Friday Funny

Not how I feel, but I still find it funny.

hee hee. Have a good weekend!

Practical Magic

We are having a busy day at work today (it's Family Weekend) so I didn't really make many plans for Halloween beyond going to a Haunted House and judging a costume contest later tonight. But I am looking forward to watching one of my favorite Halloween kind of movies (Practical Magic) when I get home tonight. I'm not one for scary movies. In fact, I generally avoid them at all costs. I don't find any enjoyment in being scared or tension filled. I get enough of that at work. :)

Happy Halloween!

Political Party

For $29.99 you too can have life size cardboard cut outs of the presidential candidates for your home or office.

Even TPK played along. We are doing an event for election day next week so we needed some fun props for it. This will provide lots of entertainment for the next few days.

I think I may have found the picture for my Christmas card...

Snow "Fall"

Why is it necessary to have the white stuff in October? There is nothing worse than waking up and seeing the ground covered in snow before Halloween. It's like we skipped over the joy of fall. I still want to carve my pumpkin and drink cider and wear scarves for fashion and not out of necessity.

I'm not ready for this. I have yet to get my coats dry cleaned. I have to replace two tires on my car before I feel comfortable driving on snow covered roads. The scraper/snow brush is missing from my trunk. I haven't even started wearing socks yet...

Snow, snow Go Away. Come back again another day. Like December 25th.

The Prince

Today was a very busy day with the St. Jude Letter Writing Party. It went well but I'm tired and ready for some sleep.

In between the chaos of the day, I received this picture from my father. He often sends random family animal pictures and they always make me laugh. (One time he actually created an e-mail account for Gabby and sent me her puppy picture and wrote...remember me?)

Gabby (in the background looking on) and Tobey in his new role as His Royal Highness, The Prince of Puppydom. In my family the animals rule the house so it's fitting.

Weekend Blur

Sometimes the weekends are even more busy than the week. This one was no exception. I don't remember what I did yesterday except had a great WW meeting. The rest of the day was blur. It did include me sitting in the emergency room for 2 hours at 2 am And not for me. Oh, it was for work. I love being on call. Ugh.

Today was the annual Halloween party for community children on campus. It was cute to see the kids dressed up. But I have made a mental note that I will never put any of my future children in bulky costumes.

Look at how cute little Sam is. I love the Dunkin Donut box as a prop. Nothing like stereotypes to make a costume complete. Love it!
Our campus has a wall that gets painted by student groups from both colleges in town on a daily basis. Today my Up 'til Dawn girls painted the wall for St. Jude. They are advertising for the big letter writing party tomorrow night. I didn't really help paint, but I still managed to get orange paint all over my pants anyway. I was there to encourage and take pictures. And there weren't enough rollers. Convenient, huh?

It looks better in person. They did a great job.
I'm looking forward to work tomorrow. I need a break before next weekend...

Sensible Shoes

I picked up these bad boys during my errands after work yesterday. I put them on and I was in love. I'm not sure if they are really that cute or I'm just into sensible shoes lately. Thoughts?

Happy Saturday!

Angie and Vera

My friend Angie is having a give-a-way in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a cute Vera bag and wallet. Go check it out tell her I sent you because if I win, I've got BIG plans for this bag. :)

Mirror Mirror

This morning I was straightening my hair and I accidentally knocked my hand mirror off the counter. It smashed into pieces. Great. 7 years of bad luck, just what I need. But I quickly cleaned up the mess and moved on.

But it got me to thinking about why that's even a superstition, so I googled it when I got to work. It's actually a little boring so I'll spare you my new found knowledge. What I found most fascinating is the following other urban legend/folklore around mirrors.

To see an image of her future husband, a woman is told to eat an apple while sitting in front of a mirror and then brush her hair. An image of the man will appear behind her shoulder.

I didn't realize it was so easy. I wonder who would appear in my mirror?

Will it be...

Mr. Clooney

Mr Lauer Marky Mark (Post Funky Bunch years)

LL Cool J (my long time love)

For now, I'm off to the store to buy myself a new mirror.

And an apple.

My New Project

My friend Tara was telling me about how her recipes were a disorganized and she was looking for a way to organize them. My response was to tell her to bring that hot mess to me and I'd type her recipes up and put them in a nice binder with clear plastic sheet protectors with labeled dividers. (I did this for mine a while back) She happily agreed and I had her bundle of recipes the very next day.

