Whew... what a year

Well the ball has dropped and I am polishing off the last of the champagne in my PJs reflecting on 2008

This year was crazy. It was crazy, weird, exciting, fabulous and depressing all at the same time.

In January, Jared and I were still riding the "newly married" love train and things were great! The end of January he announced that he had been offered a job in Indiana. Being newly married and anxious to seek out new and exciting opportunities we decided to go for it. What did we have to lose... really?

It has proven to be a much more difficult journey than we anticipated, but we have managed it well.

I have no idea what the future holds in 2009 but I know two things: I wanna be happy with my career (whatever it may be) and I want to have children.

That's it. I don't care if we live in Indiana or somewhere else. I desperately want to feel comfortable enough with our careers and financial situation to start a family. And that, is my goal in 2009.

Happy New Year everyone!!!! Make it a great one!

Made it safe and sound

its good to be home

Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers. I made it safely to Indianapolis on Tuesday evening... although it took me 7 hours when it normally takes 3. The roads were not bad the first part of the trip, but then it started raining and the roads were cold so it started to freeze. I never slid, but could tell it was slick so I took my time. Then they closed down the 465 loop to the west (which is the one I needed) because of ice and wrecks. I white-knuckled it and managed to bite off all my fingernails in those 7 hours, but I made it to the hotel.

My plane trips were great, just minor 10-15 minute delays, nothing big enough to whine about. I got into Charleston and the sun was shining, the Palmetto trees were singing in the breeze and a smiling Marla McClelland was waiting for me at the gate. Ahhh.... perfect!

From there we drove to meet the guys at the warehouse and I was so excited to see Jared I could barely stand it! It had been over a month since we had seen each other and it was so great to hug him and see his face again.

The rest of the week was spent eating (Marla and I cooked breakfast for the guys on Christmas morning and then she made quesadillas that evening), opening presents, having a few drinks and playing games. A laid back and fun time with our friends. Jared and I even got in a little alone time when we went for a nice dinner at Red Lobster and then some browsing around the Aiken Mall.

And, the best part is Jared got me a OU Sooners Championship Bowl Game shirt and an OU beer coozie for Christmas! YES! :)

Overall, it was a grand time until I had to leave Jared behind and then get extremely motion sick on the plane ride from Cincinnati to Indianapolis (we had to circle above Indy for 15 minutes because of thunderstorms and then entire time it was up, down, up down, side to side... ugh). To make matters worse it was a small plane. :(

But *sigh* I am home and I have a purring kitty cat on my lap and all is well. :)

Here are some photos from Christmas. I didn't take very many :( so I apologize for the lack thereof.

Jared and I on Christmas with my new OU shirt on. :)

Miss Marla Louise... soon to be Mrs Marla Kraft. :)

Jeremy will hate me for putting this picture on here :) We are enjoying yet another of Marla's fabulous meals... quesadillas.

I hate Indiana in the winter

I am not happy.

I have to be on a plane in Indianapolis tomorrow morning at 7 a.m.

They are calling for snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain starting at 1 p.m. today clear until 7 p.m. tomorrow night.

I am scared out of my mind of driving 3 hours to Indy.

I put the Indiana State Police's number in my phone, just in case. Those boys give me enough grief at coalition meetings, so they owe me. :)

I have a feeling my tension in my neck will return during this adventure.

It will all be worth it when I can throw my arms around Jared and celebrate Christmas with him.

Pray, pray pray for me if you have a second. Maybe if God hears all of us he will magical clear US 31 South for me. :)

Blog-iversary

i just realized that I missed my blog-iversary!

I have been writing, expressing, story-telling, sharing, venting and crying over the Birk Bulletin for a year now and I have no plans to stop.

What started as a way to keep up with everyone, has become so much more. This year has seen many changes for Jared and I and I am happy to have shared my experiences (both good and bad) with my friends, family and other great bloggers out there.

It's not just about documenting your life and your experiences, but looking at your life and the life of others in new light. Being able to support each other, offer reassurances, and laugh at life's little challenges. It's about old friends catching up and finding new friends that make you wonder how you ever survived without knowing them.

It's about empowering women to speak up and speak out; to talk about things that are sad, frightening, scary and even embarrassing. It's about bragging, in a non-judgemental arena, about your accomplishments and the successes of your family. It's about letting everyone know that they are "not alone" in their struggles and challenges.

I have always been a public person... sometimes I share and talk about my life more than I should. The blogging world has given me the outlet to be ME in an environment that is inviting and supportive. Without the Birk Bulletin, I would not have received the great advice, encouragement, laughter, and support that has guided me through a year of changes. A year of changes that included moving to Indiana, starting a new job, starting my Premier Jewelry business, making new friends, struggles with the housing market, my first year of marriage, and getting older.

I am so grateful for all of you! Thanks for listening, thanks for not passing judgement, thanks for the support and thanks for being some of my best friends.

Merry Christmas!

Whew.... off the hook

i have good news and bad news

Good News: I am not babysitting on Sunday now (Apparently God is letting me know I am not ready, haha)

Bad News: Genevieve has to go to Indianapolis on Monday for testing.

