood stream and attacked his heart valves. I totally forgot that I needed to get a prescription for the penicillin. That's okay, though - I dread dentist appointments anyway. And I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I've been getting the itch to play online games again. I really don't have time to do this, and I should really be exercising or cooking healthy foods or something. Or even just doing some ironing. But oh well. Gaming is so much more fun, and life is short.

Someone call a doctor

2004-08-04T11:53:00.000-04:00

I just wish you could hear the disgusting noises that come out of the woman who sits in the cube diagonal to mine. I'm not exaggerating - it sounds like there is a horse standing in her cube snorting and hawking and choking. She really, really needs to figure out what is causing that and get something to stop it. Gross!

I'm back with bells on

2004-08-03T08:07:00.000-04:00

Okay, so maybe I'm not that chipper. But I am back.

I saw over at GeekGrrl that she mentioned having a "mid-geek crisis." I think I was going through something similar. I just could not make myself blog for a few days. It's like it was the least important thing on earth. Well, I'm over it now. My life is still pretty uneventful, and I don't have anything fantastic or significant to write about, but at least I'm back in the mood.

Here's an update on the last week or so of my life:

Job Situation - I am expecting to receive a computer via FedEx either tomorrow or Thursday. Once I get it set up and running, I have to call technical support so they can test the connection with my DSL provider. If all goes well with that (please, Lord, please), then I can turn in my notice the next day. I will probably work out a full 2-week notice, but it all depends on when they set up my training for my new job. I'm very excited about the whole thing. It's going to be extremely new and definitely challenging, but I'm up for it. I am ready for something different.

Family - On Saturday, we went to a celebration for Jeff's cousin who just graduated from the police academy. It was fun, but it made me question whether or not I have the patience to be a mother. His cousin's wife has this little girl who is just unbelievably rude for a 5-year-old. Of course, the mother has a lot to do with the reason the kid acts that way. She never punishes her for anything. At one time, she (the little kid) wanted to say something, and she shouted "Shhhh!!!!" at the person who was talking. You should have seen the look my mother-in-law shot her. I would have laughed if I didn't think it was so disrespectful. This is why I question my ability to raise a child. If my child did something like that, off to the bathroom we would go, and they wouldn't be able to sit down on their little bum for at least a few hours. I guess I'm naive, but I really don't think my child would do things like that. At least not more than once.

Health - I'm getting tired of being chubby. But along with my no-blog mood, I've been going through a lazy streak as well. Once I get over that I plan to get down to the business of losing some weight. I just love food so much, it's really an addiction of sorts. It's getting to the point of have-to-do-something-or-I-will-have-to-have-heart-surgery-by-the-time-I'm-40. And I don't want that for myself, and I don't want that for my family to have to worry about. Plus, I saw a girl I used to go to church with at the grocery store the other day. She had lost about 120 pounds. If she can lose 120, I can lose 20.

So very not in the mood

2004-07-29T09:10:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry that I haven't been posting as much as usual. I am just so not in the mood to blog. Life just seems to be taking up a lot of time. Job offers, Jeff being gone on trips, funerals (Jeff's great uncle died), family reunions, migraines, and just trying to function -- it all just seems so big right now. And from surfing around, it looks like I'm not the only one who is in no-blog mode. It must be the summer heat?

Halloween in July

2004-07-26T11:57:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more of my Artist Trading Cards:

Unlikely Witch

Boo Pumpkin

Autumn Notions

Catching up

2004-07-25T10:40:00.000-04:00

Sorry that I haven't been updating my blog for a few days. I've been pretty busy. I cleaned my house from top to bottom on Friday while I was off from work. I did, however, leave the vacuuming for Jeff to do; I didn't want him to feel left out.

Yesterday, we went to my Dad's side of the family reunion. It was nice to get to see everyone, especially the babies. But I'm just not as close to them as I am to my Mom's side. They're just not as sweet and loving. They are fake sweet, and I don't have much respect for people like that.

I've also had a lot of thinking to do about my job future. Right now I'm trying to decide what, if anything, to tell my current manager. I don't want to burn any bridges. I'm about 99.8% sure that I want to take the job offer that was given to me on Thursday. If/when I do accept the offer, there is still a chance that I won't be able to work for them (something about my DSL provider - it has to work with their system for me to be able to send/receive files).

So here's my plan: I'm going to accept the offer, and then when I get their computer and if it works with my DSL, I will speak with my manager. What it really comes down to is my curiosity to see if they're even willing to try to keep me. Hopefully I'll be able to get all of this finalized by Wednesday or Thursday. One of the aspects of my personality is that I can't stand not knowing what's right around the corner. It drives me to insanity.

Jeff will be back from San Diego this evening. I am looking forward to spending some time with him tonight.

For now I will end with this week's Friday's Feast.

Appetizer
Name something you've done that made you feel guilty.
Unfortunately, there are so many. Some from childhood, some from just last week. In general, I can be rather unpleasant to be around at times. I don't mean to be, but I can get a really bad attitude when I let myself, and I know it's probably no fun for my parents and husband to have to tolerate.

Soup
If you could get rid of one piece of furniture in your house, what would it be, and what would you put in its place?
Without a doubt, it would be my big, ugly, uncomfortable green recliner. I'd replace it with a new recliner - probably something with really nice leather.

Salad
Imagine you've won a contest to be a featured guest on any television sitcom or drama show. On which one would you want to be a guest star?
I don't watch a whole lot of television shows, but I do love Frasier. It's over now, though, so maybe I could be on the Frasier spin-off whenever it gets started.

Main Course
Create a cereal. Tell us what you'd name it and what ingredients would be included.
JummyYum. It would include granola, banana chips, raisins, and almonds.

Dessert
Describe the most memorable night of your life so far.
I guess that would have to be my wedding night. That's all I'll say about that.

Good things come to those who wait.

2004-07-22T21:54:00.000-04:00

I got a job offer today!

I am ecstatic. I am thrilled. I am proud of myself. I am nervous. I am anxious. I have just been offered a nice job with the #8 company in Georgia. This is what I have been looking forward to for 6 months.

I have until Monday to make my final decision and call the recruiter back (who is great, by the way - very helpful and friendly). I was especially elated when she told me that, since my test was so great, they were going to offer me more $. That's always nice.

There are only 2 cons that I can see at this point. And don't get on to me for always being negative, it's just my nature.

#1) I will have to work the 3rd shift, at least for a while.
I must admit, this will be a huge change in my life. Sunday-Thursday 11pm-7am. I would work at night and then sleep during the day from like 8-4. (But, Jeff loves this idea because I could have dinner on the table for him when he got home.)

#2) I currently have 24 days of paid time off per year. My new job offers none until you've been with them for a year.
Of course, being at home, I wouldn't really need a whole lot of vacation. And I would still be able to take weekend trips with Jeff as long as I was home by Sunday @ 11:00. It's just hard to let all of that time just go...

So this is my plan. I'm going to check on a few more things tomorrow, and then I will talk with my current manager. I will lay it out on the table for her and give her a chance to make up for the past 4 years of crap I've had to take from that company. They could keep me if they wanted to. They just have to make a deal.

Well, I'm pooped, so I'm gonna go crash. I will definitely post job updates as I know more. But for now, I'm very satisfied and thankful that I have this decision to make. Praise the Lord for giving me an opportunity I don't deserve.

Jenna, you rock.

2004-07-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've always liked her, I think she's spunky, smart and sweet. This just proves it:

Jenna Bush sticking her tongue out at the media.

It's 7:30am

2004-07-21T07:31:00.000-04:00

...and my brain is still asleep, but I wanted to post something anyway.

I have been spending lots of time on a new site, Nervousness.org. No, I'm not having mental problems (although that may be considered questionable by some). Nervousness.org is an awesome site where artists get together and swap art. What I'm really interested in right now are the Artist Trading Cards (ATCs), two of my creations are posted below. What I'm running into, however, is a lack of inspiration. Well, not inspiration, really, but materials. I see all of these neato ATCs that other people have done (there are tons of web sites out there dedicated to ATCs - google it and see for yourself if you'd like to know more). I went to Hobby Lobby last night and got just a few things, but I still need more stuff to be able to create the quality ATCs that I want to. And money is just not there right now.