Now I realize this may sound lame but I figure I can help her out and then she can write a glowing testimonial for my future organizing business. Win-Win. Plus, it's just fun for me.

It's going to take me some time to complete this project but I'll be sure to post the results. And to share Tara's secret family recipes, of course.

Warm and Cozy

Warm (Autumn Leaves)

+

Cozy (my couch) =

The perfect end to a cold and rainy day.

Puke Plant

I was admiring the nice green leaves of this plant today as I watered it. I didn't think I'd still have the opportunity to water it after I nearly killed it with my stupidity a while back. I bought this little plant 3 years ago after I moved into my new office. At that point I had successfully killed any plant I've ever had. And it seemed this one was almost no exception...

In my excitement of being a new plant mommy I made sure to water it (at least once a week) and I had heard coffee was good for plants. (I don't remember where or why, but I heard that) So I always dumped the last three sips of cold coffee in my plant each day. Seems inconsequential right?

Wrong.

One day I walked into my office and the entire room spelled like vomit. I gagged and ran out. I couldn't figure out why it smelled. I brought others in (all holding their breath). Finally, we figured out it was the plant. It turns out that coffee IS good for plants, it's just the cream and sugar that causes funk to grow in the soil and to make it smell foul.

A few years and few new pots later, the Puke Plant is doing beautifully. It really has proven that I might have a "green" thumb after all.

Just as long as I remember that it takes its coffee black.

Sprinkle

This weekend was so nice. I went down to Courtney's baby "sprinkle". She is going to have her second baby in the next month (I hope by November 1st). Although it's only take a few hours to get down to her house I've not been able to go down in a while (and by a while I mean a few years) It's awful that life gets so busy.

Courtney is one of my best friends. We lived on the same floor during sophomore year of college and became friends after that. We've seen each other through a lot of changes since then and I am forever thankful that I met her. She's taught me a lot and I know I could always count on her for anything. She's my Ambassador of Kwan.

The drive down was so pretty. These are the boo boo bunnies that I made for the shower.

This is Lucy. I finally got to meet her and I am in love with her. Isn't she adorable?
Courtney opening presents.
Opening the blanket I made.
Two of my favorite people.
It was a nice shower and a good weekend. I can't wait to go down again. Soon.

Not So Friendly

I'm pretty sure I used up all my extra points for WW this week on this dinner at Friendly's.

(Not Pictured: Ice cream sundae.)

But it was all in honor of Alisha's birthday. So this week I've dedicated my bad eating to her. Happy Birthday, Alisha!

Tales from the Couch

It's been a busy few days. I worked for twelve hours yesterday. Mama's tired. I try my best to find balance even on the busy days. But sometimes it's just laughable. In example: I came home at 10 pm last night and thought I'd be domestic and make some apple crisp with the apples I had sitting on my counter (thanks to Angie's weight watcher recipe) No problem. I put on my crest white strips and went to work (see multitasking). I took it out to cool, sat on my couch and opened my laptop to write. I woke up at 2 am with the laptop still on my lap and the TV blaring. At least I accomplished the apple crisp. Oh, and I managed to take out the crest white strips too.

Today was equally busy. I got up late, but I still sat down to enjoy my breakfast with the Today Show. This was the day that this fool (Nik Wallenda) decided to ruin my breakfast. He was walking across a tight rope in NJ with no net. In the air about 200 feet. Yes, I know I could have turned it off. But how could I? This was live. With Matt, Meredith, Ann and Al nervously chattering with each step. I was captivated. And annoyed. All he got was a certificate at the end. Now he wants to walk across the grand canyon. Um, what? Unnecessary risk. Good luck, Mr. Wallenda. I will not be watching. My favorite St. Jude rep, Jessica came to campus tonight to help us with our letter writing party. Jessica is great at her job and was the reason we got into St. Jude. But through the last few years, I have found a friend to discuss bags, shoes, TV shows, etc. You know, the important stuff in life. I always enjoy it when she comes to town. (Jessica, start a blog. I would read it every day. ) Here are the cute shoes she was wearing tonight. Love it! Jess also made my day when she told me that there might be an Arrested Development movie. This was the best show that I never watched until it was cancelled. If you haven't seen it, please make every effort to watch. It's hilarious and well written. Kind of like this blog. Ha.

