The Bûrb Blog

First week of school, on the books.

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:26:33 GMT

Wow. Kids going back to school has worn me out! Every morning up at 5:30 am and after school activities each night so far. Sheez, at least I don't have the Algebra homework as well. No one missed the bus yet, so far so good but the bus sounds like an interesting place, an early flirting playground. Turns out 6th grade boys talk about 6th grade girls and they tend to "like" the other girls in packs, like one bunch of boys thinks one girl is cute and then another group thinks another girl is cute. Oh brother.

How about this one? I pick my 14 year old up from church orchestra practice and there's this little boy waiting with her and she asks if we can give him a ride home. I say sure, turns out he lives just a few blocks away and he's the same age (I forgot how teenage boys look younger than the girls).

Anyway, he's not Catholic; the church is which leads me to the conclusion that it's my blond daughter that has him involved in the orchestra!

I never thought I'd be dating and still dealing with boys when my daughters are getting all interested in that. It's all a little weird.

Feeding Your Neighbors

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:00:11 GMT

Recently, I got to chat with Candy Clark, the Oscar-Nominated Actress who played Deborah on “American Graffiti”. We have a garden in common, although hers is lovelier than mine, but what was really fun to talk about is that she has a small role in the upcoming “The Informant” with Matt Damon (yummy). It comes out in March.

OK- where was I? Oh yeah, back to the gardening. Anyway, what really struck me is that Candy attends local gardening clubs in her home area and she also plants in order to share with her neighbors. Truly, helping to feed her neighbors was one of her main goals when she had a huge brick patio removed from her backyard in order to plant.

And really, if a celeb can knock at her neighbor’s door and say “here’s some tomato’s for you”—shouldn’t we all be doing the same?

I gave away lots last year and I have friends with land who “plant a row for the hungry in their neighborhood”. It doesn’t have to be veggies even—your neighbors might appreciate cut flowers too. And you never know when you might be a recipient in turn.

My mom insisted on planting us some squash this year. Hmmm-I hope I can find a neighbor who likes it because my kids won’t touch it with a ten foot pole!

Reflection

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:48:32 GMT

In light of the events in the Gulf area of the US, I find my entry this week needing to be one of reflection rather than rant. I am literally typing this sitting on my back porch – looking over a river – 85 degrees, sunny – my husband is inside putting our son down for his nap – the dogs are in the yard barking at squirrels – the cat is likely sleeping on my upholstered dining room chairs.....and all I can think is THANK YOU. The furniture inside can use some dusting. I know there is some dog hair on the floor begging to be swept up. But today I’m allowing myself, and asking my husband, to take a ‘time out’. A break from worrying about little things – being caught up on issues that matter very little in the scheme of things. I want us, and invite you, to instead take time today to reflect on how lucky we all are. That we can look at our home, our belongings, our memories, our families – and know that all is in safe keeping.

The Gulf area residents will likely have weeks/months of struggle ahead. As this summer ends – let it end with the rest of us being thankful for what we have and generous enough to help these families in whatever way we can.

Written by Resident Blogger, Katherine

American Red Cross: http://american.redcross.org/

NEW NEIGHBOR

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:59:56 GMT

Written for the 'Burb Blog by Resident Blogger, Daphne

Well, it's move in week-end across the street! I knew it was coming because of course of the "talk" in the backyards and the "Sold" sign. I know she is a divorced woman, Mother of 2, close in age to my daughters. I am so old fashioned that I will bake them cookies. After all, I firmly believe, this is the right thing to do, the way it ought to be.(Channeling my inner, "Bree" )

Here's the catch, I will feel odd when I do meet her because you see, I know much more about her than she will ever know of me. Some information comes from the front page of the local paper about two years ago, some nasty legal matters, I'm sure she’s hoping people have forgotten but you see, I worked briefly for an insurance company that handled confidential health information, none of which I will divulge but none the less, I know. I know too many details of this stranger's life. I feel pity but I mustn’t show it after all I shouldn't have any reason to.

I think I'll bake the cookies and include the nuts, after all, I know she doesn't have nut allergies! What's my other option? Treat her snobby, not say "Hi", act like I didn't see the moving van?

