Observations of millenials
Often times people comment on how quiet I am, some see it as a positive some see it as a negative. To me, it's just who I am. Often times, due to my quietness I also just sit and observe. Sometimes, I'm able to pick up on things that others don't quite see. Today, the observation anyone can make but it just reminded me how much social activity is important to me.
Throughout the workweek, I work with college students of all different ages, traditional students and non-traditional students. In many cases, there are quite a few similarities however there is one case that each student always views differently and that is technology. My "traditional" students can't live without an I-pod, their blackberries, facebook, myspace, e-mail etc. My non-traditional students would much rather call and talk to me in person or stop in for a face-face to appointment. I've even had a few students that didn't quite know how to register because they were still learning how to use a computer. Some of these students have made the comment that the don't like today's technology because it replaces "real" conversations and important "face-to-face" communication. In which, I do have to agree.
Most of the week, I take the bus to and from work and just and observe. The only electronic I have is my cell phone which I do sometimes use to text but I have a strict policy for myself to not talk on the phone while on the bus. Usually, I in the middle and watch minimal interactions between people. Today, I arrived to the bus stop just in time to hop in which meant I would be sitting up front, close to the driver. On our way to Uptown, the driver made a couple of announcements stating that the GoTo pass (an unlimited bus ride pass) machine was not working and to just show him our cards as we were getting off the bus. A pretty simple step, and he made sure to announce it a couple times. Our first stop, everything runs smoothly. Our second stop, a couple people get out using the system he asked us to use, the last person goes to run her card on the machine. It's not working so she runs it again, and again, and again. Meanwhile, the bus driver is politely asking her to just show him the card. Underneath her hat is a large headphone piece connected to her MP3 player so she has no idea what is being said and just keeps trying and trying. After her sixth attempt, the bus driver finally taps her on the shoulder and tries to talk yet she keeps her headphones on and tries to swipe her card again. Still not working. Finally, she takes her headphones off and he explains. Not a word is said from the young lady as she shows him her card and her headphones go right back on her ears. Over the next three stops, there were 4 other people who had the same situation. To me, as an observer I just started wondering what the millennials would or how they would feel without their closeness to technology. How would they meet people? How would they communicate?
We're on a bus with 40 other people, and there is very little social interaction and the majority of people are in their own worlds listening to music, talking on the phone, or using some sort of electronic. What was life like 10 years ago without all of these items? Did we really have more face to face conversations or was it not so important?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not an opponent of electronics as I'm a daily user and addict to my cell phone. I just sometimes wonder what it would be like without these "extras".
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Random Stuff
I forgot my password for a while so I haven't been able to write on here and have been using the myspace blog. Just for fun, I'm going to copy those random, sometimes funny blogs.
A little laugh for some of you
It's nice to know one can make people laugh, even when unintended. I've told a few people already and I unintentionally made people laugh :)
For those of you that know Christine and I- we have a little discussion every now and then to see who's Charlie Brown Cloud is bigger. Christine had a little bit of the Charlie Brown cloud over the weekend but thankfully everything turned out well!
Yesterday, I was having a little bit of an "off" day due to a little stress. As I'm walking to my car after work thinking about various issues, I feel something plop on my head. It wasn't a little plop like bird flying over and doing it's duty over your head and it wasn't a big OUCH plop, it was just a little plop. Trying to figure out what it is I look right beside me because whatever just hit me in the head was still bouncing- It was a tennis ball! Seriously, who walks to their car after work and gets hit with a tennis ball. All I could do was laugh- I called Christine and she asks for me to say it again and I did- as of now- she agrees- my cloud is just a little bit bigger.
At least the cloud isn't a horrible cloud- it's just one of those clouds that makes me laugh and wonder what in the world will happen next :)
A little laugh for some of you
It's nice to know one can make people laugh, even when unintended. I've told a few people already and I unintentionally made people laugh :)
For those of you that know Christine and I- we have a little discussion every now and then to see who's Charlie Brown Cloud is bigger. Christine had a little bit of the Charlie Brown cloud over the weekend but thankfully everything turned out well!
Yesterday, I was having a little bit of an "off" day due to a little stress. As I'm walking to my car after work thinking about various issues, I feel something plop on my head. It wasn't a little plop like bird flying over and doing it's duty over your head and it wasn't a big OUCH plop, it was just a little plop. Trying to figure out what it is I look right beside me because whatever just hit me in the head was still bouncing- It was a tennis ball! Seriously, who walks to their car after work and gets hit with a tennis ball. All I could do was laugh- I called Christine and she asks for me to say it again and I did- as of now- she agrees- my cloud is just a little bit bigger.
At least the cloud isn't a horrible cloud- it's just one of those clouds that makes me laugh and wonder what in the world will happen next :)
Monday, September 22, 2008
Mistakes
Life is full of making mistakes, and like many people, I make umpteen mistakes on a daily basis. Each mistake, I try to learn something from what happened. Usually, I'm not too upset with my mistakes unless it affects someone else.
Today, had been kind of busy at work which doesn't always happen. I advise a student group that started last year and we are trying to make it even bigger than last year. It's not in my job duties but it's something that I have a true passion for and greatly enjoy. Over the past week, I've had quite a few businesses e-mail asking if they could sponsor one of our meetings and talk about job and internship possibilities. Since this is something that our department has wanted to do anyway- just noone has had the time to make it happen, I've been trying to take advantage of these offers. The only problem is trying to find a time when many students can come to a meeting. For the majority of the day, this is what I was working on. I left work at four just to be continued once back at home. For me, since I am not business minded and don't "speak" business language, this can be somewhat challenging and draining for me.
The mistake comes in that, when I am focused on something I tend to forget about other things. It's one of my flaws that I have no problem admitting. So, let's back track a minutes. Last weekend, I was suppose to have lunch with a friend- it didn't happen because he had homework to finish and I just needed a day to myself. We rescheduled for today after work, we didn't set a time or place (another mistake on my part, if no place or time is set- i don't put it in my mental calendar). I was to call my "new" friend after I was done with work and then we would meet for coffee/tea.
After work, I go home to take Dora out, get back on-line and start to make some more phone calls. Not even thinking of anything else. Then, I get to the dinner, I realize that I forgot to call this person. Go to check my phone and the number isn't in my phone. I feel horrible, especially because I can't stand broken arrangements. I'm starting to stress out because of this, and then stress out for other reasons at the dinner as well. I try to hide things, but I've learned I unfortunately don't do that very well. Before I left, I had three people ask why I wasn't my normal chipper/host-ey self :( So, now I've broken an engagement and haven't been the type of host I like to be.
Oh well, we all have off days, right?
After being dropped off, I go to e-mail my "new" friend. Well, my friend had beat me to the e-mail and all it says was "That was a strange experience, I'm glad to know what you are like". Ouch, this is one mistake I don't think I can fix.
I love to laugh, and have plenty of opportunity to laugh during the day, unfortunately this is not one a case that brings me to laugh- I feel awful about the whole situation. This person seems to be a person with a gigantic heart and a nice personality, and I just wish him the best of luck and a life full of happiness.
Today, had been kind of busy at work which doesn't always happen. I advise a student group that started last year and we are trying to make it even bigger than last year. It's not in my job duties but it's something that I have a true passion for and greatly enjoy. Over the past week, I've had quite a few businesses e-mail asking if they could sponsor one of our meetings and talk about job and internship possibilities. Since this is something that our department has wanted to do anyway- just noone has had the time to make it happen, I've been trying to take advantage of these offers. The only problem is trying to find a time when many students can come to a meeting. For the majority of the day, this is what I was working on. I left work at four just to be continued once back at home. For me, since I am not business minded and don't "speak" business language, this can be somewhat challenging and draining for me.
