Bad Dream

I had a dream this morning that my dad and stepmom were getting a divorce. It was quite real and quite scary.

They just celebrated their 13 year anniversary this month.

In the dream, they acted like everything was perfect, everything was normal. And then I found out somehow. I'm not sure how I found out. However, I did find out, they didn't know I knew so I couldn't talk about it or ask them about it.

Then later, my stepmom and I went out shopping and I brought it up. I asked her where she was going to go and she said wherever I was. I had been worried she would go back to where her family was from.

I then remember being back at the house and overhearing my stepmom ask my dad something about needing to organize and seperate stuff. He said that he knew, but walked away to do something else. He didn't want to talk about it.

That's all I remember. It was a weird dream. I don't think they would ever get divorced but the dream did shake me up a little.

The Results Are In

The results of my Ultra Sound are in. The verdict? I have sludge! There is biliary sludge in my gallbladder. Dandy!

So, next Thursday, I go in for a Nuclear Hida Scan. I'm not sure it's as fun as it sounds.

At this point, I'm ready for them to take the damn thing out. I've gotten the hang for the most part of how to control the pain, but sometimes I have done nothing to cause the pain. And then sometimes, I forget all about it and have a grilled cheese for lunch and curse myself 30 minutes later.

My mother is also having more tests done but they are leaning toward issues with her Pancreas.

The doctors are on a short timeline with me. I'm not exactly sure how much longer I have this job, and they need to decide whether they are taking this useless thing out, and if so, how soon.

Meanwhile, a stock tip.....chicken and rice!

Third World Dentist

I'm not sure I've ever seen the same dentist twice. I just move that much.

Luckily, when I moved to Atlanta, I had someone here to recommend good doctors to me, but not a dentist. I had to find that one on my own.

So I searched through my insurance and picked one close to work and one that I could pronounce the name. I don't know, that just seemed important for some reason.

I went Wed. I haven't been in like a year and half. I take decent care of my teeth, but with new jobs, moving and such, a cleaning has just not made it up far enough on my list. With the possibility of losing my job soon, I'm getting in as many appointments as I can right now.

So I made the trip Wed to the dentist. On the way there, things looked a little familiar when I realized this was the area where my drunken escapade began. The office was a little white building amongst restaurants, bars and little shops. Strange...

I go in and I swear the place was the size of one of my old apartments. There were 3 assistants, the dentist and one other patient. In the back, there are 2 chairs. That's it.

I sit in the first seat, which happens to seem quite small. I look at the machine next to me and I swear to you this thing was from the 70's. The paint seemed to be peeling and there was green stuff around some of the metal and on the pipes. Knowing this wasn't good, I wasn't quite sure how to get out of the situation. So I stayed.

I would have thought that the lady down the street in the ghetto nail salon was cleaning my teeth. This woman was rough! She was going to town with that little dremmel-like tool. Stuff was all splattered on my face and she wouldn't bother to wipe it. She didn't use the little sucky thing to keep me from gaggin on my own saliva. It was just a mess. Afterward, she gave me small papercup of water to rinse and spit in the bowl.

I can't remember the last time I had to do that. But what was more scary was when I went to spit in the bowl and saw green crap on the little things that water comes out of. Ugh, I wonder if anyone has ever thrown up in that bowl.

After the 20 minute cleaning, they bring me to another chair so they can do x-rays. This 80 year old man, hunched over, walks up to me, introduces himself at the speed of a turtle and thanks me for choosing their office.

He took 2 x-rays. That's it. Usually on first visits, I'm used them taking 5 or 6. I'm not sure quite what they will find with 2, but okay.

He then proceeds to show me a laminated card from the 70's on how to avoid brushing aggressively. His words, "Your teeth look good and I think you are brushing them well, but I like to show everyone this." Huh???

He then shows me a little flyer from Crest on how to brush your teeth and he models it on a mold of some teeth. When he got to the part that said "in a circular motion" he says, "I don't know how you brush circularly, just brush 4-5 times in each are" as he continues to show me on the mold. He then tells me that they will call me if anything shows up on the x-rays and that he'll see me in March. The hell he will!

Now, I know I haven't been in almost 2 years, but I'm pretty damn sure that things are a little more advanced than that now.

I left the office cracking up. It was just that bad all I could do was laugh. I'm in Atlanta, come on now. I would maybe have expected this in a small town, but not in a city.

