Wicked Awesome

I might... MIGHT be going to see Wicked tonight. Did you catch that big emphasis on MIGHT?

I'll let you know tomorrow if I was able to defy gravity tonight :)

Weekend Update: It Rocked...Literally

This weekend was supposed to be full of outdoor projects, planting more flowers, pulling weeds, gardening, and putting winter clothes away to fill my closet with spring and summer favorites.

Instead, it was freezing cold, raining (at times snowing), and no sun was in sight. Michael and I forfeited our outdoor plans and retreated to indoors. I also retired the idea of putting winter clothes away for now. Seems every time I get a glimpse of summer, my dreams of sun and warmth are shattered by the fact that I live in Utah's Rocky Mountains. I'm in serious need of a beach.

Anyway, despite the craptastic weather, Michael and I did have fun. We discovered Rock Band for the Wii. Friends came over Saturday night for cards and we munched on pizza and treats. Then Amanda showed up with Rock Band and before too long, we were jammin' our little hearts out. Michael and Jen played the drums, Amanda, Dave and I took turns singing, and playing base and guitar. Let me just say... HIGH-Larious. I loved Dave's renditions. He should sing more often.

I forgot how fun video games are. I haven't played one for probably 15 years, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Michael had so much fun playing that we ended up buying Rock Band ourselves yesterday. And yes, once again we were jammin' out last night with friends. I can't wait to play again.

Best part? We unlocked Bon Jovi's famous "Livin' on a Prayer" and yes, we rocked the shit outta that song. I love me some Bon Jovi.

P.S. I've graduated from "easy" to "medium" on both drums and guitar/bass. Watch out Tico Torres, you got nuthin' on me. And Richie- I'm catchin' up to you, man.

Kinda Creepy

You know what's odd? Every time I go into the bathroom at work, I assume someone is in there because of the noises I hear, and then come to find out I'm in there by myself. No, I'm not crazy, but I do HEAR noises that tell me someone else is in the stall next to me... and yet, nobody is. I don't know if the air pressure in the bathroom changes when I open the main door which triggers the movement of air making it sound like someone is in there when in reality nobody is or what, but it's creepy nonetheless.

And who feels comfortable dropping trow when creeped out from thinking you're in there alone when you're really not but you really are? I know, confusing isn't it?! Try peeing in panick, you'll see what I mean.

Don't get me wrong, I like privacy just as much as the next person... it's kind of nice to have the work bathroom all to yourself because you don't have to exchange that awkward "hello" with someone you never talk to, and you're not caught up in trying to avoid those people who want to have a conversation with you when you're peeing (gross, don't talk to me when I'm going to the bathroom). But if bathroom privacy comes at the price of being creeped out every time I need to "take care of business," I think I'd rather revert back to when I was 5 years old (you remember being 5... you never did anything by yourself, always had to have a friend with you, and there was always hand holding?). Then I would at least be more comfortable when I have to... ya know...GO.

Too bad I can't just hold it. I have the smallest bladder known to man. What am I going to do if I ever get pregnant?! Bathroom Ghosty better be gone by then, cuz I'm sure I'll be one bitchy prego lady who has to pee.

It Finally Arrived!

Last night I was rushing home. I only had so much time before Michael and I had to be at the theatre so I left about 30 minutes early from work. On the to do list:

1. Feed KeeLee dinner


2. Water the flowers


3. Make sure KeeLee does her "business"


4. Pack a snack bag because movie treats are too expensive


5. Get to the theatre by 6:00

Michael tried to leave early but was stopped by a co-worker in his parking lot who wanted to chit chat. However, he did manage to get home earlier than his usual time. Apparently he came in while I was out on the deck playing with KeeLee and giving the flowers some H2O.

When I came inside, there it was on the kitchen counter, in all it's shiny mango-colored glory. Michael had it out of the package, unwrapped, and displayed there for me to see. The smell of leather filled the room, and I squealed like a child on Christmas morning. It is here, it is mine, and it's the perfect summer color; the exact shade of orange I was hoping for.