The End of Summer in the Suburbs

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:46:24 GMT

Summer in the suburbs ends this weekend. Bathing suits went on clearance last month, winter coats and school supplies peaked out around July and patio furniture has been really hard to find at any store for the last month or two. After Monday, all of the pools will be closed and family vacations will come to a standstill.

To make up for the lack of fun I’ll have for the next 7 or 8 months, I have a jam packed weekend. On the docket I have golf, a BBQ and hot tub outing, a day at the pool, a mini-road trip to Ikea, another BBQ and some gardening. All of this assures I’ll end up back at work on Tuesday full of….exhaustion.

Is this the last weekend of summer for you?

♥Kat

Get Your Grill On...The Front Porch

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:19:57 GMT

Do you ever grill out in your front yard? Our back yard has a lot of bugs in it right now and it’s more work to bring the grill around from the garage through the grass and into the back yard. So, we just pull it out into the driveway and Jay grills out in front of the garage. A lot of people in our neighborhood do this but we take it one step further and all of our neighbors must think us strange for it; we set up a table and chairs and umbrella and hang out in the front yard.

We do it every 4^th of July because of the fireworks but this summer we just kept doing it! I didn’t think anything of it except for when we had our family over to grill out a few weeks ago, my mother in law said, “Do you ever eat in your backyard anymore?”

Ever since then I’ve thought about it a lot but for some reason I just really like sitting in the front yard. It’s probably so I don’t miss a moment of what is going on in the neighborhood!

♥Kat

I'm gonna blow a gasket or somethin'

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:24:40 GMT

The thing about living in neighborhood where there is not more than 4-6 feet between your house and the neighbor’s house is that you have to keep in mind that people hear everything! At night I can hear my neighbors shut their car doors, I can hear the screams and shouts during spats (as I am sure they can hear mine) and I can hear their cars start up or come down the street at 5:30 in the morning – especially if they don’t have a muffler on their giant diesel vehicle!

I think there should be a law about how loud your car can be in comparison to how close your car comes to someone’s bedroom window. I’ve lived here for over 4 years and I still cannot sleep through the jarring start up of that truck or the chug chug, raaaaaaaaaarrrr of it coming down the street straight towards my house.

Does anyone else have problems like this? I didn’t even talk about the loud radios that are on in cars as they pass by at all hours of the night.

♥KAT

Slam!

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:57:58 GMT

Submitted by Julie - PR and Marketing Consultant

Before we knew our neighbors two houses up and across the street, we called them “Bill and Slam”. We knew Bill’s name, obviously. But we called his wife “Slam” because every time she went in and out their front door, it SLAMMED loud—oftentimes making us jump. It got to a point where every time it happened, we made a comment about it.

And of course, the comments usually weren’t positive as the noise really did startle at least one of us.

Well, wouldn’t you know it, but she called one day asking if our oldest daughter was available for some yard-work. At which point, I promptly chased my daughter down, handcuffed her and sent her up the street (ha).

One day I was working in my garden and Slam brought down a check for my daughter’s payment, apologizing that she didn’t have cash. I looked at the check and saw her name imprinted.

“Oh your name is Ann,” I said. “I’m sorry I didn’t know.”

“Her name isn’t Ann,” my seven year old (who I hadn’t known was behind me) argued loudly. “It’s ‘Slam’!”

Fortunately, she didn’t comment and red-faced, I steered my youngest back into the house. I hope she hasn’t made the correlation but come to think of it, the door slams less these days.

Mommy Club Clique...

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:29:01 GMT

Written by Katherine creator of Buffalo Nickle Wingers

I’m a working mom. Struggling with the inner voices of what’s good for business vs what’s good for our son. But I think I do ok – I try to at least. So during my week off from work – I join my husband, a teacher who’s been handing the day-to-day parenting duties, for a visit to Gymboree to see my son tackle ladders and bubbles. The interaction with all the kids was more than I could hope for. But the re-visit to my Sophomore year of high school – with mom’s looking me head to toe as I entered – judging clothes, jewelry and hair – as I’m there to witness my son roll on mats and play with stuffed animals.....that I never expected.

I have no shame in admitting it. I sweat like a man. The slightest bit of stress is faced with what I call...bologna pits – which is why I’m generally in black. That being said – I wore a light grey shirt to class – shorts – and oh my – flip-flops. Lets just say – big mistake....what was I thinking? I should have known – or should I? Should I have not attended this play date dressed comfortably to chase my son through tunnels? Or should I have known better? Should I have realized that I’d was about to walk into a judgmental pit of Burberry and David Yurman.

