What Do You Do?

What do you do when you can't find the shoes you were intending to wear to your husbands high school reunion?

You get him to help you find them, after wondering if you were foolish enough to really toss them like you had threatened to do.

High School Reunion

Tonight starts Ace's high school reunion. We're just about to go out to dinner with some of the people he graduated with.

I'm somewhat excited about getting to meet people he knew back in high school.

I've gotta go, we need to leave.

TTFN!

What Guillermo Thinks

Ace and I spend a lot of time joking about what we think the dog thinks.

"He thinks we're crazy." "He wants food." "Leave me alone already people!" "You've got food, you might give it to me, therefore I must stare at you." "Food! Food! FOOD! FOOD!" "I'm going for a ride! Oh, wait, they're leaving me here."

Of course, we still can't figure him out when there is a vehicle that is open and you say in (pointing to the house) and he jumps in the car. He apparently feels the need for rides more often than he gets them.

But mostly, I think he just thinks "I'm hungry!", "Fetch?", or "Can I go for a ride? Can I? Can I?" and usually, it's not a good time for that.

Later!

The Dark Knight

Well, I got to see The Dark Knight last night.

I'm not sure there are words to describe how I feel now. I'm in awe.

It was a wonderful movie. The visual effects were wonderful. Heath Ledger did a wonderful job, and I wish he were around to be in one in the future. But, I could see how playing a character like that could take a lot out of him emotionally. Who could work so long playing someone so insane without it taking a toll.

Christian Bale plays Batman and Bruce Wayne wonderfully. The way he changes his voice between Batman and Bruce Wayne was inspired. It helps to distinguish between the two, while helping to hide who Bruce Wayne really is from Batman's allies.

Aaron Eckhart did well as Harvey Dent. He was impressive as a heroic figure. I only have one minor complaint, but I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone. And, they could correct my complaint in a future movie.

Overall, the movie was worth the wait. Of course, I've been waiting since I first heard it was coming out, but it was worth the wait.

TTFN!

One Word

BATMAN!

Sex

I mention, at least from time to time, that Ace and I have sex, but I never really talk about it. I never mention anything aside from the fact that it is good (great, wonderful, marvelous, close to perfect). I think part of it is that I'm semi-slightly prudish when it comes to talking about sex with anyone but Ace (and I'm hoping to get over it in one post... wish me luck).

We have sex in different was at different times (and no, I'm not talking positions, because I need to maintain at least a slight air of mystery about my sex life).

There's the passionate sex: the kind where we (or at least I) want it hard and fast and don't really want much foreplay. The kind where I say "Fuck me now" and Ace knows exactly what I mean.

There's the sensual sex: where Ace licks, kisses, and caresses me until I'm ready to ask him to please move this into the passionate sex area, because my mind thinks it's going to explode. And he refuses for a while. And it feels so good, I wish he would move a little faster, just to take away the slightest bit of the pleasure, because I can't mentally handle it (and he still refuses).

There's the foreplay only: neither of us really wants sex, we just want to have fun. It could possibly lead to sex, but I seriously doubt it. This is rare and usually involves me giggling WAY too much.

There's the relief sex: only one of us is interested in sex (more often Ace, sad to say) and we're only having sex for that one person. This is rare and not very fulfilling. This is probably the lowest form of sex out there.

There's the slow-moving sex: this is related to the sensual, but Ace is more willing to move into passionate sex whenever I ask him too. This is the most common, as I'm sure it is in most couples. It's relaxed and friendly, but lots of fun.

What talk about sex would be complete without talking about mood breakers?

There's the bodily function mood breaker: I think this is rather self explanatory. If not, e-mail me at a_masmith at yahoo dot com and I'll tell you straight out what I mean.

There's the phone call mood breaker: especially bad when it's a relative. Few thing kill desire faster. It's extremely hard for me to get back in the mood after this one, because...

There's the random emotion mood breaker: you suddenly shift from being in the moment, enjoying the sex, to being 500 miles away emotionally (at least, that's how it feels). It's hard to recover from this, but it can happen.

Yeah, that's all the mood breakers coming to mind just now, but I'm sure there are plenty of others out there. If you think of one, let me know.

TTFN!

What I've Learned from "The Baby Borrowers" Part 4

Well, I've watched another episode, and it's time for me to tell what I've learned from this episode.

1. You can't just be a friend to your kids. Otherwise, they will walk all over you.

2. There are seriously people out there who think they can not eat veggies and still have their kids eat healthy (really?). Everyone I've seen who doesn't eat right has kids that don't eat right either.

3. I'm still convinced that most of these teens will not still have a relationship at the end of this experience.

4. When you have an evening alone, it's probably better to spend it alone instead of with a friend (at least, it's a good idea if you and your significant other already have a rocky relationship).

5. Try different things to entertain your kids. You'll never know if sitting and doing math problems will be entertaining and fun unless you just try it (do take your cues from the kids).

6. You can't ignore kids just because they are fighting. They could be bored. You need to try to find them something else to do.

7. 3 boys are going to need a lot of attention and things to do, otherwise they are just going to make a mess and play fight a lot (actually, this can happen with any number of boys/girls).

8. No one should have a sleepover with roughly 10 kids of all different ages. That's just asking for madness. And for someone to get hurt.

9. Contrary to popular opinion, girls will fight just as much, if not more so, than boys. And it can get violent and painful.

10. Good discipline techniques can be hard to come by, but when you stick to them, they will effective (even if it's just for the short term)

11. Preteens can be fairly easy to get along with too, unless they are throwing a fit.

12. Some teens will listen better if you sound like you are concerned about them, even if they didn't respond well the first time that someone had a concern about the kids (and the teens).

So, I learned a lot watching the latest episode.

I'm just wondering who leaves, because at this point, it could be anyone. And thus, I am even more excited for this next episode.

What did you learn from this episode?

There Comes a Buzzing

I'm reading the posts that were read at BlogHer '08 (since I'm nowhere near there, but am at home watching The Phantom of the Opera, for some reason I'm not fully clear on) and it's reminding me of about a billion things I've never said here that seem somewhat important. And then I hear a buzzing in my head over the fighting of which thing seems most important to post first (which, sadly, drowns out the pretty music coming from the TV).

I guess the thing that seems most important is the fact that I fight my fears that I could ever be even remotely like my mother. And that I avoid thinking about my past, because it feels like an ugly mass of scar tissue. And I don't know how to remove the ugly parts from the pretty ones (there are, obviously, good times sprinkled in with the bad). I avoid thinking about why most people, the ones who I know love me the most, are pushing me to even think about restoring contact with someone who has hurt me so much, while complete strangers (and some people who care about me) are happy to let me make my own choices. How is it that these loved ones don't see that their pushing hurts just as much as those memories I try to avoid? That while I look whole, there is really a piece that doesn't work like it should? That to stop hurting and cringing about my phone ringing, I cut off contact with the person who caused the pain in the first place?

I also am thinking about the fact that I sometimes avoid technology. It's not because I'm afraid of technology, but because I don't want to give myself something else that I can hardly drag myself away from. I avoided joining MySpace for so long that I think I was the only one under 30 who didn't have an account. I don't really feel the need to have others judge whether or not I was worthy of being their friend online, I feel funny enough about that in real life (blogging, on the other hand, doesn't bother me at all). I'm avoiding joining Twitter, because I let other people's blogs take up enough of my day without adding their twitters to the process too.

And those things, which are now content to relax since they've been let out, are what I heard buzzing in my head. I'll try not to wait so long to express myself next time, because I don't particularly care for the sound.

TTFN!

2 Quick Questions

Can anyone tell me why my body seems to heat up every evening Ace works sometime between 10 and 12?

And why is my first thought to take a warm bath when this happens?

Obsession?

Tonight, the plan is to go see The Dark Knight. Around 11:30, hopefully, we'll leave our house to go to the theater to see the 12:01 or 12:02 showing.

If we don't make it to see the movie tonight, we're waiting until next Tuesday for the latest showing then.

I will see this movie in the theaters, if I have to go by myself (which I shouldn't).

Do I sound obsessed?

The Crash After

People, I've had a lot of energy lately. I got all the clothes put away (for, like 24 hours). I got the dishes caught up and clean.

And now, I'm fighting to stay awake at 10:30, a time I'm normally fine with being awake at. Because my energy has crashed.

But, I should have more energy tomorrow (at least I'll have the option to relax and not do anything if I want tomorrow night).

ZZZ....

Are You a Leader?

I, as a general rule, am not a leader. I don't like to be in charge of other people (at least people roughly my age).

But, I like that there are leaders out there. It's a good thing. I sometimes wish that there were some better leaders, but at least there are leaders out there.

So, are you a leader?

He Seems to Like Getting in Trouble

Again, the dog has done something stupid.

Ace made up some cinnamon monkey bread (it seems he wanted some) and had left some for me. I went back to bed for a little while after I got up (I took a nap, because I didn't want to argue with myself on a 30 minute nap). After I got up, I went to go get food. By this point, I had forgotten about the monkey bread, until I saw a plate on the floor.

The dog ate the monkey bread that Ace had left for me, partially because I didn't do anything with it before I took my nap (frankly, I had forgotten already and had somewhat assumed that it was put where the dog couldn't get to it).

Guillermo is currently outside, where he will stay at least until Ace gets home from work.

And I don't get paid enough to deal with a dog that does things he knows are wrong.

What I've Learned from "The Baby Borrowers" Part 3

Okay, I watched Friday, but I've had to give this episode some time to sink in, because I was a little overwhelmed with other things Friday.

1. Teenagers and toddlers apparently have a lot in common, especially their attitudes. It is apparently helpful for the teenagers though, because everything seemed to go fairly well.

2. Communication is important, because otherwise those teens are going to be scolded by the nannies. And they deserve it.