After a very long day, I came home at 9 pm excited to sit on the couch and watch the final debate. I've been looking forward to this all day. To my dismay the cable was cutting in and out so I didn't get to see any of it. I caught about every 10th word for the entirety. But at least I got to see Wallenda walk the tight rope. You know I never miss the important stuff.

Home Sweet Home

The GFE

Growing up an Air Force brat was definitely a wonderful experience. From Myrtle Beach, Virginia, Florida to Germany, I saw a lot during my formative years. I loved my childhood. I think I'm who I am because of it and I'm thankful every day for it. I'll admit I cried every time we moved (every four years) and told my father that he was ruining my life. In my defense I was in 8th grade and we had to move to Germany of all places. There were no malls in Germany--it was devastating at the time. I'll never forget how much worse it was to leave Germany after I graduated high school. I would have gladly traded any mall for the outdoor markets in Europe. I loved it and I loved the military (and my dad) for giving me that experience.

I remember after I moved into Littell Hall and went to my first floor meeting in college, we played an icebreaker where we had to say our name and where we were from. That, my friends, is the question that sends panic through the heart of any person who has a parent in the military. I know it sounds weird but I really had no answer. Did I say Germany because that's where I went to HS or did I say New Mexico because that's where my parents lived? Or was it NY because that's where I was born? I don't remember what I answered at that time. I just remember wondering what it was like to be born and raised in one place and being able to answer the "where are you from" question without thinking.

It's been many years since and I've come across this question often. I still don't like answering it in such limited terms. And the reason I've decided is because I feel bad for claiming any one place as my "hometown". I loved every place I've lived and all those places were important to a part of my life. I couldn't just claim one. It would be like choosing one handbag to carry forever. And we all know how I feel about that.

Today I went to the GFE ( Green Family Estate) to visit my mom. As I was pulling up to the house, I thought of how much I love to go over to visit. True, it's not one of the houses I grew up in and I've never actually lived here for more than a few weeks at a time (for vacations and between my own moves) but as I drove up to it, I thought of the people inside and I realized I've always known, exactly where I'm from.

Play Day

I took a vacation day today because I've been so busy that I needed a day to catch up. I wanted to get a lot done and I did. Although, not the stuff I originally intended. But it was productive, nonetheless. I treated myself to some pumpkin coffee (just like everyday) and then headed over to the Walmart. I needed to get my nails done and get some groceries. I spent 3 hours in there and then decided I needed to check out the mall. I needed a white long sleeved shirt. That was the mission. I came home with that and a few other things.

I don't wear a lot of brown but I love these. They are super comfy. And I really liked these shoes. Also comfortable. And I'm noticing that I'm really attracted to green right now.
Then I stopped by Verizon because my phone (see below) keeps turning off after I text message. It's really annoying. So they are sending me a replacement. Yeah!
And now I'm over at Angie's for craft night. (Translation: She's working on a craft and I'm watching her) Oddly enough, we are having fun (at least I am) and we are doing our own thing. It reminds me of being in college and having a roommate.

And my final random thought for today is about Hef and Holly. Apparently, they've split. I am sad by this because I really enjoy The Girls Next Door. I find Hef and his lifestyle fascinating. I'd love to live at the mansion for a few weeks.
I wonder if Hef likes red heads....

Happy Friday!

It's a Tough Job

This was the scene of the conference room at work today. Undies. Lots of them.

For a good cause of course. The Up 'til Dawn girls are going to hang up the undies around campus to advertise St. Jude and the programs coming up. Clever right?

I love my job because you never know what you'll find in the conference room in the morning after a meeting.

~I am taking tomorrow off for a much needed sleep in and get stuff done kind of day. I'm so excited to have a three day weekend! ~

Be sure to take this political quiz to reaffirm your political views. Have fun!

And by the way, the pumpkin coffee--amazing!

Liquid Personality

I was pleased to hear that pumpkin flavored coffee is back at Dunkin Donuts. Is it wrong that I'm actually excited about this?

Go Green

I found this green cutie in the pages of a magazine and am investigating the possibility of adopting one of my very own.