Why is this? Why is it that we’re in our late 30s and still come in contact with women determined to start clique and judge? I wanted to scream....do you know who I am??? Katherine of the Buffalo Nickel Winger O’Hara’s??? But that doesn’t matter – a name, or car, or logo shouldn’t matter when you’re there to play with your child – right? I’m didn’t attend looking to make instant friendships – but I was seriously disappointed by several mothers lack of interest to be welcoming.

I do really want to know – I look to you to explain this regular occurrence that leaves me scratching my head.....why do some moms (women) feel the need to be judgmental/competitive???

I know my son will learn to clap and identify color matches – so for that I applaud and skip to the happy clown song as the teacher requests. Next time, knowing that I won’t be receiving any invites to the next Gymboree Mom Club BBQ, I’ll try no makeup and my faded college sweats.

I Need an Upgrade

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:07:09 GMT

I have a problem. My house has the basic appliances; washer, dryer, dishwasher, toilets, sinks, fans and all that. That’s not the problem – the problem is that I spend 9 hours a day at work. You’re probably wondering what this has to do with appliances.

The soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers, the sinks and the toilets at work are all automatic. My house needs an upgrade! Of course we always want something better than what we have but I propose that having the same caliber of appliances in my home is a necessity! It’s a necessity because at home my toilet doesn’t flush when I stand up and I have to push the top of the soap dispenser just to get a little of soap.

My biggest problem however is the sink. At least 3 times a week my husband comes out to the living room and asks me why I left the water running in the bathroom sink or I return to the bathroom and find the water running. I don’t think there is a ghost in the house; it’s just that I NEED automatic appliances at home if I’m going to have them at work… Don’t even get me started on all the time I waste standing at the sink waiting expectantly for the water to come on. I wonder if any of my neighbors paid extra for these home upgrades and how much they cost.

I'm thinking of doing this as seen on Daily DIY

A Sticky Introduction

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:40:30 GMT

Submitted by Julie - PR and Marketing Consultant

This morning, my new neighborhood rang loud with one woman’s voice.

“Help me!” She yelled, as she pounded her fists on a porch rail. “Help! I could be dying here. Somebody help me!”

I grabbed phone and ran next door, barefoot, where the woman from across the street was hunched over, grabbing the porch rail of our neighbor’s and trying to keep from falling. As I talked to the 911 operator, I tried to get her sit down where she would feel steadier.

“It’s OK. They’re sending someone,” I reassured her. “Someone is on the way.”

I could have slapped myself upside my head as I tried to balance her with one hand. We’d only moved in a couple of weeks before and I had no idea of her name. I couldn’t use her name to reassure her and I sure couldn’t tell the 911 operator who she was.

I realized then that inside the screen door next to us was an elderly neighbor and her son. “My son called the police,” she informed me primly. I nodded my head at her, miffed that she and her grown, able-bodied son remained behind the screen door while this woman on their porch was writhing in pain and unable to stand on her own.

Eventually other neighbors came to help support her and soon enough the medics were there to transport. She had experienced a stroke, and time was of the essence. A couple weeks later when she was able to get up and move around, she made us a whole pan of yummy sticky buns.

Helping was so totally worth it!

Mini Vans

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:58:53 GMT

Written by Katherine creator of Buffalo Nickle Wingers

I’m a bit of a car nut. 0-60 in 4.8 seconds brings me far more joy than a shoe sale at Neiman Marcus. I enjoy the look, the features, the experience of driving rather than seeing vehicles as a means to get from point A to point B. So when faced with needing a new car at the time we were starting a family, my husband said “hey, what about a mini van”. You’d think the earth stopped – a meteor hit – me? A mini van? You have got to be kidding.

Yes, I get it. Power lift gate – auto sliding door – room for 8 plus luggage plus hidden coolers for all the juice boxes one could ever want. Fold down seats, grocery grippers, individual speaker controls to satisfy the expanding tech gadgets of your passengers.

But, for me, a mini van is the moment one says – “hello world, I am fine living in a pony tail and sweats”. Many vehicles offer better safety features, better gas economy, better visibility, better value.....better STYLE than a mini van. And few minivans offer all-wheel-drive systems — worth considering if you live in a particularly cold, snowy climate.

