Alzheimer's Project

It's a documentary on HBO that I've recently been watching and it makes me wonder, especially with my family's multitude of genetic disease, including Alzheimer's. I keep imagining what it will be like IF/when my mom, or my dad, find themselves in that predicament. I've yet to watch an episode without a tear or two. See, my great grandmother (mom's side) has dementia, she never knows who I am, and her sister, brother and sister-in-law had/have Alzheimer's. It's inevitable that someone closer to me will have it, it may be years but it's something to consider now given my Nanny's current situation. At family functions I no longer approach Nanny Rhea, I dunno if it's fear or what, but I'm afraid that, should I approach her for the usual hug, she will look at me and ask, "who are you?". My sister and I have never been close to our Nanny Rhea. She has a HUGE family and lives in Dallas, so growing up in Gunter, we only saw her on holidays. On those occasions (and less than 5 years ago), we always saw her with her pearls and a dress on, looking at us saying "hug my neck" and "I've lost 10lbs, can you believe it!" (she always looked the same, but you had to love her consistency). Now she sits there, with her walker and looks at you as though she has no idea who you are. Again, I've never been close with Nanny Rhea but I'm afraid my mother will follow in those footsteps, perhaps years from now but this show has made me think of it. It just makes me sad that's all. Damn HBO!

***Can't we just go back to the previous post DANG!***

I've waited long enough...

If you know me, then you also know of my (borderline) obsession with Disney. Yes, it's true, I'm as big a kid as any when it comes to Disney! In this post, I am going to attempt to explain the reason for this obsession, it's difficult (truly) to explain but I will give it a shot. I apologize in advance for it's length.

In the Spring of 2002, I was talked into interviewing for an internship with Disney. I must say my motives were not the best (told it was a huge party basically). I did need a break from school as my grades were slipping horribly. As my mom says, every kid goes through that rebellious stage and I was definitely a late bloomer. I would literally go into tests heavily hungover. So a change was necessary and this internship seemed like a starting point, well from the bad grades at least lol (as I said before party+no school=good idea). It was a much difference experience though.

Yes there was definite partying (I never did nor will I ever do hardcore drugs in case that's what you're thinking) and lots of other things but, much more importantly, I not only found myself but lifetime friendships. I was not a huge Disney fan before, however something changed in the midst of this experience and, to this day, I cannot pinpoint it. That being said, when you're there, the mood is contagious, almost electric. It's like instant smile, it's almost a drug. It literally feels like ANYTHING can happen. I remember being at work one day at EPCOT and going to the breakroom, there was a TV on the news and my friend Beth and I watched in amazement as the US was bombing someone. We had no idea, you literally live in a bubble there. It's as though the outside world does not exist, you're just happy, almost euphoric. Dreams really do come true there, as hard as it was to even type that (given the corny factor), it's very true. If there is any advice I can given an adult, when going to Walt Disney World, it's...just let it in, be a kid again, that's what this place is about.

Obsession is a strong word and I'm not sure I'm officially obsessed with Walt Disney World; however, I cannot even consider a vacation without FIRST considering going there. I almost feel guilty if I want to go somewhere else, weird I know, which is probably why I've been 5 times since 2003 (when the internship ended). I never regret that though, I should say that first and foremost. I love it and I literally share in the excitement when someone I know is going, I love giving advice about the parks because (again corny) I want to SHARE the way I feel about it. As a matter of fact, I began planning a trip to take my niece Emma BEFORE she was born (ok that is weird I guess) and now I have another niece to plan for! Honestly, I would love nothing more than for my entire family to go together!

So, since I'll be 30 this year, I'm going to Walt Disney World (aka WDW) AGAIN! Well, that is, unless we can figure out a way to get to Alaska (my other obsession lol) without snow in October.

So, basically, if you were to draw a line that represented the things in my life that matter most...going to Disney for the internship definitely created a "blip" in that line. It's the same blip you see in the movies where a "cure is found for a disease" or, quite frankly, when you realize the important things in life and, while going to Disney is not important in the grand scheme of things, it's where I want to be.