Needless to say, I will not be returning in March.

Special Talent

Sis #2 is starting to get into all the extra curricular activities at school. She's social...it fits her.

She tried recently for class president (I guess they have those in 4th grade now). She didn't make it. And she was okay with that.

The next was the talent show. She broadcasted it to everyone that she was trying out. She was going to sing.

Singing does not run in the Sissy family by a long shot.

She decided she was going to sing Delta Dawn. Unfortunately, she was butchering it so with the help of my parents, it was decided she should pick another song.

She then decided on "Oops, I Did It Again", a Britney Spears song. She was practicing in front of my parents and was actually doing pretty good. Until she started shaking her hips and dancing. That when my dad piped up with, "You can't do this song. My 8 year old daughter is not going to be shaking her hips up on stage." So that song was out.

She then decided on "Grand Old Flag". She wanted to make it a big production with old suitcases, a dance routine, the whole works.

Try outs were Tuesday and there were only 12 slots open.

She didn't make it.

But they did give her a "special singer" position. I'm questioning their definition of "special".

She's cute, and I'm sure that's what won them over. The other kids that didn't make it did not get a "special" position.

My stepmom made the point that they would have to adjust their vacation a couple of days if she made it. They were going to shave 2 days off their trip to Florida because she has a 45 second spot in the talent show.

It's hilarious! And I'm driving up there to see it next Friday. Yes we are video taping it. I'll see what I can do to get it posted. I think it'll be that funny!

Next she's trying out for some Academic Contest. This should be good too...

Dodgin' Deer

I went for another drive tonight. I needed somewhere to go to think. It's kind of like that whole don't shit where you eat. I don't know why it makes sense to me, but it does.

The weather was too perfect to pass it up. However, this time, I found myself nestled in some woods, somewhere. I turned off the radio, rolled down all the windows and just listened.

One thing I forgot about the woods at night though? Deer.

I am obviously alive to tell the tale, as are the deer.

I can tell you that'll get your mind off things for awhile!

Those IT Guys Can't Handle Their Booze!

One of my discussion questions in class this week was:

What are some of the personality traits that IT personnel are said to
possess?

Some of the answers are accurate, some funny, and some odd...

I've known several IT personnel in my day. They are thinkers. They like to know everything and have a tendency to get frustrated when they don't know it. They have patience only when figuring something out, a low alcohol tolerance, and a hard time with the opposite sex. (personal experience only) Many IT personnel are open, kind and helpful when it comes to them showing off their expertise and will deny not knowing what they are doing until they have figured it out.

One of the many reasons I'm so ready to be done with school.

Oh, and by the way, the class is Human Factors in Technology 401.

All-In

Bou, I call your roach in the bed and I'm All-In with a roach in the back of my knee.

My grandparents on my mother's side were very poor. Neither could work due to disabilities and what money they did have was spent on a Bingo addiction. Grandma used to believe that when her left hand was itching, it meant she was going to get money. We'd often hear, "Don, my hand is itching. I need you to drive me to Bingo." There was a different place for Bingo each night. It's kind of funny now.

After my parents divorced, I went to live with my grandparents for a little while. I was obviously expected to contribute by completing chores and such. My assigned chore - dishes. I hated them! Not for the typical reasons, but because I had little helpers that hung out around the kitchen sink. I would move a dish and roaches would scurry. I would put away dishes and disturb their homes in the cabinets.

It gets worse.

We lived in a single-wide trailer with only 2 bedrooms. One room was for my grandparents and the other was for my uncle and his son and then my other uncle slept on the couch. That meant, I got the floor. I had a little pallet that I'd make in the middle of the living room floor.

It was common for me to toss, turn and feel a bit itchy. And then there was the morning I woke up and wiped the back of my knee to find a smooshed dead roach. Yep, a roach. He must have got caught up in my tossing and turning.

I am thoroughly disgusted still to this day.

I moved back to my mother's at the end of the school year.

A Lack of Unconditional

There are some people you will always be tied to and nothing changes that. There is history, there are shared experiences, there are crises, there is love and there is blood.

Some we are tied to just through memories and others we'll be tied to until the end and then beyond.