The mistake comes in that, when I am focused on something I tend to forget about other things. It's one of my flaws that I have no problem admitting. So, let's back track a minutes. Last weekend, I was suppose to have lunch with a friend- it didn't happen because he had homework to finish and I just needed a day to myself. We rescheduled for today after work, we didn't set a time or place (another mistake on my part, if no place or time is set- i don't put it in my mental calendar). I was to call my "new" friend after I was done with work and then we would meet for coffee/tea.
After work, I go home to take Dora out, get back on-line and start to make some more phone calls. Not even thinking of anything else. Then, I get to the dinner, I realize that I forgot to call this person. Go to check my phone and the number isn't in my phone. I feel horrible, especially because I can't stand broken arrangements. I'm starting to stress out because of this, and then stress out for other reasons at the dinner as well. I try to hide things, but I've learned I unfortunately don't do that very well. Before I left, I had three people ask why I wasn't my normal chipper/host-ey self :( So, now I've broken an engagement and haven't been the type of host I like to be.
Oh well, we all have off days, right?
After being dropped off, I go to e-mail my "new" friend. Well, my friend had beat me to the e-mail and all it says was "That was a strange experience, I'm glad to know what you are like". Ouch, this is one mistake I don't think I can fix.
I love to laugh, and have plenty of opportunity to laugh during the day, unfortunately this is not one a case that brings me to laugh- I feel awful about the whole situation. This person seems to be a person with a gigantic heart and a nice personality, and I just wish him the best of luck and a life full of happiness.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Charlie Brown cloud
That Darn Charlie Brown Cloud Part II
So, I've had more than a few friends say to me that my life would make a pretty good sitcom and I'm starting to believe this to be true.
Let's start with the weekend, I had plans to go to the North Shore on Saturday. On Friday, I had offered to make lunch and dinner. Since the Weekly Dinner was going to start late, I had planned to go grocery shopping after taking the dog for a walk. I was a bit tired due to some stress and not sleeping well so I decided to take a power nap- only problem- I didn't wake up to the alarm- and slept until it was time to go to dinner. Not a big deal until I realized I don't have groceries. Hmmm, figure I'll grocery shop on my way home- nope, instead I go with a friend to check out a band for her birthday and stay until 1:00 a.m. Yikes, figure I'll get up at 4 to go grocery shopping.
Alarm goes off-hit snooze, alarm goes off- hit snooze, alarm goes off hit snooze. This happens until 5:15, CRAP! I have to leave my apartment at 6:30 and still need to go the grocery store and then pack lunch.
Get to the grocery store and realize, shopping at this time of the mornig is kind of fun- no lines to worry about, no accidentally running over someones foot and if I drop something noone is there to see :)
Get back to the apartment and start to pack the lunches, everything is going well- just about to finish up, get the dog and leave right on time. Until, while finishing the lunch, I move my arm a little to the right and CRASH! 2 of my glasses fell and shattered all over the floor. Texted the boy to let him know I would be late and the reasons why, and he responds with something to the effect of "no surprise".
Oh well, I make it the rest of the day without spilling, falling, or breaking anything. Fast forward to the following day, I'm so excited because I've had one day all to myself- I've done laundry, I finished a book, I've posted on craigslist and e-bay. About to head out for dinner with some of the girls.
It's started to rain, the dog needs to go out so I grab her leash, go to the basement to switch a load of laundry and then head outside to quickly let the dog go to the bathroom. Due to the rain, Dora goes to the bathroom quite fast. I go to head back inside the apartment building.
Oh no, where did I put my keys? Did I not take them with me? Crap, the keys are still in my apartment. I never take them with me when changing the laundry and out of habit, I did the same thing.
It's starting to rain a little more and I'm starting to panic. I'm suppose to be at dinner in 30 minutes, no keys. I call one of the girls to let her know what happened and that I would be late. I text E as he is always telling me "keys, phone, purse- you say to have all three and now I have none". He texts back saying "you must have one"- Good point :) He calls and calms me down a bit.
My apartment building is an old house with 6 apartments. I'm looking for someone that's home and I only see lights on in one apartment. This is the guy that does not like me due to my dog. I'm yelling (well, what I conside yelling). "hello, anyone there- I'm locked out- can you let me in?". No answer. We also have buzzers to the apartments but no intercom system, I hit all of the buzzers for a couple seconds hoping that someone might come down. Unfortunately, due to the incident/break in a few weeks ago residents are more cautious and noone came down.
Dora is soaking wet, I'm starting to cry out of frustration and disbelief. Though, I know it's something that as soon as I get back in, I'll be able to laugh at.
I hadn't yelled my neighbors name yet, because I wasn't sure if it was right since I've never officially met him. Finally, I just yell it and he comes right to the window. I explain what happened and asks if he could let me back in the building. Luckily, he does. Now why didn't I do this first?
I'm late for the dinner. I hate being late, my stomach gets all queezy and nervous- I don't know why- but it happens. I go to put Dora in the kennel but she's barking and hitting the sides of the kennel. I know I'm not suppose to respond with positive reinforcement, but with the letter from my landlord I have to be careful with her barking- I take her out and bring her with- keeping her in the car since it isn't too cold or too hot. The restaurant is only 12 minutes away, though it took me 25 minutes to get there due to missing an exit and getting lost (isn't the GPS suppose to help with this :)?) Luckily, my friends are wonderful and were quite understanding.
Now, let's go to today. Everything is going well, until I spill my lunch (mac and cheese on me). Luckily, my skirt is dark so I was able to easily clean it up without much of a stain). I'm about to head out of work, when I realize I had to check my e-mail and schedule for tomorrow to make sure I had all my presentation times correct.
Uh oh, as I'm reading through the e-mail, I read one from a professor that said today at 11:15 a.m. worked well with his class. Yikers, It's 3:30 p.m.. how in the world could I miss this? I check and double check times because I'm afraid of this happening. I look at my calendar and I had scheduled on my calendar- the presentation for tomorrow at 11:15- crap. How unprofessional. now I'm worried- I try to do my job well and then I make this mistake. I e-mail the professor, apologize and ask if I can come in the following week. Crossing my fingers that he accepts my apologies. It's just a quick 5 minute presentation about he departments majors and minors, so hopefully the response isn't too negative.
Off to Stillwater, we go to get some work done. On our way back, we stop at McDonald's for dinner, while eating- ketchup is spilled all over my skirt. Again, it was quickly and painlessly removed. As it happened, the same thought that enters my head daily came in again- Can I go one day without spilling, breaking, or tripping over something? Oh well, even if I can't- at least I can get a good laugh out of these experiences.
So, I've had more than a few friends say to me that my life would make a pretty good sitcom and I'm starting to believe this to be true.
Let's start with the weekend, I had plans to go to the North Shore on Saturday. On Friday, I had offered to make lunch and dinner. Since the Weekly Dinner was going to start late, I had planned to go grocery shopping after taking the dog for a walk. I was a bit tired due to some stress and not sleeping well so I decided to take a power nap- only problem- I didn't wake up to the alarm- and slept until it was time to go to dinner. Not a big deal until I realized I don't have groceries. Hmmm, figure I'll grocery shop on my way home- nope, instead I go with a friend to check out a band for her birthday and stay until 1:00 a.m. Yikes, figure I'll get up at 4 to go grocery shopping.
Alarm goes off-hit snooze, alarm goes off- hit snooze, alarm goes off hit snooze. This happens until 5:15, CRAP! I have to leave my apartment at 6:30 and still need to go the grocery store and then pack lunch.
Get to the grocery store and realize, shopping at this time of the mornig is kind of fun- no lines to worry about, no accidentally running over someones foot and if I drop something noone is there to see :)
Get back to the apartment and start to pack the lunches, everything is going well- just about to finish up, get the dog and leave right on time. Until, while finishing the lunch, I move my arm a little to the right and CRASH! 2 of my glasses fell and shattered all over the floor. Texted the boy to let him know I would be late and the reasons why, and he responds with something to the effect of "no surprise".