So maybe it isn’t the features? Maybe it’s the message they send?
I have a family.

I have found the ultimate vehicle for not only carting around said family – but for displaying bumper stickers and car magnets?

I have found the ultimate family cruiser that allows me to go 20 in a 35, forgives when I forget to use my indicator and home to your prized collection of french fries, wrappers and used wipes.

I know many mini-van moms and they really are a nice bunch. But I want to grab them – hold them in front of a mirror and exclaim – “where is the Sally I once knew? The one with the rockin’ boots and best hair in town that wouldn’t dream of winding down until dawn?”

Admittedly, I don’t get it. Admittedly I stand alone in my mini-van refusal. So I’ll give you a beep when I read “my kid is an honor student” – just do me a favor and get off your cell phone!

Block Parties?

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:18:15 GMT

I remember when I was younger I lived in a great neighborhood! We had the same characters that are in my current neighborhood but people cared. One year a group of people got together and planned a block party! It was so much fun and it was a tradition that continued for years. We didn’t even live in a neighborhood that had an association -- people just wanted to spend time getting to know each other and having fun.

In my current neighborhood, one with an association, I tried to plan a block party for our neighborhood but no one wanted to help out and people pretty much spit in my face for even trying. Luckily, I live at the end of a street with some great people around me so those of us who like each other have a 4^th of July party every year instead.

Funny, every neighbor sends their kids down to see what is going on and other neighbors act hurt that they weren’t invited.

Do you remember having neighborhood socials or block parties as a kid?

CASTING CALL

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:04:59 GMT

Okay, okay! I’ll do it! So many of you send me “hate” mail saying that you hate that I don’t update enough! You want more! More drama, more gossip, more about life in the suburbs! Here’s the scoop:

BLOGGER CASTING CALL

Do you have nicknames for your neighbors?

Have you been accused of being the neighborhood gossip?

Do your neighbors learn more about each other from you then from one another?

You just might be the next blogging star on THE BURB BLOG!

Seeking guest bloggers to write regularly about their life and experiences in the suburbs and with their neighbors! Will you write one or more times per week for appease the readers? I want short stories inspired by your REAL LIFE experiences. You make take an assumed name if desired to protect your identity!

You may be invited to participate in an occasional podcast with a target audience of 20 something women and soccer moms.

This will be an ongoing search so pass it on! Remember, I am not looking for professionals! I want real people who live in the suburbs. Sadly, at this time this is not an income generating blog but who knows what the future holds!

Please email kat@theburbblog.com for application information.

White Trash Mom in the Suburbs!

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:12:22 GMT

On Sunday, Chandra and I interviewed our new friend Michelle, also known as White Trash Mom.

Please check out her new book on Amazon.com and listen to the show!

Can't Get No Satisfaction

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:31:15 GMT

I tried to cross another item off of my 101’s list; #97. Go one month without eating out

and

#4. Exercise 5 times per week for a month.

I thought these two would go hand in hand. After all, if I’m working so hard to get into shape and healthy it would be prudent of me to not go out to eat AND it will help me save money.

All noble thoughts, but for two things; 1. I have been unable schedule wise and vehicle wise to get my 5 days in per week for a month straight and 2. Because my birthday is next week I have free food coming to me from every restaurant in the city! Sadly the coupons all expire next week so I HAVE TO USE THEM! I cannot throw away a deal. It’s just the way I am!

Tacky Lawn Ornaments

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:33:15 GMT

What is with lawn ornaments? Not just any lawn ornaments but(t) THIS lawn ornament!

What is the point? Doesn’t it keep light from getting to your precious plants? Do you think you are tricking the plants into thinking that you are standing there talking to them? Are you obsessed with butts so you need them in your yard? I know that the neighborhood cat lady has cat lawn décor everywhere – because she likes cats.

I like Popsicles so I am going to get a box of 10,000 Popsicle sticks and stick them into the lawn! Oh, and I’m going to paint a giant popsicle on my garage door AND I’m going to get a giant fudgesicle cut out and put it in the garden but it’s going to be a double and have TWO sticks coming out of it!

What kind of lawn ornament would you have?

Just don't say its this one:

Where were you at 3pm on Sunday?