3. Just because you're good with infants doesn't mean you'll be good with toddlers. Even if you start off well. Just because you didn't do so well with the infant doesn't mean you'll do badly with the toddler. Maybe you'll finally find your stride.

4. Every guy should be a stay-at-home parent at least one day. It'll show them how hard it is and how much work is really being done while they aren't there.

5. It's not going to get any easier from here.

6. Birthday parties should consist of a least a little more than kids running around playing and a birthday cake. Presents should be included too.

Anything you've learned?

Housework

After taking a couple of weeks to do almost nothing to help my shoulder heal, I now have a lot of housework to catch up on. It's kept me kind of busy the past two days. In fact, I need to go do another load of dishes right now.

How is it that even when we don't use many dishes, they pile up so quickly?

Unintentionally Funny

I'm sitting in my house, listening to the party shuffle on my iTunes, and checking to see if I need to delete something because it's popping up too much and I ran into the most funny unintentional song pairing.

I Don't Need You by Kenny Rogers
All I Ever Need is You by Kenny Rogers


Yeah, that order makes sense...

(Yes, I listen mostly to country music, but I'm fairly sure I've mentioned it before).

TTFN!

Things I Refuse to Talk About

I'll talk about almost anything with almost anyone. I'm not shy about revealing most things to others. But there are a few things I refuse to talk about with anyone except Ace, and I don't normally talk to him about them.

1. Politics - I don't care about the Presidential race and politics as a whole bore me. I think the government is too large and has gotten too involved in things that don't concern it, but I'm not sure exactly how to fix the problem, so I just leave it alone for now.

2. Religion - I have very deep beliefs that I will discuss one on one, but I'm not going to preach those beliefs to others, especially not here. You have the right to believe what you believe, and I'm not really convinced I could change your beliefs if we disagreed (nor would I necessarily care to try).

3. Finances - I'll not share my financial situation, because frankly I don't care to think on this subject either. Plus, most of the people who want to know don't really need the information, they are just nosy.

I think that's pretty much it, which slightly bothers the part of me that likes even numbers, but because I'm fairly open, there isn't really anything else to add.

So, now I've opened up, a little, about things I won't open up about. And that will just have to do you on those topics for, well, a good long time.

TTFN!

Writing

I have an odd history with writing. I didn't like to write while I was in school, mainly because it was forced and I had little to do with the whole thing. I hate being forced to do things.

While I was in college, I kind of enjoyed the idea of writing a book. I went so far as to start writing one, and even had most the plot figured out (names, character traits). And then I just stopped. I found something "better" to do.

I originally started a blog so that I could comment on pictures of my cousin's children. She didn't allow comments from people who weren't registered with blogger, and I didn't feel like it was too much of an imposition to register and create a blog so that I could tell her that her children were cute.

Lately, I've been trying to figure out how I feel about writing. I enjoy writing here, telling stories or ranting about things or just sharing my opinion, but if I felt like there was some big, huge obligation in writing, I would probably feel frustrated and stifled and I'd write less often.

I'm not sure where my relationship with writing will go in the future, but I'm sure its not anywhere near done. Especially since I've been more interested in grammar and writing. But, I'm fairly sure of this, it will have more ups and downs than I'd like over the rest of my life.

TTFN!

I've Lost Track

I know that sometime rather soon (I think) I'm supposed to start my period, but I've kind of lost track as to when that is. I blame the dog (he hurt my shoulder, which is easier to keep track of).

So, yeah, I'm just waiting and wondering if I'm going to start my period and when. Because I am completely lost on when that's supposed to happen.

But I'm enjoying everything until it happens. And taking some advantage of having an arm that I can't use for heavy things (not to the detriment of my marriage, I've got a good working brain). Basically, I'm asking Ace to do a few extra things around here.

And now I'm off to do something else that I may lose track of. Just because I can.

TTFN!

What I've Learned from "The Baby Borrowers" Part 2

This is a short list, because I didn't learn a whole lot more this week, but here we go.

1. Some of those teenagers did better than it seemed like they would on the first episode. Some of them didn't seem to really care, which is just a shame.

2. Teenage girls don't necessarily have any better relationships with their mothers than I do (actually, they probably do, even if they don't act like it).

3. There was at least one couple that I barely remember seeing (Jordan and Sasha, where have you guys been?). What's up with that? Because even when things are going fairly well, they've shown the other couples.

4. The nannies seemed to stay off camera as much as possible, which was interesting.

5. Is it time for the next episode yet? (I guess I didn't really learn that, I'm just wondering what's going to happen next.

What have you learned so far?

Amusement

While we were visiting my dad, we got to see a show called Mobile Home Disaster. I enjoy watching it, because it is similar to Extreme Home Makeover. Only it doesn't usually make me tear up or cry as much.

It's also amusing to see everyone "bicker" with each other. I'm fairly sure that most of the bickering is just for the camera. I would imagine that there is some true arguing that goes on, but most of the shown arguing is just for laughs.

So, I'm watching it and feeling amused. And when this episode is over, I'll probably watch last Wednesday's Baby Borrowers. Maybe tomorrow I'll share what I've learned in the fist two weeks of the Baby Borrowers (if I learn anything new).

What's been amusing you lately?

A Day Mostly Off

I try, at least once a week, to have a day where I don't have to do anything. Usually this day falls on Sunday (it's just the easiest day to not do any housework for some reason).

Ace probably feels like I spend too much time not doing anything, but I think he's okay with me taking today off for the most part. I moved some stuff from one spot in the house to the other, and it ended up being too heavy for my shoulder right now. So, I'm back to trying to let my shoulder heal, even though I feel frustrated about it.

What gets me is I've lifted heavier things while I was working for Bath and Body Works (because it was mostly their products). Darn shoulder.

I'm going to go back to relaxing now.

TTFN!

Sometimes Words Are Not Enough

I struggle within myself to define who I am. The words I can easily ascribe to myself don't seem to be enough. Because saying I am a woman or I am a housewife (or even just I am a wife), doesn't seem to truly describe who I am deep inside.

Saying that I am a reader doesn't fully do me or the books I read justice (not that I read just one specific type of book). Saying that I want to be a mother doesn't really give the emphasis that it should on how I feel about it.

Sometimes, words just aren't enough, but they are all I have. And so, I make the best I can of the situation.

Have words ever been not enough for you?

I Can Legally Drive Again

Or: How I Stressed Myself Out for No Reason for 3 Days

Sunday night/extremely early Monday morning, Ace and I went to Wal-Mart to do our shopping. When we checked out, I suddenly realized that our licenses expire at the end of Monday and we needed to go get that taken care of.

Monday, we go to a local tag agency (because that's where you go to renew your license in OK). There is a fairly long line, but it ends up moving decently fast. The last three people in front of me (who actually got to get their licenses in process) are waiting for the licenses to print out. I go through everything and move to a bench to join those who are waiting. Ace, who was right behind me, also gets through with everything.

Then they spent at least the next 30 minutes trying to get the printer to work and print off the 5 licenses that are in queue. And they work on it. And they work on it. And then they call whoever fixes the machines when they are down and see if they can fix it that way (no, they can't). They end up sending everyone home who was still in line and giving the three of us who were still there waiting our old licenses and our money/checks back (actually, I don't know how it turned out with the other guy there, we left after we got our checks back). Ace decides that we aren't going to go wait in line at another tag agency, we'll just come back to this one tomorrow.

Tuesday, Ace calls the tag agency to find out if the printer is fixed. We're told not yet. We, unfortunately for us, have someone coming to try to fix our problems with our printer/external hard drive (and no, I won't post about that later, because I'd like to just forget all about it). When he leaves, after we eat, we go back to the tag agency to try to renew our licenses. We're told we have to have our certified birth certificates to do so (they couldn't have mentioned this Monday?). I have to get mine out of our safety deposit box at the bank (I grabbed a certified copy of the marriage license too, just in case). Ace has to find out if his parents have a certified copy, because the copy they gave us isn't certified (they didn't, and then we went shopping at Sam's, which is totally unrelated). I post about what I will write about soon.

Wednesday, Ace calls to find out what he needs to get a certified copy of his birth certificate (his license, and some knowledge about some of the facts on the birth certificate, including how to spell his parents full birth names). We go by and pick up 2 copies (somewhat long line, but he filled out the form while we were waiting). I had to remind him to get his old license before we left. Then we went back to the tag agency (we've been there 3 days now, in their 4 day work week). There is no line, just someone standing in a bad spot. We get our licenses quickly, as we now have all the right data to prove we are US citizens (born, although we've both lived in the US all of our lives, the state of Oklahoma doesn't care). Ace comments that my picture looks just like the one on my old license (except I'm not wearing my glasses), and I wonder if this all would have happened if I'd just worn a red shirt on Monday.

So, I can legally drive and am not having problems sleeping through the night anymore (except when we forget to close the office door and the phone rings).

And believe me, I'm hoping in 4 years, we'll remember to renew our licenses in February when we have to get the new tag for Serenity, because, as we so helpfully learned, you can renew your license up to 6 months early (Ace just wants to know why they don't send our reminders for licenses like they do for car tags. I do too.).

Have you recently stressed yourself out for no reason? If so, why?

How I Spent My 5th Anniversary

I'm not quite ready to talk about the driver's license drama, mostly because I have people coming over at 6:30. So, instead, I'll tell you all about my anniversary.

I got to bed around 4 am (while visiting my dad). Then I woke up at 8 am, in pain and unable to get comfortable enough to go back to sleep. So, I got up and moved to the living room and finished reading the book I had started the night before.

Then I got another book to read. Read on that a while and then took a nap on the very comfortable sofa. After that, I went back to reading until my dad got home from work.

We went out to dinner and had some very yummy catfish. Before the food got to the table, my dad gave me a Vicoden, which hit me not long after I finished eating (within minutes). I realized very quickly that I couldn't trust my legs to actually hold me upright when I stood up (but my shoulder was feeling nice and warm and it didn't hurt anymore).

