Father's Day.

Sunday. Father's Day. The day before the cleaning people come and I have to race around the house and pick shit up. Ugh.

Let's start with Friday night, which I anticipated I would spend at home. I ended up going to Mineral to watch my sister LIz play softball for the Michlig Ag team and then the Dawg House team showed up so I got to talk to people from the hometown (my current hometown) which was nice. Had a hot dog. Then after the game mom and I were at my house and we got the totes of baby clothes out and decided what that I have could be considered unisex and what is "girl" specific. We sorted all of the 0-3 months clothes into two clothes baskets, one that I can wash right now and one that she will take with her and not wash until the baby is born and we are SURE it's a girl. After 4 ultrasounds it's still a girl, so that is a good thing.

Saturday morning we had to get up early and go to prepared childbirth classes. I am really glad that we went but I have to say I was frustrated that it seems everyone but me thinks it's a better idea to have an epidural the second your water breaks than to try out labor and try relaxation techniques and waterbirth and hypnobirthing and see if you can do without. But I guess that's to be expected.

For lunch on Saturday we got to come back to Wyanet to the Community Club cookout at the locker. My hamburger seemed smallish, and I could have ate three, but I will chalk that up to the fact that I am pregnant and that all food seems small, and to the fact that I REALLY wanted a hot dog but told myself that two meals in a row consisting of hot dog weren't the best option. Although now that I think of it, Friday night I ended up eating half of a small Casey's Veggie pizza because the hot dog didn't do shit for me. LOL.

Saturday afternoon Evan suggested that I take a bath. Not because I was stinky but because I haven't had one in almost a month, because I have had to take showers. I enjoyed the bath immensely, and re-read a pregnancy buyer's guide. Then we got ready and went to Peru, where we saw the movie "knocked up" with Katherine Heigel. It was EXCELLENT and Evan commented afterwards that he went into it prepared for a chick flick but thought that it was awesome and would recommend it to anyone, and that it was really true to life... what with the dealing with becoming a parent and learning to sacrifice for your wife and children. We laughed so hard at lots of things in the movie, and I cried of course about 10 times, because that's what hormones do. I even cried during childbirth class. I don't know what makes me cry more, seeing the baby finally born or seeing the dad support the mom in delivery. SO anyway I used all the napkins from the popcorn to sop up the tears through the movie.

Then we ran to Target because there were a few things that I wanted to add to the baby registry that you can't add online, like baby spoons and bibs and some blankets and such. We bought some stuff that I had coupons for, diaper rash cream, baby lotion, a pack of 4 pink and white burp cloths. Evan got scanner happy and was looking at toys for a toddler, but I had to stop him and remind him that this is a BABY registry. Of course I wanted to add the "Happiest Baby on the Block" DVD to the registry, and although they have it online, you can't add it to your baby registry. WTF? and of course they didn't have it in store for me to add either. Damn. I know there's the book but I have read enough books and I want something that stressed out new parents can just pop into the DVD Player. I ended up calling Target for help adding the damn DVD.

What really pissed me off, was that I scroll through the 15 toll free numbers on their website to find the exact number that I am supposed to call for Gift Registries, and then dial it, and then I have to go through a 5 option menu and gift registries aren't even an OPTION on that menu, so I have to wait on hold for a person that then tells me that I need to be transferred to the gift registry department.. and then I get to a guy who barely speaks ENGLISH and keeps trying to walk me through accessing a number that doesn't exist and it very quickly becomes clear to me that I know more about Target's website than he does. ARGH. But in the end, the DVD couldn't get added to the registry because it's an AMAZON item and not a Target item. Whatever. They sholdn't be affiliated at all if they can't make it work. Bastards.

So after at the end of our Target trip last night I was having this really annoying pain in my upper belly, and I kept rubbing and rubbing it and Evan keeps asking if I am okay, and I tell him I am but that it hurts, and that when we get home I am drinking some water an lying down. When we got home, he felt the spot where it hurt and was insantly freaked out by the knot that you could feel there, and that knot has been there all week. I assume that it's an internal organ of mine that's squished, and Evan says "I thought you told me that lump didn't HURT!?" and I said "it didn't hurt until now" and so I ended up lying down in bed at 9pm, watching the last hour of Pirates of the Caribbean on cable, until I fell asleep at about 10pm and slept till 11am today. So. 13 hours of sleep later I am feeling much more refreshed. SO I talked to mom on the phone, took a long bath, and then proceeded to lie on the couch in my underwear and with a towel on my head and continue reading my book (Nicholas Sparks "A Bend in the Road") until Evan got up from what he called "the great Father's Day sleep-in."

Now he is getting me food because I am STARVING and I need energy to sustain me so that I can pick up the mess around here and get organized. I just don't have the energy to accomplish right now, so I guess I will go back to reading my book.

The Secret is out!

I am a smart chick. I am also open-minded in a new-agey, yoga practicing, meditating kind of way. I am not afraid to try new things. Even things that other people would laugh at, scoff at, or just plain make fun of. I love a good conspiracy theory(and by that I mean a GOOD one. I am not all into every conspiracy theory like SOMEONE I know.) I like to think outside the box.... but I have been ALMOST Letting myself feel guilty for not reading (or perhaps putting on my iPod and listening to) Rhonda Byrne's Book, The Secret. I like books with alternative ways of thinking. I like to read things like The New Revelations: A Conversation with God by Neale Donald Walsh. I like to find and read about people who have discovered that their natural way of thinking is actually shared with other people, and even though it may go against the grain of society (or in Walsh's case, Organized Religion...) just the fact that so many people think and feel in a similar way, WITHOUT someone telling them to.... it's eerie and it just makes sense. It's natural and real and it's like "I feel this way for a reason. I feel this way deep down inside because this is how I am SUPPOSED to feel. I don't need to think and feel like someone else tells me to."

