Thursday, August 27, 2009

What happened at the bridal store…

I would just like to apologize to S again for what happened Friday night in the bridal store.

Apologize, but I’m still laughing.

Soooo on our coffee-hopping night (that really wasn’t filled with coffee), Rindy and I needed to stop at David’s Bridal and get fitted for bridesmaid dresses for a January wedding. S, who is in a serious relationship, reluctantly came, too. And we might have convinced her to try on wedding gowns.

“I can’t do that!” S protested. “What if *Boyfriend* found out? He would completely freak out. Plus, I don’t want to get my hopes up (about getting a ring when he comes back from his work trip). It’ll just make me disappointed.”

But once you step inside David’s Bridal and see all the beautiful wedding gowns, logic stays outside the door. Mermaid style, halter tops, strapless, ones with beads, ones with tulle…The best part about wedding planning is the wedding dress.

I loaned S my engagement ring so she could play the part of the blushing bride-to-be, and as Rindy and I went to check on our bridesmaid dresses, petite little S was neck-deep in dresses that probably weighed more than her. Two ladies were in front of us, so we waited patiently. Rindy, S, and I and the two ladies were the only customers in the store. One of the ladies – the bride, I’m assuming – glanced over at S, who was holding out two dresses in front of her, glanced over at S -- “S? Is that *Dad's name's* daughter?”

S froze like a deer in headlights. I immediately burst out laughing, rolling near the prom dresses section. S smiled mechanically. “Hi!” she said, her eyes as wide as saucers.

Turns out the lady works with her dad back in her hometown. And there S was, thumbing through wedding gowns and wearing an engagement ring.

Yes, it was horrible, but it was oh, so funny…for me and Rindy, that is.

I’ve never seen someone jerk a ring off her finger so fast before, but S was explaining quicker than she could breathe how she was just playing around and how she had been conned by me and Rindy to wear the dresses and how the engagement ring really wasn’t hers anyway…

Needless to say, she did NOT try on wedding dresses Friday night. She should have, though. Would have been fun.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

It just hurts so dang much

Day Four of Half Marathon Training

Dear Diary,

Today I wanted to throw up in the yard of some people I don't care for. I felt I could hold it til then. I almost stopped to do so, but then I realized that I hadn't eaten anything in about twelve hours, and I was afraid of dry heaving. And so I continued with Mile 3.

I haven't seen morning darkness since the previous Daylight Savings Time, so it was quite a rude awakening to get up at 5:30 a.m. and see that it was still dark. And that it's still summer. What's up with that?

My calves hurt so much that I'm kind of afraid my skin's going to explode, and my guts are going to fall out.

And I realized when I got to work today that I was supposed to do strengthening exercises today, too. Missed out on that opportunity, I guess.

This Starbucks mocha is absolutely delicious, though, and kind of makes me forget about the pain in my calves, the way I couldn't get enough air last night when I ran two miles (in 26 mins -- moving on up!!!), when I collapsed on the weight room floor after running two miles, when I could barely hold my eyes open at 8:30 last night, when I had to set my alarm for 5:30 instead of 6:45, the nervous anticipation that fills my mind when I think about Saturday's four mile run, and the desire to throw up in those mean people's yard.

ALMOST makes me forget.

But tomorrow is a rest day, so I don't have to do any running whatsoever until Saturday's run, because Friday is tennis day. Or raquetball day. Or elliptical machine day. Or whatever-the-heck-you-want-it-to-be-except-running day.

Although, I must admit, it's nice to have the running out of the way. It makes me just a little bit giddy. But maybe that's the caffeine and chocolate.

I think I kinda like running.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

When coffee-hopping goes wrong… oh, so wrong…

Coffee-hopping. It’s a coffee lover’s dream. Think bar-hopping without possible DWIs and lots of caffeine.

Rindy and I planned a fun adventure around our area to head to several coffee shops Friday night and drink a sampling of various coffee drinks to determine which place had the best a) specialty drink b) regular coffee c) mocha d) café au lait or e) other. Rindy chose to taste various regular coffees, and I went with a café au lait.