Poor little thing. Stacey called me last night and told me that Genna has had trouble eating and she just didn't think things were right... she has been fussy, and won't eat, etc. So she took her to the doctor and now has to take her to a specialist on Monday to run some tests. They think (and this is me trying to understand what she was saying) but they think it has something to do with her white blood cells telling her body she is allergic to everything, especially sugars. It has some big complicated name. Its not diabetic, but something different. If it turns out to be this, they will have to put her on a special diet and it should help her tremendously! Poor little girl. But, As upset as Stacey was (which I would have been too) at least she will find out soon and be able to get Genna feeling better before Christmas. Send a little prayer up for her if you think about it.

Another prayer request (apparently it is one of those days) is for my friend Misty and her daughter Makenna (they call her BMak). She has been pretty sick and found out yesterday it isn't RSV (thank goodness) but she is getting tubes put in her ears next week. It is a normal procedure, but it is still nerve wracking for Misty and Ryan and I hope everything goes well!

Have a great day everyone! There may another random post later I have lots of thoughts running through my head today :)

Completely Terrified

don't judge because I am "baby-ignorant"

I am babysitting my friend's 5 month old little girl Genevieve on Sunday.

I am terrified.

I love babies and I want one of my own more than anything, but when it comes to particulars like diapers, bottles, naps, spit up, etc... I am a rather ignorant girl. Playing, holding, ooohhhing and aaahhhhing over... I am great at! I have always thought that I will have 9 months to learn it all when I am pregnant. :)

So, you may be asking... Why in the name of Jesus did she trust me to watch her child? Because, in her own words, "Genevieve loves you (which she is right about, the kid adores me) and it may make you reconsider having one of your own right now." HA... thanks a lot Stacey (yes, we have the same name... mine has a lot cooler spelling though).

The little turkey does love me though. I hold her and play with her when I come over to hang out and she laughs and smiles and I just love it. But, being left alone with her for 5-6 hours... AAAAHHHHHH...... I think I have changed, maybe, 1 diaper my whole life! I know, it is pathetic for a married, 27 year old that wants kids so bad. But it is true! I have never made a bottle before and I have no idea what to do except panic when they cry. Any babysitting I have done in the past have been kids over the age of 2 and I was pretty darn good with those kiddos.

Stacey just laughed and told me that I would be just fine, she trusts me and said that she is "one of those mothers that has written out, detailed instructions for everything." GOOD DEAL... cause I will need them!

I know I will be fine I just can't let the little thing know I am nervous and I have to let the motherly instinct (that I know is buried in there somewhere) come out.

Wish me luck folks! :)

Complete Randomness

and yes, I am copying your blog Sarah :)

Crazy thoughts running through my mind right now...

Will it ever be 5 o'clock?

How in the world can someone seriously yawn as much as I have today? The yawns are so intense my eyes water and when my eyes water a bunch, the skin around my eyes get dry and crusty. I am assuming I will be toting around large quantities of moisturizer the next few days to douse my eyes every 5 seconds. UGH!

I have had 3 cups of coffee, 2 diet DPs and a bunch of pizza rolls and I still feel like crap

My desk is cluttered to make it "appear like" I have been working. ssshhhh

My skin is getting that winter dryness, especially on my back and my hubby is not here to rub lotion on my back like he does every winter :(

I need to book more jewelry shows for January to re-coup the holiday spending spree I went on this weekend

How the heck am I killing my houseplant already? Go figure!

I heart Sam Bradford (just had to throw that in there) :)

I miss my sister :( and I want her to come visit soon!

I want to eat everything in sight today, but I am chunky and can't

And last, but not least.... I hope everyone has a fabulous Christmas and a great New year! I know I will have an awesome Christmas in South Carolina with my bestest friends and my wonderful husband!

Oh and by the way....

eat your heart out Tebow and McCoy fans....

Sooners TAKE the Heisman!

Read all about it HERE

Like I said before.. I heart Sam Bradford :)

It's starting to make me mad

before I get into my blog I would like to announce that my computer was returned to me this morning Spyware and Virus FREE! YAY!!!

Now, on to other things...

I am sick and tired of people acting like it is "soooo weird and soooo strange" that Jared and I live with a roommate right now. It's not like it is a permanent or ideal situation, but it is working for us right now so get over it people!

When Jared and I got married we never wished, or thought, that we would be living in South Bend, Indiana in an apartment with Hicks and still own a home in Kansas. But, it is what has been given to us and we are dealing with supremely well!

When we left Kansas we had a contingency contract on the house and had extremely high hopes of it being sold before summer was over, so living with Hicks was the reasonable thing to do to save money while we were still making a mortgage payment and getting settled in.

Now, it is almost January and our house is still on the market and we are still living in an apartment with Hicks. Hicks is a great roommate and we all get along well and, to be honest, he is really helping us out because the amount of extra money we would be paying without him would amount to about $550-$600 a month (including all utilities, etc.)!!!!!

But, I am tired of people judging us because Jared and I don't live in a brick house with a white picket fence, have great jobs, a healthy savings account and 2.5 kids!

The fact is this: We live in a beautiful apartment with a great friend named Hicks, we have mediocre jobs, little money in savings, a vacation home in Kansas and a great love and support for each other. Isn't that all you need? Really?

Get over it people!

My Dell is in the shop

:( damn spyware wiped it out

You may hear on the news this weekend that I have been placed in a padded room at the nearest mental institution or that I self medicated myself into a trance with chocolate, wine and advil or that I, out of boredom, actually cleaned and organized the house and marked items off my to-do list.

Functioning without my precious computer will be a challenge. No blogs to read, no Facebook status to update and read, no MySpace to stalk old friends, no Yahoo email... what will I do?

