{big girl} Goddess

I am tired.

2008-01-19T21:50:00.001-08:00

I am tired of being an adult. I am tired of society judging me because of the size of my ass. I am tired of men being stupid. I am tired of having to make decisions. I am tired of having to think about what is best for everyone else, besides myself. I am tired of giving love and not getting it in return. I am tired of stupid people. I am tired of not living the life that I want to live. I am tired of crying all the time. I am tired of people not telling the truth. I am tired of this pessimist that I have become. I am tired of not having money. I am tired of sleeping all the time. I am tired of not getting enough sleep. I am tired.

Book about me...

2008-01-15T09:45:00.000-08:00

I have been stuck on a Bare Naked Ladies song lately...In a Nutshell. Two of the lyrics - "all that matters to me is she" and "her life in a nutshell" - I used on the cover of my book. I am going to do a book about me and silly, serious, fun things in my life. All I have is the cover. Hopefully I will work on the book and show you the progress (lol, like people read my blog!).

It has been forever!

2008-01-15T09:32:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I haven't been blogging, just haven't. Maybe it was the holidays. Haven't felt like doing much of anything. I did actually do some scrapping this weekend. Felt good to play with paper again. Here is a 6 x 12 layout I did on my neighbor, the donkey. I love these pics of him...so much character!

How do I not post all the pics from the Halloween party??

2007-10-27T23:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, from Stacy and I (Stacy not dressed up and me as a pink lady), to Leslie (the most famous homeless person in Austin), to the Ooompa Loompa, to Jason in all his red drag glory, to the Astro"naughty" (instead of astronaut...he didn't have anything on under his suit)...these people know how to dress up. The oompa loompa was the best. He was totally in character the whole night!

Halloween costume....

2007-10-27T15:05:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I just finished my Halloween costume. I have a party to go to tonight. Kind of lame costume....but something easy. I am going as a Pink Lady from Grease. Will take a pic and post soon...still trying to rat my hair!

Okay, you know I love the Beav....

2007-10-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

So, about beer:30 I called Stephanie and said I needed a drink. I haven't really had a drink since the time mentioned in my last blog. Then, I had tooooooooooo many drinks. Of course, we decided to head to Freddie's. Haven't had abuse from my favorite waiter, Beaver, in a while. Seriously! Love me some Beaver. I know I say that every time, but I do love that boy. If only he weren't gay. Stephanie brought magazines, cards, and dominoes. We read the magazines and played some cards. There was actually a table that was louder than us. That usually never happens. This was a table of about 15 teachers. Go figure it would take 15 teachers to be louder than us. Stacy showed up eventually. Lance Armstrong was also there. Stacy is a celebrity stalker, I think she spied him in the parking lot! This is our check from Freddie's. Beaver always has some cute name for us on our bill. Tonight it was The Hot Bitches! Hell, yeah! That boy knows how to work a tip!!! After Freddie's, I was heading to Stacy's house and Steph was heading home. Stacy was going to make a beer stop and Stephanie wanted to make an adult toy stop, but wanted me to go with her. Okay, twist my arm. The toy store happens to be across the street (a major street) from the convenience store that Stacy always stops at. I happened to see her truck. I told Steph that we need to yell at her when she came out of the store. So, what did we yell, across this major street?? "Stacy Ann Meeks! We've got spirit, yes we do! We've got spirit, how about you?". Oh yes! And Stacy yelled it back to us. Everyone in the parking lot of both places stared at us. Nothing like making a scene everywhere we go! That's how we do! After that, Steph and I headed into the store. I learned a few things....Stephanie knows the right questions to ask. It is illegal for a woman in Texas to own more than 5 toys. What the hell is up with that. Not that I have any toys, or more than five, but what if I wanted to?? Shouldn't I have that right? Also, there is a reason that they say for novelty purposes only - because it is illegal to sell toys like that for women. Again...what the hell is that about?? Of course, all the toys for men are perfectly legal! I just don't get it....stupid men and the stupid laws that they make!

Two things stick out in my mind about this weekend...