After getting safely to the car (thanks in large part to Ace), we went to go get soft-serve ice cream. I had the biggest small cone that I've ever had and fought the Vicoden and myself to keep my head upright until we got back to my dad's house. We noticed how bad the menu was at the ice cream place (they had egg & roll and foo longs).

Then, after we got back to my dad's house, I laid on the comfy sofa for about 5 minutes before I was told they were going to open up the hot tub if I wanted to get in. Which, of course, I did as I was sure it would help my shoulder. So, Ace helped me (again) in getting changed into my swimming suit and played with their dog while everyone else soaked in the hot tub (nicely, by the time I got to the hot tub, I was no longer high or light headed, but I still wasn't in pain).

After the lovely soaking in the hot tub, I got into their pool for a few minutes (15? 20? somewhere in there). Then I came back inside and got dressed for bed and relaxed watching some TV/reading a book in the living room.

At 10 pm, I took some other medicine that my dad gave me and then slept 13 of the next 15 hours before being able to easily keep myself awake.

So, yeah... not nearly as exciting as I would have liked.

Tell me about how you were expecting one thing and got another.

Because It's My Blog

I'm going to go out of the order I put on my list yesterday and talk about what I've learned from one episode of The Baby Borrowers. And you can't do anything about it because... (Do I really have to finish that sentence?)

1. There is actually a reality show that I am interested in. I wasn't sure there would be, because I'm not interested in most reality shows out there as they aren't truly portraying reality. This one does, at least as much as possible when the teenagers don't actually have kids of their own yet.

2. Teenage girls can be extremely whiny and bratty. Or to put it in more blunt terms, teenage girls can be really b*tchy. I have never wanted to slap a person so hard in my life. And I'm not a particularly violent or aggressive person.

3. Teenage boys can be extremely mature. Um, I don't remember the guys I was in high school with being quite as mature as most of the guys on the show (of course, most of the guys I went to high school with didn't have babies to take care of, so...).

4. Most of these couples don't stand a chance of making it through this experience with their relationship intact. Well, maybe this one is just my opinion.

5. I am so ready for the challenges of parenthood.

6. I'd kind of like to see this show with adults close to my age as the ones trying to determine if they are ready to be parents. I imagine they would do better at handling the stress, and it wouldn't be quite the ratings grabber.

7. I'm impressed with the thought the people in charge put into ensuring the babies (and hopefully toddlers) are safe. Parents within walking distance (watching via monitors) and nannies on hand for emergencies.

Yeah, that' what I've learned so far from watching The Baby Borrowers. Have I missed anything?

Stories to Come

I don't have anything to talk about today, but I do have a glimpse at stories to come in the near future.

1. Renewing my license. There is a long post about this, after it gets fully accomplished.

2. The Baby Borrowers: What I've learned after just one episode.

3. What I did for my anniversary. It's not nearly as racy as it sounds (darn it).

Yeah, I think that's about it.

TTFN!

I'm Back

I took off most of this last week not because I was visiting my dad, but because the day before we went, Guillermo thought smelling another dog was more important than listening to me. Which lead to him jerking my arm enough to almost dislocate it. I'm still recovering, but I'm feeling much better now.

It lead to my dad offering me Vicoden while we were visiting (so that I wouldn't hurt anymore). I was stoned for roughly an hour after it kicked in. But I didn't hurt. I refused to walk without Ace being behind me in case I started to fall over. But, most importantly, I didn't hurt.

Then, around bedtime, he offered me something to help me not hurt and make me sleep (I have no idea what it was), and it took me 15 hours to get enough of it out of my system to stop sleeping. I didn't hurt during all that time, but it's hard to hurt when you are sleeping.

And now you know the important things that happened while I was gone.

TTFN!

Going Visiting

I'm somewhat excited because I get to go visit my dad later this week. And my siblings are going to be there. It's been since New Year's since I've seen anyone except my sister, so I'm not surprised that I'm excited.

It's slightly difficult to just wait for it to be the right day to go, but I've got to be patient. And so I shall be.

Later.

Making Peace (with Mac and Cheese)

I have a history with Mac and Cheese. It took me (I think) three tries to finally make Mac and Cheese end up like it's supposed too (fully of noodle-y goodness, with no tears shed in the process).

The first time I tried, I forgot to drain the noodles. It was too watery to eat. In my defense, I was making two different dishes at once, and I just forgot the draining step.

The second time I tried, I ended up remembering to drain the water, but ended up burning the tops of my feet with the water, as the sink I was trying to drain into was too full of dishes to be used properly. I cried and ended up having to wear sandals for the evening because I couldn't stand to have the tops of my feet being touched (I really didn't like the sandals, but I had to wear something as I wasn't getting to just stay home).

Nicely, the next time I can remember (several years later) making Mac and Cheese, I did so with an sink that had nothing but the strainer in it and I successfully made the dish.

It's funny, because I am normally quite skilled in the kitchen and can cook several different things without making mistakes like I did while trying to make Mac and Cheese. I guess it was just a dish that my mind had problems with (even though spaghetti was never a problem).

TTFN!

Spam: Protects the Ones You Love

I got an offer for life insurance, and the title of the post was what the subject line said. I know that whoever sent the e-mail didn't add the word spam, but it struck me as funny.

I had a couple of hits for braces from talking about having had braces in the past. I figure I should offer a few words of advice for those who currently have braces.

Follow the list of foods you shouldn't eat. I ate hard shell tacos twice while I had braces, and the shells broke the wire both times. Nicely it wasn't that long before I was to go back and get the wires changed, but it was uncomfortable until it got changed.

It takes a little while to get used to the braces, but despite the feeling your lips aren't an inch from your teeth.

So, that's my advice for people who have just gotten braces.

And that's pretty much all I have for you today.

Later.

Anniversaries

Next week, Ace and I will have been married for 5 years.

A lot has happened in that time. 5 years. It feels like forever (at least like I've known Ace forever) in one second and it feels like I'm exaggerating how long it's been (nope, we got married in 2003) in the next.

I'm extremely happy with how our marriage has gone. We've never had a fight. We rarely argue (debate?) about anything because we are on the same page. The sex is amazing (it's good even when it's not mind-blowing).

I found someone who understands me and loves me unconditionally. I found my self-esteem. I found someone who makes me feel like I'm a complete person in myself, even when he's looking at me like I've lost part of my mind. I found someone to help me laugh when I just want to cry.

And as soon as everyone leaves, I'm going to insist we spend some time together just being close. Because what else do you do when you are head-over-heels-in-love with someone?

Later.

Controlling What I Say

Ace has asked me from time to time to try to get a better control on when I say things. Mainly it happens when we're leaving his parents' house. I seem to feel the need to vocally express my relief to be parting company with them.

He wouldn't mind me saying whatever it is I say, as long as I would wait until we get into the car. But, I seem to feel the need to express my happiness just as soon as I think we may be out of ear shot of his parents.

I'm not really all that sure how to stop this habit. I know that I should hold onto my comments for just a few more minutes (or rather seconds).

Any suggestions?

I Am Not...

1. I am not a vegetarian, although I don't care if you want to be (just let me eat my meat in peace, I'll try not to eat too much meat in front if you). I don't like the idea of animals being tortured just so I can have meat, but I would not do well as a vegetarian.

2. I am not someone who pushes my beliefs off on others, because that won't convince anyone to believe what I believe. If you want to have a dialogue, I'll be willing to listen to you as long as you are willing to listen to me. I'll try to keep my eye rolling to a minimum (depending on your beliefs).

Okay, now that I've gotten that off my chest, I'll try to add some context.

I was reading, just a few minutes ago, an odd discussion on vegetarianism versus being an omnivore (which I am, because I love veggies too). I'm all for people who can do so being a vegetarian, if they want. I, personally, believe that I need to eat meat for the protein and the iron in order for my body to function normally. Which is not to say I eat meat at every meal (my dinner tonight included no meat).

I decided not to finish reading the discussion, because it seemed like most of the people involved weren't listening to the other side. And I find that frustrating. I like talking to other people and finding out why they believe the things they believe. It's interesting to hear the whole story. But if I disagree with the beliefs, I may want to share my own belief and my reasons for believing it. It doesn't mean I don't respect others (with minor exceptions, because I'm fairly sane), it just means that I feel strongly about what I believe in.

And that I all I have to say about that, except eat your veggies and don't believe in Scientology, because I'm fairly certain most of those people are nuts!

TTFN!

I Love to Laugh

I'm sure it doesn't surprise you to hear that I love to laugh. Who doesn't? But sometimes things that make me laugh the first time don't after seeing it quite a few times. Of course, give me a break from seeing it for a while, those things make me laugh again.

I've been trying to find things to make me laugh lately, because I'm finding the world to be a depressing place. And that isn't good for anyone (depression, I mean). Secondhand Lions, which Ace and I bought not too long ago, is one of the things that has been making me laugh the past couple of days.

The story is just beautiful. It reminds me that anyone can have adventure, they just might have to go looking for it though. And it's always interesting to listen to stories of the past and imagine them while hearing the tales.

So, what makes you laugh?

In Honor of Father's Day

Back when my parent's first got divorced, my father would come up on Fridays on his weekends and sleep on my mom's couch so that he could spend as much of Saturday with us as possible (now, he's got a wife and it would be inappropriate for him to sleep on her couch). By the time he got there on Fridays, it was, at best, bedtime for my siblings.

Which meant that I got to spend time with him alone on Friday nights. Mostly, we would watch TV together. We'd talk some. But it was my special time with my dad. And it meant (and still means) a lot to me.

The year I graduated high school, we started spending a large portion of our summer with him. It was nice, because again after my siblings went to bed, I got to spend some time with my dad. And again, it was a wonderful and special time, and has always had a special place in my heart.

So, Happy Father's Day Daddy.

TTFN!