I know, I know, how silly to be so excited about an over-priced purse that I really don't need (especially in a time of trying to save money for house projects). BUT- there was a small part of me that sort of did need it. I've been sinking all my money into the house decorations and renovations even before we moved in (which is a good thing, and yes, I get to reap the benefits of it) but, I didn't have anything that was just mine, just girly, just for me that reminded me how fun it is to be a girl sometimes. And I didn't have that one special accessory that helps every girl feel like she's ready to kick off a new season.

I spotted this gem back in February when I got the crazy idea that I had to have an orange purse. I think this craving had something to do with winter lasting too long, being too cold, and nothing but gray and white outside my window day after day after day. Anyway, I scowered the internet looking for the perfect orange purse and found it, but it was pricey. So I put any indulgences on hold indefinitely which turned out to be only for two months.

I did my best to find something that was similar to this perfect purse. I searched every store I could think of that had somewhat stylish hand bags, but to no avail. Nothing seemed to measure up to THIS ONE. Finally I made up my mind that I had to have it. I want it to be known that I was more than willing to buy this beauty myself, but Michael ended up getting it for me because I told him if he did, it would count for my birthday AND anniversary gifts (and every woman knows that birthdays and anniversaries are two separate events, NOT TO BE COMBINED, no matter how close in proximity they occur- which in my case is exactly 9 days apart).

I was up front and honest with Michael about this not combining special occasions gifts theory BEFORE we got married. I let him know that just because our wedding was going to take place a week and a half after my birthday, this wouldn't provide him with the opportunity to combine an anniversary gift with my birthday gift. They are TWO DIFFERENT, NOT EVEN REMOTELY THE SAME events (and girls, I KNOW you understand this, guys, just level with me here). But because I do my best to be a reasonable wife, and because I willingly admit this is one pricey purse, I made an exception this year. Thus Michael is excited because he HATES trying to figure out what to get me in terms of presents, and having to purchase thoughtful gifts twice in a two-week time frame is almost enough to make his cute little head explode with anxiety.

The other condition? I didn't have to wait for the actual date of these events to use the purse. Once it arrived, it was mine to use. Michael was okay with this, and so it is.

We got home late last night so I didn't have time to change bags, but you can bet that I'll be sporting my new, stylish accessory VERY soon. Now I just need to find a matching toe nail polish and I'm ready for summer :)

Hurry! Say 32!

Last night Micheal and I jumped in the car for a quick trip to one of my favorite places...that's right, Target (I wanted to get some fun outdoor lights to string up around the perimeter of our deck). On our way there, we heard the DJ on the radio ask listeners "On average, how many pairs of shoes to most women have in their closet?"


Whoever knew the answer to this question had their choice of two different prizes. One prize selection being a four pack of tickets to the pre-screeing of the movie EARTH (and I didn't hear the other prize choice because I about peed my pants when I heard I had a chance to win free tickets to see this movie as I've been anxiously awaiting it's release for months-(yes, I am a nerd- and so what).


Michael, being the smart man that he is said "HONEY! I know the answer to that! It's TOO MANY!"


I figured this was a pretty good answer so I decided to phone in and try and win these much coveted tickets. Here's how the next 10 minutes went down:

• Start freaking out and dig through purse looking for cell phone.


• Realize cell phone is sitting on kitchen counter at home.


• Ask husband where his phone is.


• Husband gets cell phone and asks what number to dial in to win.


• Give husband phone number.


• Husband laughs as he realizes phone number is NOT the right number.


• Realize I don't know the correct number to call and complain that my car actually TELLS me the number to call on my dashboard.


• Husband argues that his car does the same and tries to prove it.


• Car does NOT give us number to call.


• Have epiphany, realize correct number, and call radio station (it's actually ringing too)


• DJ answers and I tell him the answer is too many.


• DJ says although it's a clever answer, he needs an actual number.


• Guess 50. Guess is wrong and DJ says to try again (and this time to guess in the 30's)


• Hang up, dial again. It actually rings again! No busy signal!


• It keeps ringing...


• And ringing....


• And ringing...


• Start to sing along with song on the radio and tell husband DJ must have found a winner.


• Phone disconnects.


• Dial again- still ringing.


• And ringing....


• DJ answers again! "HELLO! What's your guess?"


• 37!


• DJ: Uh, Uh..... Hurry and say 32


• 32!