2007-10-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Sylvia's 22 year old daughter told both of us to "make good choices" when she left us in the parking lot of a bar in Texas City on Saturday night. The other one is me telling Sylvia "you just never know where the day is going to take you". Seriously! I did not make good choices on Saturday night and the day took me places I didn't foresee! I hate it when that happens! I don't yet know if the day took me to a good place or a bad place. Hasn't all worked itself out yet. Should have listened to the 22 year old. She is wise beyond her years. Syl and I keep joking that she is the adult right now and Syl is the kid. Kind of true. Of course, I really think I am the child and I am just dragging Sylvia down with me! For the most part, the weekend was fun. Went to a baby shower for my friend Stephanie, pregnant with twins. She is so screwed. She already has a 3 and a 5 year old. Twins will be born in a couple of weeks. The baby shower was fun. It was held at one of those paint your own ceramics places. We painted letters that will spell out the twins names. Doc says they are both girls. After the shower, Sylvia and I were scheduled for a class. I don't know why I continue to take scrapbooking classes. They drive me nuts. I did learn a few things, but not enough to justify the bad mood I was in by the time I left. The lady sitting across from me had never heard of half the stuff we used or the stuff we were talking about. I finally asked her how long she had been scrapping...did she just start that day?? No, she has been scrapping for 7 years. 7 years and she has never heard of undo???!!! WTF?? She also didn't bring any supplies to class. She didn't see a supply list and didn't think she needed anything. Hello? Who doesn't bring the basics to a class?? Oh, I seriously don't play well with others. I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer and I don't know all there is to know about scrapbooking, but come on! The day was all down hill from there. Don't ask me what I did, because I don't remember half of it. You could ask Sylvia, but I have sworn her to secrecy!! LOL!

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-10-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

I am overwhelmed!

2007-10-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

I usually don't blog when I am feeling this way (thus my long periods of silence). I don't know why everything seems to be taking its toll on me, but it does. I am worried about Bert, I don't know how to go about making new friends, I don't make enough money to live in Austin, I don't know where my job is going....I feel like I am buried under the weight of all of this and don't know how to get out from underneath it all. All I can do is eat chocolate chip cookies! Yeah, like that is helping anything! If I didn't have this chaos, I know I would just create some. In some sick way, I like chaos. When things are running smoothly, I can't stand it. I have to stir things up. Is that not pathetic??!! Well, I have a lot of things stirred up right now and am going bonkers! I am trying to take one second at a time...even that seems hard right now. Forget about one minute, hour, or day....

I played with beads today!

2007-09-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

My friend, Stephanie, has a 3 strand necklace that I love. It is kind of ethnic. Turquoise, reds, orange, yellow, etc. with some silver. I love it and want one in those colors. But, pink is my color so I decided to start there first. This is the outcome of that. I like it! Stephanie duplicated her original. She was still working on it when I finished mine. I also made a matching bracelet. So much fun and something different from scrapbooking! That was today. Friday I went to a wedding reception. It was fun and lots of beer! Nothing like beer and wedding cake! Saturday we were going to go to a tailgate party for the UT football game. Stacy was hungover and I wasn't really feeling the tailgate thing. We started at the Texas Chili Parlor at noon. Had some hot ass chili and needed some beer to wash it down! When we left there I said I wanted to get my nose pierced. Stacy said okay, so we finally found a place after a couple of false starts. Diablo Rojo piercings. The girl who did it was super nice and didn't laugh at me! She was all pierced and tatted up!! So, I got a small pink sparkly gem on my nose. Kind of weird....is just bent over on the inside of my nostril. After that, we ended up at Pluckers watching the UT game. Uneventful game and couldn't eat any hot wings after the hot ass chili!

Dinner yesterday...

2007-09-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Last night I went out to eat with Stacy and her cousin Justin. We went to a Mexican restaurant. It really is a sad state of affairs when you have to ask if the tortillas are homemade in a Mexican restaurant in Texas. What is up with that?? I am talking about a local, not chain, Mexican restaurants. Very few have homemade flour tortillas in Austin. They usually have corn, but store bought flour. That is just a travesty. This place was listed in the top 75 Mexican restaurants in the state of Texas. What? Top 75 should all have homemade tortillas. Their specialty is the Avocado Margarita. I tried one. Okay, kind of good, but kind of not so good. The taste was okay, but the consistency. It was thick! Like I just smashed up an avocado and tried to suck it up through a straw. Stop it with the funky margaritas and spend that time making flour tortillas!!!

Best story of the weekend

2007-09-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, I can't believe I forgot the best story from this weekend. Sylvia is a diabetic and she forgot her meds. The crop was being held about 30 minutes from her house. It is Friday night. She is already in her silky mint green pajamas - top and pants. I am still in my capris, but have put my pj shirt on and let the girls out (meaning no bra). I have socks on my feet. Syl is wearing flip flops with her pjs. She says lets go. I think we are going to her house to get her meds. When we pull into the Wal-Mart parking lot, I figure out that we aren't going to her house. Okay, now I have been to Wal-Mart a time or two. I know how people dress. Just because they dress that way, doesn't mean I have to. Even if it is midnight. I tell Syl I am not going in, I have no shoes on. If I go in with just my socks on, I will have to throw them away when I am done. Never mind the fact that I don't have a bra on. Hello, my girls are hanging out there! So, she says I can have her flips. She has some shoes in the back and she will put them on. Okay, the shoes in the back - two pairs of tennis shoes and a pair of black, strappy high heels. Guess which ones she picks?? You guessed in, the black high heels. OMG! Here she is in her mint green silky pajamas and high heeled shoes! No one even blinked an eye! It is probably because Sylvia was so comfortable....so comfortable in her trashiness!! There are pictures. I will have to see if she will let me post one on my blog!