Losing the Stress

Ace has mandated that I not watch movies like V for Vendetta late at night any more. Mainly, he wants me to stop watching movies that stress me out right before bed (not that I think V for Vendetta stresses me out, but I'll go with it). He's tired of me waking up with a sore back, unable to do much.

And I agree with his sentiments on wanting me to be able to move. I just think he's blaming the wrong thing. My back problems didn't pop up the day after I watched V for Vendetta, but on the day after I didn't have a clean bra and moved around heavy loads of laundry. But if it makes him happy, I won't watch V for Vendetta close to bedtime. It's a small sacrifice, and I can easily handle it.

Next time, I'll just watch a comedy instead. Less stress, more laughter, at least that's the theory.

On the plus side, after some time in a massage chair and some all natural muscle relaxant (and having on a bra), I'm feeling pretty good. I'm not wanting to move laundry or load the dishwasher (I'd like to keep my back feeling good), but I'm able to sit and bend over and walk without looking like I've got a board strapped to my back (which kind of negates the bending over, now that I think of it).

Well, I'm off to find another comedy to watch (and then I'll move into the bedroom, where I can be more relaxed).

TTFN!

The Dog in the Closet

Last night, Ace went to bed early. He took Guillermo with him, because I was eating and didn't want the dog to stare at me (it bothers me, I'm not sure why).

When I came to bed, I looked around for the dog after opening the door, since I couldn't see him at the foot of the bed. It turns out he was sleeping in the closet (which for some reason is tiled, but is currently covered with blankets). Then it took a little while for me to stop giggling about the dog coming out of the closet in order to go to sleep (because my sense of humor has been hanging around with teenagers without me, I guess).

Today, I'm still finding it to be a little silly. Because last night, I watched the dog come out of the closet (giggle giggle giggle).

And now I've destroyed this image of a woman ready to have kids in all your mind. You're welcome.

TTFN!

Orthodontia

Way back when I was about 14, I had braces put on my teeth. Because of an extremely odd situation, I ended up having my orthodontic work done 200 miles from where I lived (there was a move planned when it was ideal for me to get braces, and then the move never happened). Every month I got to sit 8 hours in a car (4 hours each way) to get my braces adjusted. The car rides weren't fun, and it didn't help that we normally had to leave before the sun came up in order to make it to my appointment on time and still get back home.

I had very little choices when it came to the braces, but each month, I got to choose the color of bands holding the wire in place. I matched colors with the holiday of the month (green in March for St. Patrick's Day, red and green in December for Christmas, red and pink in February for Valentine's Day).

I've been thinking about this, because I just found out that my cousin is working in my sister's orthodontist's office. And I'm happy for them to get a chance to see each other more often. I'm also happy that my sister doesn't have to have 8 hour car trips for straight teeth, but instead she just has to travel across town.

And that's pretty much all I've got to say.

Later.

Relaxing Is the Way to Live

Today, Ace and I relaxed for most of the day. It's nice, and I want to spend more days like this. And then we went to church and it was good.

It's not that I have such a lot to do each day, but I usually don't fully relax even when I do relax. But today, I didn't do much of anything, and I feel relaxed even now.

And because of that, I don't have anything I really want to say. Even though the dog ran to sniff another dog and is now in trouble and not allowed in the front yard without a leash.

I'm going to enjoy my relaxed state, because it's so nice.

TTFN!

Men

Ace and I never fight, and usually only play at arguing. Which made our conversation earlier funny.

Me: While we're out, we should probably get me something to eat.

Ace: You only want to eat because the day ends in y.

Me: Well, most people eat on days that end in y.

Ace: Well, most people are broke.

Me: Not because they eat on days that end in y.

Ace: I didn't say they were. You were arguing that most people eat on days that end in y.

Me: You ate earlier, so I figured we should feed me since I haven't eaten yet.

Ace: (something in reply that I don't remember)... (under his breath) Women!

Me: Men! Sometimes men can be just as silly as women.

Ace: Ain't that the truth?

While the wording may not be exact to the conversation, it's a pretty fair rendering of it.

While we were out, we did get me food.

No people or dogs were hurt in the process of this conversation.

TTFN!

When Being Stubborn Is Stupid

Sometimes, I get stubborn. I know that comes as a shock, but what can I say? I start something and feel that I must finish it.

I need to stop being so stubborn about food right now. My stomach is objecting quite a bit to several foods. And I need to not be stubborn to finish eating whatever the food is that is making my stomach upset.

Because eating food that upsets my stomach is stupid. And I'm tired of being so stubborn that I'm doing stupid stuff.

TTFN!

Waiting for the Undefined

I'm at the point in the two week wait where I would normally be itching to take a pregnancy test. Instead, I'm feel no rush, and in fact want to wait. I'm not sure if it's because normally when I've taken a pregnancy test it's followed by a period starting within 24 hours, but that may be a small part of it.

I think a big part of it is that if I take the test and it's positive, my life will really be changed, and I'm not quite sure I'm ready for that just yet. So, I'm waiting for now.

Maybe I'm just waiting for it to be Ace's days off so he's here with me when I test? Maybe I'm waiting for next Sunday, so we can celebrate the possibility that next year we'll be celebrating father's day for Ace? Maybe I'm just unnerved about all the possibilities, because we're coming up for our 5 year anniversary?

All I know is that for now, I am waiting, but I'm not impatient about it. In fact, I'm extremely relaxed about it right now. And I'm not sure what that means.

TTFN!

Obsession

Lately, I've had an obsession with two things (lately may only mean the past 24 hours).

1. Sleep - all I feel like doing is sleeping. Or talk about sleeping. It's just about the only thing I can think about at night when I should be sleeping (and am wide awake). Some of the obsession could be because of the lack of good night's sleep this week because of the heat. But I don't think that's all of it. Because I don't normally get this obsessed with sleep just because I miss a few hours. It's odd.

2. My stomach - it can't decide how it's feeling. Or more precisely, it's not communicating well with me. If I can't figure it out soon, I may have to go see an arbitrator, because every time I ask it how it feels, it just gurgles at me. It would be helpful if I spoke gurgle. Most of what I've eaten today has been saltines and a bagel (baked apple flavored, which is rather plain, which I like, except the bits of apple, which are also good). I seem to be doing well with juice, but my stomach didn't like the yogurt I ate earlier, even though there shouldn't have been a problem with it. So, it's not surprisingly been on my mind.

And now you know what's been on my mind.

TTFN!

Sometimes Boys Are Gross

Ace and I have been fortunate enough to not normally have to share a bathroom (he generously let me have the half bath that is actually part of our bedroom). Currently my toilet is not fully functional (it doesn't stop itself from flushing). Until we get it fixed, we're sharing a bathroom.

Now Ace is normally a wonderful, thoughtful husband. He puts the toilet seat down. He helps with laundry. He does most of the cooking. Seriously, I have almost no complaints about him at all (and none that are serious).

But cleaning his bathroom usually includes cleaning the floor around the toilet. Which leads me to thinking that sometimes boys are gross. Extremely gross. And I don't like the smell.

So, I'm trying to get over it, and hoping that by the time I have boy(s) old enough to use the bathroom by themselves, I'll also have someone else to clean their bathrooms.

TTFN!

It's a Party Over Here!

We have our new compressor installed and our house is cooling down! All that's left for our a/c guy to do is put in some freon and we'll be good for a good long while. I'm voluntarily wearing clothing (um, yeah... that sounded better in my head)!

In addition to all the a/c stuff this week (Ace and I both agree that we should have bought the fans we got last night the first night, they really got us feeling kind of cold), Ace's birthday is this weekend. With the not sleeping well because of the heat, he's taking the day off from work and we're celebrating his birthday (before going to bed and sleeping in the nice cold house).

Yesterday was the toughest day in the heat. It was extremely humid as well as just hot. We actually got out of the house and just drove around for about an hour to let me cool off in the car. Then, after we got home with the fans, the power went out for a couple of hours, which made us feel even more miserable, because we didn't have a halfway cool house to start off with. It was a long 2 hours, but we made it through. Then we spent a lovely night with fans cooling off and sleeping (seriously, those fans rock on moving air, as both fans were on the lowest setting and we were feeling somewhat cold).

Well, I should go. There are things to do around here that I can't do from behind a computer screen (or in bed).

TTFN!

News from the Land of Heat

Tomorrow we get our a/c fixed. Even better, it'll happen starting around 9:30 tomorrow morning.

We've already got the money from the insurance to pay for it, and tomorrow afternoon, we'll have a cool house (or at least one cooling off).

For tonight, we've got fans.

That is all for now.

Later

Talkative

Despite feeling random the last time I was hot, I'm feeling talkative this time.

While Ace and I were at the mall, we walked around the women's department of JC Penney's (otherwise known as the upper level at this mall). He happened to notice twins in a stroller (I barely got a glimpse of one baby, partly because Ace was closer to them than I was). He remarked that they were cute, but he wants to have kids one at a time.

It was a good comment, because he hasn't fully been on board on this baby-making thing from the time I was (he was willing to try, but nervous about the finances). He seems to finally be in the place where it will be a completely and totally good thing if I was to get pregnant.

It's got me really hoping that this time we'll have accomplished our goal of propagating the species (in really simple terms, I'll be pregnant). It would make this month much better, because it's not been just peachy so far (what with all the heat and a/c problems).

Speaking of the heat, it's got me not eating as well or as much as I should (I keep finding myself light headed, which isn't a good thing). I just don't want to eat warm stuff, but we don't really have anything that would taste good cold that isn't sweet. It's a conundrum that will be fully solved when our a/c is finally fixed and I fully cool off.

Okay, I think I'm doing better now that I've gotten that off my mind.

TTFN!

A Tale of Heat Part 2

Well, what a difference a day makes. Today, we got the fan fixed on the a/c.

Unfortunately, when the fan got fixed, the compressor broke. We're working with our a/c guy and our insurance agents to get a new compressor. But we've got to wait until tomorrow to get back in touch with our insurance (but they will definitely pay to replace it).