• YES! You're the winner! You have your choice of a 4 pack of tickets to the pre-screening of Earth or...


• YES I WANT THOSE!


• OKAY!


• Husband pulls into Target parking lot while DJ collects information and tells me where to pick up my prize.

SO- needless to say, I WON! WINNA WINNA WINNA! And quite frankly it's amazing that I won considering the above. I mean, who calls the radio three times, gets through twice, and actually ends up winning? I dunno, maybe you have, but all I know is that this is the first time EVER that I have won anything on the radio. And honestly, I think it's one helluva cool prize.

If you wanna go see the movie, it actually opens up on Earth day (as in April 22nd, as in THIS Wednesday, AS IN TOMORROW). AND if you buy your tickets online for opening week, Disney will plant a tree in your honor :)

Call me a dork but this movie is going to be kick ass. If you're interested, you can learn more about this film here: http://disney.go.com/disneynature/earth/?cmp=dmov_dpic_earth_psg_title_earth%20movie

Weekend Recap

What a wonderful weekend! There's nothing like having the sun to change your mood and make you feel alive. After so many months of dreadful snow, cold winds, rain, etc... it was refreshing to actually feel the sun on my face and not have to bundle up before going out.

Michael and I took advantage of the weather and did lots of yard work. We planted more flowers, made plans for our backyard garden and possibly a small fountain by the deck, as well as talked about new patio furniture and just getting the place cleaned up. The previous owners moved out in November but we didn't move in until the end of January so I've got tons of yard work to do. There's plenty of old leaves and weeds that need to be cleaned up, as well as getting all of last year's dead growth pulled out of the flower beds. Michael will be busy trimming back bushes and trees, and we have plans for installing a new mail box, updating all of the light fixtures on the outside of the house, and adding some trim work around flower beds and such.

It's coming along though and it was so wonderful to relax in our porch swing as of an evening. The three of us fit perfectly (and by three of us I'm including KeeLee because she loves to be snuggled in the swing with us).

Last night I prepared my spaghetti sauce so dinner tonight will be a cinch. It's Michael's favorite and he's been asking for it for about two weeks now. I also made an awesome Hawaiian chicken salad that we'll munch on for lunches. We're doing our best to not eat out so much as we're saving up money for our kitchen and bathroom remodels, and new garage door, new patio door, new windows, shutters, and a sitting bay window in the master bedroom. All projects that are going to take time, money, patience, and most of all, planning. Therefore, by eating in more than we eat out, we'll be able to approach these projects faster and with a solid budget.

I know it's only 10:00 in the morning, but I'm already looking forward to going home tonight and spending time with Michael. I can't wait to finish planting the rest of my flowers in the new flower boxes we purchased yesterday, and to enjoy a warm sunset. I've been longing for one of those for quite some time now.

And the best news of all? It's going to be 78 degrees on Wednesday. Yup! I'm pulling out the summer skirts and painting my toes because flip flop season is just around the corner :)

No Words

To steal some lyrics from a lame (but strangely appropriate for today) song...
"I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired."

That's all.

My 10 Tips for the Unemployed

To all of my friends at Stampin' Up! who were let go yesterday, my heart goes out to you. I'm so glad that I left the company when I did. Knowing what I know now, my timing couldn't have been better. I have been through three different lay offs and I know how scary and frustrating the situation can be. BUT- the fact that I'm still here working, thriving and surviving is proof that you can too :)

I know it's strange to not have the responsibility of a job to get up and go to in the morning, but this is also a great time to get back to some of the things in your life that matter most. At the top of the list is YOU!

My advice for the unemployed:

