Katie's blog

Check out Katie's blog (my "sister") at http://kramebame.blogspot.com

Ready or not, here is comes....2006

So I remember just a few months ago (at least it feels that way), I was sitting in Chancellors with Joce practically crying about having to graduate and how scary that was. Now, I was just sitting here talking with Katie about setting our wedding date and applying for graduate school. Wow, how times change. As of tomorrow, I can officially say "I get married next year!!!!" It's a very exciting time and I can't wait for it but I'm also glad it's far enough way to be prepared and ready for it. Don't get me wrong, it would have been nice to get married in 2006, but with me starting grad. school and Matt starting his PhD program, I don't feel it would have been enjoyed. So that's why we're waiting. We both know we want to marry the other person, so what's the rush right?

Back to reality...I took this week off from work and I am SOOOO glad that I did. It has been a wonderful, relaxing week and I got to spend some extra time with my parents too. I enjoy being able to spend time with them and I'm sad when I leave, but I am thankful that I am now only 1 1/2 away instead of a little over 3 hours! I just think about how much my life has changed in only six short months and it makes me wonder what else is out there in the next six months.

New Years Resolution...how long do they even last? Of course, I have the same one this year as normal years....learn to exercise more. Having a fiance who does personal training and strength/conditioning camps, makes me realize how different we are...but it works for us!!! I dislike exercising very much and it's what he does for a living. Wow. Anyway, once I make it to the gym I actually enjoy myself, it's just a matter of getting myself there! I'm lacking in the motivation department. Anyone have any to spare me? I remember living with Becky and how we would go running together and that was always fun and then when I would work out with Joce. I miss the work out buddies.

My other resolution is to stop biting my finger nails. I really hate that I do it but I find myself doing it without even knowing. This one may even be harder than working out...I'll keep you posted. I know you are dying to know.

Alright, I'm off to clean and shower and make the most of today! I'm not excited to go back to work on Tuesday, but my sister might come visit on Wednesday so that helps! I miss her a ton. Have a wonderful New Year and keep in touch....

A long, long, long time

Hello there everyone!

Well it has been pointed out by quite a few of you that I haven't had an update lately. Well, I'm sorry! Life has been really hectic around here lately, but almost a good hectic. Thanksgiving was really good. Matt and I went up to Appleton to have Thanksgiving with my parents and then my mom and I got up the next morning and were at the stores at 4:45am!!! You can call me crazy, but I love it! I found such great deals that I couldn't pass up and got my Christmas shopping done. I also wrapped most of the presents the following weekend and got that all done.

Matt and I also purchased our first Christmas tree (it's fake!) We put it up and decorated and everything. It looks wonderful! It's nice to have a Christmas tree with presents under it. It feels like home. I made some Christmas cookies (almost all are gone already) so I have to make more before Christmas.

I am almost done applying for graduate school at UW-Milwaukee. I am waiting for my letters of recommendation to come back and I have to write my essay. I have to have this all sent in and post marked by January 2nd so no pressure or anything (I really am going nuts about this!!!!!)

Let's see....what else is new. Matt found on the internet that apparently Waukesha holds this Christmas lights thing every year and this is the 10th year. It costs $15 a car and there are a TON of lights on about 45 acres of land. Well, let me tell you...it was soooo worth the money! It was some of the best Christmas lights and decorations I've ever seen. Then we went into a little Christmas store thing and they had a sleigh that dates back to the 1800s. They were having pictures taken and asking for a $5 donation to go towards a children's fund. Oh course, I talked Matt into doing this and we got our picture taken. It's a really cute picture and even Matt admitted that he likes it!

My mom had surgery last Wednesday on her wrist and seems to be doing better. Her and my dad are coming down to visit me tomorrow so I took the day off. It'll be nice to hang out with them for the day and be able to show them our apartment all decorated!

I am also taking the week after Christmas off because I am just getting burnt out. It's not like a "I want to quit my job" burnt out, I just need a break. I've been working 6 months straight and with trying to plan the wedding, applying for graduate school, and just learning to live with a boy (yikes!), I need a break. It'll be nice. I can get some major overhaul cleaning done and also get to some of those books that I always wish I could stay awake for at night.

Well, I should get to bed. I have to get up early tomorrow to finish cleaning before the 'rents come. Oh, Joce and Ellie graduated yesterday. I'm so proud of both of them! It's such a great accomplishment!