So, it's still warm in our house. But, it should be fixed soon (hopefully in the next two or three days, depending on the insurance company). Until then, our house is being cooled by the wind and the fans.

We're spending most of our time in the bedroom, because it is the coolest room in the house (there is a fan pretty much directly over the bed). We also spent some time at the mall to cool down some.

But for now, it's still fairly warm in the house. I'm looking forward to getting goose bumps from the a/c again, whenever that happens.

TTFN!

A Tale of Heat

Sometime around 4 this morning our a/c decided to stop working. We don't know why and are waiting for someone to come take care of it.

It's hot in here when the weather outside is in the 90s. And not surprisingly, I'm not wanting to do anything (it's too hot to move).

This isn't the first time I've lived without a/c, but this is the warmest it's been.

I'm going to try to distract myself from the heat now.

Later.

Update: We had the a/c guy come out (after 10), but he couldn't fix it until tomorrow. Ace and I are hoping it will be early in the day.

Ants, A Brief History

I have issues with ants. They creep me out. I would be content to get rid of all of the ants on earth. Drastic, I know, but I've got two stories as to why I feel that way.

Story 1: When I was somewhere between 3 and 6 (sorry I can't be more specific, but it was a long time ago), I went to a private school/daycare. They had an indoor swimming pool. One late spring or early summer day, I was walking with my class to our swimming lessons (actually, I think I was walking back from swimming, but I really don't remember) and I walked through an ant hill on the grass beside the sidewalk. A fire ant hill. While wearing sandals/flip flops. I don't remember the pain, but I do remember putting my feet in ice water to stop it. After that, I always made sure to stay on the sidewalk when walking around the school.

Story 2: When I was in 11th grade, I shared a room with my sister. We weren't all that good about keeping the room completely clean (a teenager and a little kid, who is surprised?). I spilled a can of soda and didn't fully clean it up, because I didn't think anything bad would happen. A while later (weeks, months, who knows?) I noticed ants crawling around on top of my dresser, where the soda had been spilled (I had cleaned up most of the spill, but forgot to clean under things). I picked up my alarm clock and there was a ton of ants, including what was clearly going to be more ants soon. I was, unsurprisingly, disgusted and freaked out. I don't remember who cleaned that up, but it got cleaned up and the ants were cleaned out.

So, you can see why I might be reluctant to be living around ants. At all. Nicely our small ant invasion seems to have left. I survived seeing and feeling several ants crawling on me. I survived seeing ants crawling all around the shower and tub, bathing and showering anyway, even though I didn't feel fully clean. I survived having to pour out several drinks and temporarily give up having open drinks in the bedroom, because ants were in them.

We're making a list of things we want done around the house. Extermination is definitely on that list. Ace is somewhat tired of me calling him to do something any time I see ants (I can deal with almost any other bugs, but ants are just too much).

Hopefully, I will soon be at peace with the whole situation, but for now, I'm wishing the ants to leave and stay away. I'd like to be able to drink juice in any room of my house, you know?

TTFN!

I Made It Through!

May is not my favorite month. I don't hate it, but it's definitely not among my favorite months (other than weather-wise, usually). So, I'm rather happy with myself for making it through the month without contacting my mom (since I'm not speaking to her) and not just hiding in bed for the whole month (most of Mother's Day weekend, but not the whole month).

I'm now just waiting for it to be a week from now to find out if we made May a better month by getting me pregnant. In the mean time, I'm using how I treat the dog to get used to the idea of how to treat a kid (mostly on saying no and sticking to it and being patient while the dog is being annoying). It's going okay so far, but it's also only been happening for a couple of days. It'll get easier, right?

I'm going to go now, because the only other things I have to say aren't full sentences.

TTFN!

Nothing to Say

I haven't forgotten to post, I just haven't really had anything I wanted to say publically. I've been working on not having such wonky feelings lately (I've been on an emotional roller coaster lately, and I don't know why).

I haven't been doing anything big in my house. I haven't been doing anything but brain teasers for the most part the past few days.

I'm feeling overwhelmed with the need for a vacation. Which is stupid, because there isn't anything that should have me feeling that way. I'm mainly feeling that the world is just too harsh and painful, which is stupid, because I know it's beautiful and happy too (more so, in fact). And saying all that feels like I'm whining about my life. The one where I'm a housewife, trying to get everything organized and pretty, because what is there to really whine about? The dog getting in the trash? Eh, his food's been cut down and he thinks he's hungry all the time. The dishes needing to be washed? It means I've had plenty of food/drink to satisfy me.

And so, I've been silent, because who wants to read about someone whining?

Later.

Some Things Get Easier, Some Things Don't

As sweeps/season finale weeks finish up (or did on Wednesday for all the shows I watch), I'm frustrated with how they all ended (except House, because I haven't watched that yet... I'm too nervous after everything else). Every show seemed to feel like it needed to do something drastic to get viewers to show up again in the fall (is there something big that I don't know about happening this fall? I don't think the presidential election would stop most people from watching their favorite shows). And, ultimately, I don't think I'll ever feel ready to talk about any of the season finales.

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, I've been working quite a bit this past week on cleaning and organizing our house. My living room is almost fully organized. In fact, we've rearranged the living room slightly. We've got bookcases (mostly filled with books!) looking all nice. We've got room to grow (including adding all the books that are scattered throughout the rest of the house). We've got all our DVDs organized, also with room to grow.

Ace and I had a talk about how I don't ever want to feel like I'm a drain (because other people's drama is my drama too, sometimes). He pointed out that he wants me to learn about real estate for just that reason. Then we got into both of us feeling all happy, because I am a contributing member of this house and I'm not draining anything without me working. It was all a very nice and happy discussion that left me feeling good about my life.

And now you know most of what I've been doing while I've not been posting.

The only other thing I've been doing is spending way too much time each day looking at brain teasers. It's an odd thing, but it's been entertaining.

TTFN!

I'm Not Ready To Talk Yet

Season finales are getting to me. I'm not ready to talk about any of them (lots of cast changes in my favorite shows).

I'm not ready to talk about Prince Caspian either.

Unfortunately for you, those are the only things on my mind.

I'm sure I'll have something I am ready to talk about soon, but for now, you get me saying that I'm just not ready to talk. Sorry.

Later.

From Sad to Happy in Less than 24 Hours

When Ace got home from work last night, we talked. I mentioned that I was needing time/touch. So, we talked, cuddled, and relaxed. It was nice. We both had missed it.

We're going to make sure we don't have the same thing happen again next month (when I'm on my period, we don't seem to do well at cuddling, I'm not sure why). We're going to spend at least an half hour each day talking and close.

We're also both trying to get healthier. We're both going to exercise. I'm going to do crunches and Ace is going to work out at the fitness center at his job. I'm also going to try to watch less TV and listen to the word more (as well as actually working on cleaning the house).

But, I'm no longer feeling the need to scream. I'm more in the mood to sing right now. And this is nice, I've missed it. Sometimes, I forget how quickly I can drift away from happiness and into stressed and sad. I'm trying to work on that, because it's very easy to keep it from happening.

TTFN!

The Pain of Feeling Too Much

Today, I feel like screaming. And I have no clue why. Everything is hitting me harder than normal today. I'm feeling other people's frustration/pain/whatever. I want to scream over it. Or cry. Whichever.

It doesn't help that Ace and I haven't spent time together just talking and touching and whatever it is that I need right now.

And so, I'm wanting to curl up in a ball and not move, but there are things to do. So, I'm forcing myself to be a big girl and do housework.

And I'm hoping to get some alone time with Ace sometime soon. (FYI, it's not Ace's fault that I haven't mentioned that I'm needing time, he can't read my mind.)

Later.

Simplicity

Ace and I like talking about what we plan on doing when we have kids. It's ridiculous, because we don't have kids yet, but it helps pass the time (and get us used to the idea of having kids).

Tonight, we were talking about what we plan on doing about birthdays. Mainly, we plan on keeping it simple. Cake, ice cream, presents, a few friends (maybe), and that's pretty much it. I haven't been to any parties where it was over the top, but I've read enough stories about it to be over the idea already.

So, as with most things in my life, I prefer to have simplicity. I think part of it is because I'm feel like I'm a complex enough person. I dislike being labeled, yet like mentally labeling other people (that is the simplest example I could come up with).

I'm going to go. I'm watching stuff on the DVR, and it's distracting me from writing.

TTFN!

Mental Silence

I've not posted because I've been trying hard not to think about my mother. I've also been trying to avoid thinking about the fact that I started my period just hours before Mother's Day started.

I've been trying to think of the fact that I'll get to go on a date tomorrow. Well, it's more of Ace and I are going to get some Chinese food from the mall and then we're watching a movie that we've got borrowed from Blockbuster. But it's been a while since we've done dinner and a movie (I've actually got a date next Tuesday too!).

Oh, have I forgotten to mention that Ace's schedule has changed some? Starting this week, he's got Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday off. It should be a good deal, when we all adjust to it. Right now, I think the dog has adjusted the best so far.

So, since I've been trying to distract myself with some things, I haven't posted. Because those things haven't been very far down in my mind.

And now I'll go back to watching Popeye (on DVD) and distracting myself.

TTFN!

Deconstructing Cinderella

Despite what the title of this post says, I actually love the story of Cinderella. It's been my favorite since I was a little girl. I love the way the story flows and I used to wish it would happen to me.

But let's look seriously at how realistic this story is (ignoring the fairy godmother part, because I like a little magic in my stories).

A girl is doing something innocent, like shopping with her family (her step-sisters and step-mother, who are naturally evil, are making her carry everything). She nearly gets run down by a carriage, which came out of no where and disappeared back into no where just as quickly, and a prince who is hiding who he is comes to help her gather her things back up. This is, of course, the boy mets girl section of the story. It's nice, they feel something for each other, but aren't sure what. And as quickly as they meet, they are pulled apart, back into their normal worlds.

