Big D Delusional

So as anyone reading this probably knows I had foot surgery on Monday...a lovely cut the bone, screw it back together and move the cartilage type of foot surgery. So from that description any normal person would understand that it would hurt, and probably quite a lot.

Well I went into this with a great deal of optimism, I'll be fine, this will be painless and I'll be up and back to normal life within a week. WRONG! I'm getting along ok, but let me tell you, walking is not exactly a walk in the park and what I now fondly refer to as the scoot up the stairs is near disaster. But why did I think this was going to be pain free...hmm, not really sure. And is it better to think that something is going to be painless and go forward with enthusiasm or live your life always anticipating pain and waiting for the other shoe to drop. And if you move forward with the first, are you delusional thinking that life won't hurt and things will turn out for the best? Probably...but wouldn't you rather hope for the best than spend your life waiting for the worst? I think I would, so call me delusional if you wish, I like it this way!

Worth every CALORIE - and then SOME!!!

It was one of those days, year end reviews, the last day in the office for a little while and just general craziness, one of those moments when you just want to pack up and head home.

The words do you want a cupcake came from the next office over and after a bit of contemplation the day was turned around...SWIRLZ to the rescue!!!

This cupcake was insane, a fantastic chocolate cupcake, with a chocolate coating on the top, topped again with a swirl of vanilla buttercream icing and chocolate buttercream icing and a white and dark chocolate candy. This was a dream in cupcake form...oh my gosh...worth every calorie and then some!!!! Ahhhh!!!!

So if you want an insane and amazing cupcake go to SWIRLZ in Chicago - so GOOD!!!

Kick it REAL GOOD!!!!

Everyone that lives in Chicago or has heard the news knows that we all love the parking meters and the bureaucracy that goes with them. So you would think with all of the thought and revenue planning that went into the implementation of the new meters that cost as much as $3.50 per hour they would be able to sustain the chilly temperatures that often hit Chicago and surrounding areas...or NOT! Now don't take this the wrong way I'm not complaining, I don't like paying these slow overpriced green boxes, but come on, if they don't work in the winter how much revenue are they even going to produce?

I tried to pay my meter this morning, I inserted my credit card, and received no response...hmm, maybe the strip is dirty, let's try another...no response. This meter was clearly not going to work, so I walked across the street to another pay box to find a man fumbling with a frozen meter. This meter had accepted his card and charged the maximum amount, which on this meter was $4.00...the only problem was the buttons that must be pushed to print the necessary receipt to prove that you paid were frozen. This poor guy, who was also frozen, was pummeling the buttons, muttering under his breathe at the dumb green box. After a short time of my observation, who knows how long he had been there, the kicking ensued...if you can't push the button hard enough perhaps you can kick the button hard enough...NOPE! And you can be sure I wasn't sticking around in +3 degrees to find out how that one ended...

The Chicago parking meters are ridiculous, frozen and nonfunctional in the winter and so slow in the summer that you could be mugged and killed before the receipt prints....argh!

Cat as Comedian

A great day turned into one of those crazy nights...when I got home from small group just after 10 I came to the very real conclusion that the lock on our door was frozen and I had no chance of getting into the house...no good, Rachel to the rescue, my wonderful roommate though slightly sleepy and confused gladly let me in and all was well...but God knew that I was tired, had a headache and just really needed a laugh so...while I was getting ready for bed he provided one!

I was standing at my sink getting ready to brush my teeth and Therman, Rachel's cat, who loves me dearly was standing on my toilet trying to get as close as possible. He was stretching and reaching and trying desperately to get me to pet him or something like that. Well in the process of this he somehow lost his balance, and fell in the TOILET! I swear I didn't push him, his back little legs just slipped in. He stood there looking up at me, with those sweet little eyes, partly confused partly begging for help. So of course I quickly removed the cat from the toilet and he proceeded to spread toilet water all over my bathroom floor...which is kinda sick...so I figured I should probably wash the cat, and then I thought maybe he'd just dry...and then I remembered, Therman sleeps in Rachel's bed, and no way would I want toilet water in my bed...thus started the journey that was washing the cat! I tried dipping his feet under running water but he was having none of that, on to plan B. I covered my hands with soap and rubbed it all over his wet little feet and legs, and then carefully dipped his legs into a sink full of water. Surprisingly this didn't bother him too much...if you ignore the fact that he spent the next 10 minutes or so licking his feet.

And what did I learn you may ask...I guess I don't really believe that toilet water is as clean as they say it is or I wouldn't have bothered washing the cat...hold on, I think the cat drinks from the toilet...I may have just wasted 30 minutes!

Horror on HAMILTON

Yesterday marked our first snow of the year, there was snow, followed by slushy stuff that stung your face, topped off by howling winds and rain...so let's just say by the time I got home from my work dinner at 9:45 it was fierce outside and I was exhausted...and you know me I watch far too many crime shows. So there's the background and scene...

Walking down dimly light Hamilton Ave, I wish that I could have found a closer parking spot as I dodge large puddles of winter slop. As I round the corner to enter my building water pours from the gutters and hits me square in the head...ugh, are you serious! Almost home, I start up the stairs and wonder to myself, almost speaking it aloud, why are these footprints so big...I know my roomates are not Amazon women. I get to the top of the stairs and fumble with me keys and as I look up realize that something is wrong...the door is wide open, the cat is sitting there looking at me like I am crazy and the apartment is pitch black! Um, do I go inside or do I go back to my car....this is the moment in all the horror movies when you're screaming at the TV, don't go in there, dumb girl what are you doing!!! But of course, dumb girl here, goes in and starts screaming Rachel's name...no response, no sound....RACHEL!!!!!!

At this point I'm beyond concerned...and then she pops out of her room, hey what's up...phew...ahh, relief! I then realize that there is really no way to explain to her that I thought just maybe she was dead on the floor...brr it's chilly in here!

The Church

Everyone who knows me knows how much I love my church, and I strongly believe that we are the church, the church that Jesus speaks of is not a stained glass encrusted building or an ancient cathedral it's in you and me. Having said that, there are a few things which I believe may be slipping...in saying that the church is not the building...that does not mean that you can or should disrespect the building or behave in ways that would not be honoring to God! Hello, folks, why would that be ok? If you wouldn't do it in your mama's house in her face you definately should not be doing it in God's House!

So not going to happen - or is it?