***I must add I have not gone on vacations ONLY to WDW! We've also been, within recent years, to Key West, San Francisco and St Croix, USVI! So, I'm not THAT obsessed!***

Game #1

I arrived at the fields almost an hour early. I figured it would be beneficial to at least see a game before playing one, I mean with all the silly rules and everything. It was interesting, seems like a regular game except those pesky rules, but they didn't get in the way. I would be lying if I didn't mention how incredibly nervous I was. As a team, we seemed so unorganized until I saw the team we were playing. They were passing out their shirts just before the game began. As for the shirts, I must say...we did good! The other teams all had the same colors with only numbers on the back...we actually looked like a team! Well to me anyway. Our final team member arrives just 5 minutes before the game, very little time to warm up. We are up to bat first (away team), first batter up...hits the ball...OUT. Second batter up....hit to second base and thrown out at first. Third batter up....STRIKE! Then, the game got called. Yes one of those little things we call a Spring thunderstorm moved into the area and the lightning show began. So we didn't get to play but that's ok. I say this because we #1 need to be more organized and #2 it actually made us all feel like a team! All in all, it was a good experience despite what happened lol. So, although practice was canceled today (due to stupid excuses from several team members) we will get our act together.

All that being said, I'm not sure I'll make it to our next game. You see a little girl will be brought into this world and our family on June 2nd, it's a given she takes precedence over softball. So, should I be up to the challenge of a game AFTER waking up at 4am and spending the day at the hospital, then I'll report back on how well we do. I must say, however, besides seeing Brynlee that morning, I'm more excited about seeing Emma's face when she realizes she truly has a little baby sister than some softball game.

Apartment Living

I will admit, first and foremost, I absolutely HATE it! It seems there is a need, at all times, for management to access our apartment and I think it's ridiculous. The most recent item of business is "pest control" aka "snooping time". At least that's what I feel they're really doing, probably because I'd be doing the same LOL. I don't mean going through stuff but checking out the decor, cleanliness, whether they're upholding the lease agreement, etc. That last part is where we're getting into hot water. You see, at the time we moved in, we didn't have the additional $500 for a pet deposit. This complex only allows one pet per apartment and it must be under 20lbs. We have a dog and cat, not to mention the new 50 gallon saltwater aquarium (that's another story...GRRR). So, even if I HAD put up the $500, I'd still be in violation. Of course, I realize it's my responsibility but whatever. After the deposit on the apartment as well as paying for movers, I'd say we were out almost $1200 and that doesn't even include the first month's rent (due at move-in).

Ok so back to pest control, perhaps it's just me but I am more than willing to take care of this myself. I guess it's a control issue, I don't know, I'd prefer to take care of my own environment and, yes, a house would be better (yet another story). Needless to say, I feel the need to clean the place within an inch of my life, I would never want anyone to think I live in squalor (it's not even close, just being dramatic). So it's a HUGE inconvenience, now I have to take Hero to work (probably will get groomed, I'm sure he's thrilled) and Lucy (my cat) must be dealt with. She is more the issue than Hero. You see, Lucy HATES her carrier as much as I hate apartments. The only difference is, I don't randomly pee and poop everywhere when being forced to live in an apartment, unlike when she's being forced in her carrier. Yeah...it sucks.

So on Thursday morning, as you're drinking your coffee, effortlessly driving to work, or haven't a care in the world...remember I'm (literally & figuratively) getting shit on.

Shawn Johnson

Amazing! Ok, you may not know what the heck I'm referring to but Shawn Johnson won on Dancing With The Stars! I know I might be ridiculous but I'm happy about it because she's an Olympic Gold Medalist and she won over a man apparently "famous" for showing his...(for lack of a better word) schlong...in a movie. In any case, I'm happy for her, and yes it's just a TV show, but I'm happy. Now if only Kris will win on American Idol my reality TV fix will be complete!


**And no, I did not vote!***

Re-admission

I applied yesterday for re-admission to UNT, as well as filed my FAFSA. I'm not saying that anything will come of it, all I know is that my education to this date has left me unfulfilled. So I'm going to get another degree, in what I do not know but, fortunately, I have some time to consider it. I figure that I will be 30 this year and now is as good a time as any to get back into the swing of things. I'm not even sure it's a stellar idea, I just know that having a degree and not being able to do anything you actually want to do because of your education is a hindrance. Anyway, another rambling thought. However, I've taken the first step, in my mind, to a better life. We'll see what comes next.

Who are these stars?