But something about The Secret really throws me off. I think, honestly, that it's the title. And the Cover. And well... the SECRET. It's almost like an infomercial.... that doesn't give any info. It's like "I have the secret of life! I do! I do! And for the Special Introductory Price of $16.95, you can spend a few hours of your life reading about it, and making me rich!" Honestly, if you knew the secret of life... I just don't think you would be writing about it in a book. I could believe that you might CHARGE for it. I could believe that you wouldn't ever share it with anyone except perhaps to your family on your deathbed (like a secret family recipe) But write a huge nationally distributed book and sell it? That sounds like more of a moneymaking scheme than a "secret" to me. And the cover? Making it look all sealed in wax on old cracked paper like it came straight outta DaVinci Code? Just not fair. It's a ScAm I tell you! BEWARE!

So really, I kept tring to tell myself that I needed to read it, to listen to it, anything.... and that it would drastically change my way of thinking and then I looked at the price and I was just so cheap and there are always so many OTHER books that I would rather have, and then I started thinking "What's wrong with the way I think?" and then I thought "What's wrong with deciding what the secret of life is all by myself?" And then I thought... "Do I even WANT to know the secret of life?" and "IS there even a secret?!" and I decided this book is not for me.

This Blog Posting on MSN today really made me giggle, and I enjoyed it. A woman who read the secret and lived by it's principles for an entire two months.... and talked about where it got her.

Friday Yay!

Here comes the weekend! YAY!!!

Bought lotsa books at the bookfair today!

The Bump is BIGGER! LOL.

1. Four years ago -- where were you?
Right here in the exact same spot. Seriously. Same house, same job.

2. What bores you to tears?
Um. Not sure.

3. Do you have rhythm?
Not when it comes to dancing... but musically yes.

4. Who would you like to see today?
Carrie and Angela.

5. Friday fill-in:
Always thought that I'd Work In Agriculture.

Sunday.....Shopaholic!!

Just give me a laptop and a credit card and I can make a boring Sunday turn into a FABULOUS Shopping extravaganza! LOL. Last night I ordered the Changing Table in Antique White from JC Penney, and the changing pad and a changing pad cover in light green. Today I am so excited I can't hardly wait for it to arrive, I spent Friday and Saturday nights lying on the twin bed in the nursery arranging it in my mind. I am thinking all about the little socks and sleepers that I will put in the bottom drawer of the changing table and how I will stack diapers and wipes. Good fun.

When I got home Friday night I put all my new books in the bookshelf and now, it is full. I have readhed my limit on books for a while. Plenty to read here!

After ordering the Changing table (I got free shipping before Feb 15th) I got an email from Target today, with 10-20% off my furniture purchase, and so today I ordered the glider and ottoman. So essentially I got free shipping on BOTH Pieces or furniture. I coulda got $$ off the crib, but I don't have that kinda cash lying around. I am sure there will be another sale before September!

I also bought three other things I have been coveting since about a month or so ago, when mom and I were at Target in the Quad Cities. There is a Maternity sweatsuit that is tea green, really soft and pale and has all distressed edges and ruching between the breasts.... but the top and bottom together were $40! But I was like "I could REALLY use something like that to wear when I want to be relaxed, like on the weekends." My own adidas pants are already becoming tight and uncomfortable.... so I bit the bullet and ordered that too and added in a green fold-top purse that I was coveting so that I can get free shipping. The sweatsuit color is much neater in person, online it looks grey.... but I saw it at a store and it's adorable.

Now I am done. Scouts honor. I also ordered (Friday night) Evan's valentine's day present, which was a $40 t-shirt that he saw and really liked. I HOPE that it gets here on time... but it may not so I might have to print a picture.

This week is Valentine's Day! Yeah! Evan is taking me to get a Pre-natal massage and then we are going to purchase goodies for him to cook me a fabulous dinner. This weekend I will probably be assembling furniture and shopping for a new mattress since our tax return will be back! Yeee! I am hoping that the sales people will feel at least a little sympathetic since I am pregnant and I can get the bed frame thrown in for free. Cross your fingers! We are SO going King this time! I have three unopened king sheet sets and all my comforters and quilts are king. We registered for King sized sheets for our wedding because we KNEW we would be upgrading soon. I can't wait to get them all out and wash them and sleep on a new bed with smooth new sheets! Just one more week!! yeee!

I did get some crystal light lemonade... and I LOVE it, but wouldn't ya know it's giving me TERRIBLE heartburn? Damn. Maybe in another few weeks that won't happen anymore. Thanks Michelle for the Crystal Light offer, but I don't want to take you up on that until I know that It won't give me heartburn! LOL.

Yesterday I received THE MOST FABULOUS pink and yellow swap from fourlittlebirds! It was FABULOUS! I can't wait till my secret swap partner receives the swap that I sent!

Saturday I started and finished the 4th book in the Traveling Pants Series. It was good. It had been so long since I read the first three that I was confused at first.

Ready for the Weekend!!!

What have I been up to? Well, I suddenly seem to be getting some energy back. I have had this happen once before, so I am not going to get overly excited, but magically I was still awake at like 12:30am, when for the past 3 months I can't barely function past 9:30, and I am ALWAYS asleep by 10:30 or 11pm. AND I woke up Early, on my own, the last two days.

I launched a new blog, for the Computer User Group that I take part in, and have got the template tweaked and a few posts out. It's 4 posts look so small compared to the 895 posts on this blog!

I think the content will vary, computer and technology reviews, and computer advice. We will answer questions that we are asked at our meetings. Keep in mind that this will be written in an easy to understand, and hopefully un-geeky manner. Something that even the basic computer user can learn from and understand without being intimidated, while keeping enough information for more seasoned computer users to not get TOO bored.

I have a fairly eventful weekend, and I hope that my body keeps up. I need to go to Wal-Mart and but Lemonade Crystal Light (craving) and socks for work as I have an entire drawer of unmatching ones. It's like a black sock singles mixer. I have worn two different socks for 6 of the 7 days this past week. Bummer.

