Of course she'd be beautiful.....

What a beautiful family! Shiloh is cuter every time I see her.

What do you think about this family?

Carmel says....

Hey out there, it's Carmel. So my owner, Amy, has been going through a rough time lately. I jump on her, give her kisses and even bite her (not too hard) every once in a while.

She seems to be doing much better this week though. She had a visit from her mom which ALWAYS HELPS! I wasn't allowed to come with because I was told that I had to "stay home." I hear that a lot.

Even though I don't live with Amy, I still worry about her a lot. I still consider her my owner because she always checks on me and when she comes to visit, she gives me extra treats and usually brings a new toy!!! Not to worry though because I usually destroy it in about a week.

Anyway, since I can't be around all the time, could you keep checking in on her to make sure she's okay? She doesn't post every day any more but just let her know that you care like I do. Have a great weekend!

Where did that piece go?

As you have noticed, life hasn't been the greatest lately. I hate to continue to write about, but in all honesty, it's what I think and feel most of the time--so that's what I write about. I try to just go without writing if I don't feel that I have anything "positive" to say, but I don't have to be positive all the time, right?

I've been searching for something that I think I lost....it's a piece of myself. When fiance and I broke up, a piece of me went with him. Now, sometimes I think that's okay, but other times, like now, I feel like I should have that piece back in order to be whole again. But are you ever whole again (in the same way you were before)? Do pieces come and go and eventually you will find someone who maybe has holes in places you don't and the puzzle just fits? Am I using too many analogies for anyone to understand?

Every morning I wake up and tell myself "you can do this." Most days....I accomplish that goal. However, there are some days when I go to bed thinking "what were you thinking?"

I can be self-sufficient. I have all the main things down...grocery shopping alone, paying bills, living alone. It's the emotional things that I now must deal with. I need to either realize that not all the pieces are going to be put back together or attempt to put them back.

I have a wonderful family who is more than supportive. I have parents who go above and beyond what parents should do. I have friends who would do anything for me, but sometimes all that doesn't matter. That isn't what's broken.

So I just want you to know that part of me is broken right now. I am still trying to figure out if that's okay or not.

So I continue looking at where the pieces went and whether I can put them back together. Has anyone seen my pieces?

Uh...what???

Seriously, what is going on? Is the world coming to an end? She checks into rehab (according to TMZ) and then checks out 24 hours later...comes back to LA and shaves her head?

Hmmmm

I'll admit it....

I'm a bit of a celebrity nerd. I love to look at People and see what's new on and what happened since the last magazine or entertainment show was on. I have no idea what made me get into this but maybe it's just because I can focus on other people's problems and not my own! Oh who knows!

So this week sucks. I'm sick and I've just had a rough week. I really just want it to be over. I am going to get my hair done on Saturday and I CAN.NOT.WAIT! What is it about getting your hair done that automatically makes you feel better? Who knows but I'll take it. So I leave you with this celebrity picture!

Today is the day....

Well, today is the day I was hoping to not have....I had to turn on the word verification. I had gotten about 25 anonymous comments yesterday that I had to go through and delete and I am sick of it. So I'm sorry about that because I know how annoying it can be. I'm hoping after a while I can turn it off again!

I hope you don't mind too much. I'm apologizing in advance.

Thanks for still commenting!!!

I was nominated?

So I've never been nominated for anything. Wait, I take that back. I was "randomly" drawn from a hat and picked for Prom Court (ugh!) I needless to say, um how do you say...lost? However, I do still have my sash that says "Prom Court" Is that tacky?

Anywhoooo....the point is SOMEONE nominated ME for the Share The Love Blog Awards? Who is this wonderful person? Please show yourself.

So now...I need YOUR help! If you like me (and if you are reading this, you better!) then give me some props on your page and get the word around to VOTE VOTE VOTE! Make up a VOTE or DIE campaign. Give your best you rah rah. Do it! Together we make me successful (er, or win an award!) Comon people :-)

Oh and this is the kicker...I was nominated for most inspiring! Am I inspiring you vote for me and get my name out there? Help me win everyone! Now I'm pumped...this just made 2007 start out AWESOME!