You may recall from last week that I was super duper excited about Mellow Mushroom! I was also excited that I could order it online and get it delivered fresh to my door, what could be better? Well much to my dismay, today I went to order my pizza and my pizza total came to $15...I selected the mandatory overnight shipping, which is understandable. Ground shipping would almost definitely lead to massive food poisoning. Well back to the point, shipping...once that was figured in my total sky-rocketed to $45! What in the world are they doing, and why is it $30 to ship 2 pizzas? Ugh, now I'm sad and trying to figure out how many pizzas I'd have to order to make a $30 shipping charge worth while...it's so good!

R&R and randomness

So I just spent 2 days in Hilton Head with my parents and an equal amount of time driving back. All was not lost since we listened to 2 books on tape - and I don't kid, they left you wanting more...seriously did I just listen to 7 hours of that for an ending where they happily rode a train off into the Italian sunset...really, come on now?!? I'll give you one more disc Grisham if you'll write a new ending, because I tell you man after 7 hours that was a real downer!

We made a much needed stop in Kentucky and took a tour of some of the most beautiful horse farms you will ever see. My favorite attraction was a beauty named Tiznow, a stallion worth roughly $150M...and giving treats to some of the current race horses. I forgot how much I missed horses, their big heads...and super soft noses...all nuzzled up and then when you least expect it - CHOMP!

There were many funny moments on this trip, but here's one of my favorites...we were trying to figure out the mascot for Virginia Tech or was it Vermont Tech - um no there isn't a Vermont Tech - even if there is the game that was on was most definitely Virginia Tech...so mom chimes in with Porkies...really Porkies...no way, it was strange but not that strange...insistent that it started with a P, we went to work figuring out the name, refusing the aid of the internet...we admitted defeat and finally I looked it up today...Hoakies...a bird, so very not a pig! Oink Oink!

The most ridiculous...

My itinerary for tonight is the most ridiculous thing I think I've ever booked...so here goes. I wanted to save some money and my Thursday, and I had a report due today...so that rules out all flights that depart and arrive at a reasonable hour...

If I left in the morning I would lose all of Thursday, if I tried to leave at a reasonable hour tonight I might not get all of my work done.

SO, here's my solution...at 9:30pm I'm flying to Boston, where I will sleep...not sure where, perhaps on a park bench with a newspaper...not sure. At 5:00am I board a plane for Charlotte followed be a plane to Savannah where I will arrive by 8:47 am...which gives me all day to read and lay in the SUN!!! This seemed like a much better idea when I booked the flight...oh I well I guess I'll embrace my inner homelessness!

Mellow Mushroom Addiction

Caroline did a bad bad thing to me...she got me addicted to Mellow Mushroom quite a few years ago. It was in the early 2000's, not really sure how to say that properly...but she took me there for the very first time and I fell in love with the pretzels, special sauce and that awesome crust...

So my obsession has turned to great excitement whenever I see a Mellow Mushroom and it seems that there is now one on one of my favorite islands in the country, HILTON HEAD...so long story short Thursday morning I will be at Mellow Mushroom, I think it will make a divine breakfast.

Even better, I just found out today that they will overnight pizza to what they call "remote locations" like Chicago!!! Pizza Party - party of 1!

BOOM....Body of One Messiah!

The SLAM year is about to start and we are team BOOM, Body of One Messiah! I am super excited for this year of SLAM, to meet the kids and really get to know a few of them well. We went out into Cabrini last night to make sure the kids all knew it started next Monday and had a truly blessed evening. EJ (Evangelist James)was our guide and he took us through his old and our new stomping ground. During our time in the row houses we talked with a few adults who just happened to be having a meeting of the Cabrini Governing Body - woo hoo, praise the Lord, they asked us in to tell them about SLAM and how they could partner with us!

We also stopped by to see Dorkus, her mom and miscellaneous nieces who were over at their place in the reds. Her mom Pam is such an amazing woman of faith and I just love talking to her. We met over the summer, watching baseball talking about SLAM and she remembered me...how fun! One of the little ones at her place was Tank, she is just cute as can be. A tiny little thing who dances with such enthusiasm, some of her dance moves would be questionable for a teenager or adult but Pam is working on stopping that.

Please pray for our team and all the volunteers and staff of SLAM. There will be challenges and celebrations this SLAM year and we could use prayer for all of them. Please also lift up the nearly 200 kids we expect to have in the program as well as the kids that are not there. Pray that they would find peace in Cabrini and in Chicago through Christ.

If you want to learn more about SLAM and GRIP the broader organization go to www.gripyouth.com

My Bestest!

My best girl was in town this weekend and we had a blast. It was a slumber party KU freshman year style with a thunder storm and all...but this time we allowed boys...don't panic it was just her husband and we didn't all share a bed! I think we ate very kind of amazing Chicago food possible, I am still stuffed and they left yesterday, pizza, hot dogs, steak...the list goes on. And you can't forget the awesome win at Wrigley - Go Cubs Go! And a true classic, when the game ended, Rob was like why are you all still here, um can't you see, we won! We're singing! Ha ha, I love this city! We hung out at the Field Museum on Saturday morning, which is also one of my favorite Windy City attractions and I took my first ever touristy picture with the bean. It's great fun having friends in town, you can do all the touristy stuff you'd tease everyone else for doing. It's fantastic! I miss them already, move to Chicago already Caroline!

The ramblings of a very tired Camille...

So I pondered said David Mrazek comment from last night...why because I was very tired then too, and every now and then I ponder. Why are you hearing about this now...well because I am still very tired...

I do not like to be "bothered" in the morning...this means that (A) if it's 8 am and a random co-worker is driving to work and can't decide if she wants to wear knee high boots, or heels and just needs to talk to me...hmm well, that's not my favorite thing. (B) a cat jumps on my face at 6:30 - said cat is no longer my friend! (C) I've only been up for 5 minutes and I'm asked a mission critical question that requires massive amounts of thought...no good....or the ever famous (D) I went to bed at 5am and someone decides I need to be up at 9, without any "authority" to say hey sweetie, I'd love it if you got up and came to home depot with me, or took a walk or WHATEVER!

Now the flip side of this is...if there is some good reason for me to be up and it isn't just someone who resents the fact that I am still not up...well then I'll get up and happily read the paper, go to the store, walk the dog, go on an erly morning ride. Whatever...then it's a different story.

Now anyone that went to Turkey with me can also tell you - that I require a certain amount of time to "wake-up" if I'm not provided adequate sleep. When we were in Turkey and running on 5 hours of sleep a night, I needed about 30 minutes to become "human" or a certain amount of chai! Generally about 3 cups...