Sister's birthday is tomorrow, have dinner planned with the family this weekend and a surprise visit to my sister's work also, with cake and cards/presents.

Today there was a book fair at work and I bought a bunch of kids books to add to my bookshelf. When they start to run low on a certain book, they mark the price down from like $9 or $10 to $4 or $5.00, so I got several good deals. I love the little bundles where you get like 3 or 4 books (usually board books) for $9. Here's what I bought:

• Baby Einstein Farm Friends "Pop-Up Song Book"
• One Year with Kipper by Mick Inkpen
• I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont
• Russell the Sheep by Rob Scotton
• Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen
• Feels Real Fuzzy/Shiny Board Books
• Cuddly Puppies
• Furry Kittens
• On the Farm
• Little Ponies
  
• Slide and Seek Board Books by Debbie Tarbett:
  
• Who's Hiding under the SEA?
• Who's Hiding on the Farm?
• Who's Hiding in the Jungle?

Don't Stop Me! I'm on my way to Renew My Library Card!

I am the kind of person who, once I set my mind to something, I won't rest until it is accomplished. As long as it is my focus, it becomes my primary focus. My grandma, who died when my mom was about 15, and who I never met, had a saying "where there's a will, there's a way." and I have heard that repeated to me a million times. Now I repeat it to myself and others.

I look so much like my grandma jean that once when I was just in high school, we were eating dinner at a restaurant where she used to waitress, and someone from another table needed ketchup. I stood up to walk it over to the next table and an older gentleman who didn't know me had a "flashback" of sorts and said "You must be related to Jean, you are the spitting image!" and I heard that allot. Same color hair even. My mom was shocked that the man knew who I was without even knowing me.

So what I have on my mind today? Renewing my library card. It all started with some books that I want. I covet. I want to curl up and devour them and stuff my brains with knowledge. Because I already have ENOUGH books, and I don't need to BUY anymore, I was trying to tell myself that I should go back to what I was taught and start using the library. Well, the downfall of a small town library is that most books that you want to read aren't there. I am not putting DOWN the library, but their budgets are limited! And when that new book comes out and there is ONE copy, it might take you three months to catch it and you have to put your name on a list and it's just one of those things. But luckily we have library networks so if you want a book they can call other libraries and find it. But most small town librarians act like you are asking them to shit out a gold brick when you ask them to do this.

I grew up going to the library on a weekly basis. All summer long especially. We each had a big tote bag that was for the library. Our mom taught us to pass the time with books, and be lazy in the sunshine with a book. So we would go to the library and I would pick out like 6 or 7 or 10 books and go to the counter and set them up there and the librarian would giggle and say "oh no sweetie, you can't have this many books! You see, you only get to check them out for a week! So maybe you could just pick ONE of these?" And I would just turn around and look at my mom (usually a few bookshelves away) and mom would come over and smile at the librarian and say "no, really. It's okay. She'll read at least one of those books a day." and I don't mean kids books. I mean young adult, 1-2" thick books. I have always been a fast reader. The librarian would be skeptical and mom would just give her that one look and before you knew it I would have 10 books in my library tote and be ready to get home and start reading. The librarian would get used to this, but every time that we would get a new or substitute librarian, we would go through the same thing again.

I have a Wyanet Library card but I haven't renewed it since 2005. So I have to first renew the library card from Wyanet. It's difficult for me to get to the Library in Wyanet because with the exception of 1 day a week, they are only open 1-6pm, and I am at work. But my main goal is to go to Matson Public Library in Princeton. They have the main library, and a satellite location on Main street, AND they are working on the new location in the old Bogo's Building that will even have a wireless internet cafe. How cool is that? If you live in Wyanet you get a library card for Raymond A. Sapp Library for free. If you have a Wyanet library card, then you can use the Matson Public Library for free. My favorite part of the Matson public library is their website! You can search for books online, not just in your library, but in OTHER libraries in the entire HAL system. You can make lists of books you want to read. You can place a hold on a book if it is "checked out" and you can renew your books online. You can login and view your library account. It's just a REALLY great feature that is well worth it.

Because I have 4 books that I want to read, and because I need to order them through HAL, I would like to start using the Matson website. They are right in Princeton where I am every single day, and their hours are very flexible. They are open till 8pm every weeknight, except 6pm on Friday, and the main location is RIGHT on my way home. So how convenient? And so I have to renew my Wyanet card! It's my main focus of the day! I can't do anything or focus on ANYTHING until this damn library card is renewed! Yippee!!!

This weekend someone needs to take our Christmas Tree down, and someone needs to clean my scrapbook room. Someone needs to do laundry. I plan on going shopping with my mom on Saturday, she is looking at carpet and such, and we both want to look at beds and mattresses.

It's a little warmer here today, still ice on the trees and a dusting of snow on the ground. When the wind blows, the trees over head make noises like someone is twisting an ice cube tray over your head. Not actually cracking the cubes out, but twisting it just enough that you hear the squeaking and some crackling and think that at any minute it could start raining icicles. I was also really taken aback this morning on the way to work. The Prairie Grass along route 6 on the flats was sparkling in such an amazing way, bent over in elegant glass arcs. If I would have had my camera and the energy to lift my arms to photograph... I would have pictures to share. Maybe another day. Just take my word for it!

Books I am wanting to read:
Rediscovering birth by: Sheila Kitzinger:
A study of the universal experience of pregnancy and
childbirth discusses the emotional aspects of
pregnancy, the physical and spiritual aspects of the
birth experience, and the cultural influences
involved.

Choosing waterbirth : reclaiming the sacred power of birth by: Lakshmi Bertram

The thinking woman's guide to a better birth by: Henci Goer

The womanly art of breastfeeding by: The La Leche League International

Heater Whore and the Rusty Pickle

Today, is an okay day.