Keep my in your thoughts as I go through my "blogging" withdrawals this weekend. Are there 12-Step meetings for computer/blogging addicts? I might need to find a meetin'

Getting older

a few signs that I am getting older

1. I drink coffee. Black with one packet of sweet 'n low. Never thought the day would come but now if I don't have at least 2 cups I am not someone to be messed with
2. I can play a song with all the cracks and pops my bones make
3. I stare at old pictures and say "if only I could be THAT size again" and "look, back when I had no grey hairs"
4. 10 o'clock is considered "late" on a work night
5. Can't quite handle the "work day" hangovers anymore
6. I prefer that Jared drop me off up front at the grocery store and I can get started on shopping while he parks the car
7. I am worried about retirement and social security
8. My high school reunion is in 2009
9. I use the phrases, "remember when, those were the good ole days, and I remember that song from middle school dances"
10. I spend massive amounts of money on anti-aging skin care items, hair color and a gym membership
11. I have a planner and it is full of work commitments and birthdays to remember
12. I don't understand "kids today"
13. I have said, many times "when WE have kids they will NOT act like that"
14. E-mail has become associated with work, therefore is no fun anymore
15. and finally, I have realized that playing "house" is not near as fun as it was when I was 4 years old.

Oh well... *sigh* life goes on. Lalalalala life goes on. :)

I got a bloggie award

I heart my friend Tara. She is special (and not in a short bus kinda way). Although, I have never met her IRL (thanks for this lingo from your blog Sarah). :)

Anyway, Tara gave me an award because my blog is so blog-tastic! YAY!

So, now it is my turn to return the favor and nominate my fav blogs.

This award represents this: "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find, and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers."

My 8 awards go to....

Denny Daily

Pitt Stop

Among the Wheat

Smith Family Journals

Burke Family Ties

Whiskey Easy Wonderings

Little Diddy from the Life of Jaime

It's On My To-Do List

My Dell has bit the dust

I guess it's what I get for buying a cheap Dell instead of a Mac

It's not completely dead though, but the money it will cost me to get it fixed it might as well be dead. It's infected with that messed up Spyware where it appears to be an antivirus program. So frustrating! I ran my Spy Sweeper and my McAfee and now, both those program don't work properly. How can it just wipe out antivirus and spysweeper software? Some people have WAY to much time on their hands and hatred for people to have to create this junk to infect our computers.

I am not a computer techie, but I know a little (thanks to my Dad). I tried a few things Sherry suggested and no such luck. So, the tech guy from work is coming to get my beautiful pink laptop today and, hopefully (please pray) that he doesn't have to wipe out the entire system and reload everything. I have most of my Premier stuff backed up from about 2 weeks ago, but I haven't backed up my photos and other files in about 6 months! Not even to mention all the iTunes I will lose. AARRGGHHH..... Anyone have any ideas on how to fix this little problem? I am all ears folks!

I heart Sam Bradford

sorry Texas... but it's Boomer Sooner time!

BIG 12 CHAMPS!!!!!

Get ready to run over some gators with your covered wagon boys! It's go time!

Let it go...

I had an enlightening conversation and realization yesterday...

I have a new friend and I am as sure, as the snow is white, that God put her in my life for a reason. Her name is Erica, better known as my Mary Kay lady! I met her several months ago when she came into our office with her usual basket of goodies for us to try and ooohh and aaahhh over. When I started with Premier I sent her an e-mail, despite the fact I didn't know her very well, and asked her if she would like to host a Premier Show for me to help me get started and I also asked her for any advice she could give me as I found my way around the Independent Distributor business.

Her response then and her continued support now is astounding to me! She has rooted me on even when I wasn't so sure I deserved it. She has also helped me out every way that she could (despite the fact that I am not one of her MK girls) and she has provided some spiritual guidance when I have least expected it.

When we were planning our shows (she hosted a Premier party for me and I hosted an MK party for her) she kept the attitude positive by setting our goals high, believing in me, and reminding me to pray for a successful show. And, it turns out, our shows were both pretty successful!

Yesterday she stopped by the office and we were chatting about our jobs and finances, etc. I mentioned my frustration with our house in Kansas, how angry I am that it hasn't sold and how it has made life hard for Jared and I. She very simply asked me, "Have you let go of it yet? Have you let go and just let God take that burden and take care of it for you."

Wow. No, I haven't. This house is something that crosses my mind several times a day. I feel the muscles in my neck tense up everytime I think about it, everytime I hear anything about the housing crisis, or the recession. I really didn't realize until she said that how much anger and frustration I was causing myself because I hadn't just "let it go" yet. Plus, as much as I want it sold, a little part of me will always love that house. I bought it on my own and it was my baby and I was proud of myself and of that house.

Like I said in a previous blog, I have a hard time letting God just take control. I feel like I have to have my hand in everything and it is a constant battle for me to just say, "ok, it's in your hands." But, as Erica talked more about letting God take control and if it is His will it will happen His way I realized that I desperately needed to let go..... hand the mortgage over to Him. :)

So, last night.... I let it go....... I told Him to take good care of it and do what You think is best.

This morning on the Today Show they said interest rates for homes may be dropping. I started to get all excited and could feel myself trying to pull that house back in again. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and let it go... again....

Take good care of it...