The key here is this, if I am tired and cranky and yes they do tend to go together...but you are important to me and I want to be up with you, I can let it all go. If you are a cat, or you want random fashion advice...please don't bother!

There is a lot more behind all of this, but this is the breif version...if you ever really want the long complicated explainations of some of my quirks just ask...

Did you enjoy that...I bet! I just finished my coffee!!!

Are you dense...CREEPER!

So here is a tale of a very very very dense dude!

This story makes most guys in the world look pretty good, and this poor sap very desperate...not that I'm not a prize but...whatever, you'll see...

Roughly three weeks ago I receive a voicemail "Uh hey this is Kaushal, not sure if you remember me, looking forward to talking to you, give me a call 224-558-..."

Hmm, I have no idea who he is, I ask my friends, I scower FB and still no. This guy is a mystery to me. So of course why not be slightly avoidant and text back..."Can you remind me where we met?" "We met at Durkins, want to go out for a drink you seem cool."

(Insert long pause) I haven't been to Durkins in over 2 years...I can place who I was with and the event - Di has long since obtained a master's degree since I've been to Durkins...

So naturally the answer is no...well Kaushal doesn't like this answer and sends back some text that would suggest he expected a different response...um DUDE, I DON'T KNOW YOU!!!

Fast Forward 3 weeks to present time...

Yet another text message - it seems he figured it out, he knows me from PAWS. Wow, how in the world did he figure it out and why would that make me change my answer!

The number shall now and forevermore be saved as CREEPER!

For you and me...

Oh traffic...why do some people think it is not for them? They honk, they swerve, they try to get one car in front of you? Hello, lady we are all in bumper to bumper traffic, where in the world do you think that you are going? If you get jammed in between those 2 trucks you will not get any closer to where you are trying to go, you'll just be stuck between those stinky trucks! Please pretty please stop honking at me!

Traffic is a frustration to most everyone, and if you honk and swerve and curse and show me your middle finger it really isn't making it any better...so please stop getting mad at me because you chose to drive in rush hour traffic. But if you road rage fool must be on the road - please purchase a hover craft so I don't have to see you!

The ride that just kept on riding...

I went out last night for an evening ride and just didn't seem to turn around. There is a certain enjoyment that can be found in riding for miles and feeling as if you are free from the congestion and craziness of the city...this can be found on the south side. I always think of the south side as this crazy, dirty, dangerous place...but I was a bit surprised. Yes the bike trail does change a bit and there are a few more cops present but the scenery also changes...long prairie grasses line the trail and you feel as if you may be about to enter some alternate world far from the city. The only people keeping pace are other riders and you are alone in your own little universe. It was so peaceful and when all was said and done, the stress of the day and city were gone!

The craziness of course returned when I had to navigate Belmont to get home - but you really can't have everything!

Oh the 77!

Oh the night I had last night was one for the records...it started out harmless enought. Patrick, Nadine, Patrick's little brother Daniel and I ushered for BLUE MAN Group. Now if you haven't seen this show I'd say go...but if you have stay home! I saw it for the first time in 1998 and it hasn't changed a lick! Though being an usher does have a few perks - we did get to see the Blue Men practice prior to being Blue - and that was really cool!

So the strange part of the night - the 77 Belmont and trying to get home...I didn't think that this would be all that hard but I was wrong. I stood at Halsted and Belmont for about 10 minutes prior to an old homeless man approaching and asking where the bus was going...well sir...I believe if it ever arrives it will travel down Belmont...but it didn't so I started traveling down Belmont...I stopped at Clark and Belmont to look and see if it was coming and ran across the worst transvestite I have ever seen. I mean in the sense that she would have drawn stares if she really was a woman - that bad! Keep walking - a woman starts beating her boyfriend while he is driving down the road...is this really happening - another tranny helps the guy out - seriously!

Keep walking, just keep walking!

Oh my gosh a building is on fire!!! All of this in one night, are you for real?

Keep walking, still walking, oh gee, I'm only at Southport - I have at least another mile and a half to go and I don't think I can handle the drama...I stopped at that bus stop and pondered if the bus was still running...the girl standing there asked if she knew me...she was harmless enough and actually sold me my glasses - SCORE! The bus finally arrived and guess who was on it...the entire circus described above!

Fun times on the 77!

Oh Neela...

Dear Neela,

You are a sweet kitty cat and I'm sure you have nothing but lovely purry things to say...but I closed my door for a reason. I don't want you to pounce on me in the morning. It is not my prefered method of waking up...I know it may seem like fun, to fly through the air and land on me but it really isn't fun for me! Can you please respectfuly go shed and purr somewhere else...PLEASE!

Sincerely,
Your Disgruntled Human Friend

my new B-I-B-L-E!

Ok so the 15% off coupon pushed me over the edge and I finally got the new ESV Study Bible and let me tell you I couldn't be happier! I love this thing! First of all it has great cross referencing, and the footnotes are to die for! If any thing in the bible ever confused you before and I'm sure it did, Study Bible - ESV to the rescue! Ooh, it even has pictures and diagrams and maps all throughout so that you can never use ignorance as an excuse again...you can't help but know what any obscure ancient word means! How great is that! Check it out and let me know your thoughts... http://www.esvstudybible.org/

Symphony + Rain = Soggy Cheese

It was brought to my attention that I have not blogged in a really long time. Sorry about all that, I guess I figured you were all reading my Turkey blog...and you probably were. So what to say...it's looking like rain again and I was planning to go to the Symphony tonight. Why does it always rain when I have plans to sit in the grass and enjoy some form of art...pth! That's what I have to say about that, boo on you rain. Rain rain go away, come again another day! Perhaps in say October?!? How does that work for you rain?

Pls Excuse me while I weep...

You may remember from last week that I said you can either laugh or cry...

Well I think it may be time to just weep! The car guy called and said well...your car isn't quite ready, we fixed the fuel pump and then the computer still said that was broken so we took apart the computer and it seems that is really the problem...your computer is corroded. How in the world does that happen...he has no clue. Pls car dude before you call me please think up a reason for why you are now going to charge me $2000 instead of $1000!

So here's my new joke...if I had purchased a new car and was paying the amount I've been paying for the past few months...I'd be driving a MASERATI!!!! Oh the life!

Love that Tow Truck GUY!!!

My computer is back from the dead - woo hooo - I am so excited I could scream! Oh wait, I did!!!! My car is still sad and about to be towed but one thing at a time! Oh there's a squeling noise must be the tow truck...