1. Sleep in for a change! Let your body catch up on all that sleep you've been missing out on. Your stress levels will go down, and you'll just FEEL better. So sleep in, guilt free!
2. Keep a routine. It helps to have a set schedule. You had one at work, and you should do your best to maintain one even though you aren't workin' for the man right now. Having a schedule will help you stay organized and focused. For me, my schedule included house chores, taking on a project a day that I never had time for (cleaning out the closet, getting rid of all those shoes that I don't wear anymore, organizing the garage or storage room, etc...) You'll feel better and have a sense of accomplishment.
3. Do things that make you happy! Take the time to go for a walk, cook your favorite meal, watch your favorite movie, read that book that you've been meaning to read. Do things that you never had time to do before. And ENJOY doing them :).
4. Make it a goal to apply for at least 5 jobs a day. As long as you're doing something proactive to find new employment, you'll feel better about your situation. And through networking and staying up to date on the opportunities that are out there, you're more likely to find a job quicker.
5. If you've been thinking of going back to school, do it! I did :) It was a way for me to take advantage of the new time I had on my hands, as well as improve and gain new skills that I could bring my future employer and job.
6. Vent! Be sure to spend time with friends and family. They are going to be your biggest support system through this whole ordeal. You'll go stir crazy if you stay in the house all day thinking about your situation. Use this time to contact friends and family and express your feelings. Keeping everything bottled up isn't healthy. Use this time to catch up on life, and be sure these people know to keep their eyes and ears open for any opportunities that could change your current status.
7. Exercise. I know, I know, I'm one to talk. But honestly, being unemployed can be a very stressful time and one healhty way to battle stress is exercise. Keeping your body healthy at a time like this will help keep your mind and outlook healthy and positive. Take care of yourself! Besides, you want to look your best when you land that interview.
8. Say yes to every interview opportunity that comes your way. I can't tell you how many times I went to an interview I wasn't at all excited about, and once I was face to face with my potential employer and had the opportunity to talk about my skills and experiences, new opportunities presented themselves. Many times the person interviewing me would say "Wow, you're over qualified for this position, but I have something else that you'd be perfect for! Let me talk to so and so and set up an appointment." You never know where that big break is hiding so always be open.
9. Take time to improve your resume. Make sure everything is up to date, spelled correctly, and truly expresses your skill sets and talents. That perfect resume is what is going to get your foot in the door of a perfect job.
10. NETWORK! Tell everyone and anyone you know that you're looking for employment. Market yourself! Sign up for those online job newsletters, announce it on your blog, myspace, and facebook pages, and send out an email to all your contacts letting them know you're looking. Be open to jobs that are out of state also. The opportunity you've been looking for might require a move, but that just might be the best decision you've ever made, so don't limit your job search. Tell your friends and family living in and out of state you're looking and open to new possibilities. The more people who know you're looking for a job, the better your chances are of finding one.
    
    I'm no job/unemployment expert, but I have had an abundant amount of time spent without a job. Graduating after 9/11 left me with a degree but no work for 6 months. And then the downturn of the economy dropped me on my rear more than once. I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that it's not your fault. Getting laid off is totally different than being fired. YOU weren't the problem... the company was. So don't get down on yourself because your attitude will shine through. Stay positive and believe in yourself. You will find something. I did... more than once :)
    
    Good luck to all my close friends at Stampin' Up!. I know you are all a very talented group of people, and something perfect is waiting for you! Go find it :)
    
    And good luck to everyone else out there looking for a job as well. For what it's worth, I hope my past experience being unemployed, and these tips help you find that job you're looking for.

UGH! This DAMN WEATHER!

April showers bring May flowers
But April snow storms bring pissed off people!

Come on spring, you chicken shit! Show your face!!!

Making a House a Home

I love the inside of my house. It's cozy, warm, welcoming, and most importantly, it expresses who Michael and I are. It's so nice to love where you live, and who you're living with :) And now, thanks to the sunny Easter we had, I'm starting to love the outside of our house as well.

Sunday morning I woke up and joined my husband on our front porch. We snuggled into our new porch swing and gazed at the Wasatch mountains shimmering in the morning light. The view was beautiful, peaceful, and so close! We live in an area called "the benches" and the mountain range is literally a 5 minute drive from my house (maybe even shorter), thus making our view grand in size, and also spectacular.

Others were out enjoying Easter morning too. We said "hello" to passing neighbors and watched KeeLee frolic in the grass with Zabee, the white Shitzu who lives next door. And within the first 10 minutes of enjoying our new porch swing, two different neighbors complimented how great it looked.

That afternoon, Michael and I purchased flowers for the hanging baskets I planned to make to accent the porch. We also worked on some additional outdoor projects that had been delayed due to cold weather. Our porch is now slowly transforming into one of those southern plantation porches that I miss seeing so much in North Carolina, and I couldn't be more pleased.

