As many Christmas's as Neal and I have spent apart because he's been at work on the rig....well, it never gets any easier. I'm glad that we at least got to have Christmas with his family last weekend. They also surprised us with an impromptu housewarming party at his parents' house. Marilyn apparently spread the word that anything that was red and/or fleur-de-lis-ish would work in our house. It was really sweet and we got some pretty cool stuff. I'll have to take pics of some of it once I think the house is ready to be showcased. We did, however, get a clock that has a picture of Jesus on it along with a saying from the Bible. Now, ya'll know that I go to church and stuff, but uh...I don't exactly decorate our house with religious items besides a few crosses here and there. So I'm not sure what to do with the clock. The Catholic in me won't let me give it away so I guess we'll just have to hang onto it. I felt a little awkward opening it at the party with a beer in my hand.
Neal is actually talking about possibly going into 'directional drilling.' If he decides to do it, he will probably be gone for the first 90 days for training with a weekend off here and there. After that, the schedule will be 14 and 14 or 14 and 10 or something like that. I told him that if he is really serious about it, he needs to bust a move now before pregnancy and kids and all that. The one upside to that type of job is that it would set us up financially. Like, I wouldn't have to work if I didn't want to. (I mean, I don't see myself quitting or anything because I love my job and I've worked hard to get where I'm at, but it would be nice to know that it's a option.) None of this is a definite, it's just something that we're talking about.
So I'll be at my Dad's Christmas Eve and then am going to Houma for Christmas Day. Then back to work Monday and Tuesday and then off from Wednesday through Sunday. Yeeeaaaahhhhhyaaaahhhhh!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Love Actually
It feels like Christmas now because we've put up the tree and have watched Love Actually. And it's cold as balls outside, so there's that too. There has been ice on my windshield in the AM for 4 out of the last 5 days. I really need one of those remote-start vehicles that I can turn on from inside the house and let warm up before I get in it. The little Jeep Jeep just is not that technologically advanced.
I've done half of my Christmas shopping online already and will do the next half the old fashioned way this weekend. Hopefully I get up early enough Saturday morning so I can go to Target, etc at the crack o' dawn and get everything I need. I'm thinking that if I get there early enough I won't have to deal with all the Northshore yats, their over-sized SUV's that they can't drive, and their inability to acknowledge anyone else's personal space.
We have to go to Baskin next Friday for Christmas with Neal's family. It will be a quick trip; I'm going to leave work early Friday so we can be there by 5 Friday night and then we'll come back home Saturday morning. But since I'm leaving work early Friday, I have to miss the official work Christmas party Friday afternoon. I'm not too broken up about it though; they've got booze and all, but the food sucks and a big group of the public works guys lurk in a corner by the bar and blatantly stare at every female in the room. So if you want a beer, be prepared to be visually assaulted by a bunch of greasy guys in wrangler jeans and work boots on your way to and from the bar.
Neal will be at work for Christmas, but he's off for New Year's. I am taking off the Wednesday before NYE, and my office is closed Thursday and Friday that week. This means that we will have 5 whole days off together without work or anything. I honestly can't remember the last time that happened. Last January, maybe? I mean, 5 whole days? I don't care if we just sit at home and stare at each other....so excited!
I've done half of my Christmas shopping online already and will do the next half the old fashioned way this weekend. Hopefully I get up early enough Saturday morning so I can go to Target, etc at the crack o' dawn and get everything I need. I'm thinking that if I get there early enough I won't have to deal with all the Northshore yats, their over-sized SUV's that they can't drive, and their inability to acknowledge anyone else's personal space.
We have to go to Baskin next Friday for Christmas with Neal's family. It will be a quick trip; I'm going to leave work early Friday so we can be there by 5 Friday night and then we'll come back home Saturday morning. But since I'm leaving work early Friday, I have to miss the official work Christmas party Friday afternoon. I'm not too broken up about it though; they've got booze and all, but the food sucks and a big group of the public works guys lurk in a corner by the bar and blatantly stare at every female in the room. So if you want a beer, be prepared to be visually assaulted by a bunch of greasy guys in wrangler jeans and work boots on your way to and from the bar.
Neal will be at work for Christmas, but he's off for New Year's. I am taking off the Wednesday before NYE, and my office is closed Thursday and Friday that week. This means that we will have 5 whole days off together without work or anything. I honestly can't remember the last time that happened. Last January, maybe? I mean, 5 whole days? I don't care if we just sit at home and stare at each other....so excited!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Use the Deep Conditioner
It's 8am on a Saturday morning and I'm laying in bed with my iced coffee and lap top while watching Full House. (It's the one where DJ wins tickets to the Beach Boys concert.) I blame DirecTv for the fact that I'm watching this crap on television. There's just too many channels. (We HAD to get DirecTv because our subdivision isn't set up for cable. But I have to admit, I sort of love it.)
The house is great and wonderful and it's OURS. But it is soooo not finished yet in terms of furniture and decorations. There's so much to buy and do. I'm actually being pretty good about it though. I'm trying to get just a few things at a time instead of just going balls out and completely depleting our checking account in the process. And my new favorite store? Tuesday Morning. I had never been into a TM until a few weeks ago. It has changed my life.
I finally got a haircut this week. I got about 4-5 inches chopped off. That shit was OUT OF CONTROL. It was so stringy and yuck. I got to the salon and the guy told the shampoo girl, "Um, use the deep conditioner and leave it on for at least 5 minutes."
I woke up a 6am this morning but went back to sleep until 730. In that hour and a half I had the strangest dream ever. And I think that while I was dreaming I was trying to convince myself that it was a dream and it wasn't real, but I couldn't wake up. Don't you hate it when that happens?!
So today I'm going to be organizing and decorating. I also see a trip to Hobby Lobby in my future.
The house is great and wonderful and it's OURS. But it is soooo not finished yet in terms of furniture and decorations. There's so much to buy and do. I'm actually being pretty good about it though. I'm trying to get just a few things at a time instead of just going balls out and completely depleting our checking account in the process. And my new favorite store? Tuesday Morning. I had never been into a TM until a few weeks ago. It has changed my life.
I finally got a haircut this week. I got about 4-5 inches chopped off. That shit was OUT OF CONTROL. It was so stringy and yuck. I got to the salon and the guy told the shampoo girl, "Um, use the deep conditioner and leave it on for at least 5 minutes."
I woke up a 6am this morning but went back to sleep until 730. In that hour and a half I had the strangest dream ever. And I think that while I was dreaming I was trying to convince myself that it was a dream and it wasn't real, but I couldn't wake up. Don't you hate it when that happens?!
So today I'm going to be organizing and decorating. I also see a trip to Hobby Lobby in my future.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Updates on Life
-We closed on the house last Thursday and we move in next Thursday! I went to Abita during lunch yesterday to set up the water/gas/garbage collection for the house. Get this - all of those services are run through the Town of Abita. So I had to go to Town Hall to pay the deposit (checks only, no credit cards) and fill out the forms, etc. There's this tiny little office with a slot in a door where you drop off your utility payments every month. The lady in the office informed me that they just became able to set up automatic debits for your monthly bill, but there is no website. Small town living - here we come. I dig it.
-I got a raise and promotion at work! It's so nice to know that all of my hard work has paid off. And tomorrow is "jean day" at work. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love jean days at work. It makes the week so much better. Tomorrow is also "Fair Day" in St Tammany because there is a fair (the kind with livestock shows) that takes place in Covington this weekend. The parade for fair day runs right in front of my office tomorrow and it is a treat for the eyes and ears. It consists of dancing crews and pageant girls and people throwing beads out of the back of pick-up trucks. It puts Mardi Gras parades to shame. Who needs Bacchus when you've got Destiny, Chastity and their stage moms waving at you from a Mustang convertible?
-My mom got married again two weeks ago (this is #4). She called me Friday and said, "Can you be at the Columns at 1130 tomorrow morning for my wedding?" She wore a black dress and asked my brother if he thought that would be okay. He goes, "Well, Mom, I think the cat's about outta' the bag, so there's no need to wear white." Her new hubbs is a history professor at SLU. He's a SUPER nice guy, no kids, been married once. I am VERY happy about this one, I think it's a good deal.
-I want to paint our dining room table. Not sure what color yet, but this caught my eye.
I don't know if I'm brave enough to paint it black, but I like this look. All of my NOLA food-themed kitchen art has red and black in it, so this may work.
The in-laws were kind enough to by us blinds for the house, so I can wait on curtains and stuff for a little bit. But I do have a feeling that I will be putting Sarah's genius drop-cloth idea to use.
So this weekend will consist of me, boxes, and numerous trips to Abita to bring my shoes and clothes to the new house.
-I got a raise and promotion at work! It's so nice to know that all of my hard work has paid off. And tomorrow is "jean day" at work. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love jean days at work. It makes the week so much better. Tomorrow is also "Fair Day" in St Tammany because there is a fair (the kind with livestock shows) that takes place in Covington this weekend. The parade for fair day runs right in front of my office tomorrow and it is a treat for the eyes and ears. It consists of dancing crews and pageant girls and people throwing beads out of the back of pick-up trucks. It puts Mardi Gras parades to shame. Who needs Bacchus when you've got Destiny, Chastity and their stage moms waving at you from a Mustang convertible?