Insert 30 minute intermission - feel free to freshen your drink or go to the loo!

Real life convo with the tow truck driver....this improv comedy sketch was exactly what I needed!

To set the stage a purple car is sitting in the road waiting to go past...but there is space to get past...so why?

Tow truck guy (talking without moving his lips...) um how long is that guy going to sit there? 14 cars have gone past...hooked on phonics didn't work for him! (a few minutes passes) Ya know I think he likes one of us - it had better not be me!

There is nothing like a funny tow truck guy to improve your already bad day!

the VORTEX

I think I am currently residing in a "does not work" vortex...last night my computer decided that it was done...the iPod update was complete and it decided that it wanted nothing to do with functioning - silly thing won't even turn back on! What do the Apple guys say - "I hope your day improves - you better get it to the genius bar..." I love Apple for this reason, they have great customer service and a sense of humor! Really he did all he could...and was cheerful to boot! This morning - my car fails to start, I think she is just cranky, and honestly I don't blame her it rained all night! I think it is the battery or something silly - Rachel rescued me here and sent me to work in her car - I even made my meeting! I love my roomate, for so many reasons - but this morning she was a true blessing and answer to prayer. Let the day continue...I decided that with everything sorta off kilter I should go to the gym - it turns out I didn't really want to spin either - I was so tired that I got penalized with a 35 second sprint for yawning - 45 if I tried to hide it. I'm tired man - let it go! So there is my VORTEX of "that's just so not going to happen" I dare you to come near me!!!

And here's my moto for the day: I have two options I could laugh or I could cry...I choose laughter!

It's hard to look at this for the bad - when I can look at it for all of the prayers answered!

corn NUTS

What is made of corn, corn oil and salt...you got it Corn Nuts! Now I keep hearing that the fewer ingredients the better the product is for you - there is some sort of 12 ingredient rule some people try to follow - who knows. I don't think that Corn Nuts fall into this category...3 ingredients folks and check out the nutritionals...so this is a 1.7oz pack - really pretty small, those skinny ones you see handing in 7eleven and probably have been forever. ewwwww SICK! So here goes, 220 calories, 4 different types of killer fat...12% of your sodium and zero vitamins! Oh wow that was enough and I think I need to stop eating these things - but they're so good!

Have a Corn Nut for me today - I don't think I can after that!

Why my life is so NOT HARD!

Last night I came to the realization that my life is so NOT HARD! I was over at the house of the refugee family I work with. I feel like most of you know all of this but they are from Iraq and have seen and survived some very difficult situations but stand by the statement that the Americans are there to free them! I loved it when he told me that, for obvious reasons...ok so back on topic my life isn't hard...and here is why...

A car backfired or a gun was fired - in that neighborhood you can't really be sure...(sorry mom and dad) - simply put there was a very loud noise and it was not familiar. Samir's response to this noise was as follows...

You don't hear that noise here, that is a sound from Iraq but there it is much louder. (he then started to tell me a story-time is a bit unclear) I heard that sound one day, a plane dropped a bomb that had multiple explosions on my neighborhood. There were lots of people injured. I carried my sisters to the hospital to get treatment and learned that all of my neighbors were there. It was a very scary day.

Samir didn't really say anything after that, he went back to his computer - but Liz and I were in a bit of shock. About 5 minutes later he said - those bombs are now outlawed. I can't be sure if this is a story from a war of his childhood or recent times. I just thank the Lord for the life and freedoms we have here, that Samir and his family are now safe from all of that and that my life is not nearly that hard!

Dear Birdy,

Dear Birdy,
You have a very pretty voice. Oh how lovely it is to listen to you, but please can you limit the singing to daytime hours and a duration of no more than 30 minutes. My understanding is that you sing in the morning because you are happy, and I am glad that you are happy but you have been singing all night...did you fly into a window and forget that you are suppose to sleep at night? I mean seriously birdy will you ever stop, I find myself wondering, is there such a thing as birdy laryngitis?

Love,
ME

Oh the BASIC Retreat, oh the BASIC retreat....

...why do I feel like I'm in Junior HIGH!

This past weekend was Junior High church camp at it's finest! Please allow me to take you back for a moment to those camp days of old...you arrive late at night and put your stuff on a bunk - girls run for the bottom bunk - oh that's different - I think we used to fight for the top! Perhaps it's that aching back and signs of old age that make the bottom so appealing! You stay up all night and rise early for a few of the following...

1) Jumping in the pool with your clothes on...this has happened every time I have ever gone to camp - and I wasn't going to stop this year, who cares if they just filled the pool and it's in the mid 60s...
2) Whenever water is around the boys must splash the girls - thanks Nick for that massively unexpected cannonball - again in all your clothes!
3) Horses - I love horses! And I always get the wacked out ones - As I'm sitting on the horse the wrangler says to me, "There are a few things to know about Sheik..." Oh geez!
4) Canoeing - always a plus! But you should probably take a watch if you have to be back at a specific time for dinner! That was some crazy intense paddling after a really long relaxing float!
5) And finally camp songs and bonfires, Oh the BASIC Retreat, Oh the BASIC retreat, why do I feel like I'm in Junior High!

There is always more randomness that actually takes place but those are the major camp staples - oh CAMP FOOD, how could I forget camp food - yummy in my tummy! Bleh!

Little Red Riding Hood

I feel like little red riding hood - or at least the feeling I had when I was reading that book and had the constant feeling - don't go into the woods something is going to happen!

I'm not sure where I got this sense to fear the woods, but it is pretty constant at night and that makes having them in the backyard kinda tricky. The dogs aren't really helping tonight either. It is a very dark night and I am sitting on the couch and looking out into a pitch black backyard that I know is full of woods, most likely critters and who knows what else.

The dogs are really having a blast barking as if someone is trying to break into the house every 5 minutes - and then they run into the kitchen and stand there listening for noise. If you have dogs you know the look - I can't explain it but it's not comforting - followed by at least one dog growling German Shepard style at the door. You would think these dogs were big and ferocious but really they are about 30 pounds each, white and fluffy.

Ok, I'm going to try to go to sleep now and forget about the woods - do you think that will work?

Who's Your Hero?

So there is this campaign called Tweet to Remind and the point is to tell everyone who your hero is and then ask them who theirs is...so I'm asking who's your hero? The goal of this campaign is to remember the heroes in our lives and to not forget the soldiers returning from the war - our country's heroes!