But let us start with last night. I did nothing. I watched a movie on cable (Autumn in New York with Winona Ryder and Richard Gere) while I messed around a bit on the laptop. Husband brought me home Subway. Yum. Then I took a bath that lasted so long that the water was hurting my skin. Between the bathtub and in bed until 2:30am, I read a hefty 2/3 of my book "The Tenth Circle" By Jodi Picoult. Now I have read one of her other books, and it was good but I wasn't overly impressed. But this book is AWESOME good. I had to take it to work today so I could read while I ate my stuffed pizza for lunch. I can't tear myself away. It's pretty good. Husband was intrigued when he saw me reading the comic book sequences. Of course I lvoed the references to Jim Lee and Marvel/DC Comics. The book itself is just a great story, and it's well told. Of course, at exactly the halfway point, I had a pretty good handle on the "secret" piece, but I haven't gotten to the end to actually see what happened for sure. I can't give you ANY details without giving away the book. But it is GOOD and I suggest it to anyone.

Tonight I had a Rusty Pickle Class after work (oh I can already see your eyebrows rise, and guys are probably pitching a tent over me saying pickle.) but for those of you who DON'T know, Rusty Pickle is a scrapbook company- and I made this Christmas Album. Although sister and I did purchase a book at the Girl's Night Out Party called "tickle his pickle" and we are both going to read it, so if that doesn't get your mind wandering, nothing will.


Last night I also did the "What's In My Bag" thing for the flickr group... and then upgraded to a bigger purse. But what I really wanted to do was sew a purse organizer, but I was so in depth with the book that at 2:30am I had to make myself put it down and sleep.

I got two of my shirts off ebay, they are kinda smallish. The "Meet the Twins" shirt is the same brand as the "Pirate Love" shirt but it's a size bigger according to the tag, but it fits smaller. WTF? So I dunno. Might end up reselling them. I have had bad luck lately, even with using measurements. I got a dress that was too big, and shirts that were too small. I got pants that look black with white pinstripes in the pictures and ended up being kinda multi-colored pinstripes. Strange. I am hoping my luck changes. Of course I just got outbid on my outrageously low Palm treo 650, which I knew would happen. Too good to be true.

Today I mailed bills. Power, Cable & Internet, Cell Phones, etc.CB gave me a little belated birthday gift, the book "Pirates" By John Matthews. I had seen this book at Shop-ko in October and coveted it terribly. But it's just one of those things you don't buy for yourself, so it was the perfect gift. And I was surprised to get it, which made it even nicer. Last night I decorated my little pink tree at work. It's sparkly pink (the tree itself) with pink class balls and pink christmas lights on pink wires. And I have more ornaments at home that I need to remember to bring to work. AND I need to put the lights and ornaments on the tree at home. Ugh. Maybe tomorrow night. I am just SO not in the spirit. I think not putting up decorations last year made me lazy.

Today was such a gloomy looking day. It rained some. It was just overcast, although it wasn't cool outside, it was cool INSIDE at at work all day I just wanted a blanket or sweater or heater to curl up with. Yes, I curl up to heaters. My husband is always laughing because if he can't find me, I am sitting on the floor somewhere about 1 foot in front of a space heater or next to a register. When I used to babysit I would make a blanket tent over the registers and sit under it with the kids while we watched a movie or read a book. I think it probably drives husband nuts that I always want to cuddle. Usually it's a one sided cuddle. He plays a video game or holds the remote while I try to carve a place into his side where I can squeeze myself and keep warm. When all else fails, I love to cuddle with Boyd. He's a "hot" dog. Like a personal heater to curl up with.P.S. UPDATE-- I did finish my book tonight, and it was good. I knew "Who Dunnit" but the ending, although good, also kinda pissed me off because it was that open ended bullshit where you really don't know what happens at all. That sucks. But the book was good. It just lacked closure, which pisses me off. I need closure. Unless Johnny Depp or Edward Cullen is involved and there is a sequel, there had damn well better be closure!

Everything.

This morning when I woke up, I could think of a BAZILLION things I would rather do today than go to work. A BAZILLION. With Turkey Day coming up, and my birthday, I really am glad that I will have this weekend, then just two more days of work, then 5 days off work. Ahhh. I love Thanksgiving.

So I have been slacking at telling you what's up. Went to Anya's Tupperware Party on Wednesday, and Ava CRAWLED! Right there in front of all of us! I kept setting her up on her knees, because she keeps getting so close to moving.... and Bobbi had all the good stuff that Ava wanted and she put it across the room, so that Ava would have to "go to it" and she did it! Anya was upstairs and we were Screaming for her to get downstairs to see Ava. Anya was so excited. It was awesome to be there for that.

Last night I had a pedicure. Which was awesome. And necessary. It was relaxing. And my toes needed a paint job. And they just seem SO far away lately. So it was a nice evening. I got OPI's new 25th Anniversary color "Who Makes Up These Names?" (bottle at left) on my toes and I eyeballed a neat sparkly deep red for Christmas time. Similar to "O'Hare and Nails Look Great" but more sparkly. Called "It's a Doozi, Says Suzy." (bottle at right.) Guess I will have to get a December pedicure. LOL.