Girl goes home to cook, clean, and do all the household chores while her family gets to rest and yet she's still prettier than they are.

Boy goes back to the palace and finds that his parents are throwing a party to find him a wife. Every eligible girl will be there to throw themselves at him because, well, he's the prince.

Girl magically gets to the party, looking prettier than anyone else. She is unrecognized by her family, or even the prince (who can be forgiven, because they only had a brief meeting). They fall in love at first, well technically second, sight (I'm not saying this is impossible, it's just very improbable). They spend the entire time she has available at the ball together, until she dashes off at midnight, leaving behind a glass slipper (which is a silly shoe type for dancing or even walking, in my opinion).

Boy travels throughout the kingdom trying glass slipper on everyone's foot, trying to find his girl (ignoring body type, rough height, and facial characteristics to rule out most of the people he's coming in contact with. This part works better if it's only a servant sent out, since he probably wouldn't know such things).

Evil step-mother locks girl away to keep her from getting to try on the slipper, because she's figured out who they are searching for. She's hoping one of her daughters will mysteriously have the exact same shoe size, even though she should know what shoe sizes everyone has (at least roughly, because don't most girls borrow each others shoes?).

Despite step-mother's attempts, girl ends up running into prince/servant. She tries on the glass slipper (or produces it's match) and reveals to everyone that she was the one who the prince fell in love with. She's swept off to marry him, almost immediately.

It's all, I guess, possible, it's just extremely unlikely. Mostly that a father who loves his daughter, like Cinderella's father obviously did, would leave her in the care of someone like her step-mother could only possibly happen if he died shortly after the wedding (within days, possibly).

And why are the prince's parents so interested in him getting married so quickly. They aren't likely to be dying anytime soon, so it seems odd that they are want him to produce an heir already. And don't princes normally get married for political reasons?

The story is great, I love it, but when you shine the light of reality on it, it becomes obvious that it's just a story and unlikely to happen in real life. Impossible when you add the fairy godmother into the mix (she's a wonderful dues ex machina to move the story along and get Cinderella to the ball).

And yet, I love the idea of the impossible happening, which probably explains why I love this story so much even when I look at it knowing these things are impossible.

TTFN!

Things I'm Finding Annoying

Yeah, you get a list today.

1. We have ants in the house. The ants make me feel uncomfortable. And why are the ants in the bathroom, where there is no food? Why do they come into the house each spring when it gets warm?

2. We had so much rain last night that it got into our ducts. This means we should probably get them all re-run in our attic. Which probably won't be extremely cheap. Hopefully our insurance will cover most of it.

3. We recently watched an episode of Bones that ended up by saying fraternal twins (of opposite gender) would have the exact same DNA. Anyone who watches any CSI-type show would know this isn't true.

4. The fact that I can't seem to think of more than three or four things for lists lately. It's annoying!

TTFN!

2 Long Hours

We had to reschedule Guillermo's vet appointment to today.

His appointment was at 9 (I haven't seen 9 am since I stopped working, it's early when you go to bed around 2 am). We talked to the nurse, found out his ears are dirty (we'll be cleaning them this week, yay!), found out that he is really overweight (he should be a maximum of 80 lbs, he's roughly 122), found out what his new diet will be, got his shots up-to-date (he seems to be fine, but I'm sure he didn't love getting the shots), found out that he doesn't like having his butt messed with (temperature taking, he hates it), got him new diet food (he'll be slowly moved over to it from the current food to the diet food), set up an appointment for him to be groomed (Thursday, he won't have too long of nails, yay!), set up an appointment for the second part of his shots (hopefully in the next 3 weeks he'll be 10 lbs lighter and we can schedule his teeth cleaning), got health insurance for him, and got him stuff for flea and tick prevention (which probably won't be used until after he gets groomed).

All of that took almost 2 hours (we got home shortly after 11).

I took a nap. Ace did the laundry and also took a nap.

The morning was definitely all about the dog, but he's fairly healthy over all (other than being overweight and needing a grooming).

I think I've done pretty much all I'm going to do for the day.

TTFN!

Worn

I'm not sure why, but tonight I feel a little worn.

The desire to do little but sleep and eat has come back.

I should talk to Ace, because I know he would help me feel better, but it feels like a little too much right now.

Hopefully at this time tomorrow I won't feel quite so worn.

Later.

Update on Guillermo

He's feeling fine today. He's not eaten much of his food, but he has eaten today. He's also shown lots of energy.

That is all.

TTFN!

Concerned About the Dog

Guillermo seems to be feeling bad today. He threw up 3 times, he's moving slowly, he's not eating.

So, I've spent quite a bit of my evening concerned about the dog. I've checked on him more often than I normally do.

Monday, we've got an appointment to have him checked out by vet. I'll be feeling better after that trip, unless he starts acting normal tomorrow.

So, for now I'm concerned about the dog.

TTFN!

The Worst Thing of Living in Oklahoma

... is that your show gets preempted if there is bad weather, even if it's not anywhere near you. As long as it's within broadcast range, you miss your show.

I think that's part of why shows are being shown online. For those of us living in tornado alley to keep up with our favorite shows.

I guess that means I'll be actually watching CSI tomorrow when it's on CBS's website. And for now, I'll be watching something else.

Some days, it's hard to live in an area that has lots of storms in the spring and fall.

TTFN!

Movie I'd Like to See Remade

I just saw a preview for the Speed Racer movie. I'm not sure if I want to see it. It did make me think of a movie I'd like to see remade: Tron.

From what I've heard, it was cutting edge in the '80s when it was made. I vaguely remember seeing it in the past. I mainly remember the chase scenes. But I think it would be fascinating what they could do with it today.

What movie would you like to see remade?

The Wonder of Baths

This morning, when I finally got up, I had a stiff back. I didn't want to move. Then Ace suggested that I take a bath.

It was a wonderful idea. I felt a whole lot better afterwards. My back was more relaxed.

So, I'm feeling the love for baths.

TTFN!

It Is A Truth

I haven't wanted to be a princess since I was a little girl.

An odd way to start a post, I know, but I'm watching a movie that starts off by saying that all women want to be princesses.

And of course, that got me thinking. My main thought is that I don't want to be a princess. I want to be treated like a princess, but I don't want to be one.

As soon as I realized that being a princess wasn't just about fancy clothes, dances, and being waited on hand and foot, I stopped wanting to be one.

And that isn't really the life I'm looking for now either. I want to be able to dress up when the occasion calls for it, but I want to wear jeans and t-shirts for the most part. I want to go out dancing, but not necessarily too often. I'd like someone to help me with taking care of my house and my kids, but I like doing some things for myself.

In short, I don't want to be a princess and haven't in a long time. But I do want to feel like one.

And I think the universally acknowledged truth is that every woman wants to be treated as if they were a princess.

At least, I know that I do.

TTFN!

Why I'll Try Dying My Hair Next Time

Um, yeah. My hair has a red tint to it. And that's about all that got done.

Next time, which may be this weekend, I'm going to try dye my own hair. Hopefully I'll do better than Ace did. Maybe then my hair will actually be red instead of just reddish.

Um, yeah. That's all.

Later.

FREEDOM!

Yeah, I'm free.

Except where I said I'd go back up there Friday to show the newly hired person to where all the files and supplies and such are, since I moved them all around.

But I am now a housewife again. For at least the next few weeks.

But that means my house should be nice looking when and if I decide to work a temp job again.

I'm still not sure how I feel, because I'm kind of numb. It hasn't fully hit me that I've finished that job yet. I'm sure tomorrow morning I'll find myself wondering what to do (oh, wait, I have plans to dye my hair and give Ace a haircut, so I know what to do).

Yeah, that's pretty much it.

TTFN!

The Excitement, It Shows?

Just one thing to say tonight: JUST ONE MORE DAY!

Can you tell I'm excited?

Thursday Is All About the Hair

Thursday, Ace and I are focusing on our hair (before he goes to work, anyway). We're dying my hair and cutting his. We, okay Ace, may even give Guillermo a bath. I'm fairly sure he's starting to get stinky.

That is the sum total of my plans this week other than work. And I like it. It's nice to not have any serious plans for the near future. I've been too busy just trying to get from A to C that I forgot that B is closer and where I'm really aiming for.

So, while I'm at B, I'm going to work on cleaning my house back up. It's been neglected for other things, so now I'm going to focus on getting it back into shape.

But first, I'm going to focus on the hair in this house on Thursday.

Everyone has to start somewhere, right?

TTFN!

Enjoying the Sun

Today, Ace and I opened the windows and let the sunshine (and the wind) in the house. It was nice. I'm liking the warm weather and I'd like it to stick around. We could use more days where we can open the windows like this.

Other than opening the windows, Ace and I did nothing today. Well, we had sex, but nothing else. It was nice to relax all day. We need more days like this too.

That's pretty much all.

TTFN!

A Day Early?

Most of the day today, I've felt like it's Sunday. I think my desire for Thursday to be here is messing with my head. Ace being at work today should be a rather obvious reminder that it's Saturday, but...

Other than being off on what day of the week it is, this has been a fairly relaxing day. I've not had a lot to do (laundry, which is washed and dried, and relaxing).

Ace and I are excited about his shift change next month. He'll be working four 10 hour days instead of five 8 hour days. It will mean that when the shift changes he'll have worked 7 days in a row before his first days off, but then there are three days for us to do errands, him to do any real estate stuff, and us to relax. It should be nicer.

Of course, with me finishing up my current job Wednesday, we'll be able to spend time with each other everyday before Ace goes to work. We're looking forward to that too. We've had an hour each of the last two days to just relax in bed and talk. We enjoy getting to spend time talking about anything and everything, which is exactly what that time was. We haven't had that kind of close together time enough lately. I'm pretty sure that we both miss it (I know that I do, I'm fairly certain Ace does too).