So my hero, which is probably no surprise is Matt. He has been for a very long time and will remain my hero all the days of my life! Matt was the kind of guy you could always rely on, he never made a promise that he didn't keep and he loved with all he had! He was strong and brave and always faithful. He fought and died protecting people he didn't even know, innocent Iraqi's and you and me. So for all of those reasons and many more Matty is my hero! I love him and I miss him and to put it simply, there is no one else like him!

2nd Lt. Matthew S. Coutu
KIA Baghdad, Iraq - June 27, 2005
Purple Heart - Bronze Star

So to all the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines - you are my heroes!

How do I participate?

Posted using ShareThis

Mr. & Mrs. Z!!!

Last weekend was Jaime & Nick's wedding - and wow was it fun. I'm not sure that I actually took any pictures but I'll be sure to snag some and post them soon...in order to properly site my source the photos were taken by Colleen McManama - not to be confused with Colleen McNamara! We all had a blast getting ready for the wedding dancing around and enjoying the day...somehow Jaclyn and I were always just a few minutes behind. Friday night we knew we had about 45 minutes to get ready for the rehersal - but we'd already showered so no worries...or not - we were late...and again on Saturday we were on task and started getting ready way early and then all of a sudden the photographer was about to be there and Jac and I were without our make-up - - - how does this keep happening?

The wedding was gorgeous - my personal favorite was the fact that Jaime and Nick laughed throughout the entire thing - it was just so them to be completely enjoying eachother and not affraid to show it!

The reception was amazing, Jaime always said she wanted a fun reception, and mission accomplished! One of my favorite parts was probably the Ukrainian dancing, I learned to POLKA!!!

Random times at ORD

So this is going to be quick - I'm currently using my free 20 minutes of wi-fi at lovely ORD...it's been a very odd trip to the airport and I just got here...so here goes!

1) I pulled into the parking lot and the gate was up - hmm - that's odd, I need a ticket and it won't give me one. So I go to exit and talk to the attendant - she stares at me blankly and hands me a piece of paper - but still says nothing. So I go to pull forward - natural right? WRONG - The only thing she says to me is this, "What are you doing?" Um trying to go the right way. "Back up, and go park..." Are you kidding me, back up out of the exit of the parking lot...who, what?!?

2) So I make it into the airport and there was something odd about my boarding pass retrieval but I can't remember and I'm on a time crunch here so who the heck knows....

3) The moving sidewalk - now I understand that most people don't understand the moving sidewalk and it scares people and it just isn't normal but come on...So there were some people from a foreign country somewhere in Asia I'd say and they were mostly on the sidewalk on the right which was working...and there was one guy from their group in front of me on the sidewalk on the left - which was not working....well the guy in front of me for some reason didn't want to pass the guy to his right so what happened....HE STOPPED ON A MOVING SIDEWALK THAT WASN'T MOVING!!!! Come on now, that's just crazy!

4) Um, here's a nice find for the day, I just watched a 40 second video on the Hyatt Place and got free wireless for 20 minutes - SWEET!

And I'm OUT!

Wrong Again!

So I thought it'd be fun to have a slideshow...and I made an album, and then it was in the wrong software so I made another...and that wasn't right either! So forget it...here's the slideshow and it's going to be a post instead of a constant thing! Ugh!!!

Oh my gosh you've got to be kidding me...it uploaded as a ton of pictures instead of a slideshow!!! Maybe I'll get this right, but if I were you I wouldn't hold your breathe!!

Rain Rain...You can Stay!

I know that most people really hate rain but I really love it every now and then. I love rain when I am indoors and sitting on my couch with either a good book or girly movie. I love rain when I am sleeping inside a well seam-sealed tent...I love dancing in the rain! I could care less about getting wet and generally will disregard the risk of electrocution for a fantastic dance in a serious downpour. I just really love rain. Today I love it because I really wanted to sit and be still and rain gives you that perfect opportunity! Oh and I love puddles, it is so fun to take a running start and just jump in a puddle like a little kid. I LOVE RAIN!

Come on Now, BOYS!!!

This story may sound familiar and I may have told a similar one before but I swear this just happened last night!

So my dogs are barking ferociously - the kind of bark that would suggest that a mass murderer is prowling in the woods...so of course out go the dogs...my sister comes upstairs and says, "There is something white in the woods and the dogs are after it!" Oh great, another hunt and destroy mission from the three stooges! "So Lynds is it like a big white - like an over sized robber, or a small white?" Um it's, um... I put my hands out and say is it this big - YES!!! How'd you know? OPOSSUM!!!

This scene is unfortunately all too familiar and generally doesn't end well. If you know anything about opossums you know that they are creepy looking and they play dead. I keep trying to explain to the boys that they aren't good play things but they just don't care. They mostly enjoy poking the poor thing and if this goes on for too long it becomes a game of who can toss the opossum the highest - bad game boys!

So back to the case and point...I venture out into the woods and manage to grab two of the three and walk back towards the house - of course they don't come when called. As we are walking back Bailey decides he wants to go back and play with the poor creature so he sits down and starts crying - yes thank you I am now trying to drag 2 thirty pound dogs back to the house - this stinks! Finally the little rascals are back in the house and done playing with the poor creature that was himself playing dead! So I of course ask the dogs, "Now was that really necessary? Come on now!" Bentley replied that it was necessary and he wanted more - he proceeded to cry for about 2 hours. Those are the boys, take 'em or leave 'em!

So just in case you are yearning for some really cool Opossum trivia - I knew you were. Trivia #1 Their hair changes color to blend in with their surroundings, hence the fact that it is dark in the picture and white this time of year. For those of you who live in the south - we have snow up here! Trivia #2 they are the only marsupial found in North America.

The UNGLUEING

In this day and age most people are glued to their cell phones sending their tweets, checking e-mail and always current. My glue seems to have come unglued and surprisingly I think it's ok. The first instance of this "unglueing" if you will was a little bit stressful...I was going to meet a friend and I was running late, I wasn't exactly sure I knew where she was and oh my gosh where is my cell phone! I looked high and low and couldn't find the silly thing, it was so reclusive.

Instance 2 was this weekend...I went on a truly amazing retreat - but cell phones weren't allowed. So Friday night I turned off my phone and put it in my car, somewhere, not really sure where...oh my gosh where in the world is my cell phone!!! At first I was a bit disturbed, I can be honest about this...I looked high and low, tossed random stuff that currently resides in my back seat around...the Cubs Christmas hat (you never know when you might need that), a few pairs of work pants...you know the norm. The phone was nowhere! So I started to drive, and I continued to search, in my purse, my backpack - nada. Oh well I'll just let it go. At some point I completely forgot that my phone was missing, how I can't figure, but I just didn't care. I realized again that my phone was missing at about 9:30pm - 6.5 hours after this search began...so it began again...I rustled through everything and there was no phone. I sat down in my car, sighed, looked over and there it was - IN THE CUP HOLDER! You've got to be kidding me, the cup holder, 6.5 hours and it was in the cup holder!!!