-My mom got married again two weeks ago (this is #4). She called me Friday and said, "Can you be at the Columns at 1130 tomorrow morning for my wedding?" She wore a black dress and asked my brother if he thought that would be okay. He goes, "Well, Mom, I think the cat's about outta' the bag, so there's no need to wear white." Her new hubbs is a history professor at SLU. He's a SUPER nice guy, no kids, been married once. I am VERY happy about this one, I think it's a good deal.
-I want to paint our dining room table. Not sure what color yet, but this caught my eye.
I don't know if I'm brave enough to paint it black, but I like this look. All of my NOLA food-themed kitchen art has red and black in it, so this may work.
The in-laws were kind enough to by us blinds for the house, so I can wait on curtains and stuff for a little bit. But I do have a feeling that I will be putting Sarah's genius drop-cloth idea to use.
So this weekend will consist of me, boxes, and numerous trips to Abita to bring my shoes and clothes to the new house.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Annelle and Sammy
We close on the house September 23rd and are so excited! But more importantly, all of our kitchen appliances are Frigidaire. Do you know what this means? It means I get to quote one of my favorite lines from Steel Magnolias on a regular basis. This is how it's going to go....."Stephen Neal Mahoney, what is this in my Frigidaire?"
Saturday, August 7, 2010
House
So I think we're going to make an offer on this 3 bedroom/2 bath when Neal gets home next week. Here are some pics....
Here is the deal: This is a brand new little loop/small subdivision in Abita Springs. There are only 3 homes built in the loop so far. Two more lots are under contract. If the house above is still available next week, I think we're going to make an offer. If it's not available, we are going to build one that is similar. The homes are all New Orleans-style cookie cutter houses, but they're super cute. If we build our own, we have to pick out all the colors, etc which I don't really want to do. I would rather just buy the one that is already built b/c I'm perfectly OK with the one that is available.
So the homes are on lots that are going to be pretty close together, and I know that we could get a little more land or a bigger lot size or whatever if we looked in other areas like Folsom or Covington or Mandeville. But I've looked at houses in our price range in those areas and they are all BLAH. I seriously haven't seen one other house that I was interested in. And I just really like Abita. It's sort of this hippy dippy, laid back, unique little town. Their public schools have small class sizes and are better than the ones in Covington and Mandeville. The town is small, located on the Tammany Trace (the bike/walking path) and is only about 7 miles away from where we live now. There are all these cute little events and fairs and concerts in the town pavilion area and I just love it. LOVE IT.
I am going to miss our rent house and the 1/2 acre of land that we're on, but I will NOT miss the enormous electric bills that we have to pay all summer b/c the house is so old and full of cracks and windows. I will not miss having to walk outside to get to my laundry room. I will not miss the fact that every time our power goes out we can't flush the toilet because our water comes from an electricity-operated water well. And I will not miss the gecko that I found in my bedroom last night and which I'm pretty sure is still hiding somewhere in my closet.
Side note about the gecko situation; here's my convo on the phone last night with Neal:
N: How was your day?
C: It was fine, but there's a gecko in the bedroom and I don't know where he went.
N: He probably went back outside, don't worry about it.
C: No, I know he's still in here. He's hiding, just waiting for me to go to sleep.
N: Oh yeah? Then what's he going to do to you? Are you worried he's going to try to sell you some insurance?
The thought of having a brand new house is sooooo exciting. I have actually never ever lived in a brand new home so it may come as a shock to live in a house where everything actually works?! So I guess we'll see how this all plays out next week!
Here is the deal: This is a brand new little loop/small subdivision in Abita Springs. There are only 3 homes built in the loop so far. Two more lots are under contract. If the house above is still available next week, I think we're going to make an offer. If it's not available, we are going to build one that is similar. The homes are all New Orleans-style cookie cutter houses, but they're super cute. If we build our own, we have to pick out all the colors, etc which I don't really want to do. I would rather just buy the one that is already built b/c I'm perfectly OK with the one that is available.
So the homes are on lots that are going to be pretty close together, and I know that we could get a little more land or a bigger lot size or whatever if we looked in other areas like Folsom or Covington or Mandeville. But I've looked at houses in our price range in those areas and they are all BLAH. I seriously haven't seen one other house that I was interested in. And I just really like Abita. It's sort of this hippy dippy, laid back, unique little town. Their public schools have small class sizes and are better than the ones in Covington and Mandeville. The town is small, located on the Tammany Trace (the bike/walking path) and is only about 7 miles away from where we live now. There are all these cute little events and fairs and concerts in the town pavilion area and I just love it. LOVE IT.
I am going to miss our rent house and the 1/2 acre of land that we're on, but I will NOT miss the enormous electric bills that we have to pay all summer b/c the house is so old and full of cracks and windows. I will not miss having to walk outside to get to my laundry room. I will not miss the fact that every time our power goes out we can't flush the toilet because our water comes from an electricity-operated water well. And I will not miss the gecko that I found in my bedroom last night and which I'm pretty sure is still hiding somewhere in my closet.
Side note about the gecko situation; here's my convo on the phone last night with Neal:
N: How was your day?
C: It was fine, but there's a gecko in the bedroom and I don't know where he went.
N: He probably went back outside, don't worry about it.
C: No, I know he's still in here. He's hiding, just waiting for me to go to sleep.
N: Oh yeah? Then what's he going to do to you? Are you worried he's going to try to sell you some insurance?
The thought of having a brand new house is sooooo exciting. I have actually never ever lived in a brand new home so it may come as a shock to live in a house where everything actually works?! So I guess we'll see how this all plays out next week!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
First-Time Homebuyers!
I met with a mortgage banker yesterday, and we were pre-approved to buy a home! It's real now, can you believe it? Holla!
Just a side note - I want to buy and wear a pair of clogs.....is that bad?
Just a side note - I want to buy and wear a pair of clogs.....is that bad?
Friday, July 23, 2010
It's Not A Tumor
Just talked to the doc's office and my test results came back clean and normal! Yay! So I guess I just need to stay hydrated, not overdo it, and stay away from walmart.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Two More Tests
I met with the neuro this morning. He says that it sounds like the fainting/seizure episode was caused by dehydration and low blood sugar, but before they can say that and clear me so that I can drive again, I need two more tests. I have an EEG tomorrow and an MRI Tuesday. If those come back clean, I should be cleared. I'll let ya'll know how it goes......
Monday, July 12, 2010
So I Guess I've Been Better....
I went to WalMart right after work Friday to do my "big" grocery shopping trip. Last thing I remember, I was in the meat section looking for sausages that I needed so that I could make red beans. I was having some serious problems focusing though, like my eyes would not focus on one place. I was hot and shaky and I looked across the isle at a shelf full of Gatorade and thought, "I need to walk over there and drink one of those." Next thing I know, I'm waking up on the floor surrounded by EMT's. No joke. I passed out cold at WalMart.
The people who were there told the EMTs that I had been shaking, so they think I had a seizure. All I know is that I woke up and was completely disoriented and had no idea where I was or what was going on. Some WalMart employee picked up my phone and was making phone calls to my parents, but they couldn't get in touch with Neal. I was coherent enough to tell them to call Marilyn b/c Mr. Steve had the rig number and could get in touch with Neal while he was working. So the EMTs took me to the hospital where my step-mom was waiting when we got there. My Dad and mom showed up right after.
I had a CT scan at the hospital that came back clean. The ER doc released me that night and referred me to a neurologist who I am going to see Wednesday morning. Neal came in Friday night right after they called him and he just went back to work yesterday. His Mom came in town yesterday and is staying with me until tomorrow. He gets home (for the week) tomorrow night.
I am technically not supposed to drive until I am cleared by the neurologist, so I am resting at home. I am going a little stir crazy, but I'm just so freaking tired all the time that I sleep a lot.
My blood sugar was suuuuuper low when the EMTs tested it and I was really dehydrated, so they think that this episode was a result of that and not so much a neuro thing. I had worked out that morning and didn't eat much that day b/c my stomach was very upset, so I do think I was really, really dehydrated. Let's hope that's all it was.
I can't even begin to tell you what it's like to wake up, on the floor of a WalMart, completely unaware of anything that is going on. The entire night is still hazy. I felt like I was on drugs all night, but I hadn't taken anything.
So that was my weekend. I'll post an update after I talk to the neurologist Wednesday.
The people who were there told the EMTs that I had been shaking, so they think I had a seizure. All I know is that I woke up and was completely disoriented and had no idea where I was or what was going on. Some WalMart employee picked up my phone and was making phone calls to my parents, but they couldn't get in touch with Neal. I was coherent enough to tell them to call Marilyn b/c Mr. Steve had the rig number and could get in touch with Neal while he was working. So the EMTs took me to the hospital where my step-mom was waiting when we got there. My Dad and mom showed up right after.