So I have to admit that I've been watching Dancing With The Stars, please limit the laughter and snickering to a minimum. Yes it's a silly show and I've never watched it before BUT, for some reason, I have this year. Ok, so is it me or is there something amiss with this competition? There are people fawning over this one competitor, who also happens to be in the final, yet he has NOTHING to show...er, well, I guess that's based on interpretation. You see this man, Gilles Marini, is famous in the United States for one thing...revealing his, um "assets" or uh "jewels" on the Sex & The City movie. Yep, that's it ladies and gentlemen...THAT'S IT! Ok so his dancing is great, who cares, my point is, why does THAT make him a star? I'm personally rooting for Shawn Johnson, I mean she's not a "star" so-to-speak either BUT she did win a gold medal in gymnastics for the USA. So, yeah, another rant I guess but this just makes no sense. In the finals of this show we have a man famous for a SHORT nude scene (no pun intended), a women jilted by The Bachelor and an Olympic Gold Medalist. Of course, the gold medalist should win...c'mon people vote! I mean I won't be voting but she's gotta win somehow right?

Pet Owners

After working at a veterinary hospital for a few years now, it never ceases to amaze me the distance pet owner's are willing to go (or not) to care for their pets. There is a broad spectrum here, those that feel their pet's are just animals and seem "uncaring" to those that will mortgage their home simply to pay for a few months of extra life for their pet to those neurotic about everything (ie "My dog's stool is soft, OMG is he dying?!?"). I suppose I fall into the "would do anything" category. Let me explain....

Meet Hero

He's a miniature Australian Shepherd, born November 1, 2006. He's basically my child at this point, which also means he's spoiled rotten. His personality ranges from, well crazy to lazy to super sweet. Well last September, on my day off, he jumped off the bed. Mind you the bed was not on the frame, afterall apartment living does not allow for large bedrooms, meaning the king sized sleigh bed does not fit unless off the frame. So the height he jumped from was approximately 16", something he has done numerous times. This time he screamed and fell over, he had broken his leg. I knew he was in severe pain when he tried to bite me when I picked him up. I rushed him to the vet, he had shattered his elbow and it would require major surgery or amputation. Luckily Hero's aunt Kendra works at the surgery center, so the next day he went into surgery. Of course, amputation was an option at $800 but it could be fixed, so that's the route we took. I believe the 5 1/2 hour surgery totaled $3200 give or take, yes we took this route but since Hero's aunt Kendra works there, it was not an immediate financial burden. After wearing a cast for quite some time, then physical therapy, and additional surgery to remove two of the 8 screws, he is back to normal. If you can call him normal that is, which some don't, like his aunt Kendra lol.

Meet Mekka

She's my FIRST real pet. She will be 9 years old this August and, unfortunately, Dalmatian's don't typically live long beyond that age. She lives with my parents because I don't feel she would be cut out for apartment living. She's a good girl and yes I call her, "my booger baby." Weird but who cares. She's had issues practically her entire life. As a puppy she had Parvo, began showing symptoms the EXACT same evening I had my car accident (thank goodness for seat belts). She spent a week in the hospital and fully recovered. She's also had an ear hematoma and, possibly, Wobbler's Syndrome, which is basically cervical vertebral instability. She still continued to be an awesome, loving girl. Fast forward to this past Thanksgiving. Since the entire family comes to my parent's house, I decided to give Mekka a relatively safe sedative to keep her calm when everyone arrived. The dose was small, however what happened next was never expected. Just as we all sat down to eat, she came up to me, collapsed, seized and, basically died. Fortunately my aunt Christy, a Registered Vet tech was there. We flipped her over and she began doing chest compressions. Mekka then drew a breath and slowly, but surely, came back to us. I still, to this day, blame myself for giving her that damn sedative but, it's a safe product so how was I to know. Today, she is doing well, her arthritis is an issue as is her weight, but we manage.