I now have three hanging baskets showcasing flowers of all different kinds in bright reds, oranges, yellows, and purples. They compliment the white porch swing and white cast iron bench adorned in yellow and orange pillows and sitting cushions. Soon we'll be adding a white rocking chair to join the other pieces, which I think will add the finishing touch.

I was excited to come home tonight and enjoy it all. We finished up with everything rather late last night and didn't have any time to really admire our work. Tonight I came home from work and got dinner in the oven and then began working on the flower boxes that are built into the perimeter of our deck. I planted beautiful snap dragons in deep reds and pastel pinks. Joining them are a bunch of other trailing flowers that I hope will soon cascade over the edges of the flower boxes adding beauty to our sitting deck.

I'm hoping the weather doesn't turn sour. I know we are expecting a few cold days this week, but I'll have to monitor the temperature to make sure it doesn't get too close to (or below) freezing. Otherwise my hanging flower baskets are coming in the house and I'll have to find a way to cover the flowers on the deck. Can't have all my hard work go to waste, and I don't want my flowers to freeze.

I've always known owning a home would be rewarding, but I'm starting to appreciate even more the fact that there's no greater reward than transforming a house into your home. I am enjoying living here to the fullest. Spending three years apart before Michael was able to move to Utah gave me a lot of time to dream about the house we would one day make our home. And now, it's finally happening.

They say "good things come to those who wait." But I have to modify that statement and say "wonderful things come to those who are patient." I know I'll never be a very patient person
(Michael knows this about me too), but I think I spent long enough (three years) proving that I can be patient when it really counts. And it sure has paid off :) I love my home sweet home!

Realizations

1. Life is too short to spend it sitting at a desk all day.
2. I need to figure out a way NOT to spend 80 hours a week sitting at a desk.
3. I was meant to be near the water.
4. Sleeping in can be the most wonderful thing in the world.
5. Nothing is better than cuddling with a sweet puppy.
6. Lost is the best TV show ever.
7. Dr. Pepper is nectar from the Gods.
8. I wish I would have done some things differently.
9. Dwelling on past decisions isn't healthy.
10. Buying a house can feel like the first major step in becoming a real true grown up.
11. My mom will always be the one person I can talk to about anything.
12. I confuse myself.
13. Decisions can take a long time to make.
14. I won't live in Utah forever.
15. It's okay to have regrets, as long as you learn from them.
16. I'll never be a patient person.
17. I wish I had more energy.
18. Finishing a good book can be so fulfilling.
19. Music is a wonderful outlet.
20. Sometimes a long talk with a good friend can fix anything.

Ode to Orange

Oh orange purse, how I covet thee
How I have longed to hold your material against me
Your beautiful leather, so perfect and smooth
The perfection of your quality in each stitch and each groove
The curve of your figure, so perfect in size
Oh the pleasure you provide to each woman who buys
From zipper to handle, and pocket to pleat
To lining and hardware, I can't wait to meet
I have waited for what seems such an awful long time
And finally on pay day, you will be mine

Oh, and P.S.

Sun, this is a follow up to the letter posted yesterday:

THANK YOU!!! Today I snuck away from work a little early (something I recommend everyone do once in a while- because it's healthy, that's why) and I spent an hour and a half basking in your glory. I had the perfect blanket, the best toe-nail polish color a girl getting ready for spring could ask for, a deliciously good book, and your company. It was delightful and I hope we get to do it again very soon.


YYour Devoted (and now tan) Fan

Open Letters: Random Edition

Dear Sunshine-

Thanks for coming around today (and yesterday). I can't tell you how much I've missed your face. What's up with winter and snow ruling the universe as of late? Can't you just kick some major winter ass and then let your rays shine down in a glorious celebration of winning? I am in serious need of your Vitamin D, and the ability to sit outside in the evening watching your beautiful self settle into the horizon. Stick around a little longer won't you? You're always welcome here, despite what those god damn skiers say.