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:20:42 GMT

Have you ever noticed that people give an alibi even when they aren’t suspects?

For example, there has been a rash of break-ins around the neighborhood the past two months. First garages were broken into, then cars, then my home and finally my next door neighbor’s house. Several neighbors came over to my house the day after the final break in and we were sitting around ~~gossiping~~ er, talking. Of course we spoke of the big event: The break in next door!

Little Dog Man – When did it happen?

Kat: Sunday, around 3.

Special GF: Wow. We were out hiking I think.

Special Friend: Yeah, we were hiking from about 1-4 so we were definitely not here.

Little Dog Man – I was at work, I think I got off around 3 so I wasn’t even home yet.

Kat: I was here but I was in my bedroom cleaning.

Somehow I had the weakest alibi! I still think it’s hilarious. These 3 neighbors weren’t the only ones! Everyone had a reason why they weren’t around to do the breaking in!

Image from MS Word. Thanks!

The War Against Sweet Tea Terrorism - Is it a one woman war?

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:39:57 GMT

The past few months I’ve been waging a war on Sweet Tea and I think I’ve lost. One of my favorite breakfast places, Chik-Fil-A insists on terrorizing me with Sweet Tea! Until the spring, if I went anywhere and ordered ICED TEA, I was given a plain old, unsweetened glass of goodness. NOW I am asked if I mean Sweetened or Unsweetened! I’ve even altered my ordering and said things like, “REGULAR TEA” or “PLAIN TEA” or “ICED TEA WITH LEMON” (who has sweet tea with lemon?). My efforts are ignored and I’m still asked the ridiculous question exactly like this, dripping with sugar and honey, “Would that be sweetened or UNSWEETENED?”

I don’t know why but I just cannot bring myself to say UNSWEETENED! I think that people who like sweetened should have to specify! Just like Coca Cola, if I wanted DIET, I would say DIET but no, I ordered TEA! Nothing added, nothing taken away! The places that are worst with this are McDonalds and Chik-Fil-A.

Today as I sat in line and fumed I was thinking that Chik-Fil-A, the place that once brought me so much peace and happiness has become like Starbucks! They are so self-righteous and unmovable when it comes to their branding and propagating of society! NO! I don’t want a VENTI UNSWEETENED TEA! I want a regular cup of iced tea!

Can we just decide right now that when someone orders sweet tea, they mean sweet tea and when someone orders ICED tea they mean good tea plain old, regular iced tea?

Fireworks Thieves!

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:49:56 GMT

In our neighborhood, the 4^th of July is kind of like the mid-point of fireworks celebrations. My neighbors start lighting off blazing rockets and buzzing balls of fire a week or two before the 4^th and continue until at least a week or two after. Last year Dog Poop Kid, age 12ish, who would not leave us alone on the 4^th! He lit off our fireworks, ate our food and would not stop bother us to light off more. The next morning he was back at our door asking for leftover fireworks. We gave him some sparklers and bottle rockets to get rid of him but he came back for more. While we were working in the yard we left our garage open and each time we came around he would be picking through the firework box looking for his favorites. Our warnings and threats fell up deaf ears so we’ve had to just keep our garage door closed always.

This year he had a new family on our street to stalk. They had fireworks going off in late June so they were better prey. Apparently word got around the neighborhood pretty quickly because around 2 o’clock in the morning, that neighbor came out to her garage for one last smoke break before bed. When she opened the door from the house, she realized she had left the large garage door open and there was someone in the garage. It wasn't Dog Poop Kid but another 14 year old from down the street.

The kid grabbed a bunch of things and took off. She called the police and long story short, identified him and pressed charges. The parents of this kid thought he was spending the night at the neighbor's house. He was spending the night at the neighbor's house -- just not only at the house that the parents thought.

Howdy Neighbor

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:35:20 GMT

Who are your neighbors? Are they also your friends? Do you have any neighbors who were friends BEFORE they became neighbors? At what point does a neighbor become a friend? At what point does a friend who became a neighbor become just a neighbor?

~~This blog has~~ I have a tendency to get me in trouble so I will start by saying that there have been several instances in the past few years that I have felt hurt and offended and I am going to talk about them today. If this hurts and offends anyone I know, I’m sorry but this is my outlet and sounding board. It keeps me sane.