Well, I guess I've rambled on enough about random things.

TTFN!

The Soundtrack of My Life

I was thinking earlier that my life seems to have certain songs that seem more important at the time than others.

2 years ago, when I was somewhat searching for a reason to finally cut a good portion of the ties with my mother, it was "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash. I felt like that relationship was imprisoning me. Not a pretty picture, I know, but that's where I was.

Right now, I guess my song would be back to "The Dance" by Garth Brooks (my soundtrack is almost always country music, because that is mostly what I listen to). It's a good reminder to me that while I'd like to go back and change the things that made me hurt, I really wouldn't want to change all the good things that happened along the way that would definitely change with changing the bad.

Sometimes, the song that sticks out is "Naked" by Avril Lavigne. Mostly, that's how I feel around Ace. He makes me feel like I've stripped off whatever I've got for protection, and I'm finally seeing me again. I find it comforting to know he cares deeply for me and it helps keep me from feeling extremely vulnerable. I know that he won't attack me, so I can fully let my guard down.

For several years, before I met Ace, my song seemed to be "Someone Else's Star" by Bryan White. I felt like I was doing everything I could to find the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with but everyone else was finding their person instead. It was hard, because no matter how happy I was for others, I was hurting and trying not to be jealous (I'm glad I waited though).

So, what songs are on the soundtrack of your life?

And Then Things Got Better

Plus, a bonus weird piece of mail I got today.

I spent an hour with Ace and now I'm feeling less stressed. It's been a busy week and we haven't had much time to just be alone together with nothing else to do. We're going to try to spend an hour (or more!) together again tomorrow.

In my snail mail today, I got an offer for something I certainly don't need. It was an offer to make my pen*s longer. As I don't have one, it was certainly ridiculous. And Ace doesn't need it. Of course, that reminded me of one set of spam I forgot to mention earlier. The spam offering me pen*s enhancers or imp*tence drugs. As a woman, I find that spam the most curious of all, because it is offering me something completely useless to me.

TTFN!

Where Does the Stress Come From?

Okay, I have 4 days left at a job I'm not in love with. I'm going to be able to only work if I want to. And yet, I feel like screaming to get rid of all this stress I'm feeling right this second.

Where did this stress come from? Can it go back there now?

Time seems to be moving extremely slowly right now. And that is just making it worse.

I'm going to find something to distract myself with, because there has to be something better than feeling randomly stressed out.

TTFN!

A Look at Spam

Today, I'm going to take you through a look at my spam. Because there are apparently a lot of people I've never met who are extremely concerned about me.

1. Clean out your colon - If I believe the subject line of these e-mails (based on frequency), I have a very dirty colon. I'm not sure what it's been doing without my knowledge, but I supposedly have things all blocked up (or at least it's not all coming out).

2. I need to get out of debt - Okay, this one is true, but there are better was than by using something sent to me when I haven't requested any information from them.

3. I want a job as a (fill in the blank) - Um, no I don't. If things go like they are looking like they will go, I'll be able to be a housewife again quickly and out of debt within the year (which takes care of #2).

4. Someone in Africa wants me to have a lot of money - Despite what I've been lead to believe by reputable sources, Africa is really full of rich, recently-deceased men who want to rain their money down on me. If only I didn't know that this is a scam.

5. I want free electronics - Okay, this one is true too, but I doubt that these unsolicited e-mails are going to do any more for me than the get out of debt ones.

6. I want free gift cards to (fill in the blank) - Since these always seem to generate even more spam, I doubt it. And I don't think I'd actually get the gift card either.

And there you have a brief look at my spam.

TTFN!

Is It the 23rd Yet?

I'm ready for my job to be over. So so ready. There aren't enough words to express how ready I am to leave this job.

And it's not like I can pinpoint one particular thing as being bad. It just wasn't the best day.

Yeah, that's pretty much it at this point. I'm just ready for it to be next Wednesday (1 week, 1 day, I'm fairly sure I can easily handle it, but still).

I'm here waiting.

TTFN!

F*CK

Ace and I are watching a movie called F*ck (without the *, I think). It is, of course, about the f word (which I'm fine with saying, but I'd rather not have those kind of hits on this blog). We've got the counter on, and when the movie ends I'll let you know how many times the word is said in this movie (it's already over 700).

The main thing that is interesting is the debate in this documentary/interview about whether or not f*ck should be free speech or if it should be censored. I am on the side of it being free speech. (Total count, according to the movie, is 825 times.) It's not that I want to use the word all the time, but I'd like to have the ability to do so.

Yeah, um, that's all I have to say about that. I'm out of words on this subject for now.

TTFN!

Visiting My Sister

Today, I did something I haven't done before. I got together with my sister for a few hours. We sat in an IHOP for a couple of hours and talked (Ace and I ate, she had coffee). We tried to find things to talk about besides our parents, which was only slightly awkward. It was nice, mostly just to be around her. Maybe the next time we get together we should have some activity to keep us slightly busy. Something to distract us so we can focus on that when we aren't talking.

I know we both miss the other one when we're apart, but we aren't sure what to say when we're together. I guess that's normal for siblings who are as far apart in age as we are. It just feels odd and awkward.

She did have a suggestion on what hair-dye I should get to dye my hair red. We bought a box, and after I finish with my current temp job (8 more days!), I'll try it out.

I should be feeling sexy again by then (I started my period today, so I'm not feeling the least bit attractive right now). Right now, I'm fairly satisfied with how today went, even if it was awkward at times, because it's a good start. And my sister knows that she's welcome (invited even) to visit whenever she can.

I'll keep you updated with how that goes.

TTFN!

The Sign of a Good Show

The sign of a good show is that they can make you feel like you've got a good grip on the characters and then suddenly reveal large portions of their back story and make you realize you only knew a very small part of them (and you still don't know a whole lot even with the big reveals). It will change how you look at everyone, while still keeping them in the same light they've always been in (if that makes any sense to you, congratulations).

I'm finding more sympathy for all the characters in Torchwood. I loved all the characters before finding out their back stories, but I seem to care for them more knowing more about them (isn't that always the way with people). It makes the idea of something happening to them even harder to bear.

Of course, I know that it's likely something will happen. And that will hurt. It reminds me of, well, any Joss Wheden show. Just as soon as everything seems to be going right for the characters, something bad happens (usually something horrible). And it made me hate the writers (especially Joss) while perversely loving them (especially Joss) for giving me such a wonderful show. The pain of the characters was real, it hurt the viewers. The joy was just as real, and it brought joy to the viewers. Of course, I realize that people would stop watching if everything was going well. People like seeing the pain, mainly because we like seeing the people get past whatever is causing it and fight for the right.

And for that, I will endure the pain of the characters. Because as they push past their pain, it reminds me to do that in my own life. And it helps me to know that in these shows, ultimately good will win over evil. It may include loss on the part of the good (and that hurts), but in the end good will triumph. And isn't that really what we're all looking for in the end? Doesn't that provide us all with a little bit of comfort?

I'm off to find comfort in good triumphing other places. Because it makes me smile.

TTFN!

I'm Hot

Or My Brain Has Gone to Being Random and I'm Blaming My Random Body Temperature Issues.

I have been randomly warm for most of the past week. I'm not sure what's happened, but suddenly, I'm finding it hard to find a comfortable temperature for me, because the few times I'm not feeling hot, I'm feeling cold. This sucks!

I took a nap today that lasted roughly 2 and 1/2 hours. It was nice, and helped me maintain my good mood. But I didn't think I was quite that tired before I took that nap (I did notice that I was feeling sleepy, but it was after lunch and I thought that might have something to do with it).

My DVR was recording something from 8 this morning until 4 this afternoon. 7 episodes of Doctor Who, which should be quite a bit of Season 2 (which I've seen like 2 episodes of) and an episode of The People's Court (which I've already watched tonight).

While we were at the mall, Ace and I wondered who would buy Paris Hilton's perfume. We didn't think it was women of high moral character, I can tell you that already (I believe the word skank was used).

I think that's enough randomness for now.

TTFN!

Update

Sex can fix almost anything. I think the storm has passed.

In the Midst of a Storm

Lately, I feel like my emotions have been kind of like a storm, specifically a thunderstorm. There's been lots of hard, heavy, strange emotions. I've had a reprieve for a little while this week, but today it all came crashing back.

I feel brittle, like any little thing could set off a bad chain reaction emotionally today. And if frustrates me, because I'm stronger than that. And I don't want to be fighting myself again. I'm not quite ready for that yet.

I'm getting annoyed at little things that don't normally bother me, which 10 years ago I would have figured it was PMS, but today I feel frustrated with my own since of frustration. I dislike being so annoyed by things that are only slightly annoying, and really more of a bother.

Mostly, I'm just ready for this storm to pass, so I can get back to normal. I miss it.

But for now, I'm feeling brittle and stressed and I hate it. And I'm trying to be patient while waiting out this storm.

Later.

Beautiful Words

Today, I heard some of the most beautiful words I could ever have heard from my boss. He said that he would like me to work for roughly the next two weeks and then he's got someone for that position permanently (he'll get back to me soon about the exact date he won't need me any more but it should be by the end of the month!). I've been ready to leave this job for a while now. He is thinking of having me come in occasionally to work, but that would be up to me (if I'm available).

So, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and things are starting to happen quickly after all the waiting that I've been doing. Which means this has been a good week (what with the car and now the job thing). It's kind of an exciting time, all the anticipating.

I'm going back to watching I Love the 80s 3D, because I think it's funny.

TTFN!

Love Is...

Love is touching someone else's dirty socks. At least it is for me. Dirty socks gross me out. So, the fact that I'm willing to touch his socks at all is a true testament to how much I love him.

Love is cooking meals for each other. Ace does this for me all the time. I know he doesn't always want to cook for me, but he does. I do, on rare occasion, cook for him too. But that doesn't happen often, mainly because I taught him how to cook so that I wouldn't have to.