The Scrapbook Junkie and Sylvia

2007-09-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

I spent this weekend with Sylvia (again). I am really surprised we like each other still, as much time as we have spent together lately. She talked me into a lock in at the Scrapbook Junkie. I was hesitant to go, because some of the women that frequent that store and crops. I love the owner, but I have problems with some of the clientele. You know how women are...you get a group together and that is when they start to tear each other apart. Women need to stick together and lift each other up, not tear each other down. Syl and I brought some rum to help smooth things out. I worked on a layout of my sister and this Halloween house. The house I gave to Sylvia. I am making a larger one for myself. The roof comes off. I think Sylvia is going to use hers for candy. The crop was over with Saturday night. Sylvia and I went to see a friend of hers play in a band that night. Texas City, Texas is a hot bed of night life, let me tell you. We had a blast, despite the crowd! After closing down the bar, we went out to a local Mexican restaurant. Nothing like Mexican food to top off a night of drinking. I think we got back to Syl's at about 4 am. What a weekend....scraping, drinking, and Mexican food. Can you beat that??

Shoot 'em up!

2007-09-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

So Sylvia came to Austin this weekend. We went to our favorite hangout on Friday, Freddie's. And, of course, Beaver was our waiter. He was great, again. We were running a tab all night. Instead of putting it under one of our names, do you know what are check said at the end of the night?? My bitches! Seriously, I love Beaver!!! He even hung out at with us at the end of the night when he got done with work. Also that night, the teachers from the Texas School for the Deaf where there. They were awesome. We made friends with a few of them. Totally cool! They were signing the whole night, whether they could hear or not. One girl translated for us. It was so neat....so cool to be a teacher and then teach for the deaf. Got to admire any teacher. After that we went to a friends condo and went swimming in her condo complex pool. Totally got kicked out. I think Sylvia and I ended up back at my house at 4. We were hungry, so we stopped to go through the Whataburger drive thru on the way back to my place. There I am in my capris and wet bra with a towel around my shoulders....going through the drive thru. How classy am I??? Saturday we went to Archivers and did a little shopping, came back to my place to scrap. We got to giggling and talking. I could not go to sleep. I think I fell asleep at 8 on sunday morning. Took a long nap today. And then we went to the movies. Clive Owen in Shoot em up! Oh my gosh!!! This movie was entertaining. I love Clive...he is hot. The movie was a lot bloody, but funny and really entertaining. Syl is still here. She just didn't get enough of me this weekend. Decided to stay one more night and go back to Houston Monday morning. Not like we aren't going to see each other next weekend. Going to a weekend crop with her in Houston!!! Seriously spending too much time with her!!!

Two bad ass chicks!

2007-09-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

So, I was planning on staying in Austin this weekend, but I had a bad day on Saturday. I don't know why, I just did. I called Sylvia to cry on her shoulder. She cheered me up, like she always does. Instead of just talking to her on the phone, I decided to go see her on Sunday. I got up early and drove to Houston. We played with paper all day. I brought along the pictures of us from the last crop we went to, to scrap. That is us in the bad ass chicks layout. First time using a cuss word in a layout...have always wanted to. I may have just broken the seal on that, every layout I do from here on out may have a bad word in it!! LOL. The "h" is for Hawaii and has some pictures from my trip on it. I am going to hang it on a wall - just to remind me of the fun I had. Hopefully that will help me with my next bad day. I can look at the "h" and remember the good times.

I can smell the weirdness from here...

2007-08-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

So Stacy I and attempted to go to the Red Bull Flugtag on Saturday. It was held in Austin. Handmade flying machines launched off of a pier over the river. What's not to love about that?? Apparently lots of things...the crowd, the beer running out by 7, etc. Stacy and I watched the jumbotron for a while. You can see one of the machines going off of the pier in the first picture. Anyway, we gave up and headed to the Horseshoe Lounge. Great dive bar...lots of blue hairs, among others - like the 22 year old pool shark with his two cues that he brought in. The jukebox is awesome. Lots of classic country and funky music. Stacy even bought tamales while we were there. Nothing like ice cold beer and hot tamales. They also have a poker table inside. This might become our new hang out to throw bones (play dominoes). What a night we had. Too much fun and too many beers. Stacy is seriously a bad influence!!