Sorry for the randomness, it's been a while! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I updated! Ooops! These past few weeks have really flown by. I was up in the cities for two 1/2 days for training and then the rest of the time has literally flown by. This past weekend, Matt and I were up in Appleton celebrating his and my dad's birthdays. Matt's is tomorrow and my dad's was the 27th. We went to Prime Quarter and then had some cake at home. My parents and I took Matt to the Scheels store in Appleton. It's the largest sport's store in the state and I think that Matt fell in love. It really is a beautiful store and they have everything. I found a new winter coat which is awesome! It was a crappy ride back home as it was really raining and I almost got rear ended by a lady who was on her phone, not paying attention and had a young child in the backseat who did not have a seat belt on--how do these people have children??? I don't get it.

Last Saturday, I went to a funeral with my mom. It's a family friend who had a stillborn baby and the mom is actually very fortunate to be a live. This was her second loss of a baby and it was so sad. These two people are so loving and caring and yet they are not able to have a child. Her uterus actually burst which caused her to have to have surgery as well and so she will not be able to ever have children. So sad for two people who desperately want to have children. They are going to take a vacation after all the funeral stuff is taken care of and then they are going to look into other options of having a child. I guess she really wants to look into having another lady carry their child. I just hope they are able to get through this second loss. It was one of the saddest funerals I have ever been to.

On the happier side, my mom and I (and possibly Matt) are going to look at halls for our reception on November 11th. I have a holiday because of Veterans Day and my mom is off on Fridays so it'll work out. Matt wasn't sure if he was going to come this time or when I have it narrowed down to my top three! I have quite a few halls I want to look at and my mom has some suggestions too!

Well, I better get to work. Happy Halloween everyone! Dress spooky today :-)

Another one

I got Matt to do this and here were his results:


Your Linguistic Profile:
80% General American English
10% Upper Midwestern
10% Yankee
0% Dixie
0% Midwestern

What kind of American English do you speak?

Your Linguistic Profile:

70% General American English

20% Upper Midwestern

10% Yankee

0% Dixie

0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

http://www.blogthings.com/amenglishdialecttest/

Where has the time gone?

After some complaints of not updating my blog, here is one!!!!

I can't believe it's already October! I have started Christmas shopping and have done fairly well in accumulating some presents already! Now I haven't started wrapping yet, I'm not THAT crazy! I hate waiting until the last minute to shop, however, my biggest day is the day after Thanksgiving. I am a little upset as it has been a tradition with my mom for the past four years to always always always wake up VERY early and wait til the stores open and then shop the entire day and I mean the ENTIRE day. Well this year, Matt's roommate from last year decided that him and his fiance were going to get married the day after Thanksgiving. I am heartbroken. However, I do get to get up early and hit a few stores before Matt will drag me from the stores and make to attend the reception. How rude! I guess I'll live.

Let's see....what else is new. My friend Erika got engaged and asked me to be a bridesmaid. Her wedding is next June on the 10th and then I have Jackie's wedding the beginning of August. It's going be a very busy summer.

I have started filling out the application for graduate school for UW-Milwaukee. I am also going to apply to Madison, but I don't know if I would go there even if I got in. Who knows. We'll wait and see.

Alright, well I am off this afternoon. I just got done getting my car an oil change (I was 2,000 miles over--don't tell my dad!!!!) so I figured it was time to take it in. Now I'm going to attempt some cleaning and then relax for the afternoon. Who knows, maybe I'll even be able to catch Oprah! :-) Have a super weekend and I'll try to remember to update this thing more often!

Adios!

A week from HELL

So this has honestly been a week from hell. Any and every child who could have a crisis did and any one who could have complained did. The only good news out of this week is that Kenny and Renee are getting their marriage annulled! Now normally this wouldn't be a good thing, but comon, who thought that one would last??? It said in a report that Renee is siting "fraud". Can you imagine?

So anyway, people are getting shuffled around at work again and I'm gaining two new families and losing one that I have now. I'm also losing my supervisor and getting a new one who by the three people who have met her have described her as a "bitch." I don't think that's a good start!

So the picture that should have worked to go along with this blog is a picture I took on my balcony of flowers I had growing. Just a reminder of the summer! I hope everyone else is having a better week than I am! Leave me messages!

I know it's only Rock and Roll....but I like it!!!!

Last night has got to rank in the top 10 nights ever! I got to see the Rolling Stones LIVE! I was about 25 feet away from them too. Now that is not how the night started. You see, Matt and I met his friend and his friend's gf at Major Goolsbys (for those of you who don't know what that is, they have really good food) and then walked over to the Bradley Center. Matt and I both got a t-shirt (I mean, how often do you see the STONES????) and then found our seats. Well, we were in section 411--that pretty much means you go as high as you possibly can and then it was dead straight on to the stage. So we were the farthest away from the stage that you could possibly get. I couldn't even see what color clothes the people on stage had on. I was a little upset that our seats were so shitty and we paid so much money for them.