Sincerely,
A Fair Skinned Fan
****************************************************************************
Dear Field Project:

I'm really sick of thinking about you and feeling guilty for not having worked on you. Why can't you just finish yourself? Isn't it enough that I've just dumped oodles of money and 4 years of my time to graduate school? Isn't it enough that I have aced all 38 credit hours, working my ass off to complete papers, projects, presentations, and tests? Why must you show your ugly face as a requirement for my master's degree at the end of the program when I'm utterly exhausted and fed up? I'm tired, I'm sick of school, and I just want to be done.

I’m sorry. I know it's not your fault that you are incomplete. But really, why can't you be more exciting to work on? Or better yet, just finish yourself and let me get on with life. Please quit being a pain in my ass, that lingering sense of guilt in the back of my mind, that "requirement" in order to finish the program.

Yours in academic tension,
The Student
************************************************************************
Dear New Job,

Thanks for the opportunity. Thanks for getting me out of the old place and providing me with a safe haven that doesn't cause me to lay awake at night completely stressed out of my mind and dreading having to come in the next day.

I really appreciate that the environment you provide is more stable, and free of dragon ladies who breathe fire down your neck every 5 minutes because it's easier to treat people like shit and attempt to control them than it is to appreciate what they bring to the table. I value that you employee people who actually listen and HEAR what you're saying as opposed to just looking at you while you talk and then cut you off mid sentence to impose their theories.

It's nice to feel appreciated. It's nice to sleep at night. And it's a comfort knowing that I'm not a Mormon, and that's okay here.

Love,
Grateful, and less stressed in Salt Lake City
**********************************************************************
Dear House,

2 rooms finished, and one half way complete.
A basement full of crown molding, trim, bead board, paint, tile, and other piles of random home-improvement stuff.
A husband and wife team who plan to tackle you room by room until you're exactly what we want you to be, no exceptions, no limits.
It will happen, no matter how many weekends we have to devote to long hours and hard work.
Consider yourself warned.

Love,
Your New Owner
********************************************************************
Dear Life,

Sometimes I'm really angry with how you make me feel. How everything about you controls me to the point of pure exhaustion. I'm really pissed off that I have to work for a living until I'm old enough to forget my name and wear diapers. I'm tired of devoting 5 days a week to working for the man only to race home each night in the hopes of enjoying what little time is left in the day before going to bed only to wake up and do it all over again. And I'm sick of only have two days to unwind and have a life before I have to go back to work. How is that a healthy work/life balance?

I'm really sick of bills, hypocrites, skinny models, winter, and not having a window at work. I'm tired of getting up to an alarm every morning because I have to go make money.

Can't you get someone else to do the dishes, write that marketing plan, lose 40 lbs? Won't you leave me alone for a little while so I can just rest and do what I want to do when I want to do it, and how I want to do it? I'm so tired of not having you figured out yet. Oh, and I want to be independently wealthy. Can't you just cut me some slack?
Think about it, Life.
Just think about it.

Fed up,
The Rebel

Trash Talkin'

My sweet, cute, cuddle-bug of a dog KeeLee has turned into a holy-living terror. It's like she's the equivalent of a two-year old (probably because that's how old she is in human years). And from what I've heard about two-year olds, my comparison isn't too far off.

For the most part, KeeLee is a good dog, albeit she's still got a lot of puppy in her. She loves people, her two baskets full of toys, cuddling, and playing neighborhood security guard from our living-room window. We've had our problems along the way... for example, when she was just a baby she had major separation anxiety. She didn't want me out of her sight so going to work everyday made for an interesting situation. She'd get angry with me for being gone so long (or bored because she was home alone) and I'd come home to little surprises like a brand new box of empty dog treats on the floor, shredded, with vomit piles trailing the hallway because she'd snarfed down every bone in the box. Or, if I gave her dry dog food instead of wet, she'd act out by pulling her dishes into the middle of the room and tipping them over (this includes the water dish). And if my roommate left her bathroom door open, toilet paper and whatever else seemed interesting that day would decorate the tile floor.

But for the most part, KeeLee outgrew this so called "puppy" stage and began to mature (she really had no choice after I had gone through three different baby gates trying to keep her confined to one section of the house while I was at work- I didn't have the heart the kennel her because she'd have a nervous break-down).