Have to give a shout out...

2007-08-25T01:01:00.000-07:00

Hi de ho, neighborinos! I haven't totally publicized that I have a blog. One of my friends/neighbors from Houston, Kate, did some googling and found my blog. Hope she wasn't totally bored looking at my posts! She is married to DugDug, aka Douglas. BTW, Douglas says he didn't MEAN to pee on that dog! I blogged a blurb about him peeing on a dog. He just wanted to set the record straight!! LOL

I have been tagged...

2007-08-23T19:33:00.001-07:00

by my sister's blog. That is what I get for reading it!! She is at fatandscrappy.blogspot.com. I am supposed to answer the following questions...
1. What three famous people (dead or living) would you like to have dinner with:
a) Captain Jack Sparrow - as much as I love Johnnie Depp, it would have to be Cap'n Jack. To me, he is the perfect man...a little dangerous, a little silly, a lot charming, a little goofy, funny, resourceful, lucky, a lot sexy, plus really easy to look at. If it can't be a fictional character, then Johnnie Depp would do! And seriously, I would hope my dinner would have a "happy ending"!
b) Will Ferrell - he just cracks me up! He might not be funny in real life, but I would still love to talk to him and find out what he thinks is funny and what makes him tick.
c) I feel I have to select someone serious! I would really like to meet a woman who fought for change. I think that we as Americans have gotten too fat and happy... we don't have the gumption to effect change. I think America is on a down hill slide. I would like to do something to change that, but don't know how or where to start. I think it would be very insightful to talk to a women that did suffer and did something about it, or saw a wrong and fought to make it right. There are so many famous and non famous women that would fall into this category. Can't choose one!

2. What celebrity would play you in a made for TV movie? This is a hard one. Can I say Angelina Jolie with a straight face?? LOL! Someone funny, quirky, that changes their hair a lot, compassionate, and dead sexy! LOL. Is there a celebrity that is like that now?? Maybe Mike Myers in drag.

3. Is there anything you would go back and change in your life? I would say a lot of things, but then I wouldn't be the person I am today. My trials and tribulations have made me how I am today. I kind of like myself, so I don't know that I would change a thing. Might make me totally different.

4. If you had more than enough money and could donate large sums to any worthy cause, what would that cause be? I hate to steal my sister's answer, but I would support those that can't support themselves - animals and children.

5. What is your dream career? I don't know that I know the answer to this one. Something I am good at, to keep me stimulated, and that makes a difference. Making a little bit of money would be nice too. I don't have to make a lot, just enough to keep a roof over my head and a vacation every once in a while!

Coconut bra album with pictures from Hawaii

2007-08-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

This is the bra...inside front cover and back cover. Fun to make. I still think I am going to do something to the outside. I have two more to make!

My weekend was Superbad!

2007-08-20T20:41:00.001-07:00

The first picture is me and Slutina (aka Sylvia). Love this woman...she is an awesome friend and always there for me when I need her. I hope I do the same. The second is a picture of a layout I did this weekend. Syl came in on Friday. My sister came in on Saturday. We went to an all day crop (12 pm to 12 am) on Saturday. I worked on that layout and a coconut bra album with Hawaii pictures. I will post the album in a separate blog. We had the women at the crop laughing and amazed. Laughing just because we are funny and amazed just because of our skills! I have, like, ninja scrapbooking skills! LOL! I really don't, but sometimes I can throw some stuff together that looks good. Sunday we went to see Superbad. OMG...that movie was hilarious. That was when the beer ban was officially lifted. Stacy went to the movies with us and ordered a pitcher of beer. Love Alamo Draft House! Movies are $6 before 6 and you can get real food and beer!!! HELLO! Forget Cinemark and the rest!!

This shit bugs me!

2007-08-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

I have seen several signs lately that get on my nerves. The spacing is wrong. I am not a "wyle e. coyote super genius", by any means. But, I know a few things. One sign, I pass everyday at a BBQ place. This is how it reads: Grab a Family (next line) Pak on your way (next line) Home. I know what it is supposed to say, but it doesn't flow. That shit bugs me. You know what else bugs me, my crappy internet. I typed a whole, long blog today. I lost my internet connection, so I lost my blog. I have to type the whole F$%king thing over. Sucks. I will get to it, but probably not right now. It has been another one of those Mondays. The beer ban has been lifted! Hallelujah!