My back hurts...and much much more!

My back hurts...why is it when your back hurts you can't really think of much else of interest? How can I make my back stop hurting, would a different chair help? Hmm, I ordered a ball chair today - I hope that helps. I'm pretty sure everyone will be looking at me sideways but if it helps who really gives a care. What about a standing desk - the nurse said I should have one of those by the end of the week...so let's see what else...the joys of physical therapy hence forth to be known as PT - not to be confused with the military and their version of PT...how about those Navy Seals - glad they're on our side! If you have no idea what I'm talking about well then, you are way behind on your national news - Go catch up! My back hurts...full circle - I guess I'm done. Wasn't there a comic many many years ago with circle in the name - OH MY GOSH CRAZY RANDOMNESS!

3 Wise Men

For all of you out there that read my blog - there may be only a few but, the few the proud the faithful! Today's post is on my favorite pastors! And of course there's a link to each of their sites...if you don't know and love them already I bet you will soon! Presenting my top three Pastors in no particular order...

1) Jackson Crum - Jackson's my "home" pastor and I look forward to Sunday every week! I love living out life at Park and hearing what Jackson wants to lovingly speak into our lives! (Chicago, IL)
http://www.parkcommunitychurch.org/media/

2) John Piper - um, so you probably know Piper and love him too! He's intense, highly intellectual and just sooooo good! I'm currently working through his 224 sermon series on Romans! He's coming to Park on April 23rd and I couldn't be more thrilled!!! Piper at Park! (Minneapolis, MN)
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/

3) Mark Driscoll - ok so this man rocks my sermon world! He is completely out there, intense and holds nothing back! I'm really digging his "pray like Jesus" series - so good! (Seattle, WA)
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/sermons

After discussing my absolute love of these pastors with a friend she said - yea, I could see that, they are all really intense! YOU are really intense!!! Funny how that all works out. Intensity is so COOL!

Z...Z..Z.z.z.z.z.z.zzzzzzz........

I have a very deep and lasting relationship with my snooze alarm and I can't quite figure it out...I can wake up 30 minutes or even 2 before my alarm goes off and I have to wait and ritually push the snooze button. It drives me batty, every morning snooze...beep beep, snooze....and it continues. My current alarm also plays a funny little trick on me, it compounds the snooze time, so if it gets bored it decides to double my snooze time - awesome for my sleep bad for my morning routine - which always starts with SNOOZE - Just 1 more minute!

And NOW...craziness from the Jayhawks!

Last Friday as you all know - or at least should know was when 4 of the Sweet Sixteen games were played...you probably also know that Kansas lost. Now this of course was a huge sadness for me and many of my fellow Jayhawks. So now that I have taken a few days to recover I'd like to share a few really funny pictures from the night. Proper mourning time must be observed!

Krista, Emma and I were really beaten down but decided that we didn't want to sit at home and cry so we danced it out and somehow joined a group of truly crazy Jayhawks out on the town...there was dancing, "city walking" and just all together craziness. So let's start with bachelor boy who just really wasn't sporting enough school spirit...add some crimson please! (yes that is my purse - and he seemed to like it)

Followed by THAT GUY! "No pictures please!" "Um, I was taking a picture of THAT GUY - ya know that one" But really is that a fur? It was Gibson's after all you never really know what you're going to get! Can I pet it?

Win or Lose I LOVE being a Jayhawk - we just have so much fun!

ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!!!

It's New to Me

So here's my funny new revelation...my legs are crazy ticklish!

How does one discover this in a completely PG way you might ask - well I'll tell you. My back was so tight that I was reverting to neanderthal posture - sorry Geico dude! So what to do, I after all don't want to be covered in hair and walking around with a huge slump!

So I entered the fantastic world of finding a good massage...last Thursday was pretty darn good, Swedish massage at Allure, it felt like a dream but didn't do the trick...but hello the legs, stay away from my quads woman!!! Oh calves, so not the answer - they are just as bad! Take two Mario Tricoci deep tissue on Tuesday! I for some reason thought this would be better...if it kinda hurts it shouldn't tickle right - wrong! I tried so hard not to squirm but it TICKLES! I took a deep sigh of relief when my legs were done and the pain was again inflicted on my back...today I feel like a walking, talking dream! Ahhh!

I know it's really not important, but when did my legs become ticklish - ridiculous I tell you, RIDICULOUS!

Fun times in INDY!

If you know my family you know that crazy and sometimes frightening stories follow us around...so I thought I'd share a good one from this weekend.

We were in Indiana, land of the Hoosiers, and where Mom is from. She gets a lot of flack for this and I'm sure this episode did her state no favors...

So, anyhow...we were walking to our car through the Marsh parking lot when this huge, pickup truck came barreling at us, I screamed and jumped out of the way as it barreled past. I know that I have a flare for the dramatic, but seriously, this guy almost single handedly ended our family. So my dad goes into a fist pumping rage and gives the truck a little love tap (it was tiny I swear). The guy slams his brakes and starts spewing this black smoke out of his exhaust stacks, his back wheels are squealing and white smoke is pouring off of them! Oh holy toledo, this is bad!!! They carry guns in Indiana you know...

He did this for a bit too long of course and his truck flooded - tee he he, serves him right! This also gave us a perfect get away as he jumped out of his truck to attempt what I can only imagine would have been a nasty fight!

Welcome to INDIANA - I've never been so happy to be back in the Land of Lincoln!

Doggie Diaries...

The dogs have been a bit of a tornado of terror tonight...and since I don't feel well they are front and center trying to take care of me. Dogs are great in that way, they know when you are sick or down and are there in a flash - and with these dogs I really mean a flash!

Bailey's way of caring, he has been laying either on me or next to me all night. How he gets there starts with one very vertical leap and a pile of dog landing in your lap!

Boomer...well, he is just trying to get close but in the process he has been typing on my computer, with the vigor of Tigger! When he finally settled down he couldn't stop hiccuping...poor guy, just like a little baby!