So when Michael and I moved into our new home, I was curious about how KeeLee would adjust. We didn't seem to have any problems. She quickly became accustomed to where her food and water dish are, and every time we open the pantry she assumes she's getting a treat because, well, that's where the treats are. She's adopted the overstuffed chair and ottoman in the living room as her guard post (I hear the neighborhood view from the back of this chair is to die for if you're a dog), and she's enjoying Zabee, the next door dog who is of the same breed, but male.

What KeeLee isn't enjoying is the fact that as of late, Michael and I have been doing home improvement projects, and have been unable to give her all the attention we usually do when we get home from work. Thus- the horrible behavior.

It all started last Friday when I came home from work and the kitchen garbage littered the entire kitchen floor and dining area. I scolded her and began cleaning up the mess. Upon finishing with that, I noticed that both my formal dining room table, and my kitchen nook dining table had little puppy footprints all over the surfaces. So I got the pledge out and cleaned those off. Then I noticed she had an "accident" in the living room on the carpet instead of her puppy pad. We don't have a doggy door just yet so we put down puppy pads for her while we're gone, and for the most part she's very good at using them. If she's stressed or not feeling good, we have the occasional accident, but nothing I'd consider intentional.

So all of this was last Friday. And all of this has continued for exactly one week. Every night when I'd get home from work, the trash would be tipped over, gone through, and little treasures identified and strategically placed in both the living and family rooms. More little paw prints on the surfaces of my tables, and apparently more accidents (what dog wouldn't be sick after eating through a 13 gallon trash bag?).

Yesterday morning I came downstairs after getting ready for work and found that she apparently didn't want to wait until I had left, and got an early start. Trash. Everywhere. Tired of picking up garbage every night, and now morning, I put it out in the garage so she couldn't get to it while Michael and I were at work.

You'd think that would solve the problem right? Think again.

I am convinced that she stewed all day over not having any trash to dig through and decided she would somehow get even with me. So yesterday evening I come home and begin preparing dinner. Since I was cooking, I brought the garbage back in the house so I could easily clean up after my mess. All it took was me not looking for 5 seconds, and the trash was all over the floor. I paddled her butt and put her outside in "time out" while telling her "just wait until your father gets home!" (Look at me being all parent like). I cleaned up the mess and then got a brilliant idea. When she was younger, she had a chewing problem like most puppies. To break her of this I bought some sour apple spray that is supposed to smell wretched to dogs. Basically, you spray this on whatever they are chewing, and it breaks them from the habit. It worked then, so it should work now. I spritzed all around the outside and then even the inside of the garbage. Thinking I had just found my much needed solution, I decided to test KeeLee.

Micheal and I left to run some errands after dinner, and I decided to leave the garbage in the kitchen to see if she would leave it untouched while we were gone. I just knew my solution would work, so you can imagine how thrilled Michael and I were to return home to the worst garbage mess this entire week. IT.WAS.EVERYWHERE.

EVERYWHERE.

I give up. I guess from now on I'll be putting the garbage in the garage before leaving for work. The temptation is just too much for her little dog mind to handle. The only humor in all of this is her "Oh, SHIT!" face when we get home from work. As soon as I walk in the door she is all conflicted between wanting to run up to greet me with her slobbery kisses, tail wagging, and excessive panting of "HI! HI! MOM I MISSED YOU! HI!" to her immediately remembering exactly what she had done that day and I see the tail go between the legs and her "Dammit! I couldn't resist and now mom is pissed off at me, I'm so not getting a treat" look.

I think once Michael and I are done with house projects that consume most of our evenings and weekends, and once we can start giving her the attention she's used to having, all this bad behaviour will go as soon as it came. But I can only hope. If you have any suggestions on what to do with her, I'm gladly open to feedback.

It's like I told her last night "KeeLee, I still love you, I just don't like you right now."
(Wouldn't Dr. Phil be proud?!)

Free Car Anyone?

Every Thursday there is a group of us at work who go to lunch together. We're all from different departments so these are people I don't see every day. I love this group and I find myself looking forward to our Thursday outings, spending time with them, and getting out of the office for a much needed break. Although every lunch is enjoyable and often comical, today takes the cake. Let me explain.