We started this journey at 5 p.m. at our favorite coffee house. Minutes later (and almost a car fight later – long story) we were ready for our second cup, but first, a stop at Olive Garden. Food to soak up the caffeine.

It was about 8:30 when we headed to our second coffee shop (that’s what happens when you get caught trying on bridal dresses when you aren’t a bride…another long story, will get to it tomorrow), and, please remember now, this is FRIDAY night. 8:30 p.m.

Second coffee shop? Closed.

Drive further down the road. Starbucks? Closed.

Disappointed, under-caffeinated, and thirsty, we debated on whether to head to McDonalds or Sonic for coffee. For COFFEE. It was a sad choice, but Sonic won.

And lost. In a way.

(P.S. I really do like McDonalds’ mochas.)

It took three minutes for someone to take our order. Three Java Chillers. (Our other friend, who shall remain nameless because it was she who registered the official complaint, had joined us at Olive Garden and reluctantly decided to join us on our coffee binge.) Ten minutes later, we were still waiting for our drink.

Dude pulls up in a hooptie next to us. Dude gets out of car and goes and talks with his girlfriend. Dude gets drink. Girlfriend leaves work to sit in the car with him.

Fifteen minutes later (and still no drinks), Friend Who Shall Remain Nameless had found Sonic’s complaint phone number.

“It wouldn’t have been such a problem if we hadn’t seen him go up to the window and get his drink before we got ours – and I didn’t see any money exchanged,” she said.

I have part of the exchange on film. She wasn’t trying to be funny, but it was downright hilarious.

We left that Sonic drinkless. After all, Target closed at 10, and we needed to do some mournful shopping as we didn’t get our Java Chillers.

Target’s food court area actually had coffee, and I purchased a delicious (if possibly non-caffeinated) caramel macchiato for $1.10. Yummmm…

Oh, and at about 11 p.m., Rindy and I hit a different Sonic on our way home. Service? AMAZING. Couldn't have been better. Java Chillers…not so much.

Oh, Sonic…

Friday, August 21, 2009

Caffeinated Randomness: Quotes, Part III



At an area bookstore...
Customer: I'm buying this dictionary for the university. Do you give discounts for university-related purchases?
Bookstore manager: What grade level is that? 2nd? 3rd?

Friend discussing a co-worker: Sometimes he can be like the gum on the bottom of your shoe. You can’t get rid of the dang thing.

Joking around
Superman: I'm diabetic.
Me: I'm asthmatic.
Superman: Mine is worse.
Me: Uh uh. I can't have a cat because of mine.
Superman: (raises an eyebrow) Oh, really? I can't have a Kit Kat because of mine.

Student: I made a B in political science.
Me: How did you do in economics?
Student: Let's reflect for a moment on that B.

Playing Battle of the Sexes
Girls: On Sesame Street, who was Oscar the Grouch's girlfriend?
Boys: What? (Discuss among themselves) Okay, let's think about this logically. Who would date a green puppet who lived in a trashcan?
Boys: Amy Winehouse?

Rachel: Oh, just wait. You’re day is coming.
Me: I know, I know. Can't I just spit out a 3-year-old?
Rachel: I wouldn't advise it.

Discussing me running a half-marathon
Superman: I've seen you run.
Me: What's that supposed to mean?
Superman: Well...it makes me nervous.

Neighbor: I hate looking in people’s homes when their blinds are up. I just don’t like seeing what they’re doing.
Me: Really? I LOVE looking in people’s windows…see if they’re eating, what they’re watching on TV…
Superman: (whispers) Don’t be psychotic.

Cool Mike: There are some things you never want to do with your kids, like shake them or leave them alone –
Rindy: Or hold them upside down and then drop them, and then they have a concussion and have to go to the hospital.
Cool Mike: Sounds like a personal experience story.
Rindy: MAYBE.
Me: How old were you?
Rindy: Twelve.

For more Caffeinated Randomness, visit Andrea today!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

True Story

My dog judged my vocal talent last night.