***Chase, the other Aussie, was not available at the time of the blog. He is currently out in my parent's pasture rolling around in cow poop***

I'm sure some will read what I've written and think I'm crazy (sometimes I wonder that myself), other's may understand. As a matter of fact, I don't even know why I blogged about this...oh yeah, shameless ploy to showoff my beautiful puppies, that's right. I know Kendra, you can slowdown the eye roll, you might get dizzy. =0)

Practice #3

I promise I will not blog after every damn practice, but this one was a doozie. It seems we're doing ok, we actually had our FULL team there last night, which is nice given our first game is less than two weeks away. Since we had all 12 players there, we opted to have something similar to a "scrimmage". Everyone bats, on hit 3 you run. So at one point, I was playing short stop, there's a runner on second and the ball is hit. I get in front of the grounder, only to see the runner out of the corner of my eye headed straight for me. I guess I took my eye off the ball long enough because it didn't go into my glove as planned, instead I had to BITE THE DUST just to get it. Left knee, big huge painful abrasion and several minor ones. Ok, I'm good, the pain isn't bad at all...let's play ball! Next batter up, he hits the ball twice, third hit coming up. It's a hard line drive, I...well, I'll be honest. At this point, I'm not really sure what happened because I still don't understand why I didn't catch it. Nope, instead this hard line drive slammed directly into my left knee! Yes, that's right the SAME knee. Since I had planned to leave at 8pm anyway, I was like ok I'm done lol. It's funny because it began to swell almost immediately, it looked like I had two knees on one leg!

Fast forward to today. Needless to say I had difficulty sleeping, it was painful last night. At one point, I hobbled out of bed only to take an undisclosed number of Ibuprofen, I believe that was around 4am. I finally fell asleep only to wake up two hours later. After being non-mobile for a while, standing up was like someone took a metal bat and swung with intent. I now know how Nancy Kerrigan felt (yes I just included a figure skater in my blog). So I called into work because I felt perhaps I should just stay off it for a day. However, I am embarrassed for calling in and feel extremely guilty. That being said, my job requires me to be ambulatory and, this morning, I'm not quite there but it's getting better.

30th Anniversary...

Last year my parents celebrated 30 years of marriage. We had a surprise party for them, my entire family was there and a great time was had by all. The only reason I'm bringing this up on here and a year later is because I created a slideshow video for them. Not to brag, but I was kinda proud of what I did lol (not that it was great or anything), not only that but it is a brief history of my family (sort of). So without further ado, I hope you at least watch part of it LOL (it was too big to load directly to the blog hence the Youtube video)....



(Pause the playlist below, if using tabs...pause them ALL)








Of course it's amateur, but hey, it achieved the purpose. I was unable to get some of the pictures to load/line up correctly but I ran out of time. So anyway, it's pretty good right?

This one lady...GRRRR

**Disclaimer: This is just a rant, I was irritated with the whole situation. So if it doesn't make sense, then don't try to make sense of it, again a rant more than a post!**


So today, as the day was over at my hospital, this woman walks in. Fortunately for her, she happened to catch the doors still unlocked. I mean we're fairly consistent with locking them right at 6pm. So she comes in and needs her syringes replaced. She claims we have some MAGIC SYRINGE that her dog does not feel when giving her antigen injections. I look at her like she's crazy, I guess she sensed that because she immediately threw her head down like she was about to cry a river. So I attempted to help her. (Is it not enough we're open 10 hours a day, you wait until the LAST MINUTE to come in????) Ok so, I inform her that the gauge of the needle is a little bit larger. She exclaims, "Oh yeah it is and I drew up 10X the solution that I'm supposed to!" (Ok, first of all, the size of the needle makes no difference on how much you draw up, that's HER ERROR) "Um ok," I say, "Let me check your chart to see what was dispensed before." (SAME SYRINGE) I figure it must be a smaller gauge needle, so I ask a few more questions. "I'm not supposed to be thinking about this!!!" she says as she throws her head down AGAIN to apparently sulk. I'm literally gritting my teeth thinking, listen up lady, but instead I get the smaller needle and show her. She says, "Oh that's it" (of course, the one syringe IN THE ALREADY LOCKED PHARMACY!) Ok so I proceed with, "Let me give you a few needles to tide you over until I can get the actual syringes from the pharmacy tomorrow." She gives me that look like I'M THE IDIOT. (Reminder: we close at 6, hence the LOCKED pharmacy) So I simply inform her that all she has to do is change the needle..."BUT I'M NOT A DOCTOR! WHHAAAAA" (Seriously?). I cannot even believe this, changing a needle on a syringe is, literally, easy. (Also if you're giving your pet injections ALREADY, you should be at least familiar with a syringe...at least I hope) So I give her 2nd grade directions (see post below) and hopefully she get's it. "I just don't want to hurt my dog!!! I'm not supposed to be thinking about this!," she again exclaims, once again throwing her head down into her arms. At this point I feel like letting her know that the reason she has a 3-legged dog is because she was not paying attention while her dog was playing in the road (that was her admission not my assumption). I just smile and let her know we will get everything straightened out when the hospital is open. (Customer service at it's BEST! Haha)

I do realize that many people feel they may be hurting their pet giving an injection, should you ever need to give one. However, please keep in mind that your pet has a completely different body than you, especially their skin. It may bother them initially but it is NOT like you getting a shot. So giving an injection to them does not necessarily hurt them, especially if the difference is a 22 gauge needle vs a 25 gauge needle.