So we got through the opening act of Buddy Guy (he was actually pretty good!) and then were sitting waiting for the Stones to come on. Matt's friend went to have a cigarrette and I saw this lady walking around talking to people. So I say to Matt, ask her what she's doing. He goes No, no, I don't want to know what she's doing. Well, then I see her with tickets and people are getting up and walking away. So I told Matt to grab her. She comes by us and says "do you guys want to move seats?" Of course, I say, "YES, where?" and she says down in section 218. She said they need faces right by the stage. So I asked if we would be able to see well and she says "you'll be able to feel their spit!"

So we go down to section 218 and sure shit we are right next to the stage!!!!! We were 7 rows up on the bottom section. Tickets for these seats were around $300!!!!!! We saw their backs a lot during the concert, but Mick Jagger doesn't stand still for more than 3 seconds so we could constantly see him and Keith Richards was all over the stage! It was a dream come true for Matt who has always loved the Stones. I have a new found respect for them and their music. It was absolutely wild! We had a great time and they played from 9-11:20 with no breaks. It was a night filled with their hits and only 3-4 of their new songs which was perfect. Keith Richards even sang two songs which was amazing!!! They are coming to Chicago next year and Matt and I already decided we were going!!!!

Oh yes and their oncore song was "I can't get no....Satisfaction!" For being in their 60s they still know how to Rock and Roll!!!!

AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY TO MY WONDERFUL MOTHER!!!! I LOVE YOU MOM!!!

Non-stop action!

Well last night was quite the adventure. I went Christmas shopping (YES, I know it is September) and had to get home before Matt so I could hide the presents. Well, now there is not a lot of places to hide xmas presents when you live in a two bedroom apartment! Then Joce called so I was talking to her for quite a while when Matt called to say that his car didn't start! So while talking to Joce, I went to get Matt and came home. Well today Matt's car didn't start either so I had to go get him from work and then he rode his bike back (it's not that far!) So I am hoping he gets it to start tonight because it's raining and otherwise I'll be going to get him again. I don't mind going to get him, I just don't like the thought of only have one vehicle for us.

Today was just non-stop with work. My phone has never rang so many times in one day. I swear there was a crisis with every kid! It was unbelieveable! So now, I'm just relaxing before starting dinner!

I thought I would post quick to say hello! If anyone wants a funny story from Matt, look at her profile. That'll tell you what kind of night we had last night :-) Have a super night everyone!

SOMEONE leave me something!!!

and it's back to work....

What a wonderfully long (but seemed short) weekend! Matt and I ended up surprising my mom in Appleton on Sunday night and then stayed there through dinner time on Monday. It was nice to just relax. Matt took advantage of the pool still being up and was in there most of the day. It honestly was just nice to get away for a while. Even though gas is expensive, it was worth it.

Well, today I had to go to Madison for meetings and then I had about 50 emails and about 12 phone messages to return from being on vacation. I tell ya, I think it's more stressful to come back from vacation then having just worked through! It's tough because everyone wants everything fixed yesterday and are very impatient when their phone call is not returned now! Needless to say, I got through the phone calls and have about a dozen emails to go through yet. Who said graduating and getting a "real" job was fun and exciting? That person needs to get out more to find out what fun and exciting really is. Don't get me wrong, the paychecks can be fun and exciting (except when you see why your parents always have hated that infamous "uncle sam"--I hate him now too!!!!).

This week is a short week--thank goodness! Thursday night is the Rolling Stones concert. Matt is honestly in heaven just thinking about going, so I am excited to go with him to see him so excited! I see the Rascal Flatts are coming to Milwaukee and tickets are only $39 which isn't bad at all, so I'm hoping we can go to that as well!

I meant to unpack last night, I really did, but somehow my bed looked so much nicer and I fell asleep really early! I almost slept through my alarm too, but Matt's was going off as well so I woke up to both of them going off! Then on the way to Madison, traffic was backed up about 10 miles because a large semi had tipped over into the ditch and traffic was down to 1 lane. That's always fun!

That's about it from here. I hope everyone had great weekends. What did you guys all do? Alright, well I think I'm off for a little shopping (or at least window shopping) and then home to clean and cook dinner (or reheat leftovers ;-) ) Have a great night!

What to do...what to do!!!!