Lake Effect Snow.... Round 2

except this time... I have snow boots and a smile on my face

Well, I must say... I am adjusting to the winters up here pretty well. I have determined that if you have the right gear (long wool coat, scarves, hats, gloves and snow boots) the weather is much more tolerable. Plus, it does help that I have a carport now, something that I didn't even have in Kansas! And, people actually KNOW how to drive in the elements up here, which makes me a lot more calmer behind the wheel. Nothing infuriated me more than driving out to Greenbush on HWY 47 and people in their tricked out SUVs are blowing past me.... UUUGGHHH. A small part of me hoped I would see their dumb asses on the side of the road later on and I would just whiz by them and wave. :) I am so evil.

I still wish I lived in Arizona or Florida where is it warm all the time, but I guess this will do for now :)

I am very anxious to start decorating our small, tiny apartment for Christmas, although I have no idea where to put the tree. I think I have Hicks talked into moving one of the recliners into his room to make room for the tree. :) If not, I know that a little Makers Mark and water will change his mind, haha. I hope to go over to the warehouse sometime this week and get my tubs of Christmas garb, my outdoor lights and my tree so I can get it going! YAY!!! I love all the sparkly lights and the ambiance it creates.... ahhhh.... :)

Jared is doing well in South Carolina and keeping busy. I miss him, but he has been going away for months at a time like this for many years, so I am used to it and it really doesn't bother me too much anymore. I always miss him, but absence does make the heart grow fonder and it gives us time to ourselves and realize how much we appreciate and love each other. Sometimes it takes a thousand miles to remember that... haha. I have a feeling he will come home a little spoiled from Marla's homemade cooking. Sorry darlin', your wife is not Betty Homemaker like Mar-Mar... deal with it :)

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

A day to be thankful

what a beautiful day

Oh my, it is so beautiful outside in South Bend, Indiana today! The temperature is in the mid 40s, but the sun is shining so bright, all the snow has melted, the green (yes, still green) grass is shimmering in the sun and the fall leaves are clinging to the trees with all their might. AHHHH... drink it in. :)

I even opened up the screen door for a little while to let some of that crisp air into the stuffy apartment. So much to be thankful for! :)

I got a late start today. Not that I really had much to do, haha, but I have been kinda sick this week and I can't quite get over it. Monday I went home from work feeling very nauseous and lightheaded. Since then I have been sleeping, ALOT, still feeling a little nauseous occasionally, and having some other, not so pleasant, bowl issues. YUCK. So, this morning, I got up at about 10, made some blueberry muffins, watched some of the parade and started to feel yucky. So, I went back to bed and didn't get up until 2:30! I am so pathetic!

I am sure I need to get my workouts going again, which could be part of the sleepiness issue, but I have got to get over this sickness. Driving me crazy!

Anyway, I digress......

So where was I? Ah yes... Thanksgiving!

To fit in with all my bloggie friends, here is my list of things I am thankful for on this great day!

My wonderful parents
My funny and beautiful sister
My handsome, understanding and loving husband
My fabulous friends who have been there for me through thick and thin
My job, which I dislike most of the time, but I am thankful that I at least HAVE a job
Premier Designs Jewelry and what it has brought into my life
My funny and laid back roomie Hicks
My amazingly crazy kitty cat Jada
Our lovely apartment in South Bend (and our house in Kansas :( )
A loving and forgiving God
Democracy and freedom
Being healthy and happy
Music :)
Blogging
Ability to see, think, hear, taste and feel with everything in my soul
To love so much....

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Gobble, Gobble, Gobble :)

Thanksgiving Dinner for Uno!

Well kids, many have asked me what my plans are for Thanksgiving Day. This is what I foresee in my future folks.

10 a.m. - Roll out of bed, scratch myself and head to the bathroon. Turn on the TV to catch the end of the parade.

12 p.m. - Frozen pizza in the oven

1 p.m. - Play with Jada a little

2 p.m. - Lifetime TV and football marathon/play a game on my computer/internet shopping/neglecting to clean the house

4 p.m. - Take a shower? Maybe.... I may decide to turn on iTunes and have my own dance party in the living room. Ya never know!

6 p.m. - Healthy Choice Turkey Dinner nuking in the microwave

Nice huh? Actually, I plan to clean the house, make myself a nice dinner (no turkey though... too much to do for one person), work on Premier stuff, and of course watch OU football and drink beer in the evening!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

Christmas with the Krafts!

well, one Kraft and one McClelland... but it won't be long until it is The Krafts!

Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to announce that I just booked my flight for South Carolina to go spend Christmas with my hubby and our best pals Marla and Jeremy!

I am really excited and felt very blessed when Marla called yesterday and said she had found a flight from Indianapolis to Charleston for under $200 and that she would be willing to pick me up in Charleston so I can spend the holidays with Jared and them. Thanks Marla!!!!

The flight times are a little wacky, but I mean I AM flying on Christmas Eve Day, so it is to be expected. I don't care as long as I get to leave snowy Indiana for a few days and be with my hubby and my friends in the much warmer state of South Carolina! :)

To top it all off, Jared called and got me a carport at the apartment! So, no more scraping and shoveling snow off the car! YES!!!! I am always running late for work anyway, so when there is snow and ice on the car, you can imagine what time I ended up strolling in. :)

Just so you know....

THIS is what I saw out the patio door before I left for work....

and it is STILL snowing!






And I still haven't bought any snow boots.