On my 18th birthday, I went camping with my dad, stepmom and sister. I would be off to college soon and we realized how quickly the time had gone by in the year and half I lived with them. My dad took me on a walk through the wooded RV lot, sat me down at a picnic table and proceeded to pour his heart out to me. What I remember most of what he said was that the most important thing I own is my name, that he may let me fall a bit but that he will always be here for me, that there are only 2 good men in the world, him and one other for me, and how unconditional his love was for me, as well as my stepmom's.

And there hasn't been a moment I have ever doubted that. Ever! Despite my stubbornness to learn lessons on my own or the fear to admit I have failed, I always know in my gut, without a doubt, that they will be there.

I see these other families, these other kids that may not ever be that lucky to truly understand what unconditional is or means. Parents that have not handled their own personal demons and take that out on their children. Parents that choose their spouse over their child. Parents that will let their children hurt so they don't have to recognize the issues or the blame. Parents that will take advantage of their title as a parent and the love of their child.

I only hope that children that are missing what is rightfully theirs from a parent look for it somewhere. Just because they are tied by blood to someone that can't give, it doesn't mean they don't have the right to find it somewhere else. Otherwise, it just feels as if something is always missing.

Blood doesn't equal unconditional anymore. Nor does it mean trust, respect, or even safety. Blood is just a tie and should never hold someone back from moving on.

**Brought to you by Lifetime TV and other cases of dysfunctional relationships**

Have My Drink at the Finish Line

Last night my company participated in a 5K Walk/Run. It was my first.

Six weeks ago, I had intended on working up to this, but things seem to get in the way. I'd say there were a total of 6 45 minute workouts. Oh well...

The runners got to start right at 7pm while the walkers had to wait about 15 minutes until all the runners passed. We disguised ourselves as runners for about 2 tenths of a mile so we could get through sooner.

We made it in 52 minutes. My personal goal was an hour. Hell, who am I kidding, my personal goal was to finish. I think the motivation was the plan to have drinks afterward. We knew the quicker we finished, the closer we were to drinks.

It wasn't bad except for going up hill a couple of times. And my ass reminds me of those hills each time I get up out of seat or go up stairs.

Dentist, Doctor, It's Not The Same

I had my ultra sound on Thursday. They of course, don't tell you anything then. I do have to say that I am impressed with this hospital so if I do have to have the surgery, I feel a little better about it. Now, I'm only comparing it to the many Naval Hospitals I have been to in the past. It's a hell of a lot better.

Today I woke up with some severe pain in the same places but the pain felt a little bit different. I can't describe how, maybe it was sharper...but it hurt more. A lot more. And it wasn't going away. Considering the last real meal I had due to the ultra sound was Wed night, I was pretty certain it wasn't anything I ate. Everything I ate since the ultra sound were little things like bananas or some popcorn. I attempted a grilled chicken sandwhich Thursday night...but didn't have much of an appetite (plus it was dry, cold and gross).

So I called my doctor to ask how soon I know the results and if I should be concerned about this new pain. The first time I called, it rang for a long time with no answer. I hung up and tried again. It rang for awhile and someone picked up and hung up.

I then called again, and someone answered. I explained that my doctor had sent me to get an ultra sound and I needed to know if I needed to make an appointment to view the results. She questioned me and then said, "this is a dentist office".

Oops! Wrong doctor in my phone. I have an appointment with my dentist next Wed. I hope they don't have caller id.

As for the pain, I'm keeping an eye on it. The nurse said that the doctor may have the results in the system by Sunday but if not, I should hear something Monday.

Whatever is going to happen needs to happen quick while I'm still employed and work for a manager that is going to be flexible with my time seeing as I don't have much vacation time.

Only #3?

It seems that I am #3 when you do a Yahoo search for "Sissy Sucks"

Here's the proof:

Hmmm. I'm just not sure what to think about that...

Are You Still There?

You know those friends that you only talk to every couple of months?

It's pretty bad when they call and the first thing they ask is, "Are you still in Atlanta?"

Damn, am I that bad?

My Type of Meme

Most Memes usually blow. But I don't mind the ones that are about music. So I will gladly accept Tink's pass and share my latest music additions.

List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to.

Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
Far Away - Nickleback
Fight Song - Joe Firstman
Just Say The Word - Josh Kelley
Hate Me - Blue October
Time to Dance - Panic! At The Disco
In Your Own Way - Caleb Kane

On another note, all of these artists, with the exception of Nickleback, are outstanding. I picked all songs that were on the radio right now, but they have tons of great songs that have not been released worth looking into.