I haven't posted this yet, but Jeff did get an infamous pink envelope last Friday, so he will be unemployed as of October 1st if he doesn't find something else within the company, or outside the company, before then. But they gave him a raise, and a nice one at that. Which is more of an insult than anything, in my opinion. "Here - we'll let you have a little bit of the money we promised you 2 years ago, but you only get it for 2 months." Gee - how generous, how ethical.

As for my job search, it's still going strong...I'm just having trouble being patient waiting for recruiters to call me with information or an offer. I can see that my current job is never going to get any better, so I just want out.

I've always wanted everything n-o-w, even if it ends up being the wrong time for me to have whatever it is. I usually have to learn my lessons the hard way. Hopefully as I get older, I'll get wiser, too.

My new obsession

2004-07-19T22:40:00.000-04:00

I have found my craft. Here are some samples of my first attempt at making Artist Trading Cards (ATC). The theme, if you can't tell, is Red, White, & Blue:

Weird? Maybe. Fun? Heck yeah!

Feeling crafty

2004-07-18T19:03:00.000-04:00

For a couple of weeks, I've been wanting to get my hands into something crafty. I do cross-stitch, and I've dabbled in collage, painting, drawing, etc. But I want to do something different and whimsical. Any suggestions, my talented and creative readers?

Muttering Along

2004-07-18T10:10:00.000-04:00

Nostalgia - reminisce
Irreplaceable - my blanket
Odd - strange
James Spader - Who?
Flamboyant - gay
Intense heat
Simple - easy
Septic - tank
Ton - 2,000 lbs
Turkey - Thanksgiving

(All done muttering!)

Feast Eight

2004-07-17T15:44:00.000-04:00

Okay, so it's a day late. It's my meme, and I have that right.

Appetizer
Make a sentence using the letters of your favorite color. (Example: BLUE - Bob loves using eggs.)
RED = Really, eat dirt.

Soup
If you were to be stranded on a deserted island and could only have one CD to listen to, which one would you want it to be?
Josh Groban's Closer.

Salad
How many people have you kissed in your lifetime?
Um, if you're my mother reading this, then 3 (you, Daddy, and Jeff). If you're not my mother, then it's really more like 20. At least. Heh.

Main Course
Someone offers to give you $2 million, but says you can only have it if you will give half of it to charity. Which good cause would you donate the $1 million to?
National Right to Life.

Dessert
What would you like to name your next pet?
Napoleon. Even though my next pet is likely to be a fish. My animal-hating husband still won't let me have a puppy.

Some really sobering, scary stuff

2004-07-15T22:39:00.000-04:00

Terror in the Skies, Again?

Apparently, and rather obviously, they still want to kill us. While Whoopi is making insane, drunken, disgusting comments about our President, while Scott Peterson's trial is the #1 talked-about news story this year, and while liberals bicker about whether or not Hill should be allowed to talk at the convention of crazies, more freakazoids from the Middle East are planning on killing us. WAKE UP, AMERICA!

(Thanks to Ith for posting this. I'm still freaked, too.)

A long but encouraging day

2004-07-15T20:51:00.000-04:00

Work. I've grumbled and griped about it. I've dreaded it. I've abhored it. And my attitude hasn't changed. I still hate it, and probably in a worse way. But I think I can see the light at the end of this long, tired tunnel.

Even though I have sent out 11 resumes and initial emails and only received 5 responses, I am encouraged. I tested for one company last night and passed. I sent applications and resumes to two more companies, and I'm waiting to hear back from them to see if they want me to take their test. A recruiter from my #1 choice called today and wanted me to submit my application online (so I did, of course). So what this comes down to is that I'm out there, and they know I want a job. Now I just have to be patient (not at all easy for me!) and they will figure out how great I am (and willing to work hard, I might add!) and I will have a new job. A job that I can be proud of. A job that I will enjoy. Gosh, I can't wait.

My Next Diet: Slim-Fast

2004-07-14T19:37:00.000-04:00

Yes, you sure are!

The next time I want to lose a few pounds, I will now give Slim-Fast a try. Kudos to them for shedding some of their unsightly excess.

I'm having a bad day.

2004-07-14T14:08:00.000-04:00

There are so many separate things that are bothering me today. I just have to let them out.

1) The Internet is not working right - not here at work and not at home, either.
Am I the only one having these problems? It's so frustrating. Especially when you've sent out emails to prospective employers, and you can't even check your inbox! RRR!

2) I'm impatient.
I have only received one response from the 8 companies so far. Do people not realize that people want a prompt response? I mean, I understand people are busy, but all they have to do is hit "reply" and let me know what the next step in the process is, which would take 45 seconds max.

3) Something's wrong with my blog.
It's not supposed to look like this. This may have something to do with #1. Roar.

4) My job.
My heart's just not in it anymore. I just don't feel like dealing with any of it anymore.

5) I'm worried about humanity.
Often, the injustices and outright vindictiveness of some situations really get me down. I know I shouldn't let it. I have no control over it, and I trust God to take care of the big picture. But when so many sins are rampantly plaguing my country, I can't help but wonder why things are the way they are. Why do those of us who know what's right, who know that some things about this country are severely wrong - why do we do nothing about it? Why do we let a vocal, rabid minority take over our precious country, for which so many have given their lives? Why? I'm afraid that if we don't do something - anything - and soon, we might just lose our freedoms, and we'd only have ourselves to blame.

6) God has such a funny sense of humor.
While I was writing this, my email popped up and have another message from another recruiter. They have no openings for entry-level transcriptionists, but are willing to let me test with them to see how I do anyway. Okay, God - I hear you. I'll quit griping and moaning and let things happen when they're supposed to.

Bragging on my hubbylove

2004-07-13T12:28:00.000-04:00

Relic hunters unearth gold, silver coins atop White Oak Mountain

The above is a link to an article my hubbylove wrote recently. Just wanted to show off!

Monday Madness

2004-07-12T21:56:00.000-04:00

True or False:

1. I like my job.
Okay, you know this one is a big, fat FALSE. But that's about to change.

2. I find time to 'smell the flowers' so to speak.
In a way, that is true. Lately, however, I'm more inclined to find time to 'smell the coffee'.

3. I have no problem thinking of things to write about in my blog.
True. But most of the time, it's useless blah blah blah.

4. 'Organization' is my middle name!
I'd like to think this is true. I pride myself on being organized, but sometimes I can't find stuff. It depends on if I care about it or not. I always know where my cross-stitching stuff and my books are.

5. If 'Plan A' doesn't work, there's always a 'Plan B.'
True and false. I usually try to have plans C, D, ..., and Z if possible.

6. I adjust easily to new surroundings.
Usually true. I don't like change, but I accept it when needed.

7. I'd rather work 'behind the scenes' than 'in the spotlight.'
Very, very true.

8. I'm happy where I am, at this point in my life.
Slightly true. I wish we had more money and that we both had stable, established jobs.

9. I can wake up in the morning without an alarm clock.
Usually true. If I've gone to bed early enough the night before.

10. I can function pretty well on less than 8 hours of sleep.
True. I would be dead if I couldn't...I usually get 6-7 hours if I'm lucky.

(Follow the madness.)

Sweltering Summer Stickiness

2004-07-12T21:51:00.000-04:00

It's 9:54pm and the current temperature here in the swampy South is 83 degrees with 79% humidity. You can almost actually breathe the water in the air. Uck. Our power bill is sure to be ghastly this month.

A must see

2004-07-11T19:24:00.000-04:00

No matter your political affiliation, you must see this hilarious little clip:

Bush & Kerry Sing "This Land is My Land"

(It takes a while to load, but it's completely worth it!)

Unconscious Mutterings

2004-07-11T09:02:00.000-04:00

Crippling - debilitating
Tough - strong
Slinky - metal coil toy that never worked
Slogan - jingle
Stuffed - olives
Instructions - directions
Expletive - &*#%!
Cartoon - Powerpuff Girls
Toddler - screaming
Insinuation - accusation

(Go get you some mutters.)

There's a reason for my blog name...

2004-07-09T18:51:00.000-04:00

Discover your Zodiac Personality @ Quiz Me

(Thanks to Jennifer and Rachel for recommending this one!)

I did it!

2004-07-09T17:22:00.000-04:00

I am now a graduate of M-TEC and a certified Medical Language Specialist. I graduated with a GPA of 95%.