I think I'd give it a very good home.

For the Kids Sake

One of the best parts of my job is being the advisor to Up 'til Dawn (a fundraising/awareness effort for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital). I absolutely love the entire organization. I have visited the hospital in Memphis for the last two years and I don't think I've seen a more hopeful and touching place.

We are about to begin our fundraising campaign for this year. So I was looking at the St. Jude gift shop yesterday because I like to find out the new stuff they have. (All sales go directly back to the hospital so I feel like it's guilt free shopping). I found some really cute things that I wanted to share.

Serving Platter On Sale: $15.00

(with patient art)

Divided Platter On Sale: $15.00
Throw Blanket$48.00
Liz Claiborne® Nylon Collection Shopper Tote $18 (of course I found a new bag to like)

Most of you know about my love for St. Jude and the wonderful work they do, but if you don't, please check out the link to the hospital. And if you are ever looking for a gift idea, check the Hope Catalog. Every little bit counts to helping the kids at St. Jude.

Sunday Stroll

Today was the 15th annual Pit Run. It's a 5k or 10k road race in memory of a police officer killed in Oneonta in '94. They also have have a 2 mile stroll. It's a really great event and I enjoy participating every year. Angie and I have walked together for the last few years. It's nice to get up and take a walk and then after we eat some Brooks BBQ (see Chicken from the post below). Today it was Angie, Ava, Jake (Ava's friend) and Ethan (Sabrina's son) and I that strolled through Oneonta together.
Someday I'd like to run the 5k. Maybe I could have that as a goal for next year. I'm not particularly fond of running, but I would like to be able to say I've accomplished something like that.

Stay tuned.

All I can say for sure is that I'm happily exhausted from this weekend and am looking forward to laying on my couch and catching up on my TV shows and reading some magazines. I'm pretty sure that's how every runner begins the rigorous training process, right?

Blog I Will

I know, I know I'm a slacker this week. It's been busy at work and I've just been too lazy to write anything remotely interesting. I've started a few entries and stopped because I was boring myself. (wait--is that happening right now?) I sometimes wonder if my life is actually interesting enough to write entries everyday because I read other blogs and mine seems to pale in comparison. But I will soldier through my blog doubt. (does that happen to others?)

So what's been going on with me in my absence from blogland? Besides work, I've been busy trying to get used to WW points system. I love it and I'm actually a little obsessed with points right now. Not in an unhealthy way, but more of a learning curve kind of way. I actually love it. It's so organized and makes so much sense. I'm definitely drinking more water and less diet coke and actually drinking milk at meal times. It's great and I was pretty happy today at my first weigh in. I lost 4.8 lbs. I'm happy about that but I'm even more happy that I'm doing it in a healthy way and learning at the same time.

The VP debates were interesting and created a great dialogue for me with people in my life. But what got me really fired up at lunch one day this week was grown women playing with baby dolls. Yes, you read that right. The Today Show uncovered this and I was fascinated. I get it to a degree, but if you ever see me walking around with a fake baby. Please shoot me. Don't get me wrong, I loved my Cabbage Patch Kids when I was a kid and I still have them stored for when I have a little girl (or boy) that wants to play with them, but I can't fathom carrying good ol' Carolina Cory to the grocery store now. Yikes.


This weekend was a big weekend on campus. There was a lot of programs and events to attend. So last night I went to see Rory Kennedy speak. I'm intrigued by her documentaries and will have to watch them in full. I was impressed with her work and commitment to social justice through documentary film making. Once again, I was struck by how lucky I am to work on a college campus and have the opportunity to attend programs like this on a random Friday night.


Today was also the Centennial of Oneonta. We went down to the parade on Main Street. It was also the first weekend that we've had really crisp, fall weather. I walked down from campus with Jill and Melissa, Jill's dog Cedar. I ended up agreeing to take our friend Zach's dog Bodey down there with us too. The parade was great and the dogs were so cute watching it.

Bodey. How cute is that face!

Cedar and Bodey watching the horses pass by.

The parade was fun and it's always days like this that I appreciate living in a small town so much. Especially when the local BBQ place has a float in the parade with big chickens walking around.

And it may not be all that exciting, but it's blog worthy to me. :)

Enjoy your weekend!