I had a CT scan at the hospital that came back clean. The ER doc released me that night and referred me to a neurologist who I am going to see Wednesday morning. Neal came in Friday night right after they called him and he just went back to work yesterday. His Mom came in town yesterday and is staying with me until tomorrow. He gets home (for the week) tomorrow night.
I am technically not supposed to drive until I am cleared by the neurologist, so I am resting at home. I am going a little stir crazy, but I'm just so freaking tired all the time that I sleep a lot.
My blood sugar was suuuuuper low when the EMTs tested it and I was really dehydrated, so they think that this episode was a result of that and not so much a neuro thing. I had worked out that morning and didn't eat much that day b/c my stomach was very upset, so I do think I was really, really dehydrated. Let's hope that's all it was.
I can't even begin to tell you what it's like to wake up, on the floor of a WalMart, completely unaware of anything that is going on. The entire night is still hazy. I felt like I was on drugs all night, but I hadn't taken anything.
So that was my weekend. I'll post an update after I talk to the neurologist Wednesday.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Decisions Decisions
You know, I've been wanting to update this blog for a while now, but I write/type all day long at work, so when I get home I have a major aversion to writing. If da' Parish would make google blogger accessible at work again I would be updating all the time. (Which is probably why it's not accessible anymore. The nerds in the I.T. department at work watch all employees like hawks. Every now and then I'll go to WebMD to look up some completely obscure illness or symptom and will hope that I'm freaking them out.)
--Seattle was good. My boss was a bit clingy; I had to eat lunch and dinner with him everyday we were there. I finally got away the day before we left and was able to do a little shopping by myself. Our hotel (Red Lion) was in the middle of the prime shopping area of downtown Seattle so I highly recommend it if you plan on visiting there anytime soon. Our flight was super delayed coming back due to bad weather and I was soooo ready to get back home, so when I landed in NOLA I swear I could have easily laid on the floor of the airport and kissed it. But then again, I think I feel like that almost every time I land there.
--My sister is moving to Houston this weekend and I am so bummed that I can't even acknowledge that it's about to happen. And then my brother and his family will be moving to San Antonio next spring. (Yes - City of Austin,Texas - I know that you are centrally located between the two cities. You're still in the back of my mind. Especially after I've been drinking.)
--But not really because we have agreed on a neighborhood in Abita Springs where we want to buy. Baby steps, people. Due to Neal's work schedule, we only have two weeks every month when we can do important married people things (like meet with mortgage bankers and Realtors) so we move slower than most. But the thing is, we make big decisions relatively quickly and easily. We found a subdivision we like, and that will be the one that we move into. It's the only one we looked at, but we know what we like when we see it. Now ask us what we want to order off of a menu at a restaurant and we will both go back and forth and change our minds, question our decision, etc.
--We had a good July 4th weekend. Hit up a few local bars, watched fireworks on the lake, bbq'd, went to Tartine's Grand Opening...good stuff. We also made it to Thibodaux to meet with his adviser. He is registered for 9 hours in the fall and I couldn't be prouder. We are going to Biloxi next weekend with his parents and I am so looking forward to getting some SUN. It will be 'safe' sun with SPF 45, but it will still be sun.
--Bethenny Frankel's show. I love it and her. Maybe a little too much.
Lastly (and please excuse the snarkiness),
--So I have a friend who got married to a very sweet, cute girl a few weeks ago. I really like her a lot and he seems soooo happy, so I am so happy for them. She is pregnant and is probably about 5 or so months along. They were keeping it under wraps for a while, but I think that a lot of people probably know and did know at the wedding. As far as I know, they have not made a formal announcement about the baby. Recently, she has started posting little comments on his facebook page that are, I'm sure, in reference to the baby. This drives me insane. Please do not drop little hints on facebook and wait for someone to ask you about it. If you want people to know that you are pregnant, just freaking say so!
--Seattle was good. My boss was a bit clingy; I had to eat lunch and dinner with him everyday we were there. I finally got away the day before we left and was able to do a little shopping by myself. Our hotel (Red Lion) was in the middle of the prime shopping area of downtown Seattle so I highly recommend it if you plan on visiting there anytime soon. Our flight was super delayed coming back due to bad weather and I was soooo ready to get back home, so when I landed in NOLA I swear I could have easily laid on the floor of the airport and kissed it. But then again, I think I feel like that almost every time I land there.
--My sister is moving to Houston this weekend and I am so bummed that I can't even acknowledge that it's about to happen. And then my brother and his family will be moving to San Antonio next spring. (Yes - City of Austin,Texas - I know that you are centrally located between the two cities. You're still in the back of my mind. Especially after I've been drinking.)
--But not really because we have agreed on a neighborhood in Abita Springs where we want to buy. Baby steps, people. Due to Neal's work schedule, we only have two weeks every month when we can do important married people things (like meet with mortgage bankers and Realtors) so we move slower than most. But the thing is, we make big decisions relatively quickly and easily. We found a subdivision we like, and that will be the one that we move into. It's the only one we looked at, but we know what we like when we see it. Now ask us what we want to order off of a menu at a restaurant and we will both go back and forth and change our minds, question our decision, etc.
--We had a good July 4th weekend. Hit up a few local bars, watched fireworks on the lake, bbq'd, went to Tartine's Grand Opening...good stuff. We also made it to Thibodaux to meet with his adviser. He is registered for 9 hours in the fall and I couldn't be prouder. We are going to Biloxi next weekend with his parents and I am so looking forward to getting some SUN. It will be 'safe' sun with SPF 45, but it will still be sun.
--Bethenny Frankel's show. I love it and her. Maybe a little too much.
Lastly (and please excuse the snarkiness),
--So I have a friend who got married to a very sweet, cute girl a few weeks ago. I really like her a lot and he seems soooo happy, so I am so happy for them. She is pregnant and is probably about 5 or so months along. They were keeping it under wraps for a while, but I think that a lot of people probably know and did know at the wedding. As far as I know, they have not made a formal announcement about the baby. Recently, she has started posting little comments on his facebook page that are, I'm sure, in reference to the baby. This drives me insane. Please do not drop little hints on facebook and wait for someone to ask you about it. If you want people to know that you are pregnant, just freaking say so!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Oh Lawd
Saturday before last I was laying in bed watching Valentine's Day (terrible) at about 10pm-ish when I hear a noise on the front deck and then that "power down" noise you hear when your power goes out. All the lights in half of the house shut down while others stayed on (but are very dim). Talk about freaky. Neal was gone, my landlords were out of town, and my Dad and step-mom were in South Carolina. I couldn't see ANYTHING outside because it was so dark and I was terrified b/c the power was not out everywhere, it was just half-out at my house. I flipped all the breakers, nothing happened, so I panicked and called my brother. He told me to get in the car and come stay at his place, but I didn't want to walk outside by myself. He told me to call the cops and ask them to come and check stuff out. I didn't know what else to do, so I called 'em.
About 10 minutes later a cop car pulls up and out gets a female cop who is both younger and shorter than me. She wasn't scared to walk around outside in the dark though, so she did and said she didn't see anything or anyone. She said it looked like a power company issue, so after she left I called Cleco. They showed up about 20 minutes later and spent about an hour fixing it. It had stormed earlier that day and according to one of the Cleco guys, "Them lines were all messed up in them woods up thar." After they left I finished up watching the crap-fest that was Valentine's Day and eventually went to sleep. (Honestly, that move is an awful, wanna' be Love Actually.)
And no, I'm not pregnant yet. For a few days I thought I could be though because I was about 6 days late. And I'm never late. I even made a doctor's appointment so that I could get checked out, but I decided to keep the appointment even though I wasn't preggo and get my yearly check-up etc. I'm glad I went because I totally love my new doctor. She is young and cool and sat down and talked to me, and I am so happy that I don't have to doctor shop for someone now.
I am taking the day off of work next Thursday to go to Thibodaux with Neal to meet with his adviser at Nicholls. We both generally prefer that I handle the administrative logistics of our lives (bills, paperwork, schedules, etc) so I don't mind going. This means I get to plan, make schedules, and possibly label binders and folders. It all makes me a little giddy.
I want to now take this time to give a shout-out to Sarah who was on her best behavior as bride-to-be/center of gift opening attention at her shower. And she did it all while looking fabulous and wearing pants. Also, she and John make quite an expert registering team...they have registered for some fantastic home goods. Coolest knife block ever.
I'm supposed to be going to Seattle for a work conference week after next, but I so don't want to go. I feel like I should be excited about going somewhere new, but the trip is with my boss and I just don't want to spend 5 days there with the boss while having to schmooze, etc. I think I would be more into it if he weren't going. I mean, I really do like working for him, but I don't want to spend 5 days out of town with him. Plus he's kind of clingy and likes to talk a lot...I'm trying to maneuver my way out of this one...we'll see. And I wouldn't get back until late Saturday night, which would make me very late for Kristenpalooza. And we can't have that now, can we?
A couple of weeks ago I decided I needed to get my haircut and I didn't know where to go so I just made an appointment at this salon that is right next to my gym. I walked into a room full of very loud women talking and laughing with the "yattiest" accents I'd ever heard. I think I was the only woman in that room who was not from Chalmette. Oh lawd, it was love/hate on my part. I find it annoying and yet so entertaining at the same time. I don't think I can go back there again though..it was just. too. much.