Note: The most recent portion of this story has been addressed with the friend who hurt my feelings. I just wanted to write about it because it is a suburbs issue and I thought it made for a good blog entry.

A few years ago my BFF known here as DD Momma and I went a show with our other friend from here on out known as…I can’t even think of a nickname for her so we’ll call her Shorty. The show was a bar and it was for some friends of Shorty. DD Momma, Shorty and I were what you might call really good friends. Shorty introduced DD Momma as her neighbor and introduced me as her neighbor’s friend. I was completely offended! I was under the impression that if you had dinners with one another 1-2 times per week, had coffee every week, went shopping together, vacationed together, got someone’s husband a job AND wore my wedding tiara in your wedding, we were friends. I guess only time can tell the true story; Shorty and I are no longer friends in her book OR in my book.

A friend of ours moved into our neighborhood. We’ve always referred to this person either as “our friend” or “our friend and our neighbor” (friend first) or our friend who also happens to be our neighbor. Recently, Jay and I’ve been referred to as “the neighbors” or “his neighbors”.

I want to hear from you! Are you friends with any of your neighbors? Do you refer to them as neighbors or friends?

Suburbs & The City Podcast

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:35:30 GMT

Every week I am a part of a podcast called Suburbs & the City. You can listen to the show by clicking on Podcast on the navigation bar on the left. This week we had our Christmas in July show where we reviewed several products that we love.

Despite great numbers in downloads of our show, no one called in to win the prizes we were giving away! As devastated as we were, it seems our listeners were somewhat devastated also! So, please feel free to make a comment about the show, tell me what prize you want to win and email me your address. I will randomly draw names on August 1st!

My Updated List of 101 Things in 1001 Days

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:11:34 GMT

1. Help out with the youth group 5 times (when Jacob is around).
2. Donate our pledged amount of money to the church
3. Lose 60 pounds.

4. Exercise 5 times per week for a month.

5. Get back into rowing.

~~6. Kick the soda habit in the butt~~

7. Join or begin a walking group

~~8. Find a job that I love (most of the time).~~

9. Buy a 2^nd piece of property.

10. Have a girl’s night out 3 times per month for a year.

11. Live off of my planned budget for 1 consecutive month

12. Pay off all of my credit cards

~~13. Keep my car very clean (spotless) for one month~~

~~14. Get diamond earrings~~

15. Keep up with my oil changes

16. Keep up with the dog’s shots

17. Go to an OSU football game

18. Go to a Colts football game

19. Break a 150 at bowling

20. Attend 2 Alumni rowing events

21. Vote for a president and have 10 great reasons why!

22. Go sailing and be a part of it

23. Keep up with this list at least once per month.

24. 30 consecutive days of no television

25. 10 consecutive days with no internet

26. Sell 100 items on ebay

~~27. Paint the living room~~

~~28. Paint the kitchen~~

29. Paint the master bathroom

30. Finish painting the upstairs bathroom

~~31. Finish painting the downstairs bathroom~~

32. Tile a backsplash in the kitchen

33. Replace the kitchen cabinet doors with some glass

~~34. Re-floor the kitchen~~

~~35. Replace the flooring in the living room/dinning room~~

36. Put up that fence

~~37. Organize the closet~~

38. Get a china hutch

~~39. Organize the game closet~~

~~40. Organize the downstairs closet~~

41. Make my bed everyday for one month

42. Finish one of my books

43. Post one blog per day for 2 consecutive months

44. Write my will.

45. Read 100 books.

46. Visit Greece

47. Visit Australia

48. Go on an out of country trip with my parents again

49. Visit Havasu 2 times per year.

50. Go on a train trip

51. See a Broadway show on Broadway!

52. Geo-cache with Jacob and find 200 more caches

53.Visit Christmas at the Zoo

54. Visit the zoo on a normal day

55. Visit every winery in Indiana

56. Make wine with J

57. Visit 3 art galleries or showings

58. Attend 2 really big concerts

59. Visit the Art Museum each season

60. Attend the theatre (not movie) 5 times

61. Work on at least 4 devotions with Jacob.

62. Attend church activities at least 2 times per month

63. Daily quiet time for one month

64. Find my niche at church (where can I serve/give back)

~~65.~~ ~~Get my degree~~

66. Take a class for fun
67. Learn to dance

68. Transfer 8mm camcorder tapes to digital format
69. Scan and upload photos from mom and dad’s house

70. Scan and upload all of the photos at my house

71. Scan and upload photos from Jacob’s parent’s house
72. Take one photo every day for a year
73. Complete a 26-Things Scavenger Hunt
74. Eat only raw foods for an entire day