Oh well, I make it the rest of the day without spilling, falling, or breaking anything. Fast forward to the following day, I'm so excited because I've had one day all to myself- I've done laundry, I finished a book, I've posted on craigslist and e-bay. About to head out for dinner with some of the girls.
It's started to rain, the dog needs to go out so I grab her leash, go to the basement to switch a load of laundry and then head outside to quickly let the dog go to the bathroom. Due to the rain, Dora goes to the bathroom quite fast. I go to head back inside the apartment building.
Oh no, where did I put my keys? Did I not take them with me? Crap, the keys are still in my apartment. I never take them with me when changing the laundry and out of habit, I did the same thing.
It's starting to rain a little more and I'm starting to panic. I'm suppose to be at dinner in 30 minutes, no keys. I call one of the girls to let her know what happened and that I would be late. I text E as he is always telling me "keys, phone, purse- you say to have all three and now I have none". He texts back saying "you must have one"- Good point :) He calls and calms me down a bit.
My apartment building is an old house with 6 apartments. I'm looking for someone that's home and I only see lights on in one apartment. This is the guy that does not like me due to my dog. I'm yelling (well, what I conside yelling). "hello, anyone there- I'm locked out- can you let me in?". No answer. We also have buzzers to the apartments but no intercom system, I hit all of the buzzers for a couple seconds hoping that someone might come down. Unfortunately, due to the incident/break in a few weeks ago residents are more cautious and noone came down.
Dora is soaking wet, I'm starting to cry out of frustration and disbelief. Though, I know it's something that as soon as I get back in, I'll be able to laugh at.
I hadn't yelled my neighbors name yet, because I wasn't sure if it was right since I've never officially met him. Finally, I just yell it and he comes right to the window. I explain what happened and asks if he could let me back in the building. Luckily, he does. Now why didn't I do this first?
I'm late for the dinner. I hate being late, my stomach gets all queezy and nervous- I don't know why- but it happens. I go to put Dora in the kennel but she's barking and hitting the sides of the kennel. I know I'm not suppose to respond with positive reinforcement, but with the letter from my landlord I have to be careful with her barking- I take her out and bring her with- keeping her in the car since it isn't too cold or too hot. The restaurant is only 12 minutes away, though it took me 25 minutes to get there due to missing an exit and getting lost (isn't the GPS suppose to help with this :)?) Luckily, my friends are wonderful and were quite understanding.
Now, let's go to today. Everything is going well, until I spill my lunch (mac and cheese on me). Luckily, my skirt is dark so I was able to easily clean it up without much of a stain). I'm about to head out of work, when I realize I had to check my e-mail and schedule for tomorrow to make sure I had all my presentation times correct.
Uh oh, as I'm reading through the e-mail, I read one from a professor that said today at 11:15 a.m. worked well with his class. Yikers, It's 3:30 p.m.. how in the world could I miss this? I check and double check times because I'm afraid of this happening. I look at my calendar and I had scheduled on my calendar- the presentation for tomorrow at 11:15- crap. How unprofessional. now I'm worried- I try to do my job well and then I make this mistake. I e-mail the professor, apologize and ask if I can come in the following week. Crossing my fingers that he accepts my apologies. It's just a quick 5 minute presentation about he departments majors and minors, so hopefully the response isn't too negative.
Off to Stillwater, we go to get some work done. On our way back, we stop at McDonald's for dinner, while eating- ketchup is spilled all over my skirt. Again, it was quickly and painlessly removed. As it happened, the same thought that enters my head daily came in again- Can I go one day without spilling, breaking, or tripping over something? Oh well, even if I can't- at least I can get a good laugh out of these experiences.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
That "Charlie Brown Cloud"
Last month, a couple friends and I were out at a friend's river and we started talking about the Charlie Brown cloud- Christine and I both admitted that we have one floating above us pretty much all the time- though I beg to differ with Christine- my cloud is much bigger!
Awhile back, a few of us thought it might be kind of fun to be on a bowling league. A couple weeks ago- two of us start looking into days available and prices (yikes- when did it get so expensive????). After research on both parties, I decide to call this tiny little hole in the wall place that I use to bowl at because I thought it might be cheaper (yay- I was right!), get info on the days the bowling alley had leagues, got the team together and away we go. The team consists of 2 girls and 3 guys.
Tonight was suppose to be our league meeting to determine price, secretary, etc. I'm super psyched because after the meeting we get a couple hours of free bowling. Earlier in the day when I was talking to one of the bowling employees, he stated that only one team member needed to come but that all were welcome. Christine plans to go, I'm hoping Dora is quiet so I can go, and I also try to convince E to go. On the way to the bowling alley I end up getting lost (yep- I was on a league here many years ago :( ). Finally, Christine and I end up getting there and the owners introduce themselves and bring us into the "back room"- I look around and all I see are women. Hmm, this is quite strange. After a minute, it dawns on me that I never specifically asked about co-ed leauges. I walk out to the owner and ask if this is a women's league. Answer, YES!. Oh my, I dragged Christine out here, E is on his way, we have two other male players and now no league. Big, big, big ooops! Of the leagues I've been on, they have all been co-ed, I didn't even think of asking (so so so sorry guys!). So now we have a team for Wednesday nights with nowhere to go- any suggestions? Is that a brown cloud or a blonde moment? I guess with the past few days it shouldn't surprise me...
Last night, I was finally at home for a full night doing some well needed cleaning. After, washing my dishes I decide to pull out a pan that is in the dishrack as I pull the pan out, I hear a couple clanks but don't really think anything of it. I keep pulling the pan, a couple more clanks and boom! My entire dishrack crashed onto the floor. Glass and plate pieces spread all over the kitchen floor (luckily it's a small kitchen). Now, I have one bowl and 4 glasses :)
Fast forward to tonight, after I get back from the bowling fiasco- I decide to pop in some soup. After heating the soup, I go to grab a bowl and realize my only bowl is being used as a water bowl for the pets! Soup goes in the mug.
After playing a game for awhile, it's time for bed. Head off to bed so I decide to try and make cookies for a picnic tomorrow (want to make something delicious and special). I go to start baking and realize I don't have any eggs!!!! Guess no cookies for now- an early wake up call will be happening.
Luckily, I can just laugh at all of these things and have great friends that don't get upset when I sign up a co-ed team for a women's league. But, it would be really nice to go one day without breaking something, falling down, stepping into a puddle, losing my keys or phone, spitting out gum while sneezing (only happened once but quite embarrassing- happened at work!). Just one day can the cloud go away????
Awhile back, a few of us thought it might be kind of fun to be on a bowling league. A couple weeks ago- two of us start looking into days available and prices (yikes- when did it get so expensive????). After research on both parties, I decide to call this tiny little hole in the wall place that I use to bowl at because I thought it might be cheaper (yay- I was right!), get info on the days the bowling alley had leagues, got the team together and away we go. The team consists of 2 girls and 3 guys.
Tonight was suppose to be our league meeting to determine price, secretary, etc. I'm super psyched because after the meeting we get a couple hours of free bowling. Earlier in the day when I was talking to one of the bowling employees, he stated that only one team member needed to come but that all were welcome. Christine plans to go, I'm hoping Dora is quiet so I can go, and I also try to convince E to go. On the way to the bowling alley I end up getting lost (yep- I was on a league here many years ago :( ). Finally, Christine and I end up getting there and the owners introduce themselves and bring us into the "back room"- I look around and all I see are women. Hmm, this is quite strange. After a minute, it dawns on me that I never specifically asked about co-ed leauges. I walk out to the owner and ask if this is a women's league. Answer, YES!. Oh my, I dragged Christine out here, E is on his way, we have two other male players and now no league. Big, big, big ooops! Of the leagues I've been on, they have all been co-ed, I didn't even think of asking (so so so sorry guys!). So now we have a team for Wednesday nights with nowhere to go- any suggestions? Is that a brown cloud or a blonde moment? I guess with the past few days it shouldn't surprise me...