And I have one observation from today: when there is a mini-cooper with two kayaks on top of it in a parking lot outside of a coffee shop, it is not difficult to walk into the shop and pick out exactly who they belong to.
About 10 minutes later a cop car pulls up and out gets a female cop who is both younger and shorter than me. She wasn't scared to walk around outside in the dark though, so she did and said she didn't see anything or anyone. She said it looked like a power company issue, so after she left I called Cleco. They showed up about 20 minutes later and spent about an hour fixing it. It had stormed earlier that day and according to one of the Cleco guys, "Them lines were all messed up in them woods up thar." After they left I finished up watching the crap-fest that was Valentine's Day and eventually went to sleep. (Honestly, that move is an awful, wanna' be Love Actually.)
And no, I'm not pregnant yet. For a few days I thought I could be though because I was about 6 days late. And I'm never late. I even made a doctor's appointment so that I could get checked out, but I decided to keep the appointment even though I wasn't preggo and get my yearly check-up etc. I'm glad I went because I totally love my new doctor. She is young and cool and sat down and talked to me, and I am so happy that I don't have to doctor shop for someone now.
I am taking the day off of work next Thursday to go to Thibodaux with Neal to meet with his adviser at Nicholls. We both generally prefer that I handle the administrative logistics of our lives (bills, paperwork, schedules, etc) so I don't mind going. This means I get to plan, make schedules, and possibly label binders and folders. It all makes me a little giddy.
I want to now take this time to give a shout-out to Sarah who was on her best behavior as bride-to-be/center of gift opening attention at her shower. And she did it all while looking fabulous and wearing pants. Also, she and John make quite an expert registering team...they have registered for some fantastic home goods. Coolest knife block ever.
I'm supposed to be going to Seattle for a work conference week after next, but I so don't want to go. I feel like I should be excited about going somewhere new, but the trip is with my boss and I just don't want to spend 5 days there with the boss while having to schmooze, etc. I think I would be more into it if he weren't going. I mean, I really do like working for him, but I don't want to spend 5 days out of town with him. Plus he's kind of clingy and likes to talk a lot...I'm trying to maneuver my way out of this one...we'll see. And I wouldn't get back until late Saturday night, which would make me very late for Kristenpalooza. And we can't have that now, can we?
A couple of weeks ago I decided I needed to get my haircut and I didn't know where to go so I just made an appointment at this salon that is right next to my gym. I walked into a room full of very loud women talking and laughing with the "yattiest" accents I'd ever heard. I think I was the only woman in that room who was not from Chalmette. Oh lawd, it was love/hate on my part. I find it annoying and yet so entertaining at the same time. I don't think I can go back there again though..it was just. too. much.
And I have one observation from today: when there is a mini-cooper with two kayaks on top of it in a parking lot outside of a coffee shop, it is not difficult to walk into the shop and pick out exactly who they belong to.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Back to School
So today is our 2 year anniversary! He's at work until Wednesday, but he did send me a dozen roses. Very sweet.
We found out Friday that he got accepted to Nicholls for their Petroleum Services program! We hadn't even sent them his high school transcripts yet when we got the acceptance letter. They had received his college transcripts though, so I guess that was enough. So Neal is a "Colonel" now (I had to Google their mascot....I sincerely thought it was going to be a crawfish named Thibodaux or something) and starts in the fall. The program he is in is offered for guys who work 7 and 7 in the oil field, so hopefully work + school won't be toooooo strenuous. They are supposed to offer a good number of online classes too. I'm super excited and am so very proud of him for doing this. So...Geaux Colonels!
We found out Friday that he got accepted to Nicholls for their Petroleum Services program! We hadn't even sent them his high school transcripts yet when we got the acceptance letter. They had received his college transcripts though, so I guess that was enough. So Neal is a "Colonel" now (I had to Google their mascot....I sincerely thought it was going to be a crawfish named Thibodaux or something) and starts in the fall. The program he is in is offered for guys who work 7 and 7 in the oil field, so hopefully work + school won't be toooooo strenuous. They are supposed to offer a good number of online classes too. I'm super excited and am so very proud of him for doing this. So...Geaux Colonels!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Two Weeks Worth
Hey Dudes.
Let's start with weekend before last....the A/C went out in the house. I woke up to 78 degrees inside Saturday morning. I called the landlord, but of course you cannot get anyone out to your house to fix the A/C during the weekend. I just turned all the fans on high and powered through it. I pretended like I was in a movie, b/c you know when a movie is supposed to take place in south Louisiana they always show houses with windows open and ceiling fans on and nooooo air conditioning. They came out Monday morning and fixed it, so crisis over.
Work was non-stop last week. The worst it's ever been. I enjoy being busy and all, but it was a little out of hand. I literally got fussed at for working too hard and was told that I need to chill before I burn out. That was a first. I was also told to delegate more than I have been...I totally knew that was going to be a problem.
I enjoyed a great week/weekend with Neal and family. 'Cause that's what it's all about people....spending time with those you love. We went with Maddie and Harmon to see Ryan Bingham play in Baton Rouge at Chelsea's Friday night. While RB put on a great show, I will never ever ever go back to Chelsea's for a concert. It was so small, so crowded, and so hot. And when you're only 5 feet tall, all you see is this.....
The stage was practically level with the floor. As the crowd thinned out a bit, people seemed to feel sorry for me and kept being like, "Oooh, here's a spot! Here's a spot! Move up so you can see!" So I did move up. I was almost to the stage so that I could finally get a glimpse of RB (who is also short), but the 3 assholes in that picture above were first row and would not move. They were all well over 6 feet tall. I did get a pic or two of Ryan Bingham though...
Honestly, if you don't listen to this boy's music, you should check it out. Go on iTunes and listen to "Southside of Heaven." It's good stuff.
We ate hungover lunch at Brewbacher's in BR Saturday and it was delish. Before last weekend, I swear it had been 7 years since I had been there. Chicken club still tastes the same.
We did Mother's Day/Mom's 50th celebration Saturday night at my Mom's. It's not often that the 4 of us kids are together, so it's always fun when we get to spend a little time together. TJ was so funny. He walked up to Neal with his arms raised (it's his cue to "pick me up"). It was pretty damn cute.
And about the kiddies and such...no, not preggo yet. It seems that my "lady schedule" completely conflicts with Neal's work schedule. Not quite sure what we're going to do about that, but I'm sure we'll figure something out. I see a drive to Shreveport for a Saturday night during his work week in my near future. Can I take off of work for an out-of-town booty call with my rig-workin' husband? I'm not sure, that may be frowned upon.
Speaking of rig-workin' men....if I see a picture of another oil-soaked bird on the news while I have yet to see a picture on the news of a single one of the 11 rig workers who freaking died in the explosion, I will scream. Hating the media right now.
I found out last week that my old boss died. Kirt Bennett, the guy who gave me my first job out of college on his campaign, had a stroke week before last and passed away about a week later. He was 42 years old, married, with 3 young children. As far as I knew, he was a healthy guy. He was one of those people who was just truly exceptional and made a difference in so many peoples lives. I went to the visitation Saturday morning, and got there just in time to see some women take his wife out of the church for a little while. You guys, it was not good. This woman was not okay. I know that she will be fine b/c she is so strong and smart and has great family and friends who will be there for her and her kids, but it was terrible. His death was so unexpected...a stroke at 42....it's just not fair. Kirt was involved in politics for a little while, but his biggest contribution to Baton Rouge was the Young Leaders Academy. It was a school that he founded for young African American men who did not have father figures in their lives. Apparently, some graduates of the YLA stopped by the hospital to say goodbye to Kirt when it was understood that he was not going to regain any brain function. One of his sons was asking who was going to correct him when he was wrong/did something wrong now that his dad was not going to be around, and one of the graduates of the academy said something along the lines of, "Your father was there for me when I didn't have one. Me and the 45 other YLA graduates who were taken care of by your father will be there to take care of you."
Let's start with weekend before last....the A/C went out in the house. I woke up to 78 degrees inside Saturday morning. I called the landlord, but of course you cannot get anyone out to your house to fix the A/C during the weekend. I just turned all the fans on high and powered through it. I pretended like I was in a movie, b/c you know when a movie is supposed to take place in south Louisiana they always show houses with windows open and ceiling fans on and nooooo air conditioning. They came out Monday morning and fixed it, so crisis over.
Work was non-stop last week. The worst it's ever been. I enjoy being busy and all, but it was a little out of hand. I literally got fussed at for working too hard and was told that I need to chill before I burn out. That was a first. I was also told to delegate more than I have been...I totally knew that was going to be a problem.
I enjoyed a great week/weekend with Neal and family. 'Cause that's what it's all about people....spending time with those you love. We went with Maddie and Harmon to see Ryan Bingham play in Baton Rouge at Chelsea's Friday night. While RB put on a great show, I will never ever ever go back to Chelsea's for a concert. It was so small, so crowded, and so hot. And when you're only 5 feet tall, all you see is this.....