So, as you can see... I was REAL happy this morning








All you people in the sun and warmth today can kiss this girl's northern Indiana tushy. :)

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Ok... I was kidding... STOP THE LAKE EFFECT SNOW MADNESS!!!!!

Here's the dish....
1. 2-4 inches of lake effect snow this afternoon
2. 2-4 more inches of lake effect snow tonight
3. and 2-4 more inches tomorrow
4. I am sick... stupid sinuses
5. I am sitting at my dreadful job
6. and Jared is leaving on Tuesday

UUUGGHHH... can I just go back to bed and not deal with all this today? Geez....

Ok... that was my 2 minutes of complaining. I am, hopefully, done for the day :)

I'm so lonesome I could cry

Christmas may be a very lonesome time for this girl.

We found out today that Jared is headed to South Carolina to help Jeremy and Josh with their warehouse during the winter busy season.

It is kind of a double-edged sword. He will be able to pick up at least 50 hours a week, which is some much needed extra money, but at the same time I will be by myself for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. :( I am supporting him and I know this is what he needs to do for us right now, but it still doesn't change that I will be all alone during the wonderful holiday season. In years' past when he was away for the holidays, I was only about 2 hours from family, so I was never by myself.

He is set to leave next Tuesday and I am sad. I am not sure what I will do. We really can't afford for me to fly everywhere (it would kind of defeat the purpose of him going down there to make more money). I found a relatively cheap flight from Indianapolis to Tulsa, so maybe I will go stay with my parents over Christmas. Oh what to do, what to do. Any advice anyone?

I guess I need to start booking more jewelry shows to cover my expenses! Anyone wanna host a Premier Designs Jewelry Show? :)

Step by Step

ooohhhh baby... gonna get to you girl

Oh my bloggie friends, I am back! I have missed you all and it took me a good hour to catch up on everyone's blogs.

I have so much to say about my trip I don't even know where to begin! Here goes....

The Road Trip: About 90 miles into the trip we take a wrong turn in Chicago and get into an argument. Conversation doesn't fully continue until we get to Bloomington, IL and even then tempers are high. :) A great start to our trip.

Tulsa: We arrive in Tulsa Saturday evening at about 7:30 p.m. We had a wonderful time visiting my parents and my sister who came down for the weekend.

Girard/Pittsburg: Oh, our poor little house still has that lonely for sale sign in front. :( It was in pretty good shape... a few house crickets inside, but other than that no sign if mice or other rodents intruding on our precious home. We turned the heat on to 50 degrees, put our vent covers on the outside of the house and made sure everything was in good shape. We then went over to Pittsburg to eat at Chatters with all our friends. So glad we got to hang with all of you!NKOTB Concert: This is the BEST part!!!! Misty and I headed to the Sprint Center in KC for the concert of the year... yes, that's right the New Kids on the Block! It was such a great concert. At one point, when Joey was singing Please Don't Go Girl and he got down on his knees like he did on the Pay-per-View special in the late 80s, I seriously thought I might faint. :) I had to ask Misty to make sure my knees didn't buckle and to catch me if I fell. :) Ah, I love them! Their dance moves were just as great as they always were, their voices were on pitch and wonderful the entire night and they made every girl in their late 20s and early 30s feel like they were teenagers again. It was a great night! AND... they played more music from their new CD and I am totally digging their new songs. I will have to go get that CD soon.
Wichita: Wednesday we headed to Wichita to see all our friends that have relocated there over the years. Everyone met us at On The Border for dinner and I couldn't have been happier. I got to see all my girls.... Shawna (who graciously let us crash at her house), Holly, Melanie, Amber, Jessica, and my sister Alicia. My cheeks and stomach hurt the next day from smiling and laughing so much. Thanks for a great time gals!!!! The Road Trip Home: It was long and we were tired. Enough said. :)

Thanks for showing us a great time everyone! We appreciate and love all of you and we can't wait until next time we see you!

Your love is like bad medicine

Bad medicine is what I need

Whoa, oh, oh

Shake it up just like bad medicine

There ain't no doctor that can cure my disease

My kitty Jada is sick. The vet said she has a bacteria infection in her colon and her teeth and gums are infected and need a good cleaning. I feel like the worst cat momma ever for not realizing her teeth were so bad.

Anyway, I have to give her pills and it is not pleasant. I have a very lovable and sweet kitty, but she is also very sneaky and evasive at times. Many lessons have already been learned in this "Operation Pill Drop" process.

Lesson 1: Trying to hide the pill in soft food does not work. Jada licks around the pill and then looks up at me like "what?" All I can do is laugh because she is so matter of fact about it; like she knows she just tricked me.

Lesson 2: It is impossible to just hold her and try to open her mouth and place the pill on the back of her throat. She wiggles around like a freakin' worm and her head twists all around like something on the Exorcist.

Lesson 3: Be prepared for some dirty cat looks and a ton of fur flying around if you get some of the pill on her tongue and she gets a taste of the nasty pill. I was cleaning up slobber all over the place this morning from that experience and the looks she was giving me.... wwhhheeww... she was not happy with me at all. If only I could explain to her that if I put it on the back on her throat she swallow and she doesn't even have to taste it.

Lesson 4: Trying to hide the food in a Pill Pocket (a treat the vet gave me with a special spot inside for the pill) does not work either. She eats the treat and spits out the pill and looks up with me with the same look from lesson 1.