Go here: http://www.freesurveysonline.com/fso/AskSurvey.fso?Survey=10007&CheckID=6680

Go down to category 5 and I'm under Life After College-A Real Job

Let me know after you've voted. You can vote for a week I believe. Now move it (that was inspiring wasn't it????)

Oh and while you are over voting for me (cause I know you will!), please make sure to vote for Gone To Plaid for Best Design and Goofy Girl or Local Girl for Happiest Blog! Thanks!

Matt Wertz - 5:19

I have loved Matt Wertz for a long time and this is the best youtube one that I can find. You have to turn up the volume to be able to hear him. He's on myspace too if you do that and he has some songs on there that you can hear better. Give him a chance!

2008 will be my year...

I'm exhausted. Physically, mentally and any other "ly" that I can be, I am. I am working 32 hours a week, doing internship 20 hours a week, attending two classes, and then somehow supposed to study. And that doesn't include things like sleeping, eating, paying bills or cleaning (heaven forbid).

So yes, I am tired--all the time. I think that it may also be a little bit of depression (I wouldn't have any idea why!!!!!) and a lot of stress. I made the honor roll last semester. I was able to pull it off. I was very close to Dean's list and was a little disappointed, but I will take the honor roll, thankyouverymuch!

So I graduate in December and was talking to a friend who's also in my program and we agreed that NEXT year will be our year. We'll be done with school, and my schedule will (hopefully) calm down and then (maybe) I'll be able to enjoy some time. I don't want to get so caught up in all this work and school that I don't have time to enjoy life.

Life is short and I've learned that things happen you never expected. Just because life doesn't go the way you plan doesn't mean the world stops. It just keeps on going and expects that eventually you'll wake up and hop back on.

It's almost been two months since we've broken up and I've got to tell you, there were (many) days that I felt that the world had ended and I still have those days (although a lot less than in the beginning). I have realized that he's not coming home from work (at least not here) and that I only need to cook for one. I also don't think that it's him on the phone every time it rings. But those changes take time. And after 3 years, it takes quite a bit of time.

I'd like to think that I'm doing fairly well. I can now sleep in the bed at night by myself (I know it sounds odd to some, but this was a HUGE change for me--some one who had never lived alone before). I no longer wake up every hour because of some noise (read: NOTHING!)

Thank you to those who continue to stop by (those who stop by and don't leave a message too--I'm feeling nice today). I especially want to thank pink chihuahua princess as she leaves me the nicest messages!

So although I know this year will be rough and will have its up and downs, I'm in for the ride. The world hasn't ended (or stopped) and I'm thinking I just may hop back on soon.

Things you always wanted to know but never asked....

Dear Yahoo!:
How do competitive eaters fit all that food in their stomachs?
BrettMiami, Florida

Dear Brett:
Those old pie eating contests they used to hold at county fairs are nothing compared to modern eating competitions. Besides being able to stomach loads of food, professional eaters usually boast colorful nicknames, such as Jaws, Bonestripper, and Dumplings. But they take the sport seriously -- there's even an International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE).
HowStuffWorks explains that in order to get the grub down faster, eaters often dunk the food in water or break it into smaller pieces. They're used to ignoring the natural gag reflex, as well as the stomach's feeling of fullness. Some folks train by filling up with large meals or water to stretch the stomach. However the IFOCE frowns upon this method. Some "old school" competitive eaters prefer "picnic style rules," which ban dipping, mushing, dunking, and picking apart their chow.
Takeru Kobayashi, currently the top-ranked competitive eater, has a theory about success in the sport: "You have to gradually build up your gut by eating larger and larger amounts of food, and then be sure to work it all off so body fat doesn't put a squeeze on the expansion of your stomach in competition." It's time to start training. Hey, you gonna eat that?

Life....

Well at this moment it's not the most fun. My apartment is mostly rearranged and all the pictures have been taken down. It was hard to box up the pictures and the memories. Yes, I know, I will always have the memories, but to think that I took 3 years and put it into a box just is very hard for me. Three years into one box? It also seems very final to me. Not that I didn't know it was over, but this was kind of the last thing that I needed to do to make the apartment "mine." So needless to say this weekend has been tough on me. Luckily a friend I hadn't heard from in a while happened to call last night and it was exactly what I needed. I just love when that happens. She was able to get me to laugh and we ended up talking for 2 hours!!! By then it was time for bed and it seemed as though time flew by. I had a hard time sleeping last night and I had been able to sleep better lately so I was frustrated with that. It all comes in time though I guess.