I have been reading "The Thirteenth Tale" and it is a good book. I am enjoying it. Although I have to say that it's hard for any book to follow "New Moon" and "Twilight" By Stephanie Meyer. Edward Cullen just has my votes through and through. But Diane Setterfield is keeping my interest in this book, and it's a good one... it sorta puts me in mind of the drama that accompanies a V.C. Andrews book, but an A.D. book. Not one actually written by V.C. Andrews, not even close, but more of in a way of dramatic without being terribly graphic and cruel. It's good. I think it's supposed to be mysterious. I get that. But it's no DaVinci Code. I am just over 3/4 of the way through. For the way it's being pimped by bookstores, book clubs, and the like, it must have an awesome ending. So I am waiting. The book's website calls it "gothic" and I am sorta okay with that. But it doesn't seem nearly as dark as I think it's trying to be. Maybe that's because I am desensitized by books like VC Andrews (her OWN books) and historical fiction like the Linnet Bird and Memoirs of Helen of Troy. I was also shocked to see a pleasant review by Kate Mosse, the author of Labyrinth, which I also read recently. That book is dubbed "the female DaVinci Code" and while it was good, I wasn't DYING to read it or DYING to get through it. I just read it. I was pleased. It was over. I moved on. And this book kinda feels the same.

I did watch Grey's Anatomy last night, and it looks like they will be killing off George's dad in the interest of revealing Burke's "deep dark" secret. Interesting. I am most disappointed that Men in Trees isn't on this week, in favor of Barbara Walters. Ugh. Really. Is there EVEN a contest there? But next week, Men in Trees is after Grey's Anatomy, which I think is an AWESOME move, and I betcha that there will be LOTS more Men In Trees fans within a few weeks. I haven't watched the Tivo'd OC episode yet. I have to say that I am really sick of Ryan all upset over Marissa. I was so sick of Marissa on the show, I was glad to see her go. And really, if he loved her SO much he wouldn't have been breaking up with her over and over. Whatever.

In the real world, hmmm. Nothing is happening. Regular week. Regular day. Had an awesome scary and vivid dream last night. My friend Brandon (who now lives in the suburbs and is expecting a baby with his wife Ryane) was somehow in it. I haven't seen him much, but I did see him for about 10 minutes at the bar the night that Anya and I had just got out of the hot tub and the whole town was abuzz with the suicidal guy who was missing. I got a big hug from him but we didn't get to talk much. He looks good.

So anyway, in the dream, we were like "back" a few years, 5 or 6 maybe. I was at a party and ran into Brandon. I had been waiting for Angela to call (story of my life, Ha ha) and she didn't, so I told Brandon and he was like "let's go find her" and so we got into his Bronco (hence the 5-6 years ago) and started driving. I was calling her on her cell phone and no answer and I said "maybe she never left Chicago" (ala class reunion style Angela) and he said "I know where to find her."

Now you have to know, that Angela is a botanist and ecologist. She has always been the animal and wildlife lover, and has been an ecosystem cheerleader. If a rainforest is in danger... she knows about it, and she has a petition you can sign. She is fabulous, and one of my two very best friends in the whole world. Brandon, and Angela, and I have know each other our entire lives. So Brandon starts driving to all the conservation areas and wildlife preserves and parks that he can find. Then he takes off through a corn field and towards the canal. I am like "whoa. where are you going?" and he is like "I know where she is." and he starts to drive like his is going to drive ACROSS the aquaduct/viaduct and I am like NO FREAKIN WAY. and all holding on and yelling at him (I hate water. Hate hate hate. ) and then suddenly there is this drop off and below, there is flowing water that goes over what looks like a little dam of ice. The ice looks slushy, like you imagine it would with water running over it, and I am like "you are not. Stop right here." and he starts DRIVING ACROSS and Through the ice and open water. He's like "it's fine. I do it all the time. I have 4 wheel drive" and I am like "I don't like this. It's not a good idea. I don't want to DIE finding Angela." and so he keeps driving and the water gets deeper and the ice is slushier and I can feel the truck sinking a little each time. Then we get up on this "island" of ice. There is no running water over this ice. I finally feel safe. And there is a sign right in front of us that says something about not going any further (I can totally see the sign in my mind, white with red and black) And just when I am like "whew!" he guns it and goes past the sign.

And we start to sink. Fast. Into the ice and water. And I am like "We are Sinking!!" and he just looks at me and says "yeah, that sucks." and I am like GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY and I push open the sunroof (yeah, I know, in a Bronco?) and There is HUGE chunks of ice in the way and i am pushing them aside and the water is higher than the doors and over the windows and then over the roof. And I squeeze through the sunroof and I can feel the water and the suction pushing me DOWN and I am swimming and fighting and Pushing and trying to get to the surface and it seems like I am never going to get up and out of the ice and cold water and just when I think I am going to die, I feel the air.

Then I climb up on a block of ice and was safe, and looked down for Brandon and I could see him so I reached my hand down and grabbed his and started to pull and he got out too and we were standing on the big block of ice, a complete island with rushing cold water all around us and just FREEZING cold and wet and it was DARK and WINTER and our cell phones were gone and we STILL didn't know where Angela was and I was so upset and I just woke up in bed and it was dark and 6:30am and I padded to the bathroom to pee.

How's that for a vivid dream?

1. What is your nearest lake or river? (besides the one in my dream) Probably the Illinois River, although we are also about 45 minutes from the Mississippi. We are right between the two. Nearest REAL Lake? Lake Michigan.

2. Do you believe in heaven? Yes, because that's where dogs go. But I don't know about heaven for people, because how can it be heaven without all the people you love?

3. What's your lucky number? 17

4. Ever know anyone who appeared on a game show? Not that I know of. But I remember when I was a kid that my mom was in the audience of Donahue and that made me think she was famous!

5. Charades: good times or lame? I don't really like to play just charades, but I LOVE the game Cranium. It's like Win Lose or Draw meets Charades and there is Sculpting and drawing blindfolded and all kinds of good stuff. So If it's Cranium, where you have Charades but don't do JUST Charades I think Charades are cool.

Read Read Read Read Read it!

I read the best book last night. I want to say "ever." Right there, I want to say "the best book ever" but I don't know if I can ever ever make that statement with a world full of books left unread, because I take that statement every seriously. And even though if I said "ever" you would roll your eyes, I would totally mean it. If it weren't for the books unread. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer.