Following A Recipe...

For those of you who don't know, I'll share with you that I LOVE TO COOK! Well, it's definitely not a passion, so maybe I don't love it *that* much but I certainly enjoy it. I'm always looking for a new, delicious recipe. I just happened to be looking at a few on the Food Network site when I came across one that sounded interesting. I always read the reviews of these recipes to see what others, who've made it, have to say. Well I read this one review and almost fell over. How hard is it to follow a recipe????

First and foremost, this recipe calls for 1 TEASPOON of seasoning. It also gives you the "recipe" for making the seasoning, which yields 2/3 cup. Well the GENIUS that posted says this, and I quote....

"The creole seasoning yielded 2/3 of a cup and I only added 1/2 cup to the recipe and it was still inedible. It was way overseasoned and salty even as a dip instead of a meal."

--Kristine, Long Beach, CA

OF COURSE IT WAS INEDIBLE!!!!!!!!!


Dear Kristine from Long Beach, CA,

My simple advice is as follows:

1. Step away from the kitchen, it is never to be entered again unless you're using a microwave.
2. When using a microwave to cook, only purchase microwaveable meals. They must be removed from the box prior to cooking.
3. Enroll yourself into 2nd grade...pay close attention to the "Learning to follow directions" lesson.
4. Sorry for seemingly harsh advice however any normal human being would not add 1/2 cup of SALT to anything. Well except the ocean.

If You Seek Amy....

A local radio station recently had a petition, by recent I mean like a month or more ago (no blog then, sorry), regarding Britney Spears' new single, "If You Seek Amy". Now in all fairness for those not familiar with the song or Ms. Spears, say "If You Seek Amy" 10 times, fast and aloud. Get it? Hmmm, well it may sound a little like "F-U-C-K Me"...I know, I know (I apologize), the song is vulgarity at it's best/worst, or is it really? I mean the whole issue was that kids will like this song because they "think" they are spelling out a bad word right?

Anyway, my point, which I'm getting to shortly, has nothing to do with that little tidbit. It's more along the lines of why even have a petition for this song? Apparently, and I could be wrong about this (correct me if I am) but the station's sponsors were threatening the station that if this song was part of the playlist, they may pull their ads. As a radio station, however, they did their duty and listened to what the listeners had to say, hence the petition. (Oh and it is back on the playlist by the way)

Ok so moving on to my point. On my way home for lunch yesterday, I heard a song on this same station by Lady Gaga called "Love Game". A portion of the lyrics are, and I quote, "Let's have some fun this beat is sick, I wanna take a ride on your disco stick. Don't think too much just bust that kick, I wanna take a ride on your disco stick. Let's play a love game..." How is this song any different than the previous?

I mean is this girl really talking about some toy (aka pogo) that was used during the "disco days" to have fun on the dance floor? Or is she talking about dancing? C'mon, 'take a ride on your disco stick'? It doesn't matter what the meaning is, which is my point exactly...every popular song these days has some double entendre, so the argument is ridiculous. Hello Flo Rider (or is it Flo Rida? lol)..."you spin my head right round, right round. When you go down, when you go down down..." PUHLEEEEEZE.

A lot of mainstream popular songs have double meanings or may be inappropriate for some audiences. So, if it's offensive to you, don't listen to it and don't watch the video expecting a different interpretation, just ignore it and if you're a parent, BE a parent.

I know I won't ignore them though, I like those songs I mentioned lol.

The "Playlist"

So I FINALLY figured out how to add music to my blog and let me tell you, once I figured it out, I felt stupid lol. Ok so, my playlist is on shuffle and there is a WIDE variety of music, so if you don't want to hear it, either turn down your volume or scroll to the bottom and pause it. I, however, will not apologize for the music I've chosen, I like them all believe it or not, hence MY playlist. Enjoy!