75. Volunteer to read at church 5 times

~~76. Visit my old church in Greenwood~~

77. Train for a marathon

78. Complete a marathon

79. Take my heart medication daily.

80. Be active in Partylite for one year or quit.

81. Sleep on the beach

82. Scuba dive with dad

83. Take a hot air balloon ride

~~84. Get a parks pass~~ and USE it!

85. Clean the heck out of the garage and get rid of it all!

~~86. Go snowboarding at least once~~

87. Date night with Jacob 2 times per month

~~88. Find a friend to also make a 101 things list!~~

89. Try 50 new restaurants

90. Interview my grandparents

~~91. Participate in Race for the Cure~~

~~92. Organize my computer files~~

~~93. Back-up everything on my computer~~

~~94. Go ice skating~~

95. Play laser tag

96. Enter something into the state fair

97. Go one month without eating out.

98. Eat one two meals per week at the kitchen table with Jacob.

99. Organize miscellaneous scraps of paper.

100. Organize my recipes.
101. Make a new list of 101 Things to Do & donate $5 to James’ memorial fund for every task on this list that I do not complete.

The Alleged Hit and Run

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:57:52 GMT

Recently our neighborhood had a neighborhood meeting and many interesting things happened. Most interesting was when this lady who I've never seen before told my husband to shut his mouth. I'll explain more of that another time. I didn't know what nickname I could come up with for this woman but we described her to one of our friends in the neighborhood as, "a mean old lady with nice skin". When I showed this friend where she lived he said, "OH! You mean Hit and Run".

Unluckily for her, the grocery store has video surveillance and all of this was caught on tape! Lucky for the owner of the other vehicle, Hit and Run was caught red handed. The legend goes that she was asked to retire from the force and turn in her vehicle. In my version of the story, she had a fe

I must say allegedly all of this happened because I don't know for a fact. This is all from harmless neighborhood "reporting", what some might call GOSSIP! Allegedly "Hit and Run" (as she is now affectionately known) was a former employee of the Sheriffs Department. With this responsibility comes a police car. One day Hit and Run was grocery shopping around the corner from our neighborhood and she backed out into another vehicle, causing heavy damage to the other vehicle. Well, with a name like Hit and Run, you can imagine what she did. w afternoon cocktails.

My experience with this particular grocery store might lend a hand to my version of story.

Oh, How I Long for Summer...

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:43:33 GMT

On Friday, I knew it was the first day of summer break. How did I know? The kids were up playing in the middle of the street until well after MY bedtime and kids were out riding bikes in the street well before I left for work at the butt crack of dawn.

How is it that these kids who look energy starved at 7am when they are waiting on the corner (or in their parent's cars) for the school bus, can be running around the neighborhood like crazy, speed addicts at 6:30am? Ah, I remember, the insta-drug known as summer vacation. I wish I could do more than just remember; I wish I could EXPERIENCE summer again the way that I did when I was younger. Wait, I hear the ice cream man coming down the road! I’ll be back later!

Party Ova' Here!

Thu, 29 May 2008 01:32:07 GMT

As I mentioned this weekend, I graduated from college after trying for 8 years. I’m not saying I went full time or even at all during each of those 8 years but I finally finished! This of course meant that my family and friends would be in town so I had to throw a fabulous party; many of them had never seen my home or the state I lived in.

DD Momma and I went shopping a few weeks before the party and we found a beautiful dress for me and decided NOT to get this dress for either of us.

My good friend Annie who I’ve known since I was in 8^th grade made me a gorgeous invitation/announcement that went out to 250 of my closest friends and family. Her web site is: www.poppylanedesigns.blogspot.com and she designs baby announcements and more!

A cake artist by the name of Jill was hired to create a lovely lopsided cake and 80 cupcakes (when do you cut a cake at an open house?) and they turned out lovely! She has a website also, www.indycakes.com

A keg of beer and tons of wine were ordered. Oh yeah, and a bunch of BBQ beef briscuit and BBQ chopped chicken were ordered from Dicks Bodacious BBQ.