Husband was at band practice, and I, being the silly person I am, started singing to the Chihuahua. We have this silly lyric, "Puppy wuppy, you're so cute..." and then it kind of trails off because, well, not much rhymes with "cute" that you can use in the next sentence.

(Right now, I am sure Superman is somewhere, blushing.)

So last night I decided to figure out those perfect lyrics to go with the rest of the diddy.

Superdog was resting on the bed, and I was putting the clothes up, singing over and over and over, "Puppy wuppy, you're so cute...everyone else just gets the boot...No, that doesn't work well...Puppy wuppy, you're so cute...you make the rest seem so moot...That's silly, isn't it, Superdog? Hmmm...Puppy wuppy, you're so cute..."

Superdog went and hid under the bed.

She gave me this look of absolute annoyance and then dove from the covers under the bed. And stayed there until I stopped singing.

Well. Guess I won't be going on "America's Got Talent."

Though it might be interesting to watch me scare the dog into hiding...

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

I may have lost my mind, but we'll see...

I've (tentatively) decided to run a half-marathon.

Those of you who know me, go ahead and laugh. It's okay, promise.

I'm totally obsessed with the idea of running a half-marathon right now. I found a training program, and I'm trying to recruit everyone I know into running it for me. So far I've gotten six nos and two maybes. No yeses? Please? ;)

I found this half-marathon (there's a whole one, too, but, seriously, there's no way I'm running a full marathon; a halfie is stretching it), which is taking place in New Orleans on Feb. 28, 2010.

Anyone interested? I know we've got some runners out there...

I actually have not registered for it yet. I'm going to start training next week, and if I make it through two full weeks, then I'll sign up.

I can barely run a mile without stopping. This is going to be the most intensive exercise I've ever put my body through, but I do figure I can drink more mochas than I do now...

(Is it sad that one of the main reasons I exercise is to counteract the ice cream, cookies, and mochas that I intake?)

So who's with me? New Orleans...Febuary...blogger runners unite?

Check yes or no. ;)

Monday, August 17, 2009

Happy day

Yesterday was just about perfect.

Most of you don't know, but my in-law situation is...interesting to say the least. My in-laws live in the same town as us (but my brother-in-law is moving down south shortly, we believe), but...like I said, it's interesting.

But it's getting better.

Yesterday my mother-in-law, C, joined our church. I was honored to walk her to the front of the church as my husband, her son, played the invitation. She's so excited; she wants to get involved in a Sunday School class, and me and Superman couldn't be happier. Not only that, but my brother-in-law, B, was there, too!

AND, just to make it better, we all had a nice, happy family meal together. Superman, with help from C, made tacos, and it was nice. For those of you who have "interesting" families or in-laws, you know how rare and special a quiet family meal after church is. And for those of you who know me personally, you know how long I've waited for that. =)

It just gives me hope, you know? Hope for a change, a good change. B has a job interview down south today, and I'm praying that he gets it. He needs a change of scenery, a new beginning. And C is so excited about knowing so many people at the church, so she already feels comfortable with her new church family.

I think yesterday's happy day is spilling over into today.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Caffeinated Randomness: Is it Wednesday or Friday?



I missed this week's What's Your Answer Wednesday, so I decided for today's Caffeinated Randomness...what's more random than a WYAW?



Caffeintated Randomness: WYAW Sports Edition

1. Did you play sports as a kid, in high school, or in college? If so, which one(s)?

2. Do you watch sports now? (Professional ones or ones that your kids play)

3. What is your favorite sport, if you have one?

4. What's your favorite team(s)?

------------------------------------------------

My answers:

1. I played a little basketball in junior high -- was horrible at it. Turned to tennis in high school and LOVED it. Still play a little with Superman.

2. Um...sure? Haha. I love live games, collegiate or professional.

3. Tennis is my favorite to play, but I love to watch football or baseball (but my attention span is short, so I usually just want to stay for half the game).

4. Saints for football, Red Sox for baseball, and my Home University and Super Duper University for collegiate sports (They don't play against each other, so I can have two loves.)

For more Caffeinated Randomness, visit Andrea!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

TIMBER!!!!