Next comes the job search. I've got about 50 questions to ask any recruiter I come in contact with, so I hope there are some patient ones out there! I have some "musts" on my list, but at this point, I will take just about anything as long as it meets some specific requirements. With any luck, I'll have a job lined up sometime in the next 2 weeks. You, my fellow bloggers, will be the 4th to know. (Sorry you can't be the first - as much as I love this blog, it still comes after my hubby and parents.)

I will probably be practicing a whole lot this weekend. The more "in the zone" I am when I start testing, the better. Wish me luck!

Blogoparanoia

2004-07-09T17:00:00.000-04:00

Do you ever visit other blogs and wonder if they just might be talking about you?

Feast Seven

2004-07-09T15:30:00.000-04:00

Appetizer
If you were a color, which color would you be, and why?
I'm pretty sure I'd be red. I'm passionate, fiery, and romantic.

Soup
When was the last time you went to the doctor, and what was your reason for going?
Today, actually. I had some tests done to check out my chest pain and some strange bloating after I eat. Take my word for it: Upper GI tests are not fun. They don't hurt, but that stuff you have to drink is just horrendous. The same radiologist who did my upper GI also did my HSG last January (the absolute worst pain I've ever been in). I wanted to say "Hello Dr. Evil," but I didn't.

Salad
What do you collect?
If you ask my husband, he's sure to say "Anything that costs money." But seriously, I collect books, Precious Moments figurines, refrigerator magnets, and bookmarks. Oh, and stickers and stationery, and pens.

Main Course
What were you like in high school? Name one thing you miss and one thing you don't miss about those days. (If you're still there, imagine how you'll remember it in the future.)
I was in the band, so most people probably considered me to be a nerd. I was extremely proud, however, to be in the band. I even had a bumper sticker that said, "It's Okay - I'm With the Band." I got made so much fun of for that, but I didn't care then and I really don't care now. What do I miss? Band. What don't I miss? The competition between girls - I got stabbed in the back so many times. That's probably why I don't have many friends now.

Dessert
Pretend you're standing in front of your home, with your back towards your home. Describe the view - what can you see? Trees? Cars? A zoo? Wal-Mart?
I have a pretty nice view, if you delete the fact that my across-the-road neighbors are drug dealers. I say that only half-jokingly. They have cars coming and going at all hours of the day and night - very strange, because only a middle-aged couple live there. Anyway, back to the view. I have several oak trees across the road, which I love to watch sway in the wind. I have a couple of small trees in our yard, and I'll be glad when they get larger and more substantial.

(Friday's Feast is waiting for you to eat it up!)

Revealing further proof of evil

2004-07-08T10:38:00.000-04:00

CNN is reporting that al Qaeda may be planning a terror attack in order to influence the upcoming Presidential election.

Now...put on your thinking cap and consider what this means.

The terrorists want John Kerry to be our president. Why? Because they know he would not fight them. It would be extremely helpful to their fanatical agenda to have a liberal in the oval office. Kerry won't fight for our safety. President Bush will, and has proven that he will, no matter what the stupid media tries to make us believe.

Wake up, America. These animals want us dead. All of us. Not just Republicans. Not just Democrats. Not just men. Not just women. All of us. Everything about our country is under attack. Our freedoms, liberties, justice, rights - everything. Remember that when you go to vote on November 2nd.

This is funny.

2004-07-08T08:04:00.000-04:00

We got our ~~jokes~~ raises yesterday. Everyone on our team got 3%. So apparently, even if you do 800 times the work that some people do, you still get the same amount of "merit" increase to your salary.

Yesterday morning I admitted to my husband that I have cold feet about getting a new job. Let's just say that after receiving the ~~insult~~ raise yesterday afternoon, my feet got toasty warm.

Thursday Threesome

2004-07-08T08:01:00.000-04:00

Onesome: Not so much-- --to do now that school is out for the students? ...or maybe a little too much to do for those student's parental units? What are you up to this July? Back for Summer Sessions? ...off to the beach? ...headed out on a weekend adventure?
I'm not doing much of anything besides studying this summer. We did go to Washington, DC, though, so that was fun. But right now I'm concentrating on my upcoming company testing. I practiced some last night, and it was depressing. I'll probably be spending most of my weekend getting ready for next week. I hope to start testing on Monday.

Twosome: easy as-- Pie? Sure, how about your favorite pie? ...and hey, homemade versus store bought! Would you rather have Mom's Apple Pie or head on over to Marie C's for a slice of heaven there?
Nothing beats my mother's peach cobbler. Nothing.

Threesome: addicted-- Okay, what is it you are addicted to, that element of your life you simply cannot do without. Reading? The Net? Little porcelain dolls? Oh, yeah: Money? Nah, make it something you'd spend your spare change on...
I love to read, and cross-stitch, but I'd have to say that lately, I'm addicted to my blog (especially the changing of colors and designs). Sometimes I think I spend way too much time and energy on this thing, but I love it, so that's all that really matters.

(questions by The Terrific Thursday Threesome)

Yay for Flappy Birds!

2004-07-07T08:42:00.000-04:00

Today I am a Flappy Bird! Woohooo for flappy birds!

Doctor visits suck

2004-07-06T20:30:00.000-04:00

I spent 4 hours at the doctor's today. But, the grand prize after all was said and done was that I got to spend a whole 10 minutes of those 4 hours with my doctor. How delightful.

Each time I visit one of my docs (I have two because I'm extra special) I realize just how bad our healthcare system is. Granted, I know it could be worse. We could be like Canada where people are dying waiting for a rather simple heart surgery. However, I see many things that could be improved upon. For example, why aren't there enough doctors in the relatively small area of Catoosa/Walker counties here in northwest Georgia? There were at least 100 people coming in and out of that waiting room today, and that is not an exaggeration.

Anyway, the outcome is that I have to go for some tests. Not even related to my ear infection, mind you. I mentioned the occasional chest pain I have when I lay down, and now I have to go have an upper GI and an EKG done. Whee. That'll be another 4 hours waiting around for nothing.

I did, at least, get to have my cholesterol checked (after fasting all darn day). So I should have the results of that soon. Even though I'm just 26, it will make me feel better to know what my levels are. My whole father's family has heart disease, so I'm hoping I have enough of my mom's blood to keep it flowing freely for the next several decades.

Happy Birthday, Dubya

2004-07-06T12:14:00.000-04:00

Happy 58th Birthday to one of my favorite men on earth, President George W. Bush.

Ow.

2004-07-04T22:17:00.000-04:00

I have an ear infection, and it hurts. No, it doesn't just hurt. It feels like a needle stabbing through my eardrum. Over and over. Perhaps I should quit using these:

Waaaaaah. Hurts so bad.

Backyard at sunset

2004-07-04T12:10:00.000-04:00

Occasionally, when the sun is setting, my backyard takes on these gorgeous colors. As we celebrate the precious independence of the land that we love, I thought I'd share with you a picture of my little piece of the land that I love.

Unconscious Mutterings

2004-07-04T10:52:00.000-04:00

Resignation - job
Coupling - uh, mating
Grounded - stable
Habit - quirk
Chainsaw - massacre
Rental - house
Deleted - file
Online personals - eHarmony
Penguin - arctic
Offend - dems

(You know you want to.)

Music and Emotions

2004-07-02T23:41:00.000-04:00

Does music touch your soul? Can you feel it move your inner self? Those may sound like strange questions to anyone who hasn't experienced the faster heartbeat, the inspired visions, and the sheer exhiliration that music arouses in some of us.

I have been surrounded by music my entire life. I'm very thankful that my parents shared music with me from a very early age. My father taught me how to play Jingle Bells on the organ when I was 3 years old. Ever since, I've been addicted to the beautiful thing that is melody.

When I was in high school, I played in the marching, concert, and jazz bands. They all three stirred different emotions, but the one that stands out the most was pride. I will never, ever forget the feeling that rushed through my soul the minute I first stepped out onto the football field at halftime. We had spent practically 3 months getting that show ready - 3 months of long, hard, sweaty, rather grueling summer afternoons. And when it was finally time to show our stuff, we did just that. And it just got better and better at every game and contest where we performed. My senior year, when I was an officer of the band (yes, I'm proud of this even still - I was a total band nerd, okay?), we won all Superior ratings at the Mid-South Band Festival. Of course, my band usually received all Superior ratings, but that year it was special, and especially bittersweet. I could cry now as I recall that cherished memory.