I appreciate those of you who continue to stop by even though I haven't been good about posting. I often begin to write posts and then just don't have it in me and stop. So know that I think of you all often as well! I still read most of your blogs and sometimes, if you're lucky, you get a comment from me as well :-)

School starts again on the 22nd and I'm looking forward to that as it will give me something else to keep me busy. So I am keeping my fingers crossed that 2007 will only continue to get better. I hope you are all having a wonderful January.

TT

Thanks to goofy girl for the special banner!

Thirteen things that drive me crazy!

1. I hate it when slow drivers are in the left lane....seriously, just GET OVER and let me pass you! Those drivers really should not drive (no offense to you slow drivers, but I have places to go and yes I need to get there 2 min. before you!)

2. Restaurants that don't have free refills...do you really think I'm not going to drink more than one? Then if you don't have refills, I have to switch to water and I think we all know how I feel about that!

3. Men who break off relationships and already have another girlfriend...well I think we all know how I feel about that...let's just leave it at all....

4. Those anonymous people who put spam comments on my blog...I really don't want to have the word verification but comon...I don't need my p*n*s enlarged or a boob job so please don't post it on my site!

5. Having such a long hiatus for tv shows right now...do I really need to wait 5 weeks for a new Grey's? That is like TORTURE. It's not even new tonight, but Ugly Betty is :-)

6. People in the 10 items or less line with over 20 items....now some people may honestly not know how to count, but if I'm standing there with 1 item, that means I want out and quickly!!!!

7. The cost of school books...obviously I am not rich if I am trying to obtain another degree and the fact that each book is over $50 (and usually over $65) really irks me when there is ALWAYS more than 1 book per class....I am sure that goofy girl can relate!

8. People leaving mean comments on blogs...nobody said you had to read what I write or anyone else....if you don't like what I write, don't visit--it's really fairly simple.

9. People who repeat things over and over and over again....I got it the first time but thank you!

10. Parents yelling at their children in public...I know that sometimes the parents are embarrassed and don't know what to do, but some parents really yell and get into it in the middle of the grocery store aisle and the child just starts screaming...now I know why I grocery shop later.

11. People who will read through this entire post and then NOT leave a message....oh comon, let me at least feel the love here....

12. People who don't use their blinkers...are they optional on cars now? Does it cost extra to have them installed? I can not read your mind and know that you want to cut in front of me so please don't assume that I know I need to make room for your car when you are going to cut in front of me to slam on your breaks 4 seconds after you do!

13. And finally...it drives me crazy that I can't always think of 13 things for this list! Oh well, better luck next time.

What drives you crazy?

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Can you pass the 3rd grade?

I thought this was fun. My mom had sent it to me a while ago....but it's still fun to try!

http://www.pibmug.com/files/map_test.swf

You have to drag the names of the states to the correct place on the map! Enjoy!

Oh and let me know how well you did.

I got them all within the time frame :-)

I can't believe it's 2007

Well, a lot has changed since 2006. As many of you know, I am no longer getting married. Fiance is now ex-fiance and he moved out a few weeks before Christmas. My New Year's Eve was supposed to consist of being with fiance and shouting "I GET MARRIED THIS YEAR" at the stroke of midnight. Instead, I went to bed at 11:30 so that I could miss all that jazz. Besides the struggles of trying to get my life back in order and figuring out how to live alone, I am also optimistic.

2007 will bring a new year of surprises and excitement. I will receive my Masters in Social Work in December of '07. I will also finish internship and in June, it will be two years that I will be with my current employer. May 21st of this year will mark the 2nd year since I received my bachelors degree and it seems like time is just flying by. I look forward to what life has in store for me. I don't know what path I am going to be headed on or where I am going to end up, but I do know that it'll be an adventure that I am more and more ready every day to embark on.