Late Thursday night my mom, dad and sister flew in and spent the night at our house. On Friday morning my sister and husband and a few friends joined me for local wine tasting.

By Friday evening, almost everyone had arrived and we threw a mini party with 25 guests. We ate lasagna, bread, salad and drank gallons of beer, wine and tea.

After the party, my Hetero Life Partner, Kyleen arrived from California. My guest list was complete: Mom, Dad, Sis, Kyleen, Malia, her parents and Sean (the “Male of honor” from my wedding).

On Saturday I had my hair styled and my make up done first thing in the morning.

I hired a woman named Amanda who arrived early to the party and prepared and organized any food that needed to be prepared.

Friends and family helped set up tents and tables and assembled centerpieces that matched the theme “Oh the Places She’ll Go” and then my guests began arriving.

It was so great to see everyone!

The party continued on into the night and then we finally went to bed the next morning.

On Sunday we got up and drove up to where I work so I could show my friends and family around. We got there (45 minute drive) and then I realized I forgot my keys, so we turned around and went home. Yes, I cried.

In the early afternoon we assembled into several vehicles and made our way downtown. A really good friend of mine, one of my only friends from my last 3 years of college, had this super great idea that we put a funny movie theme on our hat. My hat said “Dude” and her hat said “Sweet”. Name that movie ya’ll.

We were a hit. The first graduation was interesting and during the second one I wanted to hurt someone. Badly.

After said boringness, we all ended up at dinner downtown at this amazing restaurant called, Greek Islands. We ate delicious food and drank more wine. Sadly, my husband Jay missed out on the festivities because he had to catch a plane to San Francisco. Opa!

This ended my dream graduation weekend.

Where I've Been

Mon, 26 May 2008 14:29:17 GMT

I really appreciate the reaching out I’ve experienced from this blog. Many of you have commented or emailed me to ask what happened to me. This is some blog lovin’ and I appreciate it! I’ve been here but not on the internet. I’ve been living my life and not writing about it. It’s been pretty hard to get home and blog since my work schedule goes so late every night.

After my California trip I had my wisdom teeth pulled then I began a new job.

Then I had a week in Boston.

Then I graduated from college after 8 or 9 years.

This meant that my friends and family were in town.

Parties; my sister in law graduated, my aunt graduated and some other kids I know are graduating from high school.

Last weekend I ran/walked a ½ marathon.

It’s been a VERY busy two months.

My goal is to write at least 3 times per week, I may have to tell you all about life in the suburbs on the weekends and then post them throughout the week so forgive me. Also, I haven’t really been able to look at anyone else’s blogs so I felt it wasn’t really fair to keep expecting you all to be here reading mine. I’ll try because I love this blog and I love you all!

My Excuses

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:20:22 GMT

I know that I haven’t update at all in two weeks but my life has been a whirlwind! I think that after you get a brief synopsis of my life you will forgive me.

Two weeks ago I finished up at my job at the High School and said “sayonara”! I am thankful for that job because it provided much needed income and when it wasn’t enough, it forced me to work at the Retail Store. At the Retail Store I met a man who spoke of his wonderful job at the Dot Com. This man answered my questions and ultimately referred me to the Dot Com. After clawing my way into an interview, I had 2 more and then found myself hired (this process actually began in January).

After my final day at the High School, my husband and I hosted a party and then I boarded an airplane to California to visit my family. While in California, not only did I see my family, but I spent time with every person I have ever met, well, not really. I wish I had more time to see everyone but I did not have a moment to breath.

After I returned from California, my husband and I drove 9+ hours to Virginia to spend a weekend with my grandparents. Following our return from Virginia, I had four teeth removed from my mouth (wisdom teeth) and spent good parts of the next week in bed. The rest of the time I was working on taxes and paying (well, organizing) bills, hence the need for a job. When I wasn’t in bed or working on paper work, I was visiting all of my other doctors (I decided to get as much out of the way while I could so that I didn’t have to take time off of work for a while). Did I mention that 3 days after my teeth were pulled I had 2 fillings taken care of in the teeth that remained in my mouth?

Monday I started my new job at the Dot Com.

So, this is why I haven’t updated. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me? If you do, perhaps there will be more details later…