But back to my point. When you listen to certain music, do you feel like it changes you somehow, temporarily even? There are particular songs, soundtracks, and singers who make me feel like I could soar, or stretch, or even save the world.

There's just something about music that, for me, mends and soothes the broken and tired soul.

Feast Six

2004-07-02T09:18:00.000-04:00

Appetizer
Name a board game you enjoy playing (Scrabble? Monopoly? Trivial Pursuit?) What's fun about it? Do you change the rules or go by the book?
Trivial Pursuit has always been a favorite of mine, but my father and I have always played all kinds of board games ever since I was little. Candy Land is the first one I remember playing, and my parents tell me that I used to stack the deck so I would draw a special card. I was sneaky even at the age of 3!

Soup
How's the weather been in your area lately? Hot and dry? Wet and muggy? Stormy? Beautiful?
It has been so dreary, rainy, and cloudy here for the past 2 weeks. We had 5 inches of rain last week, and 3 inches so far this week. The ground was dry, though, so at least it's not flooding. It's supposed to keep raining on and off for the next few days. I briefly saw the blue sky this morning through a broken cloud, and I told Jeff, "Look, honey! The sky is still there, and it's blue! I had almost forgot what it looks like!"

Salad
Do you consider yourself an emotional person? What types of emotions do you experience most often?
I am extremely emotional. Too emotional. I get angry about once an hour. I know, that's terrible, but it's true. If I didn't have a sense of right and wrong and my intelligence to back me up, I'd probably be a liberal, walking around ticked off at the world all of the time. Other than anger, I can cry at the drop of a dime, especially when I'm picking out birthday cards for my parents or husband.

Main Course
List 3 songs you've been listening to recently. Are these songs from a different category of music than you usually choose, or are you devoted to a certain type of tunes?
Josh Turner - Long Black Train
Dido - White Flag
Toby Keith - I Love This Bar
I have an eclectic taste in music, so I go back and forth between genres quite frequently.

Dessert
What's on your refrigerator door? Magnets? Your child's drawings? Photos? Calendars?
We collect magnets from places we visit, so I have all of those on my fridge. There are also several pictures of President Bush, and a few appointment cards here and there.

(You. Are. Getting. Hungry. Feed yourself!)

N(e)o Surprise Here

2004-07-01T21:44:00.000-04:00

According to the Neocon Quiz, I am officially a Neoconservative (and quite proud of it, might I add).

Neoconservatives

-Want the US to be the world's unchallenged superpower
-Share unwavering support for Israel
-Support American unilateral action
-Support preemptive strikes to remove perceived threats to US security
-Promote the development of an American empire
-Equate American power with the potential for world peace
-Seek to democratize the Arab world
-Push regime change in states deemed threats to the US or its allies

Historical neoconservative: President Teddy Roosevelt
Modern neoconservative: President Ronald Reagan

Some interesting news today

2004-07-01T19:55:00.001-04:00

I try to post intriguing headlines from time to time. Here are today's, along with a few of my comments/opinions:

NBC Embarrassed by Saddam Court Appearance
The liberal media would much rather you see Katie's tooshie prancing around playing badminton than the opening of Saddam's trial, which is vivid proof and justification of the war on terror.

Coach K in 'serious discussions' with Lakers
Say it ain't so, Coach Krzyzewski! You are so much better than the Lakers! Duke is your home, and you won't look good in purple and yellow. Blue is your color!

Strong Employment Report Expected
Eat this for dinner, you dirty dems! Mwahahahhah!

Reaping what they've sown

2004-06-30T11:54:00.000-04:00

We just found out that hubbylove's job is most likely going to be eliminated as of October 1st. We work at the same company, if I haven't mentioned that before, and we both dislike it equally. There are currently 57 employees in his department. On October 1st, there will be 17. That's a 70% cut. And we're pretty sure that Jeff's job will be one of the ones eliminated since he is not sleeping with a manager and he is not a backstabber.

But they tell us my department's jobs are safe. Whatever.

This is not a surprise, however; when a company loses $900 million over the course of 6 months, it is to be expected.

Time for a little horn tootin'

2004-06-29T23:15:00.000-04:00

Two things occurred today which did wonders for my self-esteem.

1) Since anything positive so rarely transpires in my current position as the National Crap-Taker, I want to share some pleasingly kind words sent from a Vice President of a very well-known insurance company to my managers:

Rich,

Just a quick note to let you know how well Susan is doing regarding handling all the council inquiries. She is very responsive and right on the money with her information and it is very surprising given the short amount of time she had to learn the new position with (said company). Please let her supervisor know.

Thanks.
Bob

I took over this account (along with several others, I must note) back in March. June is the end of this company's credit year, and I have been handling about 80 requests a day (as compared to a normal amount of 2 or 3 per day). The only sad part about this is that I won't get to reap the benefits of my hard work. Oh, wait...I almost forgot...I've been working this hard for 4 straight years with no reward! I digress...

2) After 6 seemingly long months of studying, I have completed my Pre-Employment test at M-TEC. I will be turning it in tomorrow evening, so I should have my certificate/diploma/thingamagig within 8-10 days. That means I will be free to apply for jobs. And that means I will soon be free from the burden that is my present job. I know that I'm in for some scary days ahead, but also some very personally and professionally rewarding days.

If any of you, my beloved readers, think you can't accomplish something... change your mind. You can do it. If I can, anyone can. I'm the laziest person I know - seriously - and I have achieved two of my life goals within the last 15 months. Just put your mind to it, whatever it may be for you, and go for it. You'll feel so much better when it's over.

And now...on to the diet that I've been trying to start for the last 4 years!

I'm psycho

2004-06-28T18:26:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had a totally crazy thought go through your mind?

I was just sitting here at my computer desk at home, and I see my mousse can (I dry my hair while surfing the 'net in the mornings - yes, I'm a nerd). I think to myself, "What would happen if I shook up that mousse can, threw back my head, and pumped some mousse in my mouth?"

Then I immediately think, "Why did I just think that?"

Because, of course, I would probably choke and spit and spew. And then probably get some horrible disease.

This is one of many reasons I am looking forward to quitting my current job. I did 12 people's work today while everyone else goofed off. That is why I have psychotic, self-destructive thoughts running wild through my brain. It can't be healthy to work that hard.

Monday Madness

2004-06-28T08:16:00.000-04:00

1. Bed & Breakfast or hotel?
We usually stay at a hotel, but we did stay at a beautiful B&B, The Fairbanks House, on our honeymoon. We hope to go back for a night or two on our 5th wedding anniversary (next year).

2. What determines where you stay?(i.e. price, accommodations, transportation, travel package)
Price is the biggest factor with us. We like to stay at nice hotels, but we don't like to pay a whole lot. We use Priceline quite often.

3. When determining where to stay, do you ever consider the establishment's history? (i.e. it might be haunted, location of high profile crime)
I say this, but I'm not sure if I could actually follow through...but my husband and I would love to stay in a haunted hotel or mansion or something like that. It would just be neat. Until we saw a ghost and my heart stopped. Then it wouldn't be fun anymore.

4. Would such considerations sway your decision?
We definitely wouldn't stay in an area of a city with a high crime rate. Getting mugged would probably ruin a vacation.

5. Do you try and read the local paper for where you're visiting, to get an idea of what the area's like?
I can't say I've ever done this, but it's a great idea!

(Go mad.)

Breaking News!

2004-06-27T18:19:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the awesome and talented Rachel, I have finally figured out a way to hide that ridiculous BlogSpot banner. Hah.

So I figured, what better way to do it than to feature something fun for my visitors? From now on, I will be featuring a weekly Mystery Picture for you to figure out. The first person to email me with the correct guess will be mailed a goodie bag! You'll have to supply me with your mailing address, of course, so keep that in mind (and rest assured that I'm not a psycho, just a friendly blogger who wants to send you some fun stuff like stickers, stationery, etc.).

What are you waiting for? Start sending me those guesses!

Unconscious Mutterings

2004-06-27T10:31:00.000-04:00

Lounge: chair
Photograph: album
Catacomb: tomb
Crucifix: Jesus
Fire drill: elementary school
Tube: fallopian
Dropped: the baby (who knows where that came from!)
LTD: Long Term Disability (that came from my crapo job.)
Panther: my old kitty cat
Formica: countertop

(You know you want to.)