Last night, I was finally at home for a full night doing some well needed cleaning. After, washing my dishes I decide to pull out a pan that is in the dishrack as I pull the pan out, I hear a couple clanks but don't really think anything of it. I keep pulling the pan, a couple more clanks and boom! My entire dishrack crashed onto the floor. Glass and plate pieces spread all over the kitchen floor (luckily it's a small kitchen). Now, I have one bowl and 4 glasses :)
Fast forward to tonight, after I get back from the bowling fiasco- I decide to pop in some soup. After heating the soup, I go to grab a bowl and realize my only bowl is being used as a water bowl for the pets! Soup goes in the mug.
After playing a game for awhile, it's time for bed. Head off to bed so I decide to try and make cookies for a picnic tomorrow (want to make something delicious and special). I go to start baking and realize I don't have any eggs!!!! Guess no cookies for now- an early wake up call will be happening.
Luckily, I can just laugh at all of these things and have great friends that don't get upset when I sign up a co-ed team for a women's league. But, it would be really nice to go one day without breaking something, falling down, stepping into a puddle, losing my keys or phone, spitting out gum while sneezing (only happened once but quite embarrassing- happened at work!). Just one day can the cloud go away????
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Poll- When you play a game- do you play to win or just for fun?
Athletic and coordinated are two gifts I was not granted. Sometimes, this is something that I really would like to improve yet at the same time I've come to accept that I'm just never going to be able to hit a volleyball, be the fastest on the bike, not strikeout during softball, etc.
The other week, our volleyball team was actually winning and then we made some mistakes and our captain got a little bit on the "not fun team player" side. Afterwards, I was learning to play Magic, (yes, I am an official geek!)a conversation with the boy ensued, we were talking about volleyball, Magic and games in general......he never plays a game unless he thinks he can win, I play if I think I can have fun- don't really care about winning. Disagreeing, the boy stated that I would be the only one to think that way- so we decided to text everyone in our phones the question:
When you play a game- do you play to win or just for fun?
The answers were quite entertaining to read and exactly fifty-fifty-
So what are your thoughts? Post them in the comments.
The other week, our volleyball team was actually winning and then we made some mistakes and our captain got a little bit on the "not fun team player" side. Afterwards, I was learning to play Magic, (yes, I am an official geek!)a conversation with the boy ensued, we were talking about volleyball, Magic and games in general......he never plays a game unless he thinks he can win, I play if I think I can have fun- don't really care about winning. Disagreeing, the boy stated that I would be the only one to think that way- so we decided to text everyone in our phones the question:
When you play a game- do you play to win or just for fun?
The answers were quite entertaining to read and exactly fifty-fifty-
So what are your thoughts? Post them in the comments.
Monday, July 28, 2008
A camping experience
Hmmmm, last week I was told that no matter where I go or what I am doing, I make everything a memorable experience. This can be taken in a either a positive or a negative way. I'm still not quite sure which way to take this particular comment from this particular person.
So, the boy and I decided to go camping for a few days in an area that is known as a fisherman's paradise. Over the weekend, I realized once again that I do not like to fish. I was a little worried about how our experience would go because we are two very opposite people, but I figured no matter what it would be fun, until we actually started to leave.
The plan was to leave around 11:30, head to the grocery store and be at the site by four. In the morning, I took my dog to the kennel, went to my parents to borrow some camping tools, went to the store and arrived at his place at 11:15. He saw me pull up and yelled out the window that he would need 15-30 more minutes. Over an hour later, we are on our way to the grocery store. Plan- 30 minutes max. Well, the boy likes vegetables, a lot! It took us almost a half hour just to get through the veggie isles. Over an hour later, we are out of the grocery store and just spend 83 dollars for 3 days of camping and 2 people. What in the world were we thinking?
Here comes the fun part. So, the next thing is to stop at another store to pick up some more items. Well, because we bougt so many groceries, I had to take some of my soda that was in the cooler out and just put it somewhere in the car. Problem was there wasn't a lot of room so I just set them in front of the cooler in the back seat of the car, not really thinking of anything. After we get out of the store, the boy went to open the car door and down slides a black cherry soda, slams the ground, hisses, and sprays the both of us. He is in a white t-shirt and off-what shorts, I'm in a white tank top with blue jeans. Both of are splattered with pink circles, on our clothes, arms, legs, my car, everywhere. I start laughing, well, because what can you do. Unfortunately, the boy did not find it funny and was very upset. Since, we weren't out of the cities yet, we drove back to his place so he could change. All my clothes were in the trunk which had the bikes on top, so I couldn't get my clothes and just stayed downstairs, crying, and washing my car. He comes back, apologizes, and we head up.
Then, because of everything that happened, we got there a little late and the campsite didn't have a reserved tag on it, and the host didn't know that I had reserved the site, even though I had the papers. Finally, get it all straightened out, set up the tent, go to get ready to bed. Change the clothes in the bathroom. As I'm changing, my pink stained shirt falls in the toilet! Not a toilet that was flushed. EEEEKKKKKK! And this is all just day 1!
So, the boy and I decided to go camping for a few days in an area that is known as a fisherman's paradise. Over the weekend, I realized once again that I do not like to fish. I was a little worried about how our experience would go because we are two very opposite people, but I figured no matter what it would be fun, until we actually started to leave.
The plan was to leave around 11:30, head to the grocery store and be at the site by four. In the morning, I took my dog to the kennel, went to my parents to borrow some camping tools, went to the store and arrived at his place at 11:15. He saw me pull up and yelled out the window that he would need 15-30 more minutes. Over an hour later, we are on our way to the grocery store. Plan- 30 minutes max. Well, the boy likes vegetables, a lot! It took us almost a half hour just to get through the veggie isles. Over an hour later, we are out of the grocery store and just spend 83 dollars for 3 days of camping and 2 people. What in the world were we thinking?
Here comes the fun part. So, the next thing is to stop at another store to pick up some more items. Well, because we bougt so many groceries, I had to take some of my soda that was in the cooler out and just put it somewhere in the car. Problem was there wasn't a lot of room so I just set them in front of the cooler in the back seat of the car, not really thinking of anything. After we get out of the store, the boy went to open the car door and down slides a black cherry soda, slams the ground, hisses, and sprays the both of us. He is in a white t-shirt and off-what shorts, I'm in a white tank top with blue jeans. Both of are splattered with pink circles, on our clothes, arms, legs, my car, everywhere. I start laughing, well, because what can you do. Unfortunately, the boy did not find it funny and was very upset. Since, we weren't out of the cities yet, we drove back to his place so he could change. All my clothes were in the trunk which had the bikes on top, so I couldn't get my clothes and just stayed downstairs, crying, and washing my car. He comes back, apologizes, and we head up.
Then, because of everything that happened, we got there a little late and the campsite didn't have a reserved tag on it, and the host didn't know that I had reserved the site, even though I had the papers. Finally, get it all straightened out, set up the tent, go to get ready to bed. Change the clothes in the bathroom. As I'm changing, my pink stained shirt falls in the toilet! Not a toilet that was flushed. EEEEKKKKKK! And this is all just day 1!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Internet! Injuries! Fishing!
Finally, I gave into temptation and decided to order cable internet. Still no cable tv, but the deal was hard to pass up!
This means it's back to blogging time! Woo-hoo. It was such a stress reliever for me to actually be able to spurt my thoughts out loud, so to speak, whenever I wanted.