The stage was practically level with the floor. As the crowd thinned out a bit, people seemed to feel sorry for me and kept being like, "Oooh, here's a spot! Here's a spot! Move up so you can see!" So I did move up. I was almost to the stage so that I could finally get a glimpse of RB (who is also short), but the 3 assholes in that picture above were first row and would not move. They were all well over 6 feet tall. I did get a pic or two of Ryan Bingham though...
Honestly, if you don't listen to this boy's music, you should check it out. Go on iTunes and listen to "Southside of Heaven." It's good stuff.
We ate hungover lunch at Brewbacher's in BR Saturday and it was delish. Before last weekend, I swear it had been 7 years since I had been there. Chicken club still tastes the same.
We did Mother's Day/Mom's 50th celebration Saturday night at my Mom's. It's not often that the 4 of us kids are together, so it's always fun when we get to spend a little time together. TJ was so funny. He walked up to Neal with his arms raised (it's his cue to "pick me up"). It was pretty damn cute.
And about the kiddies and such...no, not preggo yet. It seems that my "lady schedule" completely conflicts with Neal's work schedule. Not quite sure what we're going to do about that, but I'm sure we'll figure something out. I see a drive to Shreveport for a Saturday night during his work week in my near future. Can I take off of work for an out-of-town booty call with my rig-workin' husband? I'm not sure, that may be frowned upon.
Speaking of rig-workin' men....if I see a picture of another oil-soaked bird on the news while I have yet to see a picture on the news of a single one of the 11 rig workers who freaking died in the explosion, I will scream. Hating the media right now.
I found out last week that my old boss died. Kirt Bennett, the guy who gave me my first job out of college on his campaign, had a stroke week before last and passed away about a week later. He was 42 years old, married, with 3 young children. As far as I knew, he was a healthy guy. He was one of those people who was just truly exceptional and made a difference in so many peoples lives. I went to the visitation Saturday morning, and got there just in time to see some women take his wife out of the church for a little while. You guys, it was not good. This woman was not okay. I know that she will be fine b/c she is so strong and smart and has great family and friends who will be there for her and her kids, but it was terrible. His death was so unexpected...a stroke at 42....it's just not fair. Kirt was involved in politics for a little while, but his biggest contribution to Baton Rouge was the Young Leaders Academy. It was a school that he founded for young African American men who did not have father figures in their lives. Apparently, some graduates of the YLA stopped by the hospital to say goodbye to Kirt when it was understood that he was not going to regain any brain function. One of his sons was asking who was going to correct him when he was wrong/did something wrong now that his dad was not going to be around, and one of the graduates of the academy said something along the lines of, "Your father was there for me when I didn't have one. Me and the 45 other YLA graduates who were taken care of by your father will be there to take care of you."
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Sick, Sick, Sick
Neal got home last Wednesday and came down with a horrible cold Thursday. He was sick the whole week he was home. He finally went to the doctor a few days ago and was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection, bronchitis, sinusitis and an eye infection. For reals. So then I started feeling bad Tuesday afternoon. I went to the doc yesterday and was told that, so far, it's just allergies. I got a steroid shot, Allegra, and antibiotics to take in case it didn't get any better. I still don't feel great, but it's not bad enough for me to miss work. Can we just be over this, please?! I hate not feeling well. It's messing with my work-outs.
Being the great and caring wife that I am, I left Neal home by himself Sunday and went to Jazz Fest with my mom. We had free tickets and VIP passes to the Acura Tent (compliments of one of her "friends"), so I got to watch the Allman Brothers from the stage. It was freakin' awesome. Did you know that JF tickets are $60 a pop now? Because I didn't! I thought they were still $32, and I thought THAT was high.
Besides my Jazz Fest trip Sunday, I really was a good wife and took care of Neal the rest of his week off. I made homemade chicken pot pie for him, went to Walgreens 40 different times to pick up every over-the-counter cold and sinus medicine in existence, kept the frig stocked with gatorade and frequently tried to de-germ the house. He's back at work now and is hopefully feeling much better.
FYI - I decided against the vegetable garden. The area where the box is located does not get enough sun during the day...and it's waaaay too much work. I'm going to stick with pre-potted plants that I can just transfer to another, larger pot with some soil. I'm not into doing things that I have to "till."
Being the great and caring wife that I am, I left Neal home by himself Sunday and went to Jazz Fest with my mom. We had free tickets and VIP passes to the Acura Tent (compliments of one of her "friends"), so I got to watch the Allman Brothers from the stage. It was freakin' awesome. Did you know that JF tickets are $60 a pop now? Because I didn't! I thought they were still $32, and I thought THAT was high.
Besides my Jazz Fest trip Sunday, I really was a good wife and took care of Neal the rest of his week off. I made homemade chicken pot pie for him, went to Walgreens 40 different times to pick up every over-the-counter cold and sinus medicine in existence, kept the frig stocked with gatorade and frequently tried to de-germ the house. He's back at work now and is hopefully feeling much better.
FYI - I decided against the vegetable garden. The area where the box is located does not get enough sun during the day...and it's waaaay too much work. I'm going to stick with pre-potted plants that I can just transfer to another, larger pot with some soil. I'm not into doing things that I have to "till."
Friday, April 16, 2010
Wooooooooooooooooooork
I have gotten so busy at work that it is unbelievable. Still loving it, but WOW. I usually don't drink very much during the weekdays, but this week I've been craving a class of wine as soon as I get home. That's how I know it was a long day. I'm realizing that it is virtually impossible to do all the work that is on my plate, so I'm starting to delegate a little bit. I have one assistant now with another one starting later this month. It's exciting and scary all at the same time.
Jeanne's wedding was so much fun! I'm so happy for her and Patrick and it was so great to hang out with my favorite girls all weekend.
I have a little raised box in my back yard now that is full of dirt and weeds. I think I am going to attempt to start a vegetable garden. Granted, I have no idea how to do this, but that's what book stores, the internet, and libraries are for. It's time to get domestic, bitches.
Neal gets home Wednesday and his sister and her boyfriend are coming in town next weekend. As long as it's not raining, we plan on going to Jazz Fest Sunday. Neal has never been to JF before, so I'm going to break him in with the Allman Brothers.
I can't think of a single other thing to write about right now, so I'm going to get in bed and catch up on my shows.
Jeanne's wedding was so much fun! I'm so happy for her and Patrick and it was so great to hang out with my favorite girls all weekend.
I have a little raised box in my back yard now that is full of dirt and weeds. I think I am going to attempt to start a vegetable garden. Granted, I have no idea how to do this, but that's what book stores, the internet, and libraries are for. It's time to get domestic, bitches.
Neal gets home Wednesday and his sister and her boyfriend are coming in town next weekend. As long as it's not raining, we plan on going to Jazz Fest Sunday. Neal has never been to JF before, so I'm going to break him in with the Allman Brothers.
I can't think of a single other thing to write about right now, so I'm going to get in bed and catch up on my shows.
Friday, April 2, 2010
No Work Today
I am soooo happy to have today off. I cleaned last night so I don't have to worry about it this weekend. I have a family crawfish boil at my grandmother's tonight in Mandeville that I am also excited about. And my brother and his family and Maddie will be staying with me tonight, so yay!
My inlaws went overboard and bought me a new backyard for my birthday. They gave me a porch swing, two swivel/rocking chairs with a table, a picnic table (which Neal and I stained last weekend), and Marilyn bought a bunch of potted hanging plants and planted some flowers around the house. The backyard looks a million times better than it did; I must take pics. The blue hydrangea bushes around the house are starting to recover from the cold weather, the azaleas are in full bloom, and there are some very pretty purple freesia-looking flowers that are blooming now too. Oh I so wish they would just sell us the damn house. I'm expecting to have some issues finding a place to buy that I like as much as this place.
Now can we talk about allergies? I could not sleep at all last night. The first half of the night I was congested and the second half of the night my nose was running. Ew, I know. My ears are even stopped up. I took a claritin this morning and am hoping my PJs iced coffee will do the rest.
So I'm getting an assistant at work. And my boss showed me the new organizational chart for our department, and it looks like I will be getting an additional second assistant at some point in the future. And the word "manager" will be in my job title. Hmmmm. I'm kinda' pumped.
So Jeanne's wedding next weekend?! I can't wait!! I may need to get some waterproof mascara.
My inlaws went overboard and bought me a new backyard for my birthday. They gave me a porch swing, two swivel/rocking chairs with a table, a picnic table (which Neal and I stained last weekend), and Marilyn bought a bunch of potted hanging plants and planted some flowers around the house. The backyard looks a million times better than it did; I must take pics. The blue hydrangea bushes around the house are starting to recover from the cold weather, the azaleas are in full bloom, and there are some very pretty purple freesia-looking flowers that are blooming now too. Oh I so wish they would just sell us the damn house. I'm expecting to have some issues finding a place to buy that I like as much as this place.
Now can we talk about allergies? I could not sleep at all last night. The first half of the night I was congested and the second half of the night my nose was running. Ew, I know. My ears are even stopped up. I took a claritin this morning and am hoping my PJs iced coffee will do the rest.