No more butterflies

2004-06-26T15:00:00.000-04:00

Sorry I couldn't keep the butterfly layout. My perfectionism just couldn't take the grainy texture and the overlapping of that stupid Blogspot banner at the top. Do any of you computer gurus know how to hide that dumb thing? If so, please let me know.

I'm headed up to my parents' house for a while. We're going to have baked bean casserole - mmmmm...

Jeff's in Tallahassee today. He's meeting Margot Kidder and Noel Neill (Lois Lane in the movies, and Lois Lane in the 50's TV show, respectively). He's excited to get to meet them both at the same time. He's wanted to meet Noel Neill, especially, for quite some time now. I'm glad he got the chance to go.

Feast Five

2004-06-25T15:30:00.000-04:00

Appetizer
Briefly describe your living room.
My living room is painted the color of a chocolate milkshake. At least that's what I think of when I look at it, or maybe that's because I'm a sugar fiend. We have a pretty couch (too bad it's coming apart at the seams!) and it's a cream color with sage jacquard and beige floral stripes. We have a dark green recliner in one corner, and our TV in the other. There's my piano by the window, and our carpet is a taupe vine-stamped berber (same throughout the house). We have a coffeetable in the middle - it's round and I wish I had picked out a rectangular one.

Soup
List 3 things you'd like to accomplish before the end of 2004.
1. As always, lose a little weight.
2. Graduate with a 95%+ from M-TEC and get a great job.
3. Read 10+ books.

Salad
When you're online, what do you spend the most time reading/playing/doing? Suggest a site for us to visit.
Obviously, I'm obsessed with changing my blog around. A site I would recommend if you're interested in changing your blog's colors is Easy RGB. It uses the colors of paint companies and gives you the HTML code for them. You can search by color name and find matching colors to go with the primary one.

Main Course
What would the title of your autobiography be?
A good title for my life, so far, would be "Blessed." I have had a near-perfect life and I thank my Lord for that.

Dessert
What time do you usually go to bed?
I usually fall into bed about 11:00pm. I would prefer to be asleep by 10:15 or so, but it just never happens.

(Eat up your own Friday's Feast.)

Yes. I know.

2004-06-25T15:13:00.000-04:00

A new one. So kill me.

Check out this clever canine

2004-06-24T14:28:00.000-04:00

Click here for a chuckle.

(Thanks to Downtown Chick Chat.)

Something else I won't miss...

2004-06-24T09:56:00.000-04:00

...having to hear two of my co-workers clip their fingernails. Every single day.

Thursday Threesome

2004-06-24T08:37:00.000-04:00

Onesome: Characterized by impulse--Do you you consider yourself impulsive or do you tend to think everything through before you make a move?
I think it depends on the issue. If I'm shopping, then yes, I'm definitely impulsive. If it's in a social situation, I try to think before I speak, but sometimes stupid stuff just flows freely out of my mouth. If I'm doing something meticulous like schoolwork or my makeup, then I'm not impulsive at all. I take the time to make sure everything is right in those cases.

Twosome: lacking rational basis--If you are impulsive, do you rationalize and justify your actions? Like, since that item you bought on a whim was on sale, you really saved money by buying it?
When I do purchase something I don't really need or say something I should have kept to myself, I don't try to rationalize it. I just admit that I'm a spendthrift and a blabbermouth.

Threesome: or likely to change suddenly-- When you make up your mind, does it stay made up or do you tend to change your mind at the last minute? ...or do you waffle back and forth until you're forced to decide?
My problem is the actual decision-making process. I am the world's worst decision maker. Especially when it's a big one. But once I have finally made up my mind, I stick with it. I don't waffle like some people.

(Do your own.)

Goodnight

2004-06-23T22:09:00.000-04:00

Sorry I couldn't post much today. Another busy one for me. I finally got to turn in my cardiology reports. I told my instructor that I felt like I needed heart surgery myself after doing those.

I will write lots tomorrow, I promise.

Wasn't yesterday the first day of summer?

2004-06-22T22:15:00.000-04:00

I thought yesterday was supposed to be the longest day of the year. So why, then, did today seem like the longest day of my life?

I have never worked so hard. I'm already letting a lot go by the wayside at work, mainly because I simply don't care anymore because I know I'll be gone in a month or so. But even with letting some things wait, I am so bombarded with work and meetings and training and all kinds of pure crap.

After the horrible day at work, we come home and the father-in-law is walking out to our house and asks us to go to dinner with them since it's Jeff's grandmother's birthday. So of course we have to go. So we don't get home until 7:30. And ever since then, I've been practicing my transcription. I had hoped to get my cardiology reports done tonight. I did 3 out of 4, and I can tell that I'm starting to hear weird words, so I'm calling it quits for this evening. To make it even worse, cardiology reports are so difficult. And it doesn't help that the dictator is from Australia, of all places. So I'm like, transcribing, "The patient's heart was down under like a shrimp on the barbie." Not really, but I feel like typing something funny like that.

One funny story before I crash: My mother-in-law was telling us about how their CEO where she works really, really hates it when people's cell phones ring during meetings or whatever. If someone's goes off, he will call attention to them and kind of embarrass them. I can understand that, but I don't think anyone should be a jerk about it. Anyway... At a companywide meeting they had last Friday, one of the plant employee's phone rang right in the middle of Mr. CEO's speech. So he says, "Travis, come up here please." So the guy goes. The CEO says, "So, Travis, are you going to sing or dance for us?" Just joking with him, I assume. Travis replies, "Well, sir, I can't dance, so I guess I'll sing." Mr. CEO says, "Okay, what are you going to sing?" Travis retorts, "Take This Job and Shove It." Is that not freaking hilarious? What's not hilarious, however, is that Travis got fired yesterday. I'm sure he went straight to an attorney, and I would have, too. Whoever this Travis is is my newfound hero.

Pardon me for being mean...

2004-06-21T20:18:00.000-04:00

...I don't normally make fun of people's looks, but this guy absolutely begs for it.

If I looked like this, I might have grown up to be a fat old liar, too.

Okay, back to being sweet little me again.

Happy First Day of Summer

2004-06-21T13:08:00.000-04:00

I am happy today, even though it is the First Day of Summer, and that means there is at least 3 more months of hot, humid, sticky, miserable weather. Why am I happy? Because I have finally come to a point where I can put an actual timeline to when I'll get to turn in my notice at work.

Excluding any really crazy events, here it is in all its hard-earned glory:

June 23rd - Turn in all Advanced Cardiology reports
June 27th - Turn in all Medicine & Surgery reports
July 3rd - Turn in Pre-Employment skill assessment and final exam
July 9th - Receive final grade and confirmation of graduation
July 12th - Test with several companies
July 13th-16th - Hear back from companies with offers
July 17th-18th - Make decisions on which offer to accept
July 19th - Notify chosen company of acceptance, and turn in my 2 weeks' notice at current ~~joke~~ job.
July 30th - Last day of working for a bunch of unappreciative monkeys.

Ah. The promise of freedom. In just 40 days! I can do it. I can do it.

Monday Meme

2004-06-21T08:29:00.000-04:00

Do you prefer....
1. Long hair or Short hair
On women, it doesn't really matter to me. I think women should wear their hair however they feel it looks best on them. Whatever hairstyle gives a woman confidence, whether it's a beehive or a short, spiky doo - I say go for it. As far as men, only short hair will do, in my opinion.

2. Contacts or Glasses
I am lucky enough to not need either (at least yet). But on others, again, it's whatever they want.

3. Spring or Autumn
Autumn, most definitely. I enjoy Spring, but down here in the South, it only means that there is about 6 months ahead where the air will be hot and sticky. I love Autumn - the beautiful colors and the crisp air seem to renew my soul.

4. Mittens or Gloves
Gloves. Mittens make me claustrophobic.

5. Car or Truck/SUV
I prefer to drive a car, but I like trucks and SUVs too.

6. Mac or Windows
Windows is all I've ever really known. We had Macs in college, and they didn't seem to work right. But that was 1997, so maybe they're better now.

7. Cats or Dogs
I love animals. But I really do prefer dogs to cats. I am a person who needs love, and dogs just seem to give love so freely and abundantly.

8. Rock or Jazz
Um...neither in most cases. I've been listening to a lot of country music lately.

9. Pen or Pencil
Both! I love any kind of writing instrument, and I have a collection of at least 100 of each. My husband says I could open up a pen and paper store just with what I have in my closet!