Lesson 5: The handy-dandy pill gun they gave me works pretty well if you have 20 minutes of time to actually get her to sit still for at least 5 seconds and then get her mouth open and shoot the pill inside before she bites you. I wasn't even that good at it because this is when the slobber came about because she tasted it. I have discovered that it would be easier if Jared helped me hold her head but he was sleeping and I didn't wanna wake the beast. :)

So, needless to say, my child is not only a pain in the neck, but also quite expensive. The things I do for this little ball of fur that I love. :) Oh, I can't wait to have children... at least I am getting good practice.

Thriller....

Thriller nights

And no one's gonna save you from the beast about to strike

You know its Thriller, Thriller nights

You're fighting for you life inside a killer

Thriller Tonight

We attended our Halloween Bash yesterday and it was a fabulous time. The food was great, the drinks were even better and the dancing, well it was pretty awesome! But, I'll let the pictures tell the story.

The Gypsy, the Paperboy (from the Nintendo game) and the Stepford Wife. Otherwise known as Stacy, Hicks and Julie. Jared was a party pooper and didn't go :(

This gypsy knows how to bust a move :)

Takin' a break from all the dancing.

Jessica, Sandy, Me and Julie

Cause when you're a celebrity

It's adios reality
You can act just like a fool
People think you're cool
Just 'cause you're on TV
I can throw a major fit
When my latte isn't just how I like it
When they say I've gone insane
I'll blame it on the fame
And the pressures that go with
Being a celebrity
- Brad Paisley


Have I told you all that we are famous? Well, it didn't take long for us Kansans to be considered celebrities at our favorite eatery Texas Land and Cattle Company. Note: You know you are getting old when you are no longer a celebrity at the club or the bar, but instead at a family restaurant.


On Thursdays they have $2 appetizers and $2 big Bud Lights so we tend to make an appearance on Thursdays, which usually works well because we never have a lot of food on hand at the end of the week anyway. It is soooo cheap and so yummy and we know just about everyone that works there by name and have made friends with the other "usuals" that are there on Thursdays. I even booked a jewelry show with one of them!!! :) Seriously, and I know you all think I am lying, but when we walk in people notice. :) Apparently we are THAT cool. :)


Hahaha... can you tell I was stretching to find something to blog about today.

Anyways, we always have a great time conversing with local folk and making new friends at our favorite place TLC.


On to other things... are you all ready for Halloween tonight???? Julie and I bought the rest of the items needed for our costumes the other day and we are ready to roll!!! The party is Saturday so we still have time to perfect them! We just have to get the guys' costumes figured out.


Here's our ideas:

Hicks - Paperboy from the Nintendo game

Jared - A Street (black shirt, paint, toy cars)


Hicks is willing to go and is as excited as Hicksey can be :) But Jared is not to fond of dressing up. Julie is convinced she will get him into costume and to the party, but I have been TRYING to get him to dress up and enjoy Halloween for about 8 years now and he never participates. Party Pooper!!! If Julie and I can pull this off and get him dressed up as a street, or anything, it will be a great accomplishment!!!!! Wish us luck! My goal is to take pictures and actually post them, which is something I have been slacking in lately :(


Catch you all on the flip side. Be good... no toilet papering or egging guys! Leave that to the middle schoolers. :)

Home, home on the range

where the deer and the antelope play...

We're coming back to Kansas for a visit folks and we are super excited!

This trip has been in the making sense New Kids on the Block announced a concert stop in KC and Misty bought my ticket :). Thank you New Kids for helping facilitate my trip back home, haha

Our trip will be jam packed to be able to see everyone, and we hope we do get to see everyone.

Here's our schedule so you know when we will be in your area:

Saturday, November 8 - Driving all day to Tulsa
Sunday, November 9 - Tulsa
Monday, November 10 - Tulsa and then heading to Girard/Pitt area in the afternoon. (We hope to meet up with all our Pitt friends at Chatters or Del Rio that evening :) We'll keep you all informed)
Tuesday, November 11 - Jared is in Girard/Pitt and I am heading to KC for the concert.
Wednesday, November 12 - I return from KC and we head off for Wichita. (Again we hope to get everyone together in Wichita on Wednesday and/or Thursday night for dinner and to hang out)
Thursday, November 13 - Wichita
Friday, November 14 - Get up early and head to Gridley so Jared can hunt.
Saturday, November 15 - Get on the road early and head back to Indiana :(

Whew... we are gonna be tired! And, to top it all off, I have an open house for independent distributors I am doing all day on Sunday. It makes me tired just thinking about it.

Anyways, nothing really new here besides making travel plans. I am up and running on my new business and have several shows booked, several catalog shows in progress and several trade show/retail opportunities as well! YAY! I'll update you all later! :)

Have a great Monday, or at least try to. It is raining and windy and yucky here today. AARRGGHHH... I didn't even wanna get up outta bed. :(

Back to life, Back to reality

WOW, have I been a slacker when it comes to blogging lately.

I apologize. Life is crazy isn't it? Somedays I just wanna breathe but this crazy world won't let me. Maybe someday I will get to feel that deep breath and that tension throughout my body release and I can just relax.

Aaaaahhhhhh......

Ok, back to reality. We had a busy busy busy weekend. Jared's dad and step mom came to visit, I had my jewelry shows and I was on the verge of sick the entire time. Go figure.

The inlaws came into town Friday and Jared took them out to dinner at Fridays while I went out with my jewelry sponsor Amy and her husband to the Japanese steakhouse. YUM YUM! It was nice to see someone from back home and it did kinda make more homesick. :( But we had a good time eating, chatting and talkin' about the jewelry business.