I want to hear from the following 7:

Napster
Spurs (I don't care how busy you are and they can't be the same as Napster's!)
Bou
Morrigan (I don't care that you don't have a blog)
CalTechGirl
Tammi
Rave

Will You Hire Me?

Pull out the nice paper and recommendation letters...

...it's resume time again!!

That's right! I was told by 3 of my superiors to get crackin' on my resume, immediately.

Dandy!

Look, I know I get antsy and get bored quickly. I know I like to move up quickly and try new things.

But come on! 2 months!?! I just got here!

My position is going to be the first to go. I am not valuable at this point, I am too new. So I was told to "exhaust all internal open positions." Luckily, my manager is determined to make sure I have a job. She's making phone calls, helping me update my resume with "what I've done" (or would have done) in this position. She pointing me in the direction of good departments and good potential managers. She also suggested to deliver my resume externally. Just in case. Just in case something doesn't work out internally and just in case I get a better offer.

Fuck! That's all I've got to say!

For Better or Worse

So with this whole turned 25 thing, it seems like there have been a lot of changes. I don't know if it's coincidental or comes with age. A lot of it has me laughing daily.

Obviously, with these past incidents, my ability to consume large amounts of alcohol, including tequila, has not been as impressive as they used to me. Oh trust me, I can put some away and have a good time, but not like I used to. I used to inhale shots and have drinks and no worry about hurling and wake up the next morning with no issues. My tolerance has...uh...not been as good.

However, on the plus side, my cooking has improved. Stop.laughing.you!

Each meal I have made since I've been here has been my best. It's been shocking actually. Practice, more patience, call it what you will. But it's better. Better, I said...not good. Just better.

Then there are things like shows I use to watch when I was younger being on Nick at Nite. I used to watch old Lassie, Leave it to Beaver, Andy Griffith shows on Nick at Nite. All black and white, all the definition of old, to me, at the time. If you were around for the original showings of these shows...you were old, to me, at that time.

But now, shows like Roseanne, Cosby Show, Fresh Prince, Mad About You, Designing Women, etc., they are all on. These are all shows I used to watch (and still do at night when there's nothing else on). So, by my above definition....uh, I can't think it...

My decisions have been better. I make better decisions. Not great, but better. Man, have I made some stupid decisions in the past. And sometimes I still revert back to them. But not as frequently!

There's more. More pros, more cons. More better, more worse. But it has me laughing daily.

Drowning in a Puddle of Raid

Can anyone tell me what the hell this is?

Whatever it is, it scared the everloving shit out of me! It is now dead in a puddle of Raid. Not quite sure how I'm going to clean it up yet as it is huge!! Bleh! That'll keep me out of the kitchen for a little while.

UPDATE

While talking with Morrigan about this creature that still is on my kitchen floor, she decides to google centipedes as that's what she thinks it is. She then would insist I look at each picture. I guess the real one wasn't enough...

If I have nightmares tonight, I'm so giving her a wakeup call at like 5am.

Here are some of the pictures....

And out of care and respect for those of you that our squeamish, I have put them in the extended entry.

Palm Reading

This was kind of fun...

Palm Reading

First let's take a look at your Life Line. You have the best kind of Life Line, long and clearly marked. This shows that you will possess good health, vitality and a very nice life expectancy. The wide swooping motion of your Life Line indicates strength, enthusiasm and an improved love life. The little lines you see extending upward from your Life Line are representative of your ability to recuperate.

Now let's see what your Head Line had to say. Your Head Line is deep, long and straight, stretching across the palm. This indicates a logical and direct way of thinking. The straighter the line, the more realistic the thinking, and the deeper the line, the better the memory. Your Head Line is short, which tends to show a tendency towards 'physical' thinking rather than reflection. You may be impulsive. If your Head Line is forked near the middle of your palm, it shows an important new interest. If it is forked at the end, it shows a descent into second childhood. Having your Head Line and Heart Line separated shows a love for adventure and an enthusiasm for life.

The last line we'll look at is your Heart Line. A selfish and materialistic look at love is characteristic to those like you whose Heart Line start below the middle finger. A long Heart Line like yours, running almost all the way across the palm, represents an idealist in love. In love you tend to look for those whose status rises above your own, and you have a great respect for them. Your double Heart Line shows that you are protected by someone who loves you. The small lines you may see extending upward from your Heart Line are a good sign, as they illustrate happiness in love. Those little lines you see running downward from your Heart Line indicate disappointments in love.