Not much is new on the work front or the dating. But, I've decided to try some sports. And oh my goodness, how much I have already injured myself is embarrassing to admit. Who thought one could injure themselves on a daily basis??? So, I am definitely not much of an athlete, have not been blessed with the gift of coordination, however I do have one positive for the sports, I'm a trooper and I always give my best! So this summer, after a winter of getting back into skiing, and indoor rollerblading. I decided that when asked, I would join a grass volleyball league (okay, now when I was in high school over 13 years ago, my physical education teacher would have me sit out of the games because I always ended up injuring myself), I also joined kickball (quite fun, but not that great at catching the ball and for some reason, I can't figure out how to keep the ball on the ground when kicking). There are all great fun, but to start out the summer- the doctors thought I had fractured my elbow due to a nasty fall while rollerblading. See, there is this gorgeous lake close to where I live where a group was getting to together for an afternoon of rollerblading, some were beginners, some were advanced. I use to rollerblade quite a bit yet never perfected the art of stopping. Over the winter, it was indoors and on a flat surface and I could easily run into a wall to stop. I had made it all the way around the lake, just coming to the corner where we would be done when a little hill came about and I could not slow down, I was about to enter traffic and did not want to end up being hit by a car so I thought- hmmm, I've stopped in the grass before, let's try to run into the grass and hop on down. With 14 people following me, I hop on the grass and hear "oh no! Slow down!!!!" from a couple friend, I'm hopping on the grass and doing just fine but still unable to slow down. Another hop, hit a rock and boom, I'm down on the ground on my elbow. It hurt a lot, but I just took a ride home and went to sleep. Thinking I would be okay, I tried to go swing dancing that night (didn't work so well, it's quite hilarious watching someone try and spin without using their spinning arm). Later that week, the arm still hurt but figured I would be okay for some bowling! Wrong again! Every time I would lift up my eight pound ball, shooting pain would jolt up my arm, yet I still went on. The next day, my arm was in horrendous pain so I finally went to the doctor- a fracture they thought so I ended up in a sling while they observed x-rays and such. Turns out it's just a little bone spur.
Next injury: Volleyball! So, our volleyball team is pretty horrible. The captain of the team said he just wanted smiley happy people- that fits me- I told him I was horrible as did my friend that plays with us. We had not won a game yet, until last week. We were playing and we were one point a way from our first win of the season. The captain serves, we volley well for a while, it comes back goes over my friend's head and the captain tries to get it but misses the ball. He's a very intense man, and lost control- kicked volleyball and ended up kicking right at my friend who wasn't even a foot a away. Her leg was all bruised, but worst of all, her pride was broken because she thought that the kick was meant for her. (It wasn't really though, he was just being a poor sport). My friend takes off crying and upset and another friend takes her for ice cream. Meanwhile, I'm still playing and a ball comes right me, I'm about to bump the ball, when from the side comes running at full force, the intense and upset captain. Smack into my side, there I go, crack, crack crack can be heard as my butt smacks the ground. As soon as I fell, I knew something was wrong, all I wanted to do was get up, cry, and go to bed. Like a trooper, I stayed there without telling anyone how much I hurt. The other team, after the fall, came over to ask if I was okay and to tell me that that was the worst fall they had seen anyone take since the started playing five years ago. I'm pretty sure I bruised my tailbone as it hurts like heck to sit down, to run, pretty much anything that has to do with my lower back/buttocks is extreme difficulty. Note to self: be very careful when playing sports.
On a different note, the 4th of July was quite entertaining, I will be writing more about this as my series goes on. One event that will not be forgotten is the nice little citation that both the boy and I got for fishing without a license. Yep, a $ 192.20 fine- I highly recommend never fishing without a license. My fault, wasn't planning on fishing, but should have known better and will have to remember that for next year.
Yikers, guess I miss bloggin a little bit. I'll be writing soon about the interesting 4th!
This means it's back to blogging time! Woo-hoo. It was such a stress reliever for me to actually be able to spurt my thoughts out loud, so to speak, whenever I wanted.
Not much is new on the work front or the dating. But, I've decided to try some sports. And oh my goodness, how much I have already injured myself is embarrassing to admit. Who thought one could injure themselves on a daily basis??? So, I am definitely not much of an athlete, have not been blessed with the gift of coordination, however I do have one positive for the sports, I'm a trooper and I always give my best! So this summer, after a winter of getting back into skiing, and indoor rollerblading. I decided that when asked, I would join a grass volleyball league (okay, now when I was in high school over 13 years ago, my physical education teacher would have me sit out of the games because I always ended up injuring myself), I also joined kickball (quite fun, but not that great at catching the ball and for some reason, I can't figure out how to keep the ball on the ground when kicking). There are all great fun, but to start out the summer- the doctors thought I had fractured my elbow due to a nasty fall while rollerblading. See, there is this gorgeous lake close to where I live where a group was getting to together for an afternoon of rollerblading, some were beginners, some were advanced. I use to rollerblade quite a bit yet never perfected the art of stopping. Over the winter, it was indoors and on a flat surface and I could easily run into a wall to stop. I had made it all the way around the lake, just coming to the corner where we would be done when a little hill came about and I could not slow down, I was about to enter traffic and did not want to end up being hit by a car so I thought- hmmm, I've stopped in the grass before, let's try to run into the grass and hop on down. With 14 people following me, I hop on the grass and hear "oh no! Slow down!!!!" from a couple friend, I'm hopping on the grass and doing just fine but still unable to slow down. Another hop, hit a rock and boom, I'm down on the ground on my elbow. It hurt a lot, but I just took a ride home and went to sleep. Thinking I would be okay, I tried to go swing dancing that night (didn't work so well, it's quite hilarious watching someone try and spin without using their spinning arm). Later that week, the arm still hurt but figured I would be okay for some bowling! Wrong again! Every time I would lift up my eight pound ball, shooting pain would jolt up my arm, yet I still went on. The next day, my arm was in horrendous pain so I finally went to the doctor- a fracture they thought so I ended up in a sling while they observed x-rays and such. Turns out it's just a little bone spur.
Next injury: Volleyball! So, our volleyball team is pretty horrible. The captain of the team said he just wanted smiley happy people- that fits me- I told him I was horrible as did my friend that plays with us. We had not won a game yet, until last week. We were playing and we were one point a way from our first win of the season. The captain serves, we volley well for a while, it comes back goes over my friend's head and the captain tries to get it but misses the ball. He's a very intense man, and lost control- kicked volleyball and ended up kicking right at my friend who wasn't even a foot a away. Her leg was all bruised, but worst of all, her pride was broken because she thought that the kick was meant for her. (It wasn't really though, he was just being a poor sport). My friend takes off crying and upset and another friend takes her for ice cream. Meanwhile, I'm still playing and a ball comes right me, I'm about to bump the ball, when from the side comes running at full force, the intense and upset captain. Smack into my side, there I go, crack, crack crack can be heard as my butt smacks the ground. As soon as I fell, I knew something was wrong, all I wanted to do was get up, cry, and go to bed. Like a trooper, I stayed there without telling anyone how much I hurt. The other team, after the fall, came over to ask if I was okay and to tell me that that was the worst fall they had seen anyone take since the started playing five years ago. I'm pretty sure I bruised my tailbone as it hurts like heck to sit down, to run, pretty much anything that has to do with my lower back/buttocks is extreme difficulty. Note to self: be very careful when playing sports.
On a different note, the 4th of July was quite entertaining, I will be writing more about this as my series goes on. One event that will not be forgotten is the nice little citation that both the boy and I got for fishing without a license. Yep, a $ 192.20 fine- I highly recommend never fishing without a license. My fault, wasn't planning on fishing, but should have known better and will have to remember that for next year.
Yikers, guess I miss bloggin a little bit. I'll be writing soon about the interesting 4th!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Does the damage really ever go away?
So, this stupid divorce is still affecting me after a really long time. For those of you that have gone through this before, does it get better? Every time I think I'm better and getting back to my true self, I seem to fall right back down. My job is getting busier again, which is a good thing. I have a good set of friends (granted there has been way too much drama that reminds me of high school as of late). I'm now dating a wonderful guy.