So I'm getting an assistant at work. And my boss showed me the new organizational chart for our department, and it looks like I will be getting an additional second assistant at some point in the future. And the word "manager" will be in my job title. Hmmmm. I'm kinda' pumped.
So Jeanne's wedding next weekend?! I can't wait!! I may need to get some waterproof mascara.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Busy Bee
I've been non-stop today! I actually slept until 815 this morning (which is late for me) because I stayed up until after midnight last night watching the Real Housewives OC reunion shows. Quality television. Then today I picked up my bridesmaids dress for Jeanne's wedding, bought some gold strappy shoes to go with the dress and some silver gladiator sandals (by one get one half off), went to Target, Old Navy, LSU store, and then to Roly Poly for lunch. I came home, cleaned the whole house and finally showered. I'm wiped. Now it's rainy and I'm watching Everybody Loves Raymond. Not a super exciting day, but it was productive.
The inlaws are coming in Thursday for the night. They're buying me patio furniture for my birthday, which our house totally needs. Then mine and Cara's b-day crawfish boil is Sunday. Holla!
Work was insane this past week. I've been put in charge of all these Parish projects and it is terrifying. I've never been put in charge of this type of stuff before, so I'm learning as I go. I'm not used to having this much authority at work and it is really freaking me out. I do appreciate that my superiors seem to have confidence in me and my abilities...I just wish I had that much confidence in myself! Sometimes I miss the old days of micro-managing bosses. (Yeah, I said it.) It was annoying, but a lot less stressful. The grass is always greener....
Neal and I picked out some pearl earrings for my birthday. I love them. The ones I've been wearing the past few years were tiny and fake, so I love my new ones.
I guess the only sort-of big news that I have is that I've gotten off of birth control. We'll see what happens!
Our lease is up in May and our landlords want us to stay here as long as we want, so we are going month-to-month from now on with a 60-day move-out notice. I've started looking at houses online, but we haven't started seriously looking yet. I really like that we don't have to sign another year-long lease and that we can also take our time looking for a place to buy. I was worried that we would be rushed trying to buy a house; I didn't want to settle for a place just because we were time limited in our search. Hopefully we can find something in Covington or Abita Springs, within our price range, that we both like.
I think that's all I've got for now. 30 in T-3 days, ya'll.
The inlaws are coming in Thursday for the night. They're buying me patio furniture for my birthday, which our house totally needs. Then mine and Cara's b-day crawfish boil is Sunday. Holla!
Work was insane this past week. I've been put in charge of all these Parish projects and it is terrifying. I've never been put in charge of this type of stuff before, so I'm learning as I go. I'm not used to having this much authority at work and it is really freaking me out. I do appreciate that my superiors seem to have confidence in me and my abilities...I just wish I had that much confidence in myself! Sometimes I miss the old days of micro-managing bosses. (Yeah, I said it.) It was annoying, but a lot less stressful. The grass is always greener....
Neal and I picked out some pearl earrings for my birthday. I love them. The ones I've been wearing the past few years were tiny and fake, so I love my new ones.
I guess the only sort-of big news that I have is that I've gotten off of birth control. We'll see what happens!
Our lease is up in May and our landlords want us to stay here as long as we want, so we are going month-to-month from now on with a 60-day move-out notice. I've started looking at houses online, but we haven't started seriously looking yet. I really like that we don't have to sign another year-long lease and that we can also take our time looking for a place to buy. I was worried that we would be rushed trying to buy a house; I didn't want to settle for a place just because we were time limited in our search. Hopefully we can find something in Covington or Abita Springs, within our price range, that we both like.
I think that's all I've got for now. 30 in T-3 days, ya'll.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Just a Few Things
1. Jeanne's bachelorette party was last weekend. Lots of fun and I love my friends. But I'm so very, very tired.
2. I'm old.
3. Going to be in Houston next week Wed - Fri. I'll be at the Doubletree in the Galleria area. Feel free to holla'.
4. If you like reading about celebrity gossip on the web, check out www.laineygossip.com. She has nicknames for some stars (for ex: Carrie Underwood = Country Bitch) and she's hilarious.
5. I DVR'd Oprah yesterday so that I could watch Jessica Simpson talk about the massive pile of douche that is John Mayer. And I must say, I think JS came off great. She finally seems comfortable in her own skin. She was funny, honest, and genuine. I like her again.
6. I have a wedding to go to tomorrow night and I have nothing to wear. I'm thinking about just wearing my highschool reunion outfit (black pants, shiny teal blouse, black strappy heels, big necklace). I really don't feel like having to hunt down a new dress tonight. Blah.
7. I can not even begin to tell you how sad I am that Neal can't come to Pruitt's wedding tomorrow night. Frowny faces all around. I know that Neal is going to be so bummed tomorrow night and it will be very weird to not have him there. I guess it's just part of working in the oil field - you get off every other week so there are no vacation days or random days off. Boooooo.
8. I took a temperament/personality quiz today at work. I took the same quiz 9 months ago when I started my job, and my scores/outcome have changed. I was an "idealist" last June and now I'm a "guardian." I think it's my close proximity to 30.
2. I'm old.
3. Going to be in Houston next week Wed - Fri. I'll be at the Doubletree in the Galleria area. Feel free to holla'.
4. If you like reading about celebrity gossip on the web, check out www.laineygossip.com. She has nicknames for some stars (for ex: Carrie Underwood = Country Bitch) and she's hilarious.
5. I DVR'd Oprah yesterday so that I could watch Jessica Simpson talk about the massive pile of douche that is John Mayer. And I must say, I think JS came off great. She finally seems comfortable in her own skin. She was funny, honest, and genuine. I like her again.
6. I have a wedding to go to tomorrow night and I have nothing to wear. I'm thinking about just wearing my highschool reunion outfit (black pants, shiny teal blouse, black strappy heels, big necklace). I really don't feel like having to hunt down a new dress tonight. Blah.
7. I can not even begin to tell you how sad I am that Neal can't come to Pruitt's wedding tomorrow night. Frowny faces all around. I know that Neal is going to be so bummed tomorrow night and it will be very weird to not have him there. I guess it's just part of working in the oil field - you get off every other week so there are no vacation days or random days off. Boooooo.
8. I took a temperament/personality quiz today at work. I took the same quiz 9 months ago when I started my job, and my scores/outcome have changed. I was an "idealist" last June and now I'm a "guardian." I think it's my close proximity to 30.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
GRRRRRR
I went to a meeting this afternoon that was supposed to be some sort of 8-person forum where everyone in the group brainstorms and discusses issues. Roughly 55 minutes of the 60 minute meeting were hijacked by two local politicians who talked endlessly about their personal experiences and views. Within the last 5 minutes, I was asked a question about something and I began to answer it. About 25 seconds into my answer, I look over at one of the politicians who is looking at his watch and looking around the room. I SO VERY BADLY wanted to say something along the lines of "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take the spotlight off of your fat-yat fucking face. I apologize for occupying 25 seconds of your time after I have spent the last hour listening to you ramble on endlessly while you name drop and talk about how wonderfully awesome and connected you are. Please, look away and be rude. Since I'm a young female, I probably have nothing of importance to say anyway."
But I would like to keep my job so I didn't say anything. And sweet Lord I would not have a headache right now had I been able to let that out. Time for a cocktail.
But I would like to keep my job so I didn't say anything. And sweet Lord I would not have a headache right now had I been able to let that out. Time for a cocktail.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
I'm Getting Too Old for This
I think I may be getting sick, but I'm not sure yet. It could go either way. I don't feel bad enough to go to the doctor. It's probably just the residual Mardi Gras funk. We had a great weekend, but I'm paying for it now. We managed to make it uptown Sunday and Monday for parades and had a lot of fun both days. While we didn't go down there Tuesday, we did drink it up "Northshore Style" all afternoon. It was Mardi Gras Day and I just couldn't convince myself that it was okay to do anything else but celebrate with drinks.
Wednesday morning I opened the doors of my Jeep to see the following items in the backseat: piles of beads, 2 small bottles of 5-hour Energy (Neal's), empty beer can, beer koozie, Taco Bell receipt, dirty fleece jackets, a rolling ice chest and an Orleans Parish parking ticket.
With every passing year, these hangovers get harder and harder to get over. I'm detoxing this week so that I'll be allllll ready for Jeanne's bachelorette party next weekend.
Wednesday morning I opened the doors of my Jeep to see the following items in the backseat: piles of beads, 2 small bottles of 5-hour Energy (Neal's), empty beer can, beer koozie, Taco Bell receipt, dirty fleece jackets, a rolling ice chest and an Orleans Parish parking ticket.
With every passing year, these hangovers get harder and harder to get over. I'm detoxing this week so that I'll be allllll ready for Jeanne's bachelorette party next weekend.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Like a Champ
After the game -"Yay, we won!"
After, after the game - "Hell Yeah! Who Dat! Shots!"
After, after, after the game - "Sure, I'll make it to work for 8 tomorrow morning. No problemo. I can totally do that. Wait, am I the oldest person in this bar?"
So I made it to work for 8, but I only lasted an hour before I had to go home. I was feeling a bit under the weather. They let us off of work today at noon so that we could go to the parade downtown, but I don't think I'm gonna' make it.