You have a spade-shaped hand. This is the hand of an inventor. You are probably very good with all things mechanical. Often those who've forged new paths in science and engineering have a spade-shaped hand. Women who have this type of hand enjoy do-it-yourself projects (decorating and sewing). It also gives these women a manual dexterity greater than most men have.

Not sure about the spade-shaped hand thing, but interesting.

Escape

Blogmom Bou often talks about running with her favorite music drowning everything out when trying to escape life for awhile.

I'm a little lazy. I drive. I roll down the windows, open the moonroof, and play the playlist on my stereo that fits the mood whether it's escape, anger, sad or contemplation.

My favorite place to go is along the water. When I lived in the Carolinas, I would drive along the coast for hours. Sometimes I'd get out and sit there for awhile. Sometimes I'd watch the sun come up and not even realize I had been there that long or that I had to be to work in a few short hours.

In Yuma, I did a lot of driving. I was in a house with 3 other people, I was miserable, so I was constantly trying to get out. There's no water in Yuma obviously so I had to rely on the clear Arizona sky that very rarely lacked stars. Sometimes I'd park by the airport and watch the jets fly over me. Not quite the ocean, but still an escape.

In Atlanta, it takes a little more effort to "get lost", but I manage. Tonight was the first night I've had the chance to really go for a drive for awhile. Call it a way to procrastinate from the never ending laundry, hanging, cleaning, organizing, unpacking, and school work that needs to be done, time to think without distractions or just a plain escape. There's no water, but the weather is perfect. It took me a little while to escape the interstates and the main roads, but I found the hidden back roads that were surrounded by woods. 150 miles worth of wooded backroads with the windows down, the music playing and the partly cloudy skies. I have no idea where I was or how to get back there, but it was what I was looking for. Good thing gas prices have gone down.

I'm not sure if I accomplished anything or came to any conclusions, but I escaped for a little while.

So Much for Stability

When I started this new job, my company was still in contract negotiations with the account I work with. It has been drawn out and never ending.

Well, it seems like they didn't sign. So basically, the 4 of us in my department will be out in April when our current contract is up.

I feel bad for the 3 in my department who have been working with this company for a long while. And they are remote, so unless they want to move, they'll most likely be out of a job.

I don't know what'll happen with me. I can look for another position within the company, but I don't know how I feel about that yet.

What I'm most dissapointed about is that I will miss out on the opportunity to work under my current manager. Things were finally starting to get going and I was learning some things from her. I feel like she could have taught me a lot and now I'll miss out on that.

And I know my luck is about to wear out. I have had some really good jobs and managers the past 4+ years, it's bound to end sometime. I thought at least with this job I'd get another year or two.

I'm sure I'll hear/learn more further along. But for now, it's a bit of a bummer.

iPod Took a Dump

I had a slight scare yesterday. I installed iTunes 7 on my computer and updated the software on my iPod. Afterward, my iPod took a big crap! Frozen! Reset, restore, nothing would help it! If it was plugged into my computer, my computer started acting up.

Of course I don't have the receipt anymore. I bought it a year ago this October at Best Buy in Yuma. I thought for sure I'd have to end up using it as a paperweight and buying a new one.

I did all the troubleshooting tips on Apple's website, no luck. Luckily, there are 3 Apple Stores here in Atlanta. I made an appointment online and was able to get in by 4pm at their "Genious Bar".

He checked a couple of things out, couldn't fix it, so replaced it. He said he was supposed to charge me $30 but "he forgot".

I thought for sure this was going to be a dissapointing situation, but I was surprised!

So, careful downloading the new iTunes....but their customer service is above the norm.

Vodka vs. Tequila

Tonight we had a happy hour to attend from 3-5 and then a dinner with another group for work.

At the happy hour, I had 1 vodka & cranberry and was good to go. I guess this weekend is finally starting to wear off.

Then we went to a Mexican restaurant. We all ordered margaritas. After one sip of mine I had instant flashbacks! After another sip, I felt like I was drinking Drano!

I've always been a fan of tequila, in shot or drink form. But tonight, you would have thought I was drinking gasoline.

I don't know if this is temporary or permanent....but I'm not any rush to meet back up with tequila!

Vodka and I are still fine. I had a few more vodka and cran's after dinner at the bar. We can still hang.