But in the dating world, I'm so afraid of making more mistakes that I end up making more mistakes. Often times, I'm too quiet, sometimes I say things when I'm not suppose to, sometimes I'm afraid to say things. He's learned that when there is a topic that is difficult that he needs to ask me three or four times to get my honest opinion. I'm usually too afraid to express my thoughts because everything always comes back to me. Last night, I was too quiet while watching a sporting event, I tried to talk at first but then didn't think he wanted to so I clammed up.
Tonight, our dance class was going for an outing but he couldn't go due to an injury, so I told him that I was debating going to the outing by myself. Unfortunately, he thought I was insinuating that I wanted him to ask me to go and felt that wasn't quite right. I guess I can see how he thought that, but he's said that he wants to hear my thoughts and talk more so I thought I would tell him I was debating on going but didn't want to go by myself. But apparently, it insinuated something else. Maybe I just need to be more quiet or figure out how to not like the guy :)
Coffee shop is closing.
But in the dating world, I'm so afraid of making more mistakes that I end up making more mistakes. Often times, I'm too quiet, sometimes I say things when I'm not suppose to, sometimes I'm afraid to say things. He's learned that when there is a topic that is difficult that he needs to ask me three or four times to get my honest opinion. I'm usually too afraid to express my thoughts because everything always comes back to me. Last night, I was too quiet while watching a sporting event, I tried to talk at first but then didn't think he wanted to so I clammed up.
Tonight, our dance class was going for an outing but he couldn't go due to an injury, so I told him that I was debating going to the outing by myself. Unfortunately, he thought I was insinuating that I wanted him to ask me to go and felt that wasn't quite right. I guess I can see how he thought that, but he's said that he wants to hear my thoughts and talk more so I thought I would tell him I was debating on going but didn't want to go by myself. But apparently, it insinuated something else. Maybe I just need to be more quiet or figure out how to not like the guy :)
Coffee shop is closing.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Fondue disaster
So, the boy and I are taking a salsa class together on Wednesday evenings. I haven't asked him to do anything all week since he needs his time. Tuesday evening, I get a text from him saying "dinner and movie at your place after salsa". I'm so excited, I say yes! Since my oven is not working, I get up early in the morning, head to the grocery store and pick up items for fondue, grab a nice bottle of wine, pick up the apartment, all for a romantic evening. After class, he heads over, I start to pick put everything together, but the oil on the stove, cut the meat, get out the mushrooms and carrots. We're talking, having a good time, I get distracted by animals, realize the oil is smoking. Not thinking, I take the oil of the stove, bring to the fondue set, smoking more. Think it will stop smoking in a little while.
Nope, smoke starts to go everywhere. My cats start hacking, he's hacking, I can't see, Dora (my dog) is wining. This is bad. We try to open windows, only to find out that they have been painted shut. He starts to hammer at a window, hits to hard and breaks the window! He runs out of the apartment because he can't take it anymore, I'm trying to open other windows, check on my animals, and get rid of the smoke. He comes back in and says grab Dora, we're leaving. He saran wraps all of my meat, puts it into the fridge as I am putting my cats under the bed (there's a little space that the smoke isn't going.
We leave and go outside, trying to figure out what to do. Suddenly, I start crying. All I wanted was a nice romantic evening and once again, it didn't happen. As I was telling him this, he says it's okay because he wasn't feeling romantic anyway :( Words were said that were meant to be funny, but rubbed me the wrong was as it reminded me of the same things Josh said when he left. Trying to be funny, he says he can't wait to tell his mom about this and that she doesn't have to worry about getting fat if he stays with me because he can't eat half my meals. He was trying to make a joke, but it just struck the wrong chord. Then the boy proceeded to ask me if I;ve always been like this or just since the divorce. Things have never really gone as planned but I'm always able to laugh. He agrees and says that at least we were making a memory. Still, I'm crying and all I really wanted was a hug. Nope, no hug.
We take Dora and head to a restaurant, eat, come back. I'm trying to figure out where I'm going to sleep and he heads home. Dora and I go to the apartment and it's still smokey. Not wanting the food to go to waste, I make stir fry for my lunch and dinner for the following day. As I'm making the stir-fry, it's still smokey, I can't see well, and I end up burning my thumb. Soon, I finish the stir-fry, go to the room to try and sleep but the smoke is still quite think. Off Dora, the cats and I go. We stay in my car for a couple of hours and when I can't really stay awake any longer, I head back to the apartment. Still a little smokey but not quite as bad.
At the time, I was really upset that once again my plans did not go the way I expected. Now, looking back I can laugh at it and just chalk it up to another unexpected story to tell. Maybe one of these days, it will go right :)
Nope, smoke starts to go everywhere. My cats start hacking, he's hacking, I can't see, Dora (my dog) is wining. This is bad. We try to open windows, only to find out that they have been painted shut. He starts to hammer at a window, hits to hard and breaks the window! He runs out of the apartment because he can't take it anymore, I'm trying to open other windows, check on my animals, and get rid of the smoke. He comes back in and says grab Dora, we're leaving. He saran wraps all of my meat, puts it into the fridge as I am putting my cats under the bed (there's a little space that the smoke isn't going.
We leave and go outside, trying to figure out what to do. Suddenly, I start crying. All I wanted was a nice romantic evening and once again, it didn't happen. As I was telling him this, he says it's okay because he wasn't feeling romantic anyway :( Words were said that were meant to be funny, but rubbed me the wrong was as it reminded me of the same things Josh said when he left. Trying to be funny, he says he can't wait to tell his mom about this and that she doesn't have to worry about getting fat if he stays with me because he can't eat half my meals. He was trying to make a joke, but it just struck the wrong chord. Then the boy proceeded to ask me if I;ve always been like this or just since the divorce. Things have never really gone as planned but I'm always able to laugh. He agrees and says that at least we were making a memory. Still, I'm crying and all I really wanted was a hug. Nope, no hug.
We take Dora and head to a restaurant, eat, come back. I'm trying to figure out where I'm going to sleep and he heads home. Dora and I go to the apartment and it's still smokey. Not wanting the food to go to waste, I make stir fry for my lunch and dinner for the following day. As I'm making the stir-fry, it's still smokey, I can't see well, and I end up burning my thumb. Soon, I finish the stir-fry, go to the room to try and sleep but the smoke is still quite think. Off Dora, the cats and I go. We stay in my car for a couple of hours and when I can't really stay awake any longer, I head back to the apartment. Still a little smokey but not quite as bad.
At the time, I was really upset that once again my plans did not go the way I expected. Now, looking back I can laugh at it and just chalk it up to another unexpected story to tell. Maybe one of these days, it will go right :)
Maybe the title should be Life of a klutz :)
Well, once again it's been a while since I have written in here. It's a little difficult to write now since I don't have access to the internet in my apartment. There are so many times, I would just love to blog to get feelings and thoughts out, but there seems to be limited time or something comes up.
As usual, my life has been full of dropping things, breaking things, hurting things (unintentionally). A friend of mine recently told me that I should have a camera follow me throughout the day and it would make a pretty good comedy.
Lets start with two weeks ago. In my apartment, I have myself, my two cats, and my dog. One of my cats usually likes to hide yet ever since I've moved in, it seems that she has been quite comfortable with her surroundings. One Friday night, I walked to a dinner and was planning to go home and go watch a movie with the boy. Friends tried and tried to get me to go out, and I refused (I'm a pushover and they were close to getting me to go). I walk home, and as I'm getting to the house I live in, I hear kitty crying. I look and look, thinking maybe it's stuck in a tree or under a car or in the trash or hungry or something. After 10 minutes of looking, I can't find it so I give up. Its dark out, which is why I gave up.