After, after the game - "Hell Yeah! Who Dat! Shots!"
After, after, after the game - "Sure, I'll make it to work for 8 tomorrow morning. No problemo. I can totally do that. Wait, am I the oldest person in this bar?"
So I made it to work for 8, but I only lasted an hour before I had to go home. I was feeling a bit under the weather. They let us off of work today at noon so that we could go to the parade downtown, but I don't think I'm gonna' make it.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
What Parade?
So Mom had her hysterectomy Wednesday and I was in the hospital with her from Wednesday morning until Thursday afternoon when they released her. The doctor said it went really well and her recovery seems to be going pretty good. My grandparents came in town from Houma and sat with me for most of the day Wednesday. There was a Saints party going down in the cafeteria at the hospital both days I was there. They were raffling off Saints stuff, giving away king cake and were playing the Saints CD (Stand up and get crunk, the Who Dat song, Do Watcha' Wanna', Ain't Nothin' But a Party, etc) in the cafeteria so loud it was unbelievable (in a hospital!). Every nurse that came in the room to check on my Mom threw out a "Who Dat" or "Geaux Saints" or something and they all had on Saints t-shirts with their scrubs. This city has lost its mind. I did get another Saints t-shirt yesterday at PJ's (yeah, even PJ's Coffee is selling t-shirts)..it's black with a gold fleur de lis and says "Superbeauxl" and I couldn't pass it up.
Last night after work I went to David's Bridal in Slidell and ordered my dress for Jeanne's wedding. After that I wanted to go to the Gap and Banana because I needed to get some more khaki pants for work, so I drove from Slidell to Mandeville where the stores are. I walk up to the Gap and the doors are locked and Banana was closed as well. I was sort of confused until I turned around and saw floats and high school marching bands in the parking lot across the street. Whoops. I have never been to a Northshore parade so I'm not familiar with when they are or what route they take. Well I know now where they ride. I really need to check out the parade schedule before I leave the house today.
Neal's out of town until Wednesday, so I think I'm going to BR tomorrow to watch the game with my sister at Walk On's or something. I wish Neal were here, because we would totally go to the Quarter. Ah well. It is awesome, however, that Neal will be in town this upcoming weekend. He hasn't been to NO for Mardi Gras weekend with me in like 3 years. I know that we will definitely be down there Sunday morning for Thoth b/c Zellers is riding in it, but other than that we don't have plans. I'm off Monday and Tuesday (wahoooooo!) but he has to leave Wednesday morning to go back to work, so I doubt will do the Mardi Gras Day thing.
I watched Whip It last night and now I want to be a roller derby girl. Really badly. I want to have different colored stripes in my hair and wear fishnets with shorts and skate and be awesome. I'm just looking for an excuse to do this. 30th birthday party at the skating rink maybe??? Now I just need a roller derby name. Hmmmm.
Last night after work I went to David's Bridal in Slidell and ordered my dress for Jeanne's wedding. After that I wanted to go to the Gap and Banana because I needed to get some more khaki pants for work, so I drove from Slidell to Mandeville where the stores are. I walk up to the Gap and the doors are locked and Banana was closed as well. I was sort of confused until I turned around and saw floats and high school marching bands in the parking lot across the street. Whoops. I have never been to a Northshore parade so I'm not familiar with when they are or what route they take. Well I know now where they ride. I really need to check out the parade schedule before I leave the house today.
Neal's out of town until Wednesday, so I think I'm going to BR tomorrow to watch the game with my sister at Walk On's or something. I wish Neal were here, because we would totally go to the Quarter. Ah well. It is awesome, however, that Neal will be in town this upcoming weekend. He hasn't been to NO for Mardi Gras weekend with me in like 3 years. I know that we will definitely be down there Sunday morning for Thoth b/c Zellers is riding in it, but other than that we don't have plans. I'm off Monday and Tuesday (wahoooooo!) but he has to leave Wednesday morning to go back to work, so I doubt will do the Mardi Gras Day thing.
I watched Whip It last night and now I want to be a roller derby girl. Really badly. I want to have different colored stripes in my hair and wear fishnets with shorts and skate and be awesome. I'm just looking for an excuse to do this. 30th birthday party at the skating rink maybe??? Now I just need a roller derby name. Hmmmm.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Who Dat
I was never nervous about the game Sunday because I knew that we were going to win. I never doubted it; even with 7 seconds left on the clock and the Vikes had the ball, I still knew it. Even though I knew we were going to win, I was still speechless when it was over. Black and Gold Superbowl, baby! Yaaaaahooooooo!
Work is really good. I was given a lot more responsibility today, which is good and bad, I think. In this job, my anal-retentiveness totally pays off. I think I've found my calling. I've also got some good work trips planned out this year. Houston in March (10th - 13th), Seattle in June, and Austin (yay!) at some point this summer.
I've had some taco soup that my step-mom made in the freezer for a few weeks and decided I wanted to eat it the other night. I did not give it time to thaw out and it was in sort of a large rectangular-shaped container, so it would not fit in any of my pots. I thawed it out a little in a pot and then decided it would be a good idea to stab the frozen soup repeatedly with a kitchen knife to try and break it apart. And now the knife is totally jacked; the tip of it is bent backwards. It's incidents like this that explain why Neal always gets a frightened look on his face and says "please don't hurt yourself" every time he sees me pick up a sharp knife. But once it finally thawed out, the soup was pretty good.
My brother gave us an Applebee's gift card for Christmas so we decided to go there a few weeks ago and use the card. A free meal is a free meal. Neal, however, thought it was a great opportunity to act like we were there to celebrate a special occasion. Every time someone would walk by, he would try to act out a different scenario. The first time he asks, "So, where you from?" The second time, "Happy 30th birthday!" The third time, he tells me to take my rings off so that we can get engaged in the Applebee's. I just couldn't do it. It reminded me too much of that time I waited tables for a wedding reception at Bennigans in Baton Rouge. Not kidding.
Neal comes home tomorrow, yay! He's been gone 8 days and it feels like FOR-EV-ER.
Work is really good. I was given a lot more responsibility today, which is good and bad, I think. In this job, my anal-retentiveness totally pays off. I think I've found my calling. I've also got some good work trips planned out this year. Houston in March (10th - 13th), Seattle in June, and Austin (yay!) at some point this summer.
I've had some taco soup that my step-mom made in the freezer for a few weeks and decided I wanted to eat it the other night. I did not give it time to thaw out and it was in sort of a large rectangular-shaped container, so it would not fit in any of my pots. I thawed it out a little in a pot and then decided it would be a good idea to stab the frozen soup repeatedly with a kitchen knife to try and break it apart. And now the knife is totally jacked; the tip of it is bent backwards. It's incidents like this that explain why Neal always gets a frightened look on his face and says "please don't hurt yourself" every time he sees me pick up a sharp knife. But once it finally thawed out, the soup was pretty good.
My brother gave us an Applebee's gift card for Christmas so we decided to go there a few weeks ago and use the card. A free meal is a free meal. Neal, however, thought it was a great opportunity to act like we were there to celebrate a special occasion. Every time someone would walk by, he would try to act out a different scenario. The first time he asks, "So, where you from?" The second time, "Happy 30th birthday!" The third time, he tells me to take my rings off so that we can get engaged in the Applebee's. I just couldn't do it. It reminded me too much of that time I waited tables for a wedding reception at Bennigans in Baton Rouge. Not kidding.
Neal comes home tomorrow, yay! He's been gone 8 days and it feels like FOR-EV-ER.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Just Some Stuff
So Neal started with the new company yesterday and he will be working 7 and 7. I think this is better than 14 and 14, so I'm totally on board. The bummer of this whole situation is that he will be at work for the Saints game Sunday and for the Superbowl. Not that the Saints are definiely going to the Superbowl, but let's face it - they are. I am having sort of a hard time adjusting to this new schedule b/c he's been home for so long. I miss him tons and tons. I need to remember how to make weekend plans with other people again.
My brother's house got broken into last week. It happened during the day when no one was home. They took the Wii, Playstation, TVs, computers, his firearm, jewelry, etc. He's been really freaked out since then, but he's starting to get over it a little. He and Diwina are planning on moving away within 1-2 years I think (she is being re-located by the Air Force) so they are going to put their house on the market sooner than they thought. He is also talking about going active duty, which means he will probably be deployed at some point. I don't like that, but he's a big boy so it's his decision. Anyway, they were at a daquiri shop near their house last weekend and were talking to another couple and the bartender about the robbery, etc. The bartender got in touch with him a day or so later and told him that she couldn't stop thinking about their situation, so she said "I hope you don't mind, but I started a collection for ya'll at the bar. I'll call you next weekend to come pick it up." He was really touched; what a nice thing for her to do.
I had lunch with a friend from junior high today, it was nice to catch up. She lives over here with her husband and 2 kids. They actually live about 5 minutes away from us. In junior high, she lived just a few blocks away from me on the opposite side of Carrollton. We were talking about how we used to take the streetcar places and roam around uptown all the time by ourselves. She was like, "I would never let my daughters do that now!"