The Party Is Over

B just left after 5 days of fun and laughs. From what I can remember...

We stayed up until 4:30 am painting the kitchen. (my own personal hell)

We bar hopped with our own chauffer ;-)

After a light dinner and 14 drinks, our DD thought we needed a shot.

B got a lapdance from a 60 year old stripper.

By the way, to keep your ass and legs firm, slap them constantly. At least that's what Bunny says.

I dance when I'm drunk and only when I'm drunk.

I am really drunk when I don't remember it.

I apparently flip you off if you talk to me while I'm falling asleep in my plate of pasty eggs.

My aim has improved. I made it to the trash can this time versus the bathroom floor.

When my friend fell on her ass in front of the Majestic with 8 people watching, I was too drunk to know and she was too drunk to stop laughing long enough to get up.

Apparently, my aim has not improved as I opened the car door to puke, while the car was still in motion and was knocked in the head back into the car as the door hit a fire hydrant.

It took us the whole next day to recover!

3 days later, we still couldn't have a drink with our meals. (yes, we tried)

The Shakira concert was good despite not understanding half of the songs and the piss poor organization of Phillips Arena.

So obviously, it has been an eventful few days and good visit for B.

I never thought I'd see the day, but I have sworn of shots of tequila.

Now excuse me, I've gotta go put some ice on my head.

Happy Birthday Bou!!

Today is my blogmom, Bou's birthday.

Now, ya know...she's only a year and a half younger than my mom. So if Bou was popping out babies at 15, she could have a 25 year old.

Scary, huh Bou?

I hope you have/had an outstanding birthday full of chocolate and smooches from the boys!!

My 5th Opinion

Morrigan, Bou, H~, Napster and all the others that have diagnosed me in real life or in the comments...

...you were right.

I went to the doctor today about the stomach issues I've been having.

He said he's 100% sure there is something wrong with my gall bladder. He said he trains other doctors, nurses, students, etc and wishes he had them in the room because I was such a classic case.

Great!!

He said we've got to figure out what exactly is wrong though. Are there gallstones? Is the stuff in there turning to sludge and not able to get out? Is the gall bladder itself bad? etc. So I have an ultra sound on the 21st. He gave me some drugs for nausea, acid reflux and for spasms. He warned me that if any of the symptoms got worse or if I got a fever that I needed to go to the ER because it meant it was infected.

Good Times!

They took 3 things of blood to run some tests. Otherwise, I won't know anything else until my ultra sound.

So that's the scoop.

Good news though...

....alcohol DOES NOT effect it! I tested that this week! So let the party beging. B is flying in and should be arriving in about 2 hours.

Dog IBS?

I think Kiki has IBS.

Whenever I took Kiki to the kennel before I would go on trips, she'd be fine. She'd shake just like any Chihuahua does, but would still go to the employee and would be loving.

My parents didn't have any issues in Arizona either when bringing her to the kennel.

But in Kentucky, it's another story. When they take her there, she shits right on the floor of the lobby. She never does that. She is trained! She's done that the past couple of times they've taken her there.

This time they tried another place, and she shit and snapped at another dog. That is so not like her!!

So we are thinking the 1st place they took her to in Kentucky must have done something to her. I try not to think about it, otherwise I get too pissed off.

So we are hoping the one she went to today will treat her well and she'll get over this.

My parents are leaving for 2 weeks in October and I already said she'll stay with me.

I don't think I'm getting her back. Their Golden Retriever has bonded with her so much that he freaks out when she's not there.

It just kills me!

Just a Little Consistency

For the most part, I actually like the Kansas City Airport. I like that there are 3 separated terminals, I like that there is separate security for each 5 gates and separate baggage claim areas. Makes things simple and less hectic.

I especially like the free Wi-Fi. you can never go wrong with that.

It is out in the middle of nowhere and takes me 30 minutes to get to Overland Park, but I can even live with that.

But how about a little consistency amongst airports? Before going through security, I stopped by the news stand to get some magazines and a water. I know the rules of what I can and cannot bring on board. I don't push it, I don't argue. I deal with it.

So I go through security and they request a bag check on my container which holds my shoes, purse and purchase.

I am told I cannot have my drink. I apologized and told him I thought I could have it as long as I drank it before I got on the plane. So there's $2 down the drain.