Saturday I had my two shows. I was disappointed in the turnout, especially since many of the RSVPs didn't even show. I did, however, get two shows booked and made a little money. I was pretty upset, but then I told myself to keep my chin up and keep going. I am going to have to work hard to make this work; it isn't going to be just given to me. So, I have followed up with everyone who could not come and offered an incentive to buy or book a show. We will see how it goes. I just have to keep on giving it 110%!!!!

The in-laws and Jared helped with the show too by getting some snacks and Janet even bought some Christmas gifts for Grandma Birk. SSShhhhh... don't tell her! :)

Sunday, the day I really wasn't feeling well, we went to the College Football Hall of Fame (which is in downtown South Bend). Can you believe that Jared and I hadn't been there yet? Crazy. It was a pretty cool place with a lot to read and take in. I was fascinated with the history of football. I could have spent all day in there reading about it. After the hall of fame we drove around the Notre Dame campus. It was beautiful! Leaves of reds, oranges and yellows were blowing in the wind and families dressed up from Mass were taking a Sunday leisurely walk. The campus was quiet except for the occassional car and small groups of students enjoying the Sunday before another week of classes. Ah, it was nice.

The rest of the day was spent eating and watching football.

We had a grand time with our family and we hope they can come back to visit again real soon.

Life in the Fast Lane

Surely make you lose your mind
Life in the fast lane, everything all the time
Life in the fast lane, uh huh

Nothing much goin' on here folks. Oh, who am I kidding!!! Life has been crazy, as usual.

This weekend is my BIG kick-off for the jewelry biz and I am really excited and nervous. So far I have about 6 confirmed RSVPs, which I think is pretty good for not knowing many people. I have a feeling more will show up... hopefully. I also put fliers on all the bulletin boards in all the apartment buildings and one person has already e-mailed me to RSVP, so I hope I will get even more people on Saturday!!!! If there ever was a time for me to learn and start praying, I think it is this week. Lord, please show people that they need a little bling bling in their lives and let them come to my jewelry shows. HAHA. Wish me luck everyone and if you have room in your prayers give a shout out to the Lord for me! :)

Not ONLY do I have two jewelry shows on Saturday, but Jared's dad and step-mom are coming to visit this weekend too! Therefore cleaning the apartment from top to bottom has also made a place on my To-Do List. Thankfully I did a lot of my cleaning yesterday, so as long as we keep the place picked up, all will be well.

PLUS, this week at work is crazy too... to top it all off.

Hopefully I will get some good pictures this weekend too!

Until next time..... keep on keepin' on bloggie friends.

It was 19 Somethin'

It was 1980 somethin'
in the world that I grew up in
Skating rinks and black Trans-Ams, big hair and parachute pants
looking back now I can see me
oh man did I look cheesy
I wouldn't trade those days for nothing
Oh, it was 1980 something
- Mark Willis

I heard this great country song on the way to work today and it got me to thinking of a simpler time. Maybe its that I am getting older? Or the fact that my high school reunion is coming up? Or maybe it's this scary world we live in... I don't know. But I smile when I think about life back in the 80s and 90s and how "simple" it was. Most likely it appeared more simple because I was young and had zero responsibility, but it just seems like the world was not as scary back then.

Now, its like everything is bad for you. Don't eat fried foods. Don't eat carbs. Wear your seatbelt. You need more folic acid, more protein, more leafy greens. Wine is good for heart health, wine is bad for liver health. The sun provides vitamin D, the sun causes skin cancer. The economy is a disaster. The housing market is failing. Health insurance is a joke. STOP THE INSANITY! AND, to top it all off, I found out yesterday that milk has a protein in it, Casein, that is horribly bad for you and weakens your immune system. Apparently drinking milk has been linked to both breast cancer and prostate cancer... what is next? I thought I could count on my good friend Milk to never let me down.

I left this presentation wondering what the heck I actually CAN do and CAN eat that won't cause cancer or cause me to just ooze toxins. And, actually the research on this milk thing was interesting. I won't get into all the details, but think about this. We are the ONLY species that drinks milk from another animal AND that continues to drink milk after infancy. And the "Milk Does a Body Good" stuff is apparently a load of crap that the industry came up with. I love me some milk, so I probably won't give it up... and I love cheese a little too much too. But, it made me think this morning when I went to grab the gallon and I opted for juice instead.

Anyway, does anyone else feel this way? I think it is annoying. I have strived in recent years to eat more veggies, take a multi-vitamin each day, drink more water, don't as much fried foods, and eat more whole grains and wheat... but this nutrition stuff is getting outta control. I am convinced that EVERYTHING causes cancer! Seriously! If you look though the mounds and mounds of research out there I am convinced we will find that every single thing we intake, and surround ourselves with causes cancer. And I am sure there are foods that reduce our risk, as the same doctor who told me milk was bad for me yesterday also told me that folic acid and flax seed/oil will reduce my risk of breast cancer. I may try to add those things to my diet or I may not. Everything happens for a reason and I can try to prevent and reduce risk as much as possible, but I am not going to sacrifice happiness (which to me means good food :) ) just on the slim chance that I am effecting whether or not I will get cancer later in life.

WOW... not sure where this post was going... but there it is. :) Your thoughts?