Our university water tower came tumbling down today -- on purpose. Instead of the university supplying its own water, we are now part of the city water supply. And instead of doing it the boring way and taking the tower down piece by piece, we decided to let it fall. YEA!!! Before... After...

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Cha-What??!!!

What change?

I've kind of been gearing myself up for a school change in the next few months. Getting myself excited. Planning to see the fam. Then I talked to the graduate director at BU...

I can apply...but they're only taking applications for Fall 2010 right now...And my classes at Super Duper that I could take this year? They may or may not transfer (which I understand; we're the same way at Home University). And, of course, I may not get in. This is a very prestigious program, and only five students are admitted each year (no joke).

Oh, and the big one? Unless I'm mistaken (and I've been known to be a time or two) BU requires 88 hours for a Ph.D. Super Duper requires 54.

Even I can do that math.

Even if BU is cheaper with in-state tuition, it's still a worse choice (possibly; no doors are closed yet) in time and money, as it's 34 more hours (Seriously, how is that even POSSIBLE??!!). I did e-mail my SDU adviser and ask about the hours to clarify, because one of my classmates said he was taking 70 hours...which would still let me finish quicker...a year or more quicker...

Life is so wonderfully surprising. =)

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Change

Why is it that I’m scared of good change? How does that even make sense?

Maybe it’s not fearing the change as much as it is sadness at letting go of a place that never really was mine to begin with.

Super Duper University has a new name, a new face, a new place. I’m (most likely, unless this is all some big misunderstanding) transferring to The Big School.

Dang Super Duper with its out-of-state tuition fees, which forced me to look for other options.

On one side, I really am excited to go to The Big School. It’s 30 minutes further away (but, seriously, when we’re already driving three and a half hours, what’s an extra 30 minutes?), but it was the college I planned to attend for grad school (law school, actually, until I realized I like long Christmas breaks and hate philosophy) and it’s in the city where many of my family members and Superman’s family members live.

So why am I sad?

It’s a selfish sad, I know. I’ve gotten almost comfortable with Super Duper University, and, as I got an A in my summer class (have I mentioned that? I GOT AN A!!!), I feel like I can handle this. But The Big School is…well, the big school.

It’s bigger. And better. And scarier.

(Eek!! Hmm…maybe I can go as a Big School student for Halloween…That’d scare me, ha!)

So let’s again go over the pros of moving to The Big School:

1. Lower tuition costs (like in the $3,000 less range. Yeah.)
2. Lots of family members live there.
3. Was my top choice anyway because of scholarly work and because, well, it was my freshman dream.
4. Can pull out that old Big University shirt that I quit wearing because they play against my alma mater. I mean, if BU also is my alma mater, is it really bad?

Cons:

1. The Big School plays against the university I teach at – my alma mater. But don’t worry. Alma Mater (I really need a better name for this place…hmmm…how about Home University? Unoriginal, I know…) is Numero Uno in my heart and always will be (unless they fire me or something, then I might get angry…).
2. I have to make myself totally uncomfortable all over again. It’s scary!
3. Fill out forms (No, I’m not lazy, not at all…)
4. I think that it will require more hours. UGH!!!!! (but maybe like 2 or 3 classes more)

So here we go, once again, plunging feet first, and hoping that I survive. Pray for me!!!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Movie of the Decade Decision

And it is....

SHREK!!!

I must say, I am glad. =) That was my movie choice. I mean, think of everything Shrek offers: a fairy-tale land with a twist, shows that beauty really is on the inside, offers quips for adults as well as kids, great animation, an all-star cast...I could go on and on.

And I loved Shrek 2 as well...Shrek 3...we just pretend that one didn't happen...

Thanks to everyone who voted!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Caffeinated Randomness: Cultivating weeds

You know it's going to be a long day (but mine's a half day today!!) when you get to work, look at the large coffee you just purchased, and think, "That's just not going to be enough today..."



Before we get to the main portion of today's blog, I would like to thank TLC or the Discovery Channel -- whichever one Shark Week comes on (yes, I am that unobservant) -- for their riviting annual Shark Week, which I Love.