But the thing is, I wouldn't have thought that unless I was allowed at every other airport I've been to. LAX...no problem. I was chugging water all the way up until I boarded. ATL, again, no problem.

LAX, I was screened before going on board by some pretty cute Army dudes (they were Marines, but not bad). ATL, I wasn't screened before hand so to be honest, they probably wouldn't have known if I brought a water or something in my bag that I purchased after security. I wouldn't do that....but the possibility is there. Hell, I forgot that I had lip gloss in my purse and it got through security.

Makes me a little upset that I threw away my lotion, toothpaste and mascara before I got to the airport just because I didn't want to check my luggage. (Note, mascara was old and empty...I wasn't being wasteful).

Oh well, back to consistency. I would expect if any airport was going to be more strict on restrictions, it would be the ones like LAX and ATL. But no, it's this little airport out in the middle of nowhere.

Starting Young

Bou's 2nd boy is starting band, in 4th grade. I'm very excited.

I wasn't able to start band until 6th grade. And as for a choice of instruments, I was handed a clarinet. I actually wanted to play percussion or sax, but my stepmom had an old clarinet so that's what I started with.

Bou's boy has already vowed to move to other instruments in the future as he was denied playing the ones he wanted. Ah, music to my ears!

I've missed playing. And as I unpacked and ran across my clarinet (a newer more professional one after the hand-me-down was not keeping up with me), I really wanted to play again. If I could play without disturbing the neighbors, I would. In college, we had a building that had private practice rooms that no one on the outside could hear you. I miss that!

So, unless I find something like that in Atlanta, it looks like no more playing for me. I'm looking into getting a piano, but it's just not the same. I played many different instruments, but my clarinet was like an extra appendage.

So meanwhile, I will look forward to the stories from Bou about her little musician. And if it's anything like when I started...oh boy will there be some blog fodder.

I Can Have Both!

Good News! Looks like my horoscope was wrong a couple of days ago.

My trip to the Philippines was changed to a different date!

Just Say No To Bacon

Yes, you heard me right. Spurs, I'm sorry for speaking such foul language as this.

I was hoping that the stomach issues I've been having were temporary. I've always had a sensitive stomach but it seems like it has been gradually getting worse. Now with the more severe symptoms, I'm not sure I have much hope left.

Things like having 2 slices of bacon Sunday morning have ruined my hope. Or a small sliver of pound cake, forget it. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain and am usually able to control my upchuck reflex. Not so much anymore.

I have an appointment the 19th. Due to my travel schedule, I could not get anything sooner.

So I've taken the diet recommendations to limit the issues. And those times that I slip or forget, my body reminds me. It's like when my grandma was trying to quit smoking and whenever she wanted one or had one, she would snap herself with the rubberband on her wrist.

Let's just hope that alcohol doesn't have this same affect on me. B's coming out and there's gonna be some drinkin' goin' on!!

Putting the Parents to Work

Let me tell you, I have some of the best parents! We got so much done this weekend. They didn't get here until 10pm Saturday night and they left at about 3:30 this afternoon.

My stepmom is a creative and thrifty genious. We painted my bedroom and master bathroom in about 7 hours. Also in that time, my dad put together my new kitchen table, 6 stools, and hung a bunch of stuff for me.

After a hard days work, we were invited to Morrigan and her beau's house for dinner. Dad had his heart set on Dave's BBQ, but when pot roast was mentioned, it was no question. So we had an absolutely wonderful dinner there while my lil sis talked everyone's ear off. It was fun. Thanks again you two!

Then this morning, my stepmom and I did some serious shopping. We found great deals everywhere we went. We hit the great towel sale at Kohl's, got curtain rods, curtains and sheers at Bed Bath and Beyond and another gallon of paint at Home Depot. I have mail-in rebates to send in, Kohl's cash to use at a future date, and were even able to use an expired coupon. She's that good! :-)
(Advice: Bed, Bath and Beyond willingly takes expired coupons and takes Linen's and Things coupons)

I hate that I have to go to Kansas City tomorrow as I'm still motivated to get more done.

I get back Friday but 5 hours later, my friend B from Yuma arrives.

So here's to everything coming together and to the best parents ever!

Puttin' the Labor in Labor Day

Both sets of my parents have only come to visit me once. Christmas of 2003 when I moved to North Carolina and was renting my first decent place.