It all started at wal-mart yesterday, where I perused the book aisle as usual. The cover instantly caught my eye. (I know, I know.) Completely black with a small silver gothic looking title. twighlight. All lowercase. Pale smooth beautiful hands cradling a bright red apple. New York Times Bestseller. The reviews (amazon included) were AMAZING. It was like $6.00, in-expensive for a book that is 4 inches thick (literally!) I had to have it. Even if I just sat at home and stared at the cover. it was worth $6.

Last night around 9:53 I got back to Wyanet from dinner out with Heather. I threw on pajamas, and curled on the couch with the book. I didn't stop, not even to change laundry, until 4:30am. This book caused me pain and heartache. It was arousing and sensual. You know that tight feeling in your chest when you finish watching the notebook? I still have that tight feeling 5.5 hours of sleep later. It's like I can't focus on anything... and I want to run to Wal-mart and buy the second book NOW, in my pajamas, with my hair all sticking out and my eyes wild. I have NEVER been that drawn into a book. Never. Not DaVinci Code, not Wicked, Not Harry Potter.

It is a modern book but it has all the classic elements of books like Wuthering Heights and The Scarlet Letter. Lady Chatterly's Lover. This book is POWERFUL. It's sexual. It's romantic. And although it's about vampires, it is the most REALISTIC!

I am going to give you the most basic storyline I can, more than the book's monologue reveals, without spoiling the story. It's about a young woman who meets a young man. She is instantly drawn to him. He is exquisite. Like a Greek god. Pale Skin, Flashing eyes that change from gold to the blackest black. She has amazing poise. When she locks eyes with him, the look that he sends her gives her chills. He looks as though he hates her, although he has never met her before. It unsettles her and she is unexplainably drawn to him. He avoids her and then disappears for days and she can't figure out why she can't function because all she does is look for him. When he returns, he suddenly speaks to her and smiles at her and she is intranced. You could say love and fascination at first sight. But every time he physically gets too close to her, or if she brushes his hand, his eyes turn a deep black and flash with anger and he storms away. Then he saves her life (the first of MANY times that he tries to protect her.) But he saves her in a way that is IMPOSSIBLE for any human to do. It's then she knows, that he isn't human. When she questions him, he doesn't answer and tries to get away. But he can't help himself, he can't stay away from her. He is conflicted. He warns her to stay away from him.

The more she gets to know him, she uncovers that he is a vampire, but by then it's too late. She loves him so much that she doesn't care. Her life is in danger every moment she is with him, but it kills her to be away from him. His particular clan has discovered a way to control their hunger, and live among humans successfully without hunting them. But she is his greatest weakness, he could smell her the first time he saw her, and he wanted to bite her more than he had EVER wanted any human, but he was so attracted to her that he wanted to protect her. He had to protect her from himself. They fall in love. In over 100 years he has NEVER felt this strong for anyone. Finally, he doesn't have to be alone. But he can't get too close to her, because if he relaxes for just a second too long, he will kill the one thing that he loves the most. If another vampire doesn't get to her first.

Oh my god. It's the kind of book that sends chills down your spine. It makes you want to find your lover, cuddle up next to them without a word, and have them hold you. It makes you want to be with them and never let them out of your site. It makes you want to have sex, and it makes you want a vampire of your very own. And yes I am aware of how crazy I seem. Perhaps I have been bitten...

PS I knew when I read this that this book was SO excellent, there wasn't a chance that it would get away without becoming a movie. This had me so disappointed and upset that I was losing sleep. And sure enough, MTV has until April 2008 to purchase the rights as it has been optioned for a movie. And of course, the author mentions on her website, that she has no say in the people chosen to play the parts, and no say in anything about the movie, and it sickens me, to say the least, that a story so amazing will become commercialized and streamlined for the big screen.

UPDATE: This book has had a hold on me all day. I was all twitchy and nervous and couldn't function. I went to Wal-Mart and bought the "sequel"- book 2 "New Moon" and started reading it at around 1:30pm today. I didn't stop until 7pm, when I finished it. I am feeling much calmer and relaxed now... although the story is far from over (there are two more books in the making right now) The second book left me feeling more relaxed and calm and I am able to function again. I was telling husband about it this afternoon and I also started to feel much more relaxed when I was able to tell him that I love him and talk about the book a tiny bit.

I won't let him be gay.

Wearing: Black Gauchos, a black babydoll shirt with pink and white flowers, black cork heeled sandals with rhinestone buckles... pink toenails, Dangling black hoop earrings and straight hair.
Listening: Hinder Get Stoned and Lips of an Angel (watch the Videos Here)
Eating: Leftover Rips Chicken

Well, I am so addicted to Hinder. I completely have a picture in my head of what the lead singer would look like. Totally hot. Like smoking hot. Rough. Lots of facial hair. Totally Cut. Probably a little dirty. Jeans. I am guessing no shirt. I can completely see him. He might look a little like Chris Evan's in this picture or maybe Eric Balfour in this picture. Gulp. Of course, Anya saw them in concert September 12th, with Chevelle and Nickleback, and told me that he if the lead singer isn't gay, it would be a miracle. I adore gay men. I do. But this can't happen. I totally had my picture in my mind. I mean LISTEN to that guy's voice. It's totally hot.

So she showed me a picture on the internet on Sunday and I was like Wha? how? It's impossible that little guy opens his mouth and THAT sound comes out! Jeez! He is so NOT what I need him to be! Oh well. She said "look at his hand. His hand was like that the entire time he was singing" and so basically she's trying to tell me that he is flamin'. I have found some pics online where he kinda puts me in mind of the Crow.... but still, nothing like I need. So I told myself that he is all lip synching and that there is a totally hot and scruffy guy behind the scenes singing. But then I watched the videos. And granted, he does seem a bit strange when singing, but I don't think that he is necessarily gay. But maybe Matt can help with this. I don't really think that many gay guys would agree to do a video where he is in the shower with a naked chick (2 chicks really, one naked and one ALMOST naked.) And I don't think he would be all down with a chick in leather hot pants crawling all over him. But.... maybe that's the image that the record producers want him to have. And if the titties don't bother him, why not?