10. DVD's or VHS's
I think DVDs are much better than VHSs. I especially enjoy the special features that come on most DVDs.

(Don't forget to do your own Monday Madness!)

A Picture...

2004-06-20T12:24:00.000-04:00

I have never posted a picture of myself here, so I thought since I have a scanner now, I don't really have an excuse not to. So here is one of our engagement pictures. Keep in mind that I'm a tad chubbier now (a happy marriage does that to you, you know?!) and my hair is longer, but that's still pretty much me. Oh, and that's my hubbylove, too, of course.

Subliminally...

2004-06-20T00:27:00.000-04:00

Abundance - plentiful
Casino - slot machines
Shell - sand
Overpriced - gasoline
Cancellation - appointment
Eternal - Heaven
Lyrics - music
Faith - belief
Because - just
Wimp - John Frankenstein Kerry

(via Unconscious Mutterings)

Where was I?

2004-06-20T00:12:00.000-04:00

1. Where were you when you heard that Ronald Reagan died?
I was at my parent's house. We had just returned from vacationing in Washington, DC two days prior to his passing. I wanted to fly back up so I could pay my respects in the Capitol.

2. Where were you on September 11, 2001?
In my cube in the commissions call center. Mom called to tell me that two planes had hit the WTC. At that point, they thought that 50,000+ people were in the towers at the time. Not that He isn't any other time, but I am sure God was busy that day. I know that He was with me when I heard the first report, and for the rest of that terrible day when it seemed like one bad thing after another kept happening. I pray that America will realize that we need to turn back to God - before it's too late.

3. Where were you when you heard that Princess Diana died?
I first heard about the car crash while we were on the way home from my Dad's family reunion. I stayed up and watched CNN (there was no FNC back then).

4. Do you remember where you were when you heard Kurt Cobain had died?
No. That was quite an insignificant event in my life. Sorry.

5. Take one for The Gipper: What's your favorite flavor of jelly bean?
I like just about all of them, except for the Buttered Popcorn one. Who came up with that? I really like Cherry ones.

6. Where were you when Magic Johnson announced he was retiring from the NBA due to AIDS?
Waiting in the car to go into piano lessons.

7. Where were you when Reagan was shot?
I was most likely in my sandbox or something. I was just about to turn 3 years old.

8. Where were you when the Challenger exploded?
In the AV (audiovisual) room, watching it on television. I was in the 2nd grade. I remember not realizing what had happened.

9. Where were you when the 0J verdict was announced?
I think I was in the 11th grade, in Home Economics. I said some bad words. Luckily, my teacher agreed with me and didn't write me up. Guilty, guilty, guilty.

(Questions snagged from The Llama Butchers.)

I must apologize...

2004-06-19T00:54:00.000-04:00

...if I'm getting on my readers' nerves with my frequent blog design changes. I just keep wanting something more, I don't know, classy.

By the way, that's orange juice in my glass, not champagne. Although I think I could go for some bubbly right about now.

Please let me know if this is difficult to read, with the colors and stuff. I can't tell if it's because I'm tired or if the colors are really whacked up. It's way past my bedtime. Nighty-night, y'all.

Friday's Feast - Feast Four

2004-06-18T11:09:00.000-04:00

Appetizer
What kind of car do you drive? If you could make an even trade for any other car, what would you want to drive?
I currently drive a silver 2002 Honda Accord. I like it a lot, but I wouldn't have to even think about it if someone offered me an even trade for a 2004 Jaguar.

Soup
Take your phone number and add each number together separately (example: 8+6+7+5+3+0+9=38) - what's the total?
36

Salad
When were you last outside, and what were you doing?
This morning, taking out the trash.

Main Course
What is your favorite restaurant, and what do you usually order there?
I can't possibly narrow this down to just one. Eating is unfortunately my favorite thing in the world to do. I love Macaroni Grill and I usually order the Chicken Scallopine (it is to die for). But I will always have a special place in my heart (and tummy, too) for J. Alexander's. This is where Jeff and I went on our very first date. They have awesome food, and I usually order the Emerald Coast Shrimp - it is delectable.

Dessert
Name 3 things in which you occasionally indulge.
Baklava, a full day of doing absolutely nothing, and going to a used book store and buying 5-10 new-to-me books.

Don't forget to do your own Friday's Feast.

Why can't every day be like today?

2004-06-17T22:08:00.000-04:00

After staying up cross-stitching and reading until 2:00am, I slept until 10:00 this morning. I love to sleep late.

I had two "presents" on my back porch when I got up. My Oreck vacuum cleaner and my Lexmark Color Printer/Scanner/Copier were just waiting for me to open, assemble, and play with them. Well, I normally wouldn't say vacuuming is playing, but when you've been lugging around my heavy piece-of-crap Hoover for years, a new 8-lb Oreck is great.

I did do a lot of housework today, but I actually almost enjoyed it because I knew I had all day to do it. (I have taken Wednedsay-Friday off this week, if you're wondering.) I had planned to work on my transcription practice, but I can't get motivated. I got a couple of review grades back today and they weren't too hot. I really need to get my rear in gear with learning all I can before I take the pre-employment test. I should have all of my reports reviewed by the end of June, so I can turn in my pre-employment test any time after that. I already have the skill assessment finished (those are easy), so I only have to complete the transcription part. I hope it's not as awful as everyone says it is...I guess I'll find out soon. Sorry about that tangent...

I was able to spend 2.5 hours cross-stitching this afternoon. It's so relaxing. I started a new chart of 3 pretty topiary-type floral designs. I considered giving it to my mother-in-law for Christmas, but I'm not sure if she'd like it... So I might just keep it for myself.

Today would have been perfect if I hadn't had to hear those horrible terrorist's voices which were released at the useless 9/11 commission. While it's difficult to hear and see things like that, I think it is occasionally necessary to keep us at the anger level we should have never swayed away from. Instead of looking at the past with a magnifying glass, we should be looking into the future with a sword.

Neat New Stuff

2004-06-16T11:05:00.000-04:00

1) A new blog friend...
I noticed today that Stacey has linked to me, and I'm going to link right back to her. What a really neat person she is! And I promise I'm not just saying that because we are so much alike. We're both from Georgia, we both like Neopets (except I like Kacheeks), our favorite season is autumn, and she's a conservative. She even likes the smell of a new book! There are several other similarities, too. I love it when I find someone with whom I have things in common. It makes me feel like maybe I'm not so weird after all.

2) Fun portrait maker toolie-thingy
I found this on Stacey's blog: Portrait Illustrator. Go here and spend an hour like I did making a cute picture of yourself. Here's mine:

My hair's not that black, it's more of a dark, dark brown, and it's curlier. But you get the idea.

3) Do you doodle too?
You must check out this site: The Little Yellow Gallery. It's a bunch of really neat Post-It Notes art. I'm quite impressed and inspired. (Found via Geek Girl.)

4) Can all Joshes sing this great?
I love Josh Groban and his hauntingly gorgeous voice. Now I've found another Josh to adore. Josh Turner was born 4 months before and 4 hours away from me in South Carolina. Not only is he a definite cutie, he has also written an awesome song, "Long Black Train." I first noticed that Laura likes him, but then I saw him sing "That's The Way Love Goes" on CMT's 100 Greatest Love Songs Concert. There's not much that moves me to say "wow," but... "Wow."

That's all for now.

Before Next September

2004-06-15T15:14:00.000-04:00

Liz @ Em Tasol has inspired me to make a few summer plans. So here is what I want to accomplish before September 2004:

1) Lose 10 pounds.
Not 25, not 30, just 10. It really can't be that hard.

2) Graduate from M-TEC with an overall score of 95% or higher.
I got some motivational news today - I can turn in more than one report at a time, so that means I should be finished by July 8th or so. Woohoo!!!

3) Clean up my back porch and plant some flowers.
I would be ashamed for anyone to come to my house right now - it is a mess. I really need to do some serious work on our back porch. And, I saw a gorgeous picture of some container gardens, and I want to put 2-3 on my back porch. If I can only remember to water them after I've planted them...

4) Burn an 80's CD for Jeff.
We both love 80's music, but Jeff has a particular fondness for it, so I'm going to make him give me a list of several specific songs that he likes. Then I'll go to Wal-Mart and download them and burn them on a CD for my hubbylove.

5) Make an appointment with my regular doctor for a check-up and to get my cholesterol checked.
My mom's cousin died last week of a stroke. She was 42. I don't want that to happen to me.