HOWEVER...I invite you to listen to #32 and #33...both of those songs have such meaning to me. I heard them both every single day while interning at Disney. They hold memories and yet, each song itself, is meaningful. As a matter of fact, #32 (Promise) was the song of choice for the first dance at one of my best friend's wedding. I haven't seen her in over a year (she lives in NYC), but it makes me think of her...everytime. Anyway, hope you at least listen to those!

Am I Boring or Something?!?!

So today I was told, "You don't seem like the type of person that would enjoy Vegas"...? I still don't get that. I'm no party pooper (ask my friends), I rarely am asleep before midnight, I'm certainly no prude and I'm VERY open minded (prude and open minded are not meant to go hand in hand). Hmmm, what vibe to I put off regarding that statement? I still don't know. I've been to Vegas, had a great time and won a lot of money...also lost most of it...but STILL. It's just odd to me given the person that said it, especially since they've NEVER been. Oh well, just because I prefer to have a few hundred dollars of DISPOSABLE money to gamble does not mean I do not enjoy having fun in Sin City! Yes, I do see gambling as a waste of cash, unless I win then it's all good, right?

I have to say though, my only complaint about Vegas...those people on the streets slapping those "catalogs" in their hands. It's a little annoying, I mean I don't want a catalog of prostitutes...that's just...nasty. To each their own though, just don't be putting these "catalogs" in my face and then look at me with surprise when I decline LOL.

And speaking of gambling, I recently came across this video on CNN...

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/05/07/lucky.lottery.woman.wchs

Seriously? I feel like I'm lucky just to hit all green lights on my way to work. Sometimes I wonder what kind of karma people put out there that win the lotto and especially 5 TIMES! Her accent kills me, by the way. Just the fact she has won enough money to pay off all my debt and then some, to have that voice...it grates my nerves! Yes, I'm bitter but...I should add...I don't play the lotto. STILL!

One more rule...

Yet another stupid rule that this league has imposed...

There must be 2 females in the outfield, 2 females in the infield and either the pitcher or catcher must be female.


Now I'm all for equality and we knew that it had to be 5 men/5 women on the field. That being said, this new rule has resulted in yours truly being benched...for now. Isn't that wonderful? Of course, nothing is set in stone and that, quite possibly, could change. It's just ridiculous. I'm beginning to regret ever getting involved in this league especially since some people on this team think we just signed up for the major leagues, oh and they're first pick...obviously. Just annoyed with the whole situation.

The idea of it being fun just went out the door.

I think I'm going to die....

Just got home from the second practice and my body is officially giving up on me, or so it feels. When I was moving around hitting and fielding I didn't really feel anything, however since arriving home, I suppose from the short drive and sitting in my car, I felt decrepit when I opened the door lol. Oh well, at least I have a few days to recover before the next practice. By the way, we're not half bad!

Although the rules of this league...SUCK! Let's see, here are just a few, and anyone remotely familiar with softball/baseball will KNOW these are silly:

1. 3 balls and the male takes TWO bases
2. One strike and you hit a foul...OUT!
3. HOMERUN!!! *BUZZZ* ...OUT!
4.There are two home bases, the runner steps on the second while the catcher covers the other.
As the runner, if you step on the one the catcher is covering...OUT!
5. First base is two colors, orange and white. The first baseman covers the white portion while
the runner is on the orange.

And the list goes on....

Why as a society must we feel the need to protect the feelings/skills of everyone nowadays? I mean whatever happened to a good ol' ballgame? I guess they don't exist anymore...well for adults...in an amateur city league lol.

Adam Glambert

Ok so it should go without saying, I do not care for this guy. American Idol is poised to make him the next Idol, in my opinion, to fill another niche. I mean of all previous Idols, we have one successful in mainstream pop music and another very successful in country...they need someone who could fulfill the 'rock' niche. Whatever, I do not care for his style whatsoever. He literally screeches, like a wailing animal caught in a trap of death.

I figured I would give him a little more of a chance so I went to the American Idol website (yes, I know *rolls eyes*) to read up on Mr. GLAMbert. The only thing I can remember, in other words the ONLY item that has struck me is..."Q. Who is your favorite idol thus far? A. Fantasia Barrino" ....ENOUGH SAID. No way I can support him...ever. Fantasia? I mean seriously?