You see, I love fantasies, and I am not about to let mine be ruined by having the guy singing that song be gay and therefore "unfantasizable." I guess, worse case scenario, Anya and I could hang onto our "gay husband" theory, where we really need three husbands. One who is a totally hunk. Like the poolboy. Think Jessie Metcalf on Desperate Housewives. He fulfills our every desire. He makes you feel like a woman. Hot. Then one who is a really good looking gay guy- nice dresser, takes us shopping, comes home with these "fabulous strappy shoes" that he just knew I had to have. And then just the regular "guy's guy" who sits on the couch with the remote or the one you see glued to the TV in sports bars.... except I haven't figured out why we even NEED that third guy if we have the hot guy and the gay guy... except that we had that conversation aroung Brad and Evan- so maybe we were trying to soften the blow.

And our husbands were like jaw dropping because they assume that as women, we don't have any fantasies. We just do dishes and laundry, right? Well. The guys (I think it was Evan) made the comment that they would have three wives, a redhead, blonde, and a brunette. And I told Evan that I can be all his fantasies, and I will dye my hair blonde on one side, red on the other, and black from behind. That got everyone cracking up.

So. Moving on. (although it's hard to tear my attention away from the Hinder Fantasy guy.) I do like his tattoos though (the real singer.) It's strange that I like tatoos on SOME guys, but hate them on others. It's just something about pulling them off I guess. And while I like tattoos, I REALLY don't want my husband to have any. Probably because everything he picks or mentions, I am like "what?!" I just don't know. I like my husband looking just the way he is. I guess I worry that if he gets a tattoo, I might not like it, or he might turn into one of those guys who I don't like tattoos on. That would be so upsetting! There is a fine line that can be walked with men and tattoos. If you do it wrong, instead of looking tough and sexy, you get all skanky and strung out looking. And if you have something stupid, or in a stupid place... you can get all goofy looking. Like how about the Greek Tattoo on a overgrown frat boy? Not cool. And sometimes some of the coolest tattoo's that are really colorful, are a turn off. I like to see the art, I think they are awesome, but I mostly am not a fan of all bright colored tattoos. I like dark ones. Blacks and Blues and Purples. Maybe Green. For Halloween Evan is going to draw a tattoo on me like Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow Tattoo. But instead of saying "Jack" under it, I will either leave it blank, or put "property of Cap'n Jack." Not sure. My pirate costume STILL hasn't arrived. I am starting to get frustrated. I have my hat. My mom saw the hat in the living room and she came in and said "Oh my god, that Pirate Hat is SO you!" and it cracked me up, because I was thinking "can I pull off that sexy, frilly hat with the big red bows and plume feathers?" and then mom said "It's SO you" like three times and I was thinking "I KNEW I was a pirate! I KNEW it!" So I am thinking that tonight I will traipse around the house in the only pieces of my pirate costume that I have.... my fancy hat and my stripey socks. That should get me in the mood for pirattitude!

Last night it was very stormy. Evan ran to Casey's and I went into our room. I was propped up on the bed reading, and suddenly, the sprinking outside turned into some RAGING winds and hail. In a split second, it roared up and blew the window fans out of the bedroom and bathroom windows. I jumped up and ran from room to room shutting windows, but in the 40 seconds it took me to shut 4 windows, the window sills and the floors and anything within 4 feet of the windows were SOAKED. Evan came flying in the driveway and pulled up by the back door. I went to the back porch and was looking out. I had my hand on the aluminum screen door, and a Big lightening bolt flashed across the sky, and I got shocked through the door! It was just like touching an electric fence. Holy Cow! Evan came running inside, he was SOAKED. It looked like he just got out of the shower. LOL. The dogs were pacing and the trees were swirling around. The Ghosts stayed in the tree... which proves that Spiderwire is awesome and my husband was right. WZOE said 50 mp winds and dime sized hail was coming through.

So I got quite a bit of reading done last night.... I finished Ya-Ya's in Bloom over the weekend and I am about 3/4 of the way through Little Altars Everywhere right now (also by Rebecca Wells.) My goal is to have them both finished by tomorrow night before my mom comes over, so that I can give them back to her.

So now I await my pirate costume, my camoflauge Chuck Taylors, my red Chuck Taylor "simples", and my Pottery Barn Kids Halloween Calendar. My tupperware order came in yesterday and I was able to organize all my flours and sugars in the new modular mate super ovals. My mom has my label maker, and once she brings it to me tomorrow, I will label them and everything will be PERFECT in the OCD kitchen. Except of course for the fruit flies that we got in the apples that we picked.... and even though we removed the apples, the fruit flies seem to be swarming and choking us. It's so hard to get rid of fruit flies. We spray them with OFF Skintastic when we see them. LOL. I also await my Stampin Up Order from CB's party. Oh yes, and my order from Kathryn-Beich to support a co-worker's daughter (school sales.) Can you say "shopaholic?" Ohhhh! And I forgot, I am also awaiting my early birthday present from husband- my baby pink double-breasted wool peacoat! Yummy! My next purchase will be a replacement camera. I keep saying that, but other things keep getting in the way and eating up my ca$h. I need more hoes to pimp! Actually, I don't have any hoes. But I could be a pimp. I am my own pimp. I think it would be fun to pimp out men. Like have a whole cast of pool boys and just be in charge of them.