6) Read 10+ books.
Okay, I probably won't be able to do this, but I can try. I haven't even read 10 books yet for this whole year, so I'm not sure why I think I can do 10 in 3 months.

7) Do nightly devotions with Jeff.
We have done these sporadically, but I know that we need to focus more on God. It just helps life go smoother when your heart is in the right place.

8) Finish my current cross-stitch project and start a new one.
In November 2001, I designed my own sampler. It's about 90% done. I want to complete it so I can get it framed and hang it up somewhere in my house. And, since it is so relaxing, I want to spend more time cross-stitching.

9) Learn how to make yeast rolls.
This fits in great with #1, huh!? I have a love affair with bread, so that makes it difficult when you're trying to lose a few pounds. But I really, really want to know how to make these for special occasions. Isn't every Saturday considered a special occasion? It is in my book.

10) Meet and exceed requirements set by my new employer.
Whoever I may be working for in the not-too-distant future, I want to wow their socks off.

So there you go. Keep me honest, blogfriends! I'll try to report back when I achieve these things.

My Girlfriend Deficiency

2004-06-14T11:26:00.000-04:00

I naturally tend to focus on the negative aspects of life, and perhaps that is part of the problem I'm about to discuss. I don't like that about myself, but that's just the way I am. I am a happy person, in general, and I am thankful to the Lord for all He has so generously given me in my lifetime. But recently I have been thinking about one particular deficiency that I wish could be remedied. I have no close girlfriends. I think I'd even settle for a guyfriend at this point.

I'm envious of people who have lifelong friends - someone they met in kindergarten and still spend time with frequently. My best friend from elementary school "dumped" me when I joined the band in junior high and because I didn't want to be a cheerleader like her. So for a while, I didn't want to get too close to anyone. Then in the 10th grade, I met Chrissy. We were two peas in a pod until we went to London (when, on the plane on the way over, my boyfriend cheated on me with another semi-close friend, Danielle). Chrissy and I were moody and got into a silly fight, so she took Danielle's side and left me alone. So with my junior and senior year left, I became really close to Larissa. But she already had a best friend, Emily. So I was always the third wheel. While I was in college, I got to spend some quality time with Larissa (Emily had somehow faded out of the picture by then). But then she met Mick from Australia and moved down there with him. They have a family now, and it's hard to really be close to someone who is on the other side of the earth.

I had other potential close friends, but they are all far away now, or they just don't stay in touch much. For example:

Nick - lives in Colorado now.
Kristi - I think she's some enviro-wacko liberal now and she lives in Las Vegas
Jennifer - after high school, she became kind of unstable...not someone I want to pal around with
Stacey - work "friend" who felt the need to go ballistic on me when she got pregnant (besides, she and her best friend Shannon were inseparable)
Angie - we're still fairly good friends, but she has a new best friend, who is also a friend of mine (but again, I'm the third wheel)
Laura - a friend from an old job - she has a family and she's very busy with her kids all of the time, and I don't want to interfere

That leaves Jeff and my mother and father. Which are three truly wonderful blessings. They are not only my husband and parents, they are really my friends, too. I'm very grateful to have that kind of relationship with them.

But sometimes, a girl just needs another girl to talk to, or laugh with, or cry on.

So this hurts my heart, when I think about it. I have almost come to the conclusion that I must be doing something wrong somewhere, or else I'd have more friends. Or at least one good one. I know the rule that states that "to have a friend, you must be a friend." But I don't think that's what I'm getting wrong. I am a very devoted friend when I get the chance to be. Maybe I say the wrong things sometimes. Or perhaps I am too critical or picky. Maybe I just don't know the secret handshake or something.

Aristotle said, "Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies." I want that. But it's not something that's $3.99 at Wal-Mart. And I don't want to just latch on to the next nice person I meet. I wish there was a service for friends like there are for romantic relationships, like that e-Harmony or something. Maybe I should just put an ad in the paper:

WANTED:
Semi-lonely female seeks another female for true friendship.
Qualifications include a gentle-but-firm disposition,
a conservative mind, a sense of humor, and most importantly
- a big, tender heart that is primarily home to Jesus,
but also has a little bit of room for me. Must be willing to
be a best friend for life.
Call 555-5356 for an interview.

But that would be silly and would appear extremely desperate. So I'm back to square one. How do you possibly go about acquiring that precious, rare thing called true friendship?

Unconscious Mutterings

2004-06-13T18:32:00.000-04:00

Colorblind - red & green
Shallow - waters
Erotica - um, fiction
Figment - imagination
Eviction - apartment
Composed - elegant
Chill - pill
Girl - friend
California - Ronald Reagan
Bond - James Bond

http://subliminal.lunanina.com

Goodbye from a grateful citizen

2004-06-11T13:05:00.000-04:00

I just finished watching the beautiful funeral in the National Cathedral for our beloved 40th President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan.

I have experienced such a mix of emotions this past week. Saturday, June 5th, while at my parent's home (we had Fox News on, as usual), we learned of the passing of this great man. I felt a sense of relief for him, and for Nancy and his children. What a long decade it must have been for them. To have him here, but not completely. I've missed seeing him, wondered about him, and prayed for him for the last 10 years. Now that his life has come to an end, I am sad. But a calm sense of peace, thankfulness, and joy comes along with my sadness; for the man who led my precious country during my childhood is now with our Savior in Heaven, surely smiling down on all of us who love him still. I am happy now knowing that, while he may not have known our respect and gratitude while he was still here on Earth, he knows it now.

Thank you, God, for lending us Ronald Reagan for a short while. With Your help, his kind spirit and sweet soul did so many wonderful things for our nation and our world. Thank you for giving us your Son, who died on a cross so that we can believe in something bigger than ourselves and so those of us who believe in Him can one day meet with all of our loved ones who are in Heaven, with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

What a coincidence...

2004-06-10T23:25:00.000-04:00

I could hardly believe my eyes when I took this quiz (found @ Laura's). I absolutely abhor the smell of cigarette smoke. I think this quiz has some sort of psychic truth to it, because ever since I started reading Laura's blog, I have silently wondered, "Is she a radioactive squirrel?"

NOTE: z

No smoking around Susan. Thank you for your cooperation.

From Go-Quiz.com

(okay, it looks wonky and I can't fix it, but go play the quiz anyway)

"Ewe's not fat..."

2004-06-10T16:14:00.000-04:00

"Ewe's just fluffy!"

I had never seen that one before, until yesterday evening when I noticed it on a bumper sticker on the car in front of me (while I was waiting in the drive-thru line at Arby's to get my 2 Beef 'N' Cheddar sandwiches).

It's my new favorite saying.

Thursday Threesome

2004-06-10T08:28:00.000-04:00

Onesome: School-- Since the school year seems to be over (your mileage may vary: some of you are already in summer sessions!): what was your favorite year in school? Yeah, the one you had the best time in or learned something special or had that learning breakthrough?

My favorite year in school would have to be my senior year in high school, although I truly enjoyed my entire high school career. I was a totally devoted band nerd (and proud of it, even now), and I had such a great time playing in the marching, concert, and jazz bands. I cried a lot during that last year because I was so sad to leave. Somehow I knew life would be very different after graduation. Little did I know just how different. Gosh, I miss those days. I've been out for 8 years now, and time just flies faster and faster.

Twosome: Bus-- Hey, how did you get to school in the early years? Walk? Bike? Mommy van? Bus? ...and for those still attending, how are you getting to and fro these days?

I remember carpooling with our neighbors when I was very young...we would pile 7 or 8 kids in a little bitty car. In the 2nd grade, I started riding the bus. I never minded it too much. Later, in junior high, I went in another carpool (but a smaller one - just 2 or 3 kids). Then I think I rode the bus again in high school until I got my driver's license.

Threesome: Stop-- ...and when did you stop going to school? ...or did you? Are you still at it? Amy plans to go back for those who are out of the system?

I think I'm one of those "eternal students." No matter how much I want to stop, I can't quit gonig back to school for one reason or another. I finally earned my Bachelor's degree last year in May. By December, I was back at it again, getting a certificate in medical transcription. I should (hopefully!) graduate from M-TEC in early July.

(http://othersideofglenroad.org/backporch/)

Does reading blogs depress you?