I head into the house and still hear the kitty crying. As I walk up towards my apartment, I'm thinking. "Oh, a neighbor must have gotten a cat and it is not very happy".
The crying seems to be getting louder and louder. I walk into my apartment and realize it's my cat!
I figure she must be stuck in a closet, so I'm going through opening all of my closets. No Nutmeg to be found.
Finally, I realize her cry is coming from the couch. She's in the couch, I start to freak out because I have a small loveseat that reclines and I realize that I shut her in there. I open up the recliners and thought she would just skid out as she would in a closet. Nope, she's still crying and the crying gets louder and louder. I'm under the couch and she's stuck!
She's fighting to get out, yelps loudly, claws flying, and then boom. It's all quiet and she's just laying there. Tears fall from my face as I truly believed I just killed my cat :(. I'm petting her saying "wake up, wake up, wake up". Finally, she moves again. I can't get her out myself so I call my friends who are still at the dinner, hopefully. I get a hold of one friend, in a small voice, I say "my cat is stuck, can someone come help". A few minutes later, 3 people are my apartment! All of them come up and the two guys fuss around a little bit. After a little while, they figure out how to get her out. Once she is free, she runs as fast as she can into the bedroom.
My poor cat, hobbled for a few a days and is still ignoring me. Took her to the vet and she is all well, just a few bruises.
That night, I couldn't fall asleep because everytime I closed my eyes I would see my poor cat laying stuck under the couch.
Thanks to my good friends, my kitty cat was saved :(
As usual, my life has been full of dropping things, breaking things, hurting things (unintentionally). A friend of mine recently told me that I should have a camera follow me throughout the day and it would make a pretty good comedy.
Lets start with two weeks ago. In my apartment, I have myself, my two cats, and my dog. One of my cats usually likes to hide yet ever since I've moved in, it seems that she has been quite comfortable with her surroundings. One Friday night, I walked to a dinner and was planning to go home and go watch a movie with the boy. Friends tried and tried to get me to go out, and I refused (I'm a pushover and they were close to getting me to go). I walk home, and as I'm getting to the house I live in, I hear kitty crying. I look and look, thinking maybe it's stuck in a tree or under a car or in the trash or hungry or something. After 10 minutes of looking, I can't find it so I give up. Its dark out, which is why I gave up.
I head into the house and still hear the kitty crying. As I walk up towards my apartment, I'm thinking. "Oh, a neighbor must have gotten a cat and it is not very happy".
The crying seems to be getting louder and louder. I walk into my apartment and realize it's my cat!
I figure she must be stuck in a closet, so I'm going through opening all of my closets. No Nutmeg to be found.
Finally, I realize her cry is coming from the couch. She's in the couch, I start to freak out because I have a small loveseat that reclines and I realize that I shut her in there. I open up the recliners and thought she would just skid out as she would in a closet. Nope, she's still crying and the crying gets louder and louder. I'm under the couch and she's stuck!
She's fighting to get out, yelps loudly, claws flying, and then boom. It's all quiet and she's just laying there. Tears fall from my face as I truly believed I just killed my cat :(. I'm petting her saying "wake up, wake up, wake up". Finally, she moves again. I can't get her out myself so I call my friends who are still at the dinner, hopefully. I get a hold of one friend, in a small voice, I say "my cat is stuck, can someone come help". A few minutes later, 3 people are my apartment! All of them come up and the two guys fuss around a little bit. After a little while, they figure out how to get her out. Once she is free, she runs as fast as she can into the bedroom.
My poor cat, hobbled for a few a days and is still ignoring me. Took her to the vet and she is all well, just a few bruises.
That night, I couldn't fall asleep because everytime I closed my eyes I would see my poor cat laying stuck under the couch.
Thanks to my good friends, my kitty cat was saved :(
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Tax time!
Tax time is not a favorite time of year for many people, I am assuming. For the first year, I am really not happy with tax time. As usual, I procrastinated and with the divorce from last year- I really should not have procrastinated so long. When we moved back and I first got my job, we thought long and hard about what deductions to take out to get the best return. Well, since our divorce wasn't finalized until late July- I wasn't able to change the deductions until I had the paper work the first week of August. Well, because we had decided to take out more deductions and I wasn't able to change it until late in the year, I now owe a lot to the government since I am considered single :( Definitely not very happy with this situation. When we were deciding the deductions, I should have been more careful and not have just believed what he said, but you live and learn right? Somehow, I need to find a way to make more money to get out of the debt I was left with and get the savings back that I had before we were married.
Okay, I guess that is enough complaining for now.
Work has actually gotten a lot better, though I've been working way too much for the amount that I am paid. But, I get to see people grow, see the cliche "light bulb" click, and hopefully make a positive impact on people's lives. There are still often times that I think it might be nice to work in only one department and have true co-workers, and a boss I see more than often than I do now. Yet in this economy, I just need to be happy that I actually have a job :) And, it's been insane busy which is good too.
On to the dating front. After being out of the dating world for so long- I am so confused. I've been dating, not seriously, the same person for 3 months now. We are quite opposite and many people notice and feel they need to say something as they don't want to see me hurt again. I completely understand and am thankful for the caring, but it makes it quite difficult to be back in the "game" again. For myself, I made sure not to get into a rebound relationship and took a year off from dating. The guy I am seeing waited 9 months to ask me out- but our opposite qualities are quite different. People would say that I am good natured with big heart where people and him included say that he is mean spirited. He's actually had a couple people send him e-mails stating he needs to be nicer to me or he'll lose me. I don't really agree with people meddling into other's business. I do like him, a lot, otherwise we wouldn't be exclusively dating. Yet, at the same time- I still wonder if it would be better to swear off dating for a long time. Many of my friends are of the male species and I enjoy hanging out and learning from them, but I think from having the majority of my friends as males and learning the male view on dating, maybe I am not meant for the dating world. Who knows, just take each day as it is, correct?
So, on to a funny part of my day. Those of you that personally know me, know that I am probably the most uncoordinated person around. This morning, I was shaving and could not figure out why my right shin was green and blue (this happens often). Well, then I remembered that last night, a friend picked me up to go bowling but he has a large truck and I am a fairly small person. I kept having trouble getting into the truck so he shows me the handles to use to get up. So, after bowling I go to get into the truck pull on the handles, all full of confidence, just to slip on foot rest, slide down the side of his truck and slam my shin on the metal! Ouch, and now my leg looks like a little child's drawing. Hopefully, it will go away before our waterpark event in a few weeks.
Coffee shop is closing!
Okay, I guess that is enough complaining for now.
Work has actually gotten a lot better, though I've been working way too much for the amount that I am paid. But, I get to see people grow, see the cliche "light bulb" click, and hopefully make a positive impact on people's lives. There are still often times that I think it might be nice to work in only one department and have true co-workers, and a boss I see more than often than I do now. Yet in this economy, I just need to be happy that I actually have a job :) And, it's been insane busy which is good too.
On to the dating front. After being out of the dating world for so long- I am so confused. I've been dating, not seriously, the same person for 3 months now. We are quite opposite and many people notice and feel they need to say something as they don't want to see me hurt again. I completely understand and am thankful for the caring, but it makes it quite difficult to be back in the "game" again. For myself, I made sure not to get into a rebound relationship and took a year off from dating. The guy I am seeing waited 9 months to ask me out- but our opposite qualities are quite different. People would say that I am good natured with big heart where people and him included say that he is mean spirited. He's actually had a couple people send him e-mails stating he needs to be nicer to me or he'll lose me. I don't really agree with people meddling into other's business. I do like him, a lot, otherwise we wouldn't be exclusively dating. Yet, at the same time- I still wonder if it would be better to swear off dating for a long time. Many of my friends are of the male species and I enjoy hanging out and learning from them, but I think from having the majority of my friends as males and learning the male view on dating, maybe I am not meant for the dating world. Who knows, just take each day as it is, correct?