We are the champions

No time for losin' cause we are the champions... of the world!


I received a "Brilliant Blog Award" today from my super duper, amazing (clone of myself) bloggie friend Tara! She is so great to tell me my blog is brilliant when most days I feel like it is mediocre and boring.
Anyhow, because this award is all about 'spreading the love", here's the details...

The person giving the award chooses blogs that they consider brilliant in their content or design. In return, the recipient is expected to choose a minimum of 5-10 blogs that they like. They leave comments on these blogs to notify the winners. They then post about receiving the award on their blog (like this) and list their choices with links. They also include a mention of whom they received the award and include a link.

Here are my Brilliant Blog Awardees!!!!

Pitt-Stop

Denny Daily

Lioness

Among the Wheat

It's On My To-Do List

Smith Family Journals

and of course Our Princess in Pigtails, who gave me the award!!

I love all the blogs I read, so don't worry if you weren't on my list. These are the ones I read and enjoy on a regular basis. (Regular basis meaning OFTEN... for those of you who don't post very much... MARLA AND MISTY ) :) Just kidding, I love you guys but you need to post more to keep me entertained! :)

I want candy

do-do-do-dodo, I WANT CANDY

I love this song. I can't remember who sings it for some reason, but always makes me think of summer and in this particular instance, my cat.

She has a weird love of peppermint candies. She has done this before but I have never snapped a photo. These pieces of candy from Sonic (yes, that's right folks, our Sonic FINALLY opened) were on the kitchen table when I left this morning. This is where they ended up. She just likes to chew on the wrapper a little and knock them around. She also does this with ink pens, bottle caps and medicine bottles.

Oh that little Jada... so weird but so loveable.

Let's get physical, physical

I wanna get physical, let's get into physical

I love Olivia Newton John, especially in her sweaty headband, leotard and leg warmers in this classic MTV music video from the 80s. I'm thinking about bringing the headband back, what do you all think? :)

I have to say that I am pretty proud of myself for getting physical at the gym lately. I have been going about 2-3 days a week and doing 20-30 minutes on the Elliptical and then a weight training workout. I also sneak in some tanning time as well :). Last night my friend Tanita and I went up there together and I utilized the sauna, steam room, hot tub and pool for the first time. Apparently, I wasn't too prepared because I didn't bring flip flops or a big towel (just a small handtowel because I am a dumb ass) :)

First we jumped in the hot tub to relax and have some girl talk, then I ventured into the unknown, the steam room! I had heard that it does amazing things for you body, but had never been brave enough to try it. It was so weird, but it felt so good. I could feel my muscles relax, which was great because my neck has been really tight again including sharp pains shooting down the side. OUCH! It was a little hard to breathe and I remember my face burning a little, and my lips, for some reason, felt like they were on fire! But we stayed in for a few minutes until we couldn't take it anymore, haha. I guess I will have to get used to it to really enjoy it. Then we dried off and went into the dry sauna (that was more my style. No steam, but really hot so you sweat like crazy). Then, of course, we need to get in the pool to cool off.

It was a great time. I managed to take advantage of everything the gym has to offer that day: tanning, cardio, weights, hot tub, steam room, sauna and the pool. And when I left, oh my goodness ladies, I felt like a new person. My head felt so clear and my body was ache free. It really was a glorious feeling!!!! But then my "over-eater" part of my brain kicked in and I went to Chipotle, go figure! One step at a time I guess. :)

It's the eye of the tiger

it's the thrill of the fight...

The boys went to a Detroit Tigers game yesterday and ended up in Canada. Go figure! I about had a heart attack when Jared called and told me he was hanging out with Canadians, Ay.

They got free tickets to the game from, yet another, very giving customer. I informed the boys tonight that they are NOT, under any circumstance, to accept any more free tickets unless there are 3 tickets for all of us. :) I don't like being left out.

Anyway, they traveled the 3 1/2 hours to the beautiful (NOT) city of Detroit to watch the Tigers. Hicks has a friend that lives north of Detroit in the 'burbs so they met him and, of course, they all thought it was a good idea to go to the casinos in Canada that night. The border is just across the lake, so it wasn't like they had to go far.

It was the first time for both of them to go to Canada, so they were pretty pumped up and had lots of stories about their adventure. I have never even been out of the U.S., so I hope I can go explore Canada soon. Maybe even to see my very awesome bloggie friend Tara!!!

In other news, my jewelry stuff came in this weekend, so that has kept me pretty occupied. I was even dressing up Jada in all kinds of jewels. She loved it! :) I should have taken a picture.

I also, finally, got my haircut. It was getting pretty long and I liked the way it looked, but it was so hard to take care of. My hair is sooo thick and it has natural wave (sometimes more curly than wavy). So it takes a long time to blow dry and then straighten every morning. Sometimes I wear it curly, but even that was becoming work. So, I chopped off about 3 inches so that it is right below my shoulders. Ah, it feels so much better and lots easier to get ready in the morning.

That's about it for us! My Sooners look like they are going to win their game and the Irish won today so it was a good Saturday.

Private eyes, are watching you

clap, clap


If you have MySpace please see my blog entitled "Let's give em' somethin' to talk about"


I needed to vent about something important and did not think it was best to do on a PUBLIC blog site. You will understand if you read it.


If you don't have MySpace, send me a comment with an e-mail address and I will send it to you.


Catch you all on the flip side... I will have another post today, hopefully, if I get time! A real one too :)