2004-06-09T12:39:00.000-04:00

Sometimes when I'm visit different blogs (which will remain nameless), I get really depressed. I've been blogsurfing some during my lunch, and I've come to the conclusion that some people need some serious help. Some of them can be forgiven for their obvious ignorance, but others just spew hatred and make vile remarks about everything including politics, their jobs, their families, and the evil they wish would befall upon their ex-best friend. It's enough to make anyone require a large dose of Zoloft. Or Paxil. Or how about Prozac? They all sound good to me at this point. I simply don't have enough spare time to completely waste it reading other people's idiotic comments.

I hope that when you come to my blog, it doesn't depress you. If it does, please feel free to do what I'm going to do to other bloggers who tick me off: Stop visiting.

I'm going to try in the future to not talk about my stupid job or any other of the gloomy aspects of my life here on my blog. I am a happy person when I'm not at work, and I want to bring that feeling to those who so graciously read my stuff. So sit back and relax, and get ready to read some cuddly, sweet, fun posts.

You knew I would sooner or later...

2004-06-08T14:41:00.000-04:00

Since I've been in a sad funk about Ronald Reagan's passing, and because I've been sick with a humongous head cold since last Thursday, I thought maybe a little blog redesigning would cheer me up a little. I'm not sure if I love this one or not. If I don't, I'm sure I'll know soon, and I'll change it yet again. I wanted something pure and simple this time.

Sorry that I haven't been as "posty" as I was before I left on vacation. As I mentioned above, I have just been in a real funk. I think having to come back to my crappy job has thrown me into a chaotic bout of depression. I haven't even done much housecleaning, and that's odd for me - especially after having returned from a long vacation. When I got home from work yesterday, I took a two-hour nap and then just played computer games for the rest of the night. I feel so lazy. My house is so bad right now. I wouldn't even let my own parents in. And two of my uncles from North Carolina are visiting, so they'll probably want to come and see my house sometime this week. I guess that means I'll need to clean up a bit tonight.

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday - nothing big, just my normal check-up. He was concerned about my last test result, which showed one of my levels to be more than double what it should be. He said that might be caused by a benign ovarian tumor. Lovely. But I truly don't think I have much to worry about because I have been back on my medications since March, and that was when the tests were taken. So I'm sure my levels are much better by now. I should know Thursday or Friday whether or not I'll have to have yet another ultrasound. Yuck.

My instructor has been really slow about getting my grades back to me. It's starting to tick me off. We're supposed to have grades back within 24-72 hours. It's been taking her at least 5 or 6 days. And I can't turn any other assignments in until she gives me my grade on the last one. So, basically, she's slowing me down. I want so bad to get out of here.

Rest In Peace, President Reagan

2004-06-05T21:11:00.000-04:00

May the road rise to meet you;
May the wind always be at your back;
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

The Irish prayer above was often quoted by President Ronald Reagan. This evening, he is indeed in the palm of our Lord's hand. May his sweet soul rest comfortably in Heaven forever.

Finally Home

2004-06-03T20:50:00.000-04:00

Although it is nice to be able to go on vacation, there is really nothing like home. We got back about 6:30 this evening.

I apologize for not posting more often while we were in DC. We were trying to squeeze everything in so fast and that I barely had time to take my showers and get a decent amount of sleep. I had really intended on posting about each day's events, so I'm sorry about that. Since I'm sure you're waiting with baited breath, here's a synopsis of my Washington DC vacation:

Saturday
We arrived safely at Dulles International Airport at around 2:30pm. I admit, I was a tad extreme in my worrying about something bad happening. The flight was uneventful, even though I just knew the guy sitting behind us was going to jab his pencil into my neck at any point and take over the plane and fly it into the WWII Memorial. See? I was a little over the edge. Anyway...we took a taxi to our hotel, checked in, and went out for dinner to the Union Station Pizzeria Uno (which wasn't as good as I remember it being the last time we were there). We then walked outside and enjoyed several of the sights. Especially interesting was the site of the future Newseum, where they post the newspapers from all 50 states every day. The weather was great - about 65 degrees with low humidity.

Sunday
We started out the day on Sunday by walking around the city. We stopped by the White House and took pictures. Then, when we had started walking again, we noticed a group of Secret Service men standing around with some other people. I quickly recognized Tommy Thompson, the Secretary of Health and Human Services. He was wearing a denim shirt, a black leather vest, black jeans, and a flag bandana. Not his normal outfit, I'm sure. We waited around for a few minutes to see if we could shake his hand, but he soon got on a motorcycle and joined the other thousands (literally) of motorcyclists in town for the 2004 Rolling Thunder. It was a sight.

We also saw the Lincoln Memorial and the new WWII Memorial. I didn't expect to be so moved and touched by the WWII Memorial. There were several veterans there, and I shook the hands of two of them and told them thank you. I could barely get the words out. If I didn't think I would have broken down weeping, I would have hugged every one of them there that day. They did so very much to ensure our freedom. I'm so pleased that we were able to build a memorial especially for them.

Monday
The Smithsonian was our main focus on Monday. We went to the American History Museum and the Air and Space Museum. We watched a rather interesting IMax 3D movie about the International Space Station. Very neat.

Tuesday
This was by far the best day. As I posted earlier, we got to meet Tony Snow at the Fox News DC office. I had called last week to schedule a tour, but since the President was talking in the Rose Garden about Iraq, they were all pretty busy, and we just kind of had to rush through. We did get to see several of the news anchors (see post below this one), and it was just awesome to be there. We even got to sit in one of the chairs that the anchors sit in while reporting side stories. When we were waiting by the elevator to leave, Tony Snow came out the door, and Sherry and I both looked at each other and went "Oh!" It was hilarious. He laughed and walked down the hall, and came back a minute later and talked with us for a while and gave us autographs. What a nice guy (and handsome too!).

We went to the Natural History Museum and then on to Arlington Cemetery. We were really rushed for time, so we didn't get to see all that we wanted to, but we did get to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. It is very moving to be there, where so many of our heroes are resting.

Wednesday
After a crazy fiasco at the hotel (Eric and Sherry were kicked out of their room, basically, because the hotel claimed that they didn't pay for the next night, which they most certainly did. It's a long story...the short story is, don't ever stay at a Marriott) we went to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. I can't believe what horrors those poor people went through. One thing that really blew my mind was that they sterilized several thousand women without even telling them. It's so sad and terrible what some people can do to others when they're deranged.

From 7:00-10:30pm, Jeff and I took a "twilight" tour of the Memorials. We saw the Lincoln, FDR, Vietnam, Korean War, WWII, and the Jefferson Memorials all lit up and beautiful. I don't mind my tax money going for the upkeep of these magnificent buildings and memorials.

Thursday
After spending the night in the same room with Eric & Sherry (not too bad, actually - Jeff thought I'd freak out about that, but it really didn't bother me at all), we got a taxi, went back to Dulles, and flew home to Atlanta. I am so glad to be home. It's just where I belong, you know? I like knowing where my stuff is and not having to worry about being blown up.

So... We had a good time and got to see a lot of stuff. I think I'm probably forgetting some of the things we saw, but I can't possibly remember it all right now. We went so hard and fast that I think I ran down my immune system. I have a bad sore throat and I just generally feel yucky. I am going to take it easy over the next few days. I'm sure I'll need to rest up before returning to work. I hope they're missing me this week. Little do they know that it's just a preview of things to come. Ah, but I won't get into that quite yet. I'm still on vacation...

It's so good to be home.

I Met Tony Snow!

2004-06-02T10:05:00.000-04:00

Yes, I did. I shook his hand, twice. He was an extremely pleasant and gracious guy. We all got autographs and he talked with us about where we are from, where we're staying this week, and other stuff that I couldn't concentrate on because I was amazed that I was talking to Tony Snow. Wow.

We also saw Catherine Herridge, Major Garrett and Brian Wilson. If you're a big Fox Fan like I am, then you should know these people. We toured the studio and got to see some of the neat stuff that goes on there. I really think I missed my calling. If I could go back now, I would major in journalism and work for Fox News here in Washington. Oh well, at least I can visit.

We're Here

2004-05-30T09:55:00.000-04:00

I've decided that I really don't like flying. But we got here, we're safe and sound (except for the blisters that are already on our feet from walking around last night).

I'll write more later. Thanks for all your prayers, I really appreciate it. I feel silly for being so scared, but I couldn't help it. You are all the best.