Today we met in the lobby as usual and determined where to eat. Tammy offered to drive and soon we were off to our destination. The conversation and zucchini stick appetizers were very much enjoyed by all, and the waitress did a great job of keeping our drinks full and fresh. When it came time to leave, we gathered up our coats and purses and headed for the door. However, we came to a halt in the lobby of the restaurant as Tammy scoured her purse in search of keys. Now everyone knows that a woman's purse is a place where usually anything, no matter how random, can be found. You need tissue? Hand sanitizer? Gum? Sure no problem. How about a finger nail file, clippers, hair brush, or lip stick? Band aid? Hair elastic? Mirror? Here you go. Chocolate? Have that too. Magazine? You betcha. Book to read when you're done with the magazine? Gotcha covered.

Needless to say, when Tammy started digging around looking for her keys, nobody panicked. We knew she was delving into the depths of a land where any and everything could be found, so obviously a search for keys might take a minute or two. Or five. Or ten... Tammy? Where are your keys?

She had gone through her purse thoroughly. I know because I watched her. She took everything out, put it all back again (something I'm sure every one of you have done at least once this week, if not each day). She checked her pockets. I even walked back to where we were seated to see if by some chance she had placed her keys on the table, but no keys were in sight.

Getting worried, Patrick offered to run out to the car to see if by some chance Tammy had locked her keys inside the vehicle. We anxiously awaited his return. He did return, but with a better explanation than any of us could have imagined.

Tammy not only left her keys in her Jeep, she left the Jeep running AND the driver's side door open. Let me say that again so that I can emphasize exactly how nuts and unbelievable this was. Tammy left her keys IN THE IGNITION, left the jeep RUNNING, and the DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPEN.
OPEN.
IN WEST VALLEY of all places.

Now if you're from Utah and have any inkling about what kind of place West Valley is, you know how amazing it is that this woman could leave her vehicle not only unlocked, but running with the driver's side door open and nobody managed to drive off in her car. I mean, this is WEST VALLEY for crying out loud. This city is on the news every night for some crazy crime.

How does one manage to leave their vehicle in such a state? I blame stress. We've all been there at one point or another, where our brains are so maxed out that we begin doing stupid things like putting milk away in the pantry while shoving the cereal box in the fridge without stopping to question what's wrong with this situation. Have you ever spent 20 minutes looking for something only to realize that you've been holding that something you were looking for in your hand the entire time? At my last job I had to inform one of my co-workers that he actually came to work wearing one brown shoe and one black shoe.

Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday. Even though we all had a hearty good laugh on our way back to the office, I think we'll all benefit from a long relaxing weekend. I know Tammy will :)

Are You There Spring? It's Me, Michelle

I love to travel. And it's about this time of year that I get anxious to get out of Utah. When Michael was living in North Carolina, it was wonderful because I had a place to go (not to mention a husband to see) when I wanted out of here. And there were major perks because he lived on the beach. Now, with Michael here, North Carolina seems no different than any other vacation. We'd still be paying for a place to stay, flights, food, etc. The convenience of having cheap get-a-way no longer exists.

So where to go? If I had my choice (and the money to get there) it would be a tropical paradise. I love the water and the sun so put me on a beach and I'm happy. I took a trip to Maui about 6 years ago (I can't believe it has really been that long), and I loved every second of it. Coming home to Utah was so hard and I was in denial for a few weeks upon my return.

I would also be just fine with Greece. I've always wanted to go to this Mediterranean paradise. I can only imagine what those white sand beaches look like nestled against cobalt blue waters and rolling hills. I'll get there one day and when I do, you can bet I'll be taking plenty of pictures.

Here in Utah, winter seems to start in October and last until Memorial weekend. At first, I don't mind because all the holidays keep me occupied. There's nothing like the crisp autumn air with the scent of a cinnamon candle lingering. Halloween is my favorite holiday and when it's over, I have two more to look forward to. But once Christmas is over, and all the decorations have been put back in storage, there's nothing but bland, bleak, barren trees, accompanied by cold, wet weather, and the typical inversion that we are so lucky to have here YUCK!

January, February, and March are the three worst months of the year. Everything is so dead and ugly and I find myself longing for tulips and green grass. That's why it's so depressing to wake up to snow on this April Fool's day. Winter should be over...and yet it feels like the sun is still on vacation in some tropical paradise. I wish she'd at least send a postcard. *sigh*