So today is Sunday already and we only have off tomorrow yet. It has been so nice being off though! Today we need to clean this apt. though because I swear a tornado went through! Where are the Merry Maids when you need them? Anyway, so we're decided whether to go up to Merrill or to go to Appleton tonight and spend the day tomorrow or what. We're not sure!

I finally watched Dazed and Confused. Such a strange, but wonderful movie. It really has no plot and no point, yet there isn't really a "bad" person in it and it's just a feel good movie! It's probably not something I would make a point to sit down and watch again, but it was good while watching.

So last night Matt and I took a walk around the Riverwalk. Well, I have a blister on the back of my foot from wearing tennis shoes that should have been thrown out 2 years ago the last time. So since I couldn't wear tennis shoes again, I wore flip flops....BAD MISTAKE. I then got bigger blisters on the heels of my foot and they are SO SORE today! I don't know why I do it. Along the Riverwalk is a Quiznos and I was REALLY hungry for Quiznos last night. Well we walk there around 7:45pm and it's closed!!!! I was so upset because when you get a craving, you have to have it! So we proceeded to walk back home and get in the car and drive to the other Quiznos! They were still open and the craving was solved! That was pretty much my night.

Nobody has returned my bike seat post and seat yet. I'm still hanging onto a little hope. Aimee said she's beat the person who stole it up. Thanks, Aimee :-) I'll keep that in mind if I ever find them! Happy Sunday everyone!

Evil people!

So Matt went into the parking garage today to pump up the tires on the bikes and get his ready to ride to the gym. He came back up a few minutes later and informed me that someone had stole the seat post, seat and gel seat cover off my bike! How rude!!! We went down there to check out if it was laying around somewhere, but nope, someone had taken it! Needless to say, we won't be leaving our bikes down in the parking garage anymore! It's a good thing we never put Matt's rode bike down there before. So I wrote a note and put it by the mailboxes stating to please return it and to warn others that someone took it. Someone must have really wanted that bike seat. It just makes me sad that someone would do that. I mean that seat and seat cover are over $30 and although that's not a ton of money, it's still extra money I shouldn't have to spend. It's just the principle. Anyway, so that's pretty much how my day is going.

Matt and I might go up to Appleton and possibly Merrill to visit our families over the long weekend. My parents still have the pool open and are going to grill out. Matt's grandma just got a new car so it would be nice to see her and the new car. We don't know yet!

Hope everyone has a SAFE and wonderful Labor Day weekend!

A day off!

Well, as much as I enjoy working...(sense the sarcasm!), I took a day off today and Monday is a paid holiday so I have a four day weekend. The thing that stinks is that Matt is working today and Monday. So I don't know what I'll do and with gas prices so high, I probably won't be going anywhere. I think I might start working on the blanket for my parents. I only have until December and as nice Jackie and Joce will remember it took me FOREVER to make the baby blanket for Felicity! Hopefully I will be practiced and go faster this time! I hope it turns out well!

On to other news...I was talking to my dad yesterday and of course the topic of gas prices came up. Seeing as my job requires the use of my car, it's a little frustrating when going to the pump and seeing how high the prices goes. I can't really complain though. I look at the pictures and reports from the Gulf and realize that these people lost EVERYTHING. It wasn't just that the city flooded or it's a horrible natural disaster, probably 1000s of people died and even more are left with nothing! I look around my apartment and see how lucky I am and what I have and I can't help but feel selfish for complaining about paying 3.29 a gallon. I'm just thankful for what I have. I think sometimes it's automatic to complain and not realize that things could always be worse! Well, that's my two cents for today. I think I will go take a nap now :-)

Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy the Labor Day! I am hoping that Matt and I at least do something over this weekend!

It's already September!

I can't believe it's already September. I remember when I couldn't wait for it to be May so I could graduate and now school is starting again and....I'm still working! I have really started to miss school and the things that go along with it. I feel like I'm so far away and that I have no contact. But one of the coolest things happened last night...Matt and I had just picked up pizza and my phone rang. It was my friend and roommate from college, nice Jackie! Well, when I was talking to her, she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding next year!!!!! I have never been in a wedding so of course I said YES and was so excited! I'm also super pumped because Joce is her maid-of-honor! Needless to say, that made my entire week!!!!

Well, I should get back to work. I had to go to court for one of my foster kids yesterday only to find out there is going to be a disposition contest (no clue what that is) and I am being subpoenaed! (I have no idea how to spell that word). I feel like only bad people are subpoenaed and I don't know how I like this. It will be weird to get it in the mail. I'll keep you posted on that...I know you are all on the edge of your seats!