That's right, folks. From watching "Summer of the Shark," which was dedicated not only to the shark frenzy but the media's frenzy of the shark frenzy (wrap your mind around that one) to "How Not to be Shark Bait," where four men volunteered to be bitten by sharks (found out it was actually kind of hard), it has been a good week.

And there are still two more days to go!!! WOO HOO!!!

Anyway, let's talk about weeds. Plants. Green stuff.

I have no green thumb. I've killed cactus before. Seriously. It was in college.

But this summer, I really wanted to plant some tomatoes. So I bought some seeds (going from scratch here!) back in May, got me a small $1 pot and some potting soil and went to work.

I really dedicated myself to these plants, even having a friend look after them while we went out of state. I want some home grown tomatoes!

And the plants have really taken off! I had to put them in a bigger pot about a month after I planted the seeds, and I couldn't be more thrilled. Now the plant comes up to my knees!

But...there are no tomatoes.

No even HINTS of tomatoes. I've looked. And looked. And I'm starting to wonder...am I just cultivating weeds?



For more Caffeinated Randomness, visit the beautiful Andrea!!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Vacation, vacation, I want a vacation



Actually, right now, I'd kind of like just to take a few personal belongings and set up a shack on the beach. Get a lawn chair and just stare at the waves...



Or go sight-seeing...


Or catch a game...


But NOT be eaten by sharks or alligators (tribute to this being SHARK WEEK!!! on TLC).


Or visit Sue...


And go shopping...


Maybe kiss in Branson?


Or go white water rafting...


(Even though our white water rafting trip ending with our raft overturning on a Class Four rapid...)


I'd really like to go back to Hawaii, but this time, I'd like it if me and Superman could go together.


I'd take New Orleans in a heartbeat.


But my heart still longs for this:


My vacation begins at 12:30 tomorrow and lasts until 7:30 a.m. Monday morning. Where am I going, you ask?

Well, it's a STAY-cation.

With this pup...


Hopefully these people...






And, most importantly, this man.


Sigh. How many more hours until staycation?

P.S. If you haven't already, don't forget to vote in the Movie of the Decade poll on the top right of my blog!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Exemplify and Movie Poll

The new edition of Exemplify Online is here!!! I am so excited; I may have done a little happy dance in my office. And you might want to check out page 14...Just saying. =)

Also, please vote in the Movie of the Decade poll on the right. I've picked five movies, and you, my lovely blogger friends, will choose which one of these five is the Movie of the Decade.

Here is some information to help you decide (courtesy of imdb.com):

1. The Dark Knight
* This film reached the $100 million mark in two days. It made $67.2 million in a single day, the most lucrative opening for any film.
* Holds the record for reaching the $500 million mark the fastest, after 45 days. The former record holder was Titanic (1997) (98 days).
* Voted #15 on Empire magazine's 500 Greatest Movies Of All Time.

2. Lord of the Rings -- Return of the King
* Won 11 Oscars.
* The movie made a 1,408 percent profit for New Line Studios on their initial outlay.
* The first film in the trilogy had 540 computer-generated effects. "The Two Towers" had 799 and "Return of the King" has 1,488.

3. Almost Famous
(was a consideration for my hubby, who loves to read Bill Simmons -- and Simmons claims this is the Movie of the Decade)
* The music and the references to major musicians. Featuring over 50 songs, the film's music budget was $3.5 million. Most music budgets for films are less than $1.5 million.
* Won Oscar. Another 44 wins.
* To look like a real rock band, the four actors in Stillwater rehearsed for four hours a night, five nights a week, for six weeks.

4. Shrek
* Great computer animation.
* Incorporated a fairy tale but made it interesting for adults as well as kids. Gave a whole new life to the idea of fairy tales.
* All-star cast.

5. Memento
* Fantastic, unorthodox storyline.
* Rewatchability.
* Great acting without A-list ensemble.

I'm going to close voting on Saturday, and if you have any other suggestions for the Movie of the Decade, let me know!

AND DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT EXEMPLIFY!!!

Other Movie of the Decade considerations included WALL*E, Harry Potter, and Pirates of the Caribbean.