Otherwise, I have always come to visit them. It makes sense I suppose. One of me, 2 sets of 3 of them.

But it's nice to be somewhere that they can just drive down for the weekend. My dad, stepmom and 8 y.o. sis drove down this evening, arriving about 10pm. It was a 5 hour drive. Not too bad.

I like having them here.

So it looks like my stepmom and I will be painting the master bathroom (of which I have already primed once and painted twice...just not happy with the colors) and the master bedroom. I'm glad she's here because I am so awful at picking out colors. We tried a small amount of the color I picked out for the bedroom and we didn't like it. Hmmm, I wonder if Wal-Mart will take it back? :-)

So it's off to Home Depot and JoAnn's for us tomorrow. Painting and curtains are on our agenda. She even brought her sewing machine to make my curtains. She's so crafty and talented, she more than makes up for my lack of taste, talent and decision making.

Meanwhile, Dad has a list of dad stuff to do such as put together the kitchen table and chairs I bought last weekend, fix the entertainment center doors the movers broke and hang some pictures, sconces and other stuff.

I am not a home decorator. I am indecisive and get caught up in the detail to where I stress myself out and can't move on. Eh! I'm so glad they are here!

Meanwhile, lil sis will be helping here and there and writing a report for Girl Scouts. I'm sure she'll also be in charge of the dogs.

Speaking of which, Kiki is here! They brought their Golden Retriever, Chance and my dog Kiki. I wish I could keep her here but it's just not smart until I know how my travel is going to be. But it sure is nice to have her here this weekend. She hasn't left my side since she got here.

My family isn't here long enough. They leave Monday afternoon. But Thanksgiving is at my house this year! :-)

Just more evidence that moving here was the right decision.

A Day Too Late

I found out yesterday that I'm going to have to miss a blog meet I was really looking forward to because I will be going to the Philippines for work. Now, I'm very, very excited about the trip, but am bummed I'm going to miss the meet.

And then my horoscope today:

How annoying when work gets in the way of pleasure! But there are times when professional opportunities are simply too good to pass up. That beguiling creature you've had your eye on will just have to wait for you another day. For now, dear Cancer, focus on the business at hand. With the current planetary forces in play, the payoff could be tremendous!

Ugh, a day too late...

Music Meme

Can't pass up a music meme - especially when CalTechGirl shares such great taste :-)

Four songs that you could listen to over and over:
"Grey Street" - Dave Matthews Band - anything by them for that matter
"Wild Horses" - Tori Amos, Dave Matthews, Alicia Keys/Adam Levine - tons of people of done this one
"She Talks to Angels" - Black Crowes
"Lightning Crashes" - Live - along with a lot of other Live songs

Four songs that drive you up the friggin' wall:
Buttons - Pussycat Dolls
Photograph - Nickelback
Stars are Blind - Paris Hilton
Barbie Girl - "Aqua"

Four songs that you're embarrassed (or should be) to admit you like:
"Regulate" - Warren G & Nate Dogg
"I Would Do Anything For Love" - Meatloaf
"Making Love Out of Nothing At All" - Air Supply
"L-O-V-E" - Ashley Simpson

Four best driving songs:
"Just Because" - Jane's Addiction
"The Boys of Summer" - Don Henley (although I like the Ataris version too)
"Bad Day" - Fuel (different song then that stupid Daniel Powter song on the radio now)
"Lakini's Juice" - Live

Four songs that make you cry:
"That's My Job" - Conway Twitty
"The Wind Beneath My Wings" - Bette Midler
"My December" - Linkin Park (also done by Josh Groban)
"Just Say The Word" - Josh Kelley

Four best risque' songs:
"Crash" - Dave Matthews Band
"All I Want To Do Is Make Love To You" - Heart
"Anytime, Anyplace" - Janet Jackson
"Strokin'" - Clarence Carter. Strokin to the east... strokin to the west... (oh, and I have a story about this one)

Four best kid songs:
"The Unicorn" - The Irish Rovers
"Favorite Things" - Sound of Music
"Purple People Eater" - Sheb Wooley
"Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" - Brian Hyland

Four Other Songs: Four 80's Movie songs:
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" - Simple Minds - Breakfast Club
"Next Time I Fall" - Peter Cetera & Amy Grant - Karate Kid
"Holding Out For A Hero" - Bonnie Tyler - Footloose
""You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" - The Righteous Brothers - Top Gun