I have found out who my true friends are and have realized how lucky I am in my life. Don't get me wrong, I have my bad days and the days that I have to fight with myself to get out of bed, but I try to remember all those I have rooting for me and I try to keep on going. I also have to give special thanks to Janet and Goofy Girl who took time out of their busy lives to listen to me complain when things were real bad. I also appreciate all those who have kept on checking back to see if I was back or not. I appreciate the kind words and the support!

I had a good friend email me this quote and I now have this on my bathroom mirror to remind me each day to keep going:

"Everything is okay in the end--if it's not okay, then it's not the end."

So here's to 2007 and all that it will bring. I am thankful for so much and although I am not going to make any "resolutions," I do want to resolve to learn from 2006 and to not forget the lessons that I learned.

Happy New Year, everyone....

I got tagged!

I got tagged from Island Life on December 14th and am just getting to it now. (Better late than never right?)

Here are the rules:

The Rules:
Each player of this game starts with the “6 weird things about you”. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says “you are tagged” in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. I hate vegetables; however, my favorite soup is split pea with ham. Yeah, I know, I'm strange.
2. I am deathly afraid of bees. I stepped on one when I was younger and it stung me and since then I run from them.
3. I changed my major three times and transferred schools three times before finding my "fit". Because of this, it took me 5 years to finish my undergraduate degree.
4. I don't like my food all mixed together like in casseroles. I have never made one and probably never will.
5. I don't know how to swim. I took swim lessons when I was younger but never really learned. I can do a mean doggy paddle though!
6. And finally I only started to wear make-up recently. I was one of those girls who didn't see the point and hated to take the time to put it on. Now I enjoy doing it for special occasions and to work for meetings. It's a big change for me!

Now, if you are reading this, consider yourself tagged. Let me know if you participate as I would love to see your answers!

Happy New Year.....

Happy Holidays

I know it's been quite a while since I have posted. Time has flown by but it's also been a stressful time. The holidays were hard for me and I do have to say it wasn't one of my favorite Christmas'. But I survived and made it through. I have a lot of stuff to put away. I spent a lot of time with my family and friends. That was definitely nice! Here are Peanut and Carmel after Christmas. Carmel got a new toy and LOVED it. We got Peanut a new toy and less than 24 hours, Carmel had one end chewed apart. She defintely makes me laugh.

How were your holidays? Any plans for New Year's Eve?

Thank you

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has left such kind messages and have been willing to lend an ear to me. I appreciate the concern and genuine kindness that people have shared with me.

Here is a picture to share with you all:


This is one of my favorite little cousins who can always put a smile on my face. This was taken a while ago but you can still understand the cuteness!

We interrupt this blog....

....for some news.

Due to some personal stuff that is going on, I will be taking a break from blogging. I know that at some point, I will find writing my feelings out as therapeautic but at this point, I just need some time away. I will continue to visit all my favorite bloggers and please continue to check back to see if I've checked in.

Thank you everyone! Hopefully I will not be gone long....

Welcome, Snow! ***UPDATED***

Well, I got up this morning to go to internship and guess what? We had gotten 7.5 inches of snow since 3am--woah!!! It was snowing side ways and the news kept saying "DON'T GO OUT SIDE IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO"

So...I didn't. I climbed back into bed and slept until 9:15am. That was nice. So it is still snowing and I can't wait to see how much more we get (yes, that is sarcasm you may have noted). So today I am cleaning, wrapping presents and more cleaning. This place gets so out of shape when fiance and I are always working or gone. It's hard to keep it clean when I'm so tired by the time I get home and just want to go to bed. Anyway, I'll try to take a picture later and post it to show just how much snow we've gotten.

Have a super Friday--oh and we are going to a PACKER game this weekend so I'll post pictures from that too after the weekend is over.

What are your plans?

**UPDATE**
We now have 12.5 inches of snow as of noon!!!!

Thursday Thirteen!

Banner from Goofy girl

Okay, so here if your chance. You ask me what you want to know about me and next week I will answer those questions in the 13! If there are more than 13 then I will answer them in the following weeks. Ask whatever you want.

What have you been wanting to know or are curious about? Now is your chance!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.