So, on to a funny part of my day. Those of you that personally know me, know that I am probably the most uncoordinated person around. This morning, I was shaving and could not figure out why my right shin was green and blue (this happens often). Well, then I remembered that last night, a friend picked me up to go bowling but he has a large truck and I am a fairly small person. I kept having trouble getting into the truck so he shows me the handles to use to get up. So, after bowling I go to get into the truck pull on the handles, all full of confidence, just to slip on foot rest, slide down the side of his truck and slam my shin on the metal! Ouch, and now my leg looks like a little child's drawing. Hopefully, it will go away before our waterpark event in a few weeks.
Coffee shop is closing!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Time has flown by....
Wow, it's been a while since I've written in here and I would like to say it is because things have gotten much better. It's been a little better, but not quite as much as I had hoped. The dang accounting class kicked my butt, and I spent quite a bit of time studying and not staying in contact with friends. On Friday, I had six text messages from friends saying they thought he/she were on the low priority of friends last. For pretty much all of December, every single day was taken up by studying....yep, some people thought I was crazy- going completely insane for a class that doesn't count towards anything and that I was taking for fun. I now know why people thought I was a little loony for taking an accounting class "for fun". My brain is not wired in that arena. I have no idea how, but the month of solitude helped me pull off a "b". Never in a million years would I have thought that I would be so excited for a B! All I know, is that I will not be stepping into an accounting class anytime in the near future.
Since my accounting class is over and I'm no longer a complete nutcase (yes, still a little tendencies but at least not 100 percent) i will be trying to get back in touch with my old friends that prior to December I was talking to on a regular basis (you guys know who you are and I am completley apologetic and truly sorry for not being able to catch up with you guys. Late today, I will be calling a bunch of you to catch up.
In terms of the divorce, I'm still trying to mend myself and I've realized it's going to take a lot more time than the alloted year. On December 15th, which was a year from the actual day that Josh decided never to return home, I spent the day at a pub crawl (josh would never picture me at one of those). It wasn't a typical get sloshed pub crawl, it was more of a spend your day with good friends while dressed up like reindeer- it was actually quite fun and I had one friend who spent the entire day with me. He was really kind and said that he knew this would be a tough day for me and wanted to be with me all the way until midnight.
The holidays were a lot easier than I thought they would be, I spent the time housesitting and on Christmas Eve spent the day trying to bake (accidentally almost burned down the house- backing/cooking- not one of my specialties and now I know of a dog that actually knows how to turn a stove on- not good, in my opinion). After lots of little freak-outs, I ended up going to a friends place, who is Jewish, and on Christmas Eve watches horror movies. A couple of us went over there to spend time with friends. Christmas day was spent with family and a good friend and New Year's was spent with family and lots of good friends. Even though, this past year has been a pretty awful experience, I'm still trying to learn from the experience and take away all of the positives such as the new friends I made and the old friends that I still have. In order to continue healing, I am beginning a DivorceCare class next Tuesday. I'm taking it with a couple of my "new" friends and am hoping it will help shed some light on things and help me in some areas that I definitely need some guidance, such as dating.
Speaking of dating, I told myself and I wouldn't date until December 15th and kept to that promise with the minor exception of the guy that I went on a few dates with and then ended up finding out he has a girlfriend. He and I have actually become quite good friends because of the instance, but that wasn't such a great experience and a way to get back in the dating world. After the 15th, a friend who asked back in July, took me on a wonderful date and we've been on quite a few since but there are so many things I don't understand. He told a couple good friends, and myself how interested he has been in me since we became friends and how happy he was that we were friends first but he says things that make me go hmmmmm....
One of the groups that I am involved in is a singles group, and last week in a conversation in regards to the group, h etold me I wasn't single, yet two days later in another conversation he says that he's inviting me to a vacation (that he actually invited to me before all of this "dating" stuff) as someone he is dating, but not seriously, though. I have no idea what to do, and he keeps talking about other potential interests. If we are not serious, I don't care but if he is classifying me as not single, then it is a different story. Unfortunately, I don't work that way, then on a different night, we went to meet some of his friends and after we left, he was quite frustrated with how quiet I am. I tried explaining to him, that's just who I am, but the conversation seemed just as though I was talking to Josh and wasn't fun enough or talkative enough again. Oh well, I tried and now know dating isn't for me and that I still have a lotof healing left,
Tomorrow, thought it is late in the game, I am going to start working on my new year's resolution (of course, one is similar to a lot of girls- lose weight!. I lost a lot of weight between the separation and divorce and have now gained it all back so this time, I would like to healthily lose the weight and tone up a bit. More resolutions for tomorrow.
Since my accounting class is over and I'm no longer a complete nutcase (yes, still a little tendencies but at least not 100 percent) i will be trying to get back in touch with my old friends that prior to December I was talking to on a regular basis (you guys know who you are and I am completley apologetic and truly sorry for not being able to catch up with you guys. Late today, I will be calling a bunch of you to catch up.
In terms of the divorce, I'm still trying to mend myself and I've realized it's going to take a lot more time than the alloted year. On December 15th, which was a year from the actual day that Josh decided never to return home, I spent the day at a pub crawl (josh would never picture me at one of those). It wasn't a typical get sloshed pub crawl, it was more of a spend your day with good friends while dressed up like reindeer- it was actually quite fun and I had one friend who spent the entire day with me. He was really kind and said that he knew this would be a tough day for me and wanted to be with me all the way until midnight.
The holidays were a lot easier than I thought they would be, I spent the time housesitting and on Christmas Eve spent the day trying to bake (accidentally almost burned down the house- backing/cooking- not one of my specialties and now I know of a dog that actually knows how to turn a stove on- not good, in my opinion). After lots of little freak-outs, I ended up going to a friends place, who is Jewish, and on Christmas Eve watches horror movies. A couple of us went over there to spend time with friends. Christmas day was spent with family and a good friend and New Year's was spent with family and lots of good friends. Even though, this past year has been a pretty awful experience, I'm still trying to learn from the experience and take away all of the positives such as the new friends I made and the old friends that I still have. In order to continue healing, I am beginning a DivorceCare class next Tuesday. I'm taking it with a couple of my "new" friends and am hoping it will help shed some light on things and help me in some areas that I definitely need some guidance, such as dating.
Speaking of dating, I told myself and I wouldn't date until December 15th and kept to that promise with the minor exception of the guy that I went on a few dates with and then ended up finding out he has a girlfriend. He and I have actually become quite good friends because of the instance, but that wasn't such a great experience and a way to get back in the dating world. After the 15th, a friend who asked back in July, took me on a wonderful date and we've been on quite a few since but there are so many things I don't understand. He told a couple good friends, and myself how interested he has been in me since we became friends and how happy he was that we were friends first but he says things that make me go hmmmmm....
One of the groups that I am involved in is a singles group, and last week in a conversation in regards to the group, h etold me I wasn't single, yet two days later in another conversation he says that he's inviting me to a vacation (that he actually invited to me before all of this "dating" stuff) as someone he is dating, but not seriously, though. I have no idea what to do, and he keeps talking about other potential interests. If we are not serious, I don't care but if he is classifying me as not single, then it is a different story. Unfortunately, I don't work that way, then on a different night, we went to meet some of his friends and after we left, he was quite frustrated with how quiet I am. I tried explaining to him, that's just who I am, but the conversation seemed just as though I was talking to Josh and wasn't fun enough or talkative enough again. Oh well, I tried and now know dating isn't for me and that I still have a lotof healing left,
Tomorrow, thought it is late in the game, I am going to start working on my new year's resolution (of course, one is similar to a lot of girls- lose weight!. I lost a lot of weight between the separation and divorce and have now gained it all back so this time, I would like to healthily lose the weight and tone up a bit. More resolutions for tomorrow.
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