Market Street

Can I just say I LOVE that store! That's all, nothing special here.

First Practice

So this evening we had our first softball practice. I have to say I was nervous about it only because I know I used to be decent but seeing as 10 years have passed since I've touched a softball, I just didn't know whether to anticipate embarassment or not. That being said, I'm feeling my age, my weight, my out-of-shapeness (is that even a word?).

Picture it, in high school you worked out all the time, were ok at sports, in fairly good shape and everything was ok. Ten years later, you have put on a lot of weight and that's primarily because you no longer workout the same way (if at all) but still eat as if you do, your joints begin to feel different especially after sports in HS (powerlifting anyone? Kinda regret it) and your activity level is what you get from your everyday life. Anyway, this is where I'm at currently.

Back to the practice, I think I did alright. Afterall I'm not there to impress anyone, just to have fun. Here's where the out-of-shape business comes into play, fun+out of shape don't mix well. I did have fun though, I realized that I miss being part of a team and we may not be the best, hell we may never win a game BUT it will be fun. I mean, I may no longer be able to run my fastest but I can still catch a ball and hit...what else is there? lol Anyway despite the mud and the "rust", it was a good practice. Now I just to need to figure out how to deal with the soreness tomorrow....

Big Sister

I've never had one so I can't speak from experience but my niece, Emma, is the epitome of what a big sister should be. Of course, her sister hasn't even been born yet, I just know this because, well, she's such an amazing little girl. Ornery at times and according to her mother and Nana (not her uncle), a handful, but sweet, extremely intelligent, mature and caring. She's 3 by the way. Although she's a beautiful little girl, I figured that doesn't necessarily make a big sister 'good' which is why I didn't mention it above, however when speaking of Emma, it must be said...she's beautiful.

Ok, so today I attended my sister's shower and Emma got some gifts as well, afterall she is expecting too right? (Of course her favorite was her Barbie fishing pole, which her wonderful uncle bought for her. I must say I was a little confused about why she wanted a fishing pole but it was a hit.) She got a matching diaper bag to the one her mother also received. At that moment it just struck me how great she will be when the baby is here. I mean, I already knew that such a brilliant, caring little girl could be nothing less. So it goes without saying...Brynlee is one lucky little lady, Emma will always be on her side.

June 2nd...she will be here very SOON!!!

**By the way, the picture at the top was taken last summer, so needless to say Emma looks older...it's just one (of the many) of my favorite pics.

Secrets

So for a while now I have been following other people's blogs and it seems to be the thing to do these days (blogging that is). Those people who's blogs I follow include one of my good friend's from high school that I miss, one of my sister's good friends, one of the greatest teachers I've ever had and her son (who just so happens to be married to that good friend of mine), and I cannot forget one of the greatest people I've ever known, just so happens that I've yet to get her blog to load although she recently announced it on FB, yes Liz that's you. I almost feel like a stalker, in a way anyway, I mean I follow what these people say online but I'm not sure the last time I saw them in person...weird huh? I guess that speaks volumes about the day and age we are experiencing. Again, here I am, randomly talking, which I do so well. Just thought I would share my inspiration for beginning this adventure. So here I am.

Scared Hitless

(Disclaimer: This is a new adventure so if my blog is boring, keep looking, it will only get better and better, I mean it's taking time to figure this thing out.)

So a group of friends (also mostly co-workers) have decided to enter into a softball league with the City of Plano. I am literally so excited about this whole league. I mean, I'm not one to 'toot my own horn' but I used to be good, at softball that is. I never played baseball, well except when I was in 4th grade, sad thing is, I didn't get the hang of it until the end of the season. I know, I was the black sheep of the family. I say this because everyone in my family played, except me. I still don't care about that, but I must say that I was pretty decent at it...again talking about softball. That being said, I have not even picked up a glove or a BAT, for that matter, in close to 10 years. Should be interesting. I always think that people who haven't played a sport they were once good at in a long while, well, they tend to believe they are STILL good. Hmmm, I'll report later on my abilities. However, I'm STILL excited. We all have a good time together, even at work, so it should be fun.

By the way, the name of our team is "Scared Hitless", here's a photo of our team shirt. The back will have the person's number and below that, it will say, "...you should be." Good right? Again, I do not 'toot my own horn'. lol