Love is adjusting your schedule to accommodate each other. I would really like to do things at one time, but usually that can't happen (that should be less of a problem now that we have 2 cars, but we'll see). Since my schedule is looser, I'm usually changing it for Ace. But we both are willing to adjust what we're doing for the other one.

This is what I have so far. I'm sure I'll add more statements of what love is as different things happen in my life. If you want to share what love is to you, leave a comment. It may get used sometime in the future for another Love is...

TTFN

And It Only Took a Week!

Guess what we've got. Come on guess.

Okay, I can't wait for you to guess, because I'm too excited (I can barely type). We got ourselves a second car! It's a maroon Taurus with just over 65500 miles on it. It's beautiful and should last us a while. It was the car we were waiting to find out about and thought had been sold, but hadn't.

So, if you're in Tulsa, go to Dean Bailey for used cars. All the cars look good (no dents, scratches, etc.). You can buy a warranty for the car. And they don't pressure you for a sale (the guy who sold us this car, which has yet to be named, didn't get a commission on it so that we could buy it at a price we could afford).

So, I'm going to try to figure out what to call my new (to me) car (I call it mine because we intend for me to be the one doing most of the driving of it). Our mechanic looked impressed with our find, which is a good sign that it shouldn't need any work for a while. Pretty good for a car that's over 10 years old.

And now, I'm going to go back to enjoying what I'm watching.

TTFN!

Sometimes, It Stops Hurting

After my post yesterday, I feel hesitant to post today. Not because I still feel that way, I'm feeling much better today and much more in tune with the good things in my life. But I feel like I should give it a couple of day sitting there to show how out of control I felt.

And at the same time, part of me would like to delete it because who thinks things like that? What does that mean about my mental health? Why did it happen?

But, I won't. Because it's honest. I hope you can feel how raw I felt when I wrote it. How vulnerable. How much I needed to get that off my chest.

I started this blog trying to find a voice for what I had silenced in the past. Things I didn't want my extended family to know about, because I didn't want them to worry. So, I need to keep this blog honest to what is happening, as much as I am willing to share (because there are still some things that are private). I started this blog for posts just like that post (as well as all the posts where I mention sex).

Some of the blogs I like to read the most are the ones who are willing to write about things that are personal. Things that they probably wonder who else thinks that, what it shows the world. And I admire their honesty, even if I wince at what they are feeling or thinking. Because we all have thoughts that we wish we didn't.

I'm not saying I'm all better and I'll never have problems like that again, I'm just saying that sometimes, it stops hurting and becomes slightly easier.

And I'll cling to easier for as long as I can.

Later.

Sometimes, It Just Hurts

I've let myself drift farther from happiness. And it happened so slowly, I didn't realize that it was happening. And then yesterday, I something happened that made me realize that I'd drifted out really far.

I knew something wasn't quite right. I've lacked a desire for anything other than getting my way. I lacked a desire to get up in the mornings. I lacked a desire to go to bed at night. And it mentally hurt to do anything. I was depressed without feeling very sad. So, now I'm fighting it.

Yesterday, I had a small desire to jump out of the car while Ace was driving (he was going slow enough that I'd have lived, but I'd have been somewhat seriously injured), because part of me would have rather gone to a hospital than go back to that conference today. And that scared me, because I know that's not normal. I don't feel like jumping out of cars ever.

So, Ace and I talked last night. I told him about that desire (he was happy that I'd resisted it, as am I because I'm a pussy when it comes to pain). And we decided that I could stay home today and try to get closer to God again, because he can fix me and I need to be fixed.

A big part of me wants to hesitate on posting this, because I'm not sure if I come across as someone needing some serious help or as someone who had a really bad day and just needs to get that sent out. But I'm going to post it, because I want to be honest. And someday, it might help someone.

But right now, I'm ready for it to stop hurting.

I'm going to go. I'm going to try watching something funny to see if that helps.

Later.

Can Someone Lower the Stress in My Body Please

Today, Ace ended up dragging me to the second half of today's training. And now I'm feeling slightly stressed about whether or not I should go tomorrow. Oddly, all that stress is coming from me at this point.

It didn't help that today I broke out bawling twice because I wasn't sure what kind of shirt to wear. Yeah, I'm not sure why I was so emotionally involved in shirt choices. I'm blaming my hormones. And the fact that I was expecting to get all weekend off and suddenly I was being asked to do something I wasn't wanting to.

I'd rather stay home the rest of the weekend. Ace would rather I go. And so, I'm feeling stressed about whether to make him happy or to make me happy.

I'm so not excited right now. In fact, I'm rather tired. So, I'm going to go and relax.

TTFN!

In Like a Lamb, Out Like a Lion

March in Oklahoma is interesting. We started the month off with nice warm, calm weather. The month ended with rainstorms. It was backwards from the cliche.

Of course the big statement about Oklahoma weather is "If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes, it'll change." Sometimes it does change that quickly, but usually it doesn't.

In addition to being in the Bible belt (I now live in the buckle of the Bible belt, where there are multiple churches within one mile of my house), Oklahoma is also in the middle of Tornado Alley. I actually seem to be in less danger living in Tulsa than I was in the Oklahoma City Metro area. I'm not sure when the last tornado hit Tulsa, but we haven't had too many tornado warnings (warnings mean tornadoes are likely, watches mean they conditions are there for tornadoes to happen) since I've moved here. And March through May are the big times for tornadoes to hit (followed by September to November).

I'd like to live somewhere without a tornado season sometime (if possible), but I'm not sure where that would be.

Okay, I'm going back to watching Whose Line, because it's funny.

TTFN!

The Search Continues

Today, we looked again for a second car (we aren't married to it being a car, but it's easier to call it that for now). It didn't go so well. We looked at a car that smelled of cigarette smoke, a truck that couldn't make it out of the lot (it kept dying before we could get off the lot for a test drive), and found out that we have to wait one more day before we may have a car to drive to our mechanic to have checked out. And those were all at different locations. We apparently chose the wrong week to start looking for a car, as we keep hearing that maybe next week there'll be more options to choose from.

So, we wait and I try to remember it's not a big deal if we don't get a second car soon, we still have plenty of time to be able to be a little picky. Plus, if we wait longer, we may be able to get a nicer car. I know all this, but it doesn't change the fact that I don't want to wait.

I think it's because I'm waiting for so much lately that it seems like just one thing too many. Because I'm starting to get a little impatient for time to pass. And my whininess is bothering even me.

Okay, I'm going to go back to watching Whose Line is it Anyway? and reading nursery rhymes. Because those things obviously go together right?

TTFN!

Lessons From Working Retail

Now that I've stopped working retail for a month, I've got some lessons people who do work retail would probably love to share with their customers (at least, I always wanted to share them).

1. Please stop leaving things across the store from where you picked it up. The products don't have legs, which means they don't return themselves. I could have sworn some days that our products grew legs and moved themselves to various parts of the store.

2. Sometimes we wonder how you got dressed this morning. Mainly because you ask questions that seem to have rather obvious answers. We understand that you may not get the sales posters/fliers/coupons, but how much plain English do we have to interpret? When it says if you buy x you get y, it should be easy to understand.

3. Sometimes we wonder if you actually looked at anything before asking us questions. When there is a big wall of what your looking for and you completely miss it, we start wanting to answer sarcastically, because hello! big wall full of what you are looking for right over there!.

4. If we walk away without assisting you, it may be to control our impulse to roll our eyes or get snippy with you. We're trying not to get fired, but you are making it difficult.

5. Walking up to us to complain that the sale isn't good enough makes us (or at least me) want to roll our eyes. Our store didn't have to have this sale, so you should be happy. I don't really care what the sale was last time, this isn't last time. And your complaining about it before is what had me moving away from you without assisting you in the first place (no, I'm not still frustrated about that, why do you ask?).

6. Sometimes, we don't care about looking in the back for some product. We already know it's not there (we've looked not that long ago), but we'll humor you just in case we missed it last time.

7. If the store is crowded, it's going to take longer to look in the back and get back to you. Mainly because at least one other person will stop us on our way to check asking about something else. We aren't necessarily happy about that, and it may cause us to forget what exactly you look like. It may take 3 or 4 times as long to get back to you because of this.

8. If the store is crowded, please don't wander away from where you were when you asked, it will be harder to give you an answer to your question, because it's harder to find someone you're not completely sure who they are and they aren't where you left them. I understand you are curious about what else we have, but you may never get your answer that way. Exception: if you are moving toward where we have to go look in the back and ask us again as soon as we get back out into the store, we will not be upset with you.

Okay, that's all I have for now. If only I could have thought of two more. Oh well.

TTFN!

Update: I thought of two more, so now it's a nice round ten.

9. This is slightly more of a seasonal complaint, but if the store (and mall) is going to close in 5 minutes, please don't come in and wander around for an hour before leaving without buying anything. There is only so much the people working can do to get ready to close while there are still customers in the store, and we all have been working for a while and are looking forward to going home. Some of us have kids to get home to. Some of us have a dog who is waiting to go out. Some of us would like to let the dog out before we have to go pick up our spouse from their job, and you are seriously making us wonder if we'll get to. And some of us are just plain tired and didn't really want to come in at all today. If you are just looking, do us a favor and come back during normal business hours (the closer Christmas came, the worse this was since the mall was open later).

10. If you walk past after closing and the store is still open because there are customers inside, please don't come in unless you know what you are getting and are going to leave quickly. Otherwise, you are being even more annoying than the ones who came in while we were still in normal operating hours.

In case you're wondering why this is such a big deal, retailers don't normally sweep, empty the trash cans, or close the registers when there are still customers in the store (Wal-Mart being an exception, because they are usually open 24-7). Closing the registers takes longer than you would think (it seems to take at least 30 minutes for 4 registers), and someone has to stay with the manager until that's done, even if everyone else gets to leave.

Yeah, that's it.