Bentley has been a Houdini...every hour or so he escapes...silly boy has explored every inch he should not have been occupying, broken into at least one cabinet...and the rest I'll find later. As for his form of consolation he has licked every exposed piece of skin he can find and when that got dull, he started licking my computer...um, hello that's just obsessive but ok!

...and now I leave you with one of Bentley's nightly rituals to close Doggie Diaries for March 10th!

Yikes...zinger!

My brother-in-law is one of the people in my life that is super good at speaking truth into me...and I'm not even really sure that he knows it is taking place. Well he probably does but he doesn't do it in a way that ever really requires anything more, no follow-up, no debrief, nothing. He says something, and he says it with such truth and wisdom that I sit and think about it for a good long time...

So here is the most recent piece of truth from Brother Jay - a.k.a. Jay Jay the Jet Plane!

I think this started because my sister told him that some guy made me awkward...thanks sis, love you too!

Jay's instant question almost without thought...why do you think anyone makes you awkward? Do you think that you are assigning them too much value? Are you placing their worth above that of God?

Yikes - zinger! I'd never thought of it that way! But so true Jay, if I can talk freely and openly with God without hesitation why does a guy make me awkward? God is so much greater, why am I intimidated by a guy...perhaps my values are a bit off!

So think on it...what things or people in your life are you assigning too much value? Is it your car, if you wrecked it would your world spin out of control, your significant other, your pet, a new home...what is your stumbling block?

SUNNNNN!

The sun is out and I am loving it! How is it that a bit of sun can have such an impact on people...

1) Everyone in the office is happy!
2) Most everyone went out to lunch - a few even went for 2 hours!
3) Not a single person I've talked to is staying past 4:00
4) Here's a big one...my dogs may even get walked today!

I can't quite find a picture of all the pooches - so here is the nastiest - GRRRR - doesn't he look like he could kill! Now imagine he has 2 partners in crime...that IS scary!

Integrity - My Personal Fave!

Today's post is focused on my favorite character trait. I've been thinking recently about what draws you to people, why are you friends with certain people, why would you want to "do life" with them. Through this process I've landed on my favorite character trait...it belongs to no other than Matty! So let's all be clear I have hated this trait for the way that it can manifest itself but in the end have found it to be so very precious!

I'm not sure if it is defined as integrity...or the determination to never make a promise that can not be kept and to keep every promise ever made no matter the cost. Matt did this so well...and the first time I ever really noticed this as a trait I darn near killed him. In reality he was protecting me from false expectations...flashback to Feb 8, 2005 (yep, it's my birthday) and Matt is about to deploy...I begged him to promise me that he wouldn't die...his response, I love you, but I am not going to make a promise I can't keep. My thoughts - you bastard! At that moment I hated his integrity. But that was who he was, if he promised to do the tiniest thing like call you the next day he did...he was always true to his word and this is a trait that deserves a bit of recognition! Our entire culture could benefit from a bit more of this...no matter how small a promise, stick to it!

2nd Lt. Matthew Scott Coutu
(KIA Baghdad June 27, 2005)

Because it's fun to be Awkward!

Did you just find that? No it's my home made frappuccino! SICK!

I just quite literally tied my shoes together while walking...

Alyssa - Oh my gosh are you ok? Me - I'm just going to lay here for a bit. I'm hog tied and laying in the dirt!

I look like butt, not bare butt, covered butt!

Screaming from the chairlift, after one of my major black diamond crashes...Boutwell - Camille, you ok? Me - Yep, just resting! (insert crash) Oh, yep should have rested longer!

Do you want anything from Starbucks...oh YES!...are you going to bring it back?....nope, it'll be waiting for you in Wisconsin!

Is that hair next to my car? Oh my gosh it's a weave!

Oh Shirley Temple, do you know how much I've missed you?

Shred the GNAR!

The 10th annual Park Ski trip was this past weekend, and chances are next year they'll have to change the name to shred trip...te he he!

It was a blast...starting with an early morning attempt to get Starbucks - 5 stores later mission accomplished and it was so good!

Despite the freezing wind it was a complete blast, and when you hurt way too much to board - why not photo shoot! Here are a few of my faves!

B-A-N-A-N-A-WHAT?

Do you ever get a song so stuck in your head that you just can't get it out...well I'm sure you do and right now I have that banana song stuck in my head...I can't remember who sings it but I can play the entire video back in my head and all of my fun high school memories that went along with this crazy fun song...

I'm not sure how many of you played team sports but I was a runner...and we had some crazy conversations on those long runs...the banana song always came in about 2 miles around the track on a hot day of track season...a swarm of girls would start screaming, "This
($hit) is bananas B-A-N-A-N-A-S! " It would continue on for a lap or two, going around to different groups of runners. There was always something substituted for the obviously off-color second word of the lyrics, but who knows what it was...

Now that I'm thinking about it, what in the world is that song even about? Crazy, you can run around singing a song, get it stuck in your head for days, sing it to a friend over the phone years later, and still not have any idea what it's about!

Excuse me Fred, WHAT?!?

I'm so tired I don't know what to do with myself...so this is going to be a rambly recap of parts of yesterday...

Yesterday was one of those days where you just don't know what is going on or which way is up...

Let's start with the morning...my car had this crazy light on so I decided to look it up...the manual informs me that I need to have my breaks serviced immediately because it is urgent (or something ridiculous like that)...now you put immediately and urgent in the same sentence and I'm going to take notice. So of course I called Fred my trust car guy...so Fred how long do you think I have...oh I'd say your brakes will work for a couple more days, give or take. Excuse me Fred, what?!? They will work for a couple of days give or take...swell! Welcome to Wednesday!

Ya know, for the sake of sanity let's just end the day there, it didn't get much better...I lived hoo rah! My car is now safely relaxing at Fred's place waiting for her shiny new brakes!

Falling off a CLIFF!

In the current economic downturn I've been living my life with a very simple and childish mentality. What I can't see can't hurt me. I have had no need to go hunting down stock prices or to examine my ever dwindling 401k for signs of life. Nor have I obsessed over the current freakenomics in our country. I'm probably not even using that term properly, who knows I never bothered to learn its proper definition.

However, all of these stock price lemmings have started to become a bit more obvious...I know everyone is freaked and bailing but this is also the main problem with our economy. Don't freak out because everyone else does, that's how we landed ourselves here.

I understand that this is much easier said than done...my most recent stumbling block has been my corporate homepage. Now you must understand that every single time I want to go to the internet I have to see this page...I tried to change this once and I got a mystery call from IT...how did they know?!? That's a completely different topic, for a completely different day...