Anyway, back to shopping... I am a Home Party Addict. I would be willing to bet that I attend or purchase from an average of 20 home parties a year. And that is not an exxageration. I have, however, limited myself to hosting ONE home party per year at my house. Add that up with at least one cookout in the summer and one holiday (usually Thanksgiving) and I think I do my share of entertaining. This fall we are having Thanksgiving again (per usual) but we have the issue of seating. Now that Evan's brother has a girlfriend, that adds in another person. So immediate families now adds up to ten guests. Thankfully I have enough plates, silverware, and wine glasses. And I ALMOST have enough fancy fall napkins with leaf napkin rings. I think I have enough Napkin Rings but not as many napkins. So before the gathering, I need to purchase a new poly-resin buffet size table. I have one in the scrapbook room, that folds in half. I love it, but after about a year of use, it bows in the center. So I have continuously meant to purchase a new one, but just haven't done it yet. So before Thanksgiving, I need to do that.

Every year I make the Turkey the day ahead of time, take all the meat off the bones, and keep it warm and moist in the crock-pot. This year, we plan on deep frying the turkey(s) or at least Turkey Breasts. That will be fun. This year Thanksgiving is the day before My Birthday. Two Years ago it was the day after. I was born the day after Thanksgiving. My mom was in labor during Thanksgiving. In fact, she was HOSTING thanksgiving. She woke up that morning and had contractions while she was standing at the sink peeling potatoes. While everyone else ate Turkey dinner, she was lying upstairs in bed. Wasn't that nice of them? Don't wanna interrupt dinner or anything... right? But then I think, what 9 month pregnant and ready to pop woman hosts Thanksgiving?! My mom. She can do ANYTHING even when you think she's nuts. I guess that's where I get it.

So this Friday I have a "dentist appointment" and Anya and I will take Ava to Tanner's Orchard for pumpkins and apple cider and apple cider donuts and pictures. It will be SO much fun, and it is supposed to be 70 and sunny, so I am looking for a fabulous weekend. Today it is supposed to reach 90 and they are talking about breaking a record Illinois high for October 3rd. ooohhhh. Exciting! It was all I could do to make myself get dressed and come to work today. It was already so nice this morning... I was dying to be at home.

Fall Food

Listening: REO Speedwagon The HITS (another thing learned from my dad)
Wearing: Black Ballet Style Shirt, Khaki Pants, Puppy Dog Socks, and Mary janes. Straight Hair. Link: Fall Photos from around home

Last night was a very "fall-like" night. we peeled/cored/and sliced 30 cups of apples. I made two batches of apple crisp and some wheat beer bread with Budweiser. Yum!

I have a "fall" swap, I have everything ready to send. The only thing I didn't put in the picture is my handmade item. I need to package that up and get it mailed off to Germany.

I am happy today is Thursday.... but I don't have a HNT Photo. I suck. Oh well. I guess with all the Apple slicing, bread baking, and apple crisp making, I have an excuse, right?

One of the other things that makes me all excited for fall? My Tastefully Simple Order Arrived on the back porch yesterday, and now I have a sample of "Oh My Chai" tea and "Hazelnut Hot Chocolate." I am totally ready to curl up with a hot mug and a good book. I am just to the end of Rebecca Wells Ya-Yas in Bloom. So far it's been a really good book. But really, it isn't a page turner. It's lots of little stories, so when I finish a chapter, I don't feel the urge to continue like you would with a regular book, because you already know the end to that little story. It's good, but it has taken me much longer to read it than it usually would.... because I am not dying to get to the end. I had a hell of a time getting to sleep last night, I was still awake at 3am, even though I lay down at 1:30. It was annoying and it was really pissing me off. Then of course this morning I did NOT want to get up, since I was all sleepy and snuggled in.

Well, I can't think of a whole lot else to say today. Just your regular day. no profound realizations, no big purchases, no driving success stories. Just another day. I guess I could have some "Oh My Chai" or perhaps just a DQ Pumpkin Pie Blizzard since they just got them in. Mmmm. I hope that we can have some nights filled with relaxing and playing games with friends. I love fall.

Swap-Riffic

Wearing: Black pants with white pinstripes, teal button down shirt, black loafers, socks with dogs and fall leaves.
Listening: Silence. Ahhhh.
Link of the Day: http://www.cabbagepatchkids.com It's the coolest, tour Babyland General Hospital, see the Cabbage Patch Timeline, and special edition as well as original all-fabric cabbage patch kids.

Me Pirate gear arrived today. A feathery lacey hat with a plume feather fit for a pirate queen, 2 pair of stripey socks, and the book Pirattitude by Cap'n Slappy and Ol' Chumbucket. Oh and I also got my adorable gifty gift from the "sew my name" swap, which I haven't even STARTED yet... and I need to do this weekend along with wrapping up my "fall swap" and finishing ATC's for 3 swaps that I am behind on. (bad bad swapper!) Also arriving today were the converse that perfectly match my own, only smaller. They are so freaking adorable!

I got to start my day with a pap exam, which is fabulous of course. Then I ate a turkey wrap, an apple Evan picked at his parents' farm, and a bottle of water. All is right in the world.

So this Saturday I have a Stampin Up Workshop to attend, and a surprise party with a live band for a certain someone who will remain un-named. I can't WAIT! Then Sunday I got invited to do some fun things but I really really can't because I have to do laundry and I have to finish the ATC's, the Sew my name swap, and Apparently with the acquired large box of apples I might be making apple crisp. It also occurred to me that I need to clean the office as I have been putting it off for exactly 6 weeks and I can't put it off anymore and expect to have room to start me "All About Him" scrapbook Album that arrived last Friday (QVC Auto-shipment) and finish the ATC's. It also occurred to me that I have all the paint and glue and the kit for my new dollhouse but I haven't even started. So really I would be happy with a weekend at home. The month of September has been extremely busy. I can't wait for October. It will be great to have nothing planned, even if for one full weekend I can just do whatever I want instead of running from place to place.

And you know... my pirate COSTUME itself hasn't arrived yet. I am worried it won't fit and I will have to buy another one. Ugh. HURRY UP COSTUME PEEPS! Send it!