That's it for me...leave me messages if you want! Adios :-)

Damn you, Ryan

So my cousin Ryan got me started on this damn blog. Don't get me wrong, I never thought I would be a blog user! We'll see how this goes and how much response I get to hear my random ramblings and thoughts. So you better let me know your comments!

100 Things About Me!

1. My name is Amy
2. I was born in Neenah, WI
3. To Dennis and Peggy
4. I am an only child
5. It took my parents 9 years to have me
6. So I am considered to be a "miracle baby"
7. I weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces
8. I was 11 days late
9. And I was stuck so I was a C-Section baby
10. My dad was the 1st to hold me
11. Because my mom was still "sleeping" from the medication
12. She was told she had a girl when she woke up and then she puked
13. I was a very good baby...wasn't colicky at all.
14. My mom ran a daycare when I was little which is how I met Katie, my "sister"
15. My dad played softball and basektball when I was little so I was always at games!
16. When I got a little older, I used to keep score at my dad's softball games for money!
17. My 1st job was at Schlotzsky's Deli
18. My mom was the manager
19. I went to public school K-6th grade
20. But was teased a lot so I asked to switch schools
21. Then I went to private school 7th-12th grade
22. It was close to our house
23. My parents bought their 1st house when I was in 5th grade
24. That meant I finally was able to get a puppy!
25. She was born August 9th
26. I have always been afraid of bees
27. When I was younger, an older couple lived next door to us
28. I adopted them as grandparents
29. I don't call my grandparents "Grandma" and "Grandpa"
30. I call them Onnee (my mom tried to teach me Nonnie, but it came out Onnee)
31. And Paw-Paw (she tried papa, I wasn't good with talking)
32. My godparents names are Barb and Jim but....(yep you guessed it!)
33. I called them Barbie and Mimmie (tried to get me to say Jimmy)
34. I have always been close with my mom's mom (she lives in FL)
35. Some of my favorite past times are from when she would visit and we would take walks
36. I had my 1st kiss in the 5th grade at a birthday party
37. I didn't have my 1st real boyfriend until I was 16
38. That one lasted 2 1/2 years
39. Thank God it didn't last longer
40. I found the love of my life right before my 22nd birthday
41. We started dating less than a month after meeting
42. And got engaged on our 1 year anniversary
43. I can't see myself with anyone else and can't even picture life without him in it
44. We are complete opposites when it comes to our favorite things
45. He's an outdoors person with biking, hiking
46. And I love curling up with a good book and reading
47. He always makes me laugh
48. I am extremely close with my parents
49. I talk to my parents every day (especially my mom)
50. I hope to move back to my hometown some day
51. I can't imagine life without my parents
52. I can only hope I am as good of a mom as my mom is
53. I always wanted two kids (1 boy and 1 girl)
54. I have always wanted a ranch home too
55. With a puppy
56. I love to bake
57. And am not the best cook in the world
58. I do try really hard though
59. I love to shop
60. I can't wait to get married
61. I got my undergrad degree in Social Work
62. It took me 5 years
63. And I transferred 3 times
64. Ended up graduating from the same University I started at (go figure!)
65. I love taking pictures
66. And wish I was better at it
67. I'm going to start my Master's Program this fall (fall of '06)
68. I love working with children
69. I love to read
70. I love movies
71. My favorite movie is "American President"
72. I also love really funny movies
73. I really enjoy scrapbooking
74. I don't do it nearly as much as I would like to
75. I work from home
76. Which is hard because then I don't get the interaction from working in an office
77. We live in a 2 bedroom apartment
78. In Waukesha
79. I cried the 1st time we came to Waukesha
80. It was rush hour and I had no idea where I was going
81. I'm not the cleanest person you'll ever meet
82. But I do hate having the kitchen and bathroom dirty
83. I'm a very picky eater
84. I don't like most vegetables
85. I love the moon
86. Our apartment has a moon is almost every room
87. I learned to knit recently, but haven't actually completed an entire project
88. I want to learn to crochet
89. I love candles
90. I used to hate the color pink
91. And for some reason, now I really enjoy it!
92. When I was young, I had three imaginary friends
93. My parents took me to the grocery store one day (when I was young)
94. And I screamed because I said my dad slammed the door on one of my imaginary friends
95. I must have had a very vivid imagination
96. I only have 1 living Onnee left (the one from FL)
97. I bought my first new car (an '05 Saturn Vue) last summer (summer of '05)
98. I already have 20,000 miles on it (I drive A LOT for work)
99. I love to camp and take drives to places I've never been!
100. I want to honeymoon on an island like St. Lucia

I hope you learned some things about me!!!!