So you click on that lovely internet explorer E and what do you see...



Instant pain, and suffering! Why did our stock fall off the face of the planet...was there confusion? THE WORLD IS NOT FLAT!

Identity Theft!

It's a slow morning and I am running late, I grab a yogurt from the cooler pay Sam the trusty coffee guy and race to my office. I'm only about 15 minutes late for my 9:00am meeting, icy roads are to blame this morning...

After a quick chat with my boss, I take a moment to wind down and enjoy my yogurt! I slowly peel back the seal on my Yoplait Original Strawberry Yogurt...but wait, there's been a switch! This isn't STRAWBERRY!!! Ahh, I've been duped by the identity thief Red Raspberry! She has stolen the ever so lovely look of strawberry and my morning yogurt delight just won't be the same! Strawberry yogurt with apple blueberry granola is delish but when you toss Red Raspberry into the mix, well she's a diva and it ruins the entire experience

Now run around the office, find some reason to get frantic and see if you can tell the difference...

E-mail Log Jam

Why is it that I always end up with tons and tons of daily and weekly e-mails? If you are anything like me they are never actually opened or read. But for some reason I can't delete them either, what if 5 years from now there is some major sweepstakes and I could win $5 in free fabric - good glory that alone would make it worth the carpal tunnel! Maybe it's the pack rat at heart...last night my mom felt the need to bring back an old childhood memory...the need to clean my room. She told me that I was being directly disobedient to God if my room was not completely clean...ok mom, you may need to lay off the Kool-Aid...

Now if you can find me some scripture that suggests or better yet directly states that my slightly untidy room is in any way bringing saddness to God by all means I'll clean until I can clean no more but until then, I have better things to do...

So back on point..how is my e-mail so very different from my room. A few piles of papers here and some clean clothes to put away there - no difference that I can see! Here's a brief list of some of my fun daily e-mail reminders of my inability to read and delete my e-mail. Just for you, I'll even provide links so that you too can join the madness!

8 Minutes with God - http://www.parkcommunitychurch.org/
PCC Random E-mails
Google Calendar Update - What would I do without these! Um, I think I'd prob just look at my calendar - deleted!
Penny - How to Quilt - This is one of those, what if e-mails...what if I forget how to sew a bias binding, what if I forget how to sew in a straight line.....ahhhhh!
KLOVE Encouraging Word - Get this one! It's so worth it! http://www.klove.com/EncouragingWord/
GriefShare Daily E-mail - When daily is in the name I just get stressed....Erin I signed up for you, and I won't delete these because I promised, but can you say log jam?!?
USO of Illinois - http://www.uso.org/
PAWS Chicago - http://www.pawschicago.org/
Soldiers' Angels - http://www.soldiersangels.org/
KU Alumni Association - Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
Cubs - Go Cubbies - this is the Year!!!!
United Airlines - Can you say E-Fares - they got me a lovely ticket to the Final Four :) I may have connected through Guam but I got there!

Ok, now I'm getting stressed again...maybe I'll just go clean my room and mess with my e-mail another day! Happy Tuesday!

Presidential Birthday Bash!

So many people either take Presidents day off or get it as just another free day to play in the sun or snow...but why? As my friend Nick has so kindly reminded me the fed is closed, the banks are closed, and he is not at work so why in the world am I?!?

Um thank you I seem to work on nearly all bank holidays, despite my double dipping state...Illinois of course doesn't mind celebrating our wonderful President Abe Lincoln, so why not take off for Lincoln's Birthday on the 12th and follow that up by Presidents day which celebrates both his birth and George Washington's (Feb. 22nd) on the 16th! Hello Illinois, send the kids to school! Ooh, do you think we'll start celebrating Barack's birthday this year too? He is after all from Chicago...another day off work, here we come!!!

I promise to get more sleep - and no I'm not always this cynical - or am I?

source: http://www.patriotism.org/

P.S. Love it, any site that is patriotism.anything!

P.P.S. When do you think spell check will learn to spell Barack? No, he is not a barrack!

OK St. Valentine...

Just a little commentary on Valentine's Day...it seems that everyone has taken this year a bit too seriously and number one on this list is The U TV station...so here are a few of the most hilarious messages scrolling across the bottom of my screen...

"You are my heart - love your wife in Chicago" - Um...does he also have a wife in Atlanta? Just wondering...

"Love you, keep beating for me!" I think we may have a gang banger on our hands here...just sayin' - prison may be a better place, not your living room!

And just my thoughts...if I'm at home watching the U I'm probably not going out for V day so why do you have to scroll this dribble across the screen...

Girls night Gone GODZILLA!!!

It started as an innocent girls night, the girlyest movie that you could think of and a bit of dinner. Just in case you want my review...He's Just Not That Into You, is just not that worth the money. Unless of course you want to review dumb reasons why boys aren't asking you out...bleh, two thumbs down, way down.

So why not indulge in a bit of sushi...of course I pick the most ridiculous thing on the menu, the GODZILLA! This roll had absolutely everything in it and the size was a good clue. They placed this behemoth of a role in the middle of the table and we all gasped, "How big is too big? Ahhh, I can't eat that!" We seriously stared at this thing, realized the sushi dudes were staring at us and laughing and gave it all we had! Hmm, let's say it was not a huge success...Godzilla won the first battle, the second was a wash, battle three - VICTORIOUS! I think we'll have to call the entire event a tie, or a failure depending on if the judgement was based on the need for a fork and knife...ugh I feel sick...a fork and knife should never touch sushi...or was it GODZILLA!!!!

Rules & Regulations

So this is not a normal thing for me so I'll just type and see what comes of it...hopefully I don't bore you all to death.

Laying some ground rules...I can't spell so please don't tease me and I can't write so no teasing there either.

Here goes nothing, I'm plugging my nose and jumping into the deep end! Yes I did say plugging my nose, I'm a freak and I'm well aware of this. I have a complete lack of ability to keep water out of my nose. Most all of my friends tease me about this especially those who are amazing swimmers like Di. Sorry Di, I know you tried to help, but there is no help here.

I am a completely rambly person so here goes another...does anyone besides me feel the need to do something really fantastic for Valentines Day? What has Hallmark done to us? I don't have a current beau so of course I'll show good old St. Valentine and have a blast without one! But seriously people, it seems like a day where you just shouldn't stay in. Grrr...Hallmark...grrrr!

I feel like I am talking to a wall, not a blank wall but a mirrored wall. I can't see who is on the other side and I have no idea who's out there, HELLOOOOOO!