Both bosses are out of town this week in DC, hence the work-blogging. It has been soooo quiet around here...I'm almost ready for them to come back so that there's some action up in this joint.
Jeanne's wedding festivites are about to begin, yay! I am really looking forward to all the girly fun. I also have a killer idea for her french quarter bachelorette attire....and it is GOOD.
I have recently started watching the show Parks and Recreation on On Demand and it is really funny. (It may be especially funny to me b/c of the fact that it's about local government.) 'Cause you know, I really needed to pick up another tv show. While I'm on the topic of tv, I need to say that I don't really like Grey's Anatomy anymore. I don't enjoy it like I used to. I think I only watch it because I'm supposed to....does that make sense?
I'm done blabbering. Later gators.
My brother's house got broken into last week. It happened during the day when no one was home. They took the Wii, Playstation, TVs, computers, his firearm, jewelry, etc. He's been really freaked out since then, but he's starting to get over it a little. He and Diwina are planning on moving away within 1-2 years I think (she is being re-located by the Air Force) so they are going to put their house on the market sooner than they thought. He is also talking about going active duty, which means he will probably be deployed at some point. I don't like that, but he's a big boy so it's his decision. Anyway, they were at a daquiri shop near their house last weekend and were talking to another couple and the bartender about the robbery, etc. The bartender got in touch with him a day or so later and told him that she couldn't stop thinking about their situation, so she said "I hope you don't mind, but I started a collection for ya'll at the bar. I'll call you next weekend to come pick it up." He was really touched; what a nice thing for her to do.
I had lunch with a friend from junior high today, it was nice to catch up. She lives over here with her husband and 2 kids. They actually live about 5 minutes away from us. In junior high, she lived just a few blocks away from me on the opposite side of Carrollton. We were talking about how we used to take the streetcar places and roam around uptown all the time by ourselves. She was like, "I would never let my daughters do that now!"
Both bosses are out of town this week in DC, hence the work-blogging. It has been soooo quiet around here...I'm almost ready for them to come back so that there's some action up in this joint.
Jeanne's wedding festivites are about to begin, yay! I am really looking forward to all the girly fun. I also have a killer idea for her french quarter bachelorette attire....and it is GOOD.
I have recently started watching the show Parks and Recreation on On Demand and it is really funny. (It may be especially funny to me b/c of the fact that it's about local government.) 'Cause you know, I really needed to pick up another tv show. While I'm on the topic of tv, I need to say that I don't really like Grey's Anatomy anymore. I don't enjoy it like I used to. I think I only watch it because I'm supposed to....does that make sense?
I'm done blabbering. Later gators.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
Neal got a new job yesterday! He starts training Tuesday. It's with a large and established drilling company. He'll be working 14 and 14 in the Shreveport area. We are so excited!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
I Said....Brrrrr, It's Cold in Here.....
There must be some Toro's in the atmosphere....quote from the movie Bring it On? Anybody? Anybody? Nevermind. I've been wanting to sing that around the house a lot lately, but Neal makes fun of me for liking that movie, so I don't. Anyway...
I'm at the point now where I only get Starbucks once or twice a week. I do my best to make coffee at home (I use Mello Joy coffee which is delish)but sometimes I just really, really need a skinny vanilla latte. Last Saturday was one of those days, so I went to Stabucks and ordered a skinny vanilla latte at the drive thru. The guy at the window handed me a drink and said "sugar-free breve vanilla latte?" I said sure. I didn't know what breve meant, I just figured Starbucks was changing the name of their drinks again and took it. I should have asked what breve is, but I hate to inconvenience people and/or look stupid, so I didn't ask. I could tell from the first couple of sips that it was a little different, so I googled 'breve' when I got home and realized that it meant a latte drink made with half and half and whole milk (and I usually drink skim milk). I had to trash it. I've been pissed at Starbucks since. I'm sure they care.
I have to go to Baton Rouge tomorrow for HUD tranining from 9 to 12. I'm actually looking forward to getting out of the office for a few hours. Hopefully I'll get to have lunch with my sister while I'm there. She turns 23 next Tuesday, can ya' believe it?
I will also be going to either Houston, San Antonio, or Fort Worth for more HUD traning in March. I will let my Texas girls know where and when I will be there as soon as I find out. I haven't been back to H-town since May...it doesn't seem that long ago.
My mom is having a hysterecotmy on the 27th. I believe they are doing it laproscopically, so hopefully it goes smoothly and her recovery time is short and sweet.
I'm over the freezing ass cold weather now, can it please go away? Temps in the 40s and 50s are doable, but all these temps in the teens and low-twenties need to stop. We've had to leave the water running at night in the house for the past 7 days just so the pipes wouldn't freeze. And running water = pee inducer.
I'm starting to hear Mardi Gras music on the radio and it gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. It's cahnival time, baby!
I'm at the point now where I only get Starbucks once or twice a week. I do my best to make coffee at home (I use Mello Joy coffee which is delish)but sometimes I just really, really need a skinny vanilla latte. Last Saturday was one of those days, so I went to Stabucks and ordered a skinny vanilla latte at the drive thru. The guy at the window handed me a drink and said "sugar-free breve vanilla latte?" I said sure. I didn't know what breve meant, I just figured Starbucks was changing the name of their drinks again and took it. I should have asked what breve is, but I hate to inconvenience people and/or look stupid, so I didn't ask. I could tell from the first couple of sips that it was a little different, so I googled 'breve' when I got home and realized that it meant a latte drink made with half and half and whole milk (and I usually drink skim milk). I had to trash it. I've been pissed at Starbucks since. I'm sure they care.
I have to go to Baton Rouge tomorrow for HUD tranining from 9 to 12. I'm actually looking forward to getting out of the office for a few hours. Hopefully I'll get to have lunch with my sister while I'm there. She turns 23 next Tuesday, can ya' believe it?
I will also be going to either Houston, San Antonio, or Fort Worth for more HUD traning in March. I will let my Texas girls know where and when I will be there as soon as I find out. I haven't been back to H-town since May...it doesn't seem that long ago.
My mom is having a hysterecotmy on the 27th. I believe they are doing it laproscopically, so hopefully it goes smoothly and her recovery time is short and sweet.
I'm over the freezing ass cold weather now, can it please go away? Temps in the 40s and 50s are doable, but all these temps in the teens and low-twenties need to stop. We've had to leave the water running at night in the house for the past 7 days just so the pipes wouldn't freeze. And running water = pee inducer.
I'm starting to hear Mardi Gras music on the radio and it gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. It's cahnival time, baby!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Hello 2010
Oh, 2009, I am glad to see you go. There were some wonderful things that happened last year, but there were also some craptastic things that happened. I am hoping that this year is much better!
I watched the movie Julie and Julia last week. I liked it, but I found Amy Adams' character to be incredibly whiny and annoying. Nothing ever made her happy, nothing was ever enough. I think that I can get like that sometimes, where I worry myself into a ridiculous state of whiny-ness where I cannot ever be completely happy and not worry about things. I really, really, really don't want to live the rest of my life like that, so I am going to do my best to stay positive and not worry about every little thing. I guess that is my New Year's resolution. Maybe I should change the name of this blog.
So, because I love making lists on my blog, here are a list of some positives for this new year (big and small):
-Saints football, WHO DAT!
-I finally bought some skinny jeans (at Target!)that look good tucked into boots
-I found a teal messenger bag at Old Navy that I love for $18
-Jeanne & Sarah's weddings and bach. parties
-My job
-My new LSU snuggie
-Watching my nephew TJ grow up
-Being near my family
-New season of LOST starts in < 1 month
-My 30th birthday
-Being off of work the Monday and Tuesday of Mardi Gras week for the 1st time since 2005
-Jazz Fest
-That I have a husband who held my hair back, took off my boots, and took care of me on New Years Eve because I drank an entire bottle of champagne by myself before midnight
Happy New Year!
I watched the movie Julie and Julia last week. I liked it, but I found Amy Adams' character to be incredibly whiny and annoying. Nothing ever made her happy, nothing was ever enough. I think that I can get like that sometimes, where I worry myself into a ridiculous state of whiny-ness where I cannot ever be completely happy and not worry about things. I really, really, really don't want to live the rest of my life like that, so I am going to do my best to stay positive and not worry about every little thing. I guess that is my New Year's resolution. Maybe I should change the name of this blog.
So, because I love making lists on my blog, here are a list of some positives for this new year (big and small):
-Saints football, WHO DAT!
-I finally bought some skinny jeans (at Target!)that look good tucked into boots
-I found a teal messenger bag at Old Navy that I love for $18
-Jeanne & Sarah's weddings and bach. parties
-My job
-My new LSU snuggie
-Watching my nephew TJ grow up
-Being near my family
-New season of LOST starts in < 1 month
-My 30th birthday
-Being off of work the Monday and Tuesday of Mardi Gras week for the 1st time since 2005
-Jazz Fest
-That I have a husband who held my hair back, took off my boots, and took care of me on New Years Eve because I drank an entire bottle of champagne by myself before midnight
Happy New Year!
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