I am a Gecko Killer!!! {and other stuff}

2007-08-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

I feel so bad...there has been a gecko running around my apartment for a few days. I have found him in the kitchen and in the bathroom - around my clothes hamper. I have been meaning to try and catch him. Today I decided to do some laundry. Guess what fell out of the dryer, as soon as I opened the door (after my clothes were dry)? Yep...burnt gecko! That is the only way I found him, he fell right out. I thought maybe I left something in my clothes, so I picked it up to examine it. Poor thing.
I have been trying to clean today. I have seriously cut back on my paper purchases and I still have the stuff all over! My friend Sylvia, from Houston, is coming to visit this weekend and my sister will be here too. We are going to a crop on Saturday. I am trying to clean and get my supplies together. Of course I can't find half of the stuff that I need, for the projects I want to work on. Why is that always the case??
I have a new favorite catch phrase. My sister sent me the link to Kevin Smith's blog the other day. I love Kevin Smith...writer, director, actor. He is funny. Anyway, on his blog he was talking about the day he was having. He had a bad thing happen and then the rest of the day was good. Instead of saying it was good, he said it was "all blowjobs and lollipops!". HA! That cracks me up! Don't ask me how I am doing, if you don't want to hear that! That is so what I am going to tell you...."it's all blowjobs and lollipops, Baby!"!

Leslie

2007-08-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Cochran

I have blogged about Leslie once before. He is the most famous homeless person in Austin. I mean, come on, he has is own set of refrigerator magnets!! Anyway, I was hanging out at Stacy's house tonight. She is getting new roommates. Stacy's cousin Corey and Corey's boyfriend Kenny are moving in. Corey's brother (Adam) lives close to Leslie. I think Leslie lives in a storage shed or small room on someone's property in south Austin. Leslie hangs out at Adam's house a lot. Adam was helping Kenny move stuff today. Somehow Leslie got involved. It might be because he has moved so many times, or he might just be handy with spatial relations, but Leslie was dictating the move. He was telling them how to load vehicles, what to move first, etc. Here he is over at Stacy's house....his purse slung over one shoulder, his fake boob bra on, in a short yellow skirt telling the men how to move and what to move. Oh man, you just got to love Austin!

Saturday, I went to a wedding held on the sun.

2007-08-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

It really wasn't held on the sun (duh!), but it was hot. I mean HOT! OMG! Every

one melted. The festivities started on Wednesday. Some of us got together to make "floozy koozies". Kimberly (the bride, on the left of both pictures) wanted these to be the thank you gift, as well as helping keep every one's beverages cooler. We decorated 75. Kimberly's mom had already decorated 75 by herself before we even started on Wednesday. If you don't know what a floozy koozie is, it is just a koozie with all kinds of fabric, feathers, beads, etc. on it. We had some "masculine" looking ones for the men! HA! Stacy's was dark green camo that had a ring of red dangling beads around the lip. Her koozie made the statement "I like to hunt, but I am also a lady". Mind had flame fabric on it with a ring of black feathers around the lip. I was told mine made the following statement "I am a slut". Yeah, right! If you know anything about me, you know that isn't true! That is why it was so damn funny! On Friday was the pre-wedding party. That was fun, held at the bride and grooms house. Debbie Jack is one of the bride's best friends (she is the third from the left in the floozy koozie picture). I ended up driving her home...she was so dang drunk! Love me some Debbie Jack, she is hilarious. The actual wedding was on Saturday. The first picture above is my favorite of the ones I took. I think I took over 100. I was trying to capture a picture of Kimberly and Tony had to stick his big ol' melon in the frame! The look on his face cracks me up! After the reception, we had a post wedding/reception party. I was so exhausted from the heat, I think I lasted about 1 hour at the party! I am getting too old for this....

I get myself into so damn much trouble!

2007-08-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

So, I was going to go out to dinner with Stacy last night. We were just going to go out for some Mexican food. Stephanie decides that she wants to go, but wants to go somewhere she can take her dog. So, we settle on Freddie's. I was just going to eat and not drink any alcohol. We get there and Stephanie orders a bucket of beer, for herself, and Beaver is our waiter (I have already blogged about Beaver...I love me some Beaver! He could so be my main gay.). I knew right then I was in trouble. I eat and have a diet coke. One margarita leads to 4 margaritas, which leads to about 7 buckets of beer. We befriended two lesbians....well, they really aren't lesbians, because they are both in relationships with men but they also see each other. One of the girls used to be a stripper and she has fake boobs. Stephanie and I have never felt fake boobs before and this girl actually lets us feel her boobs! In the middle of Freddie's outdoor patio! And they feel totally different...they were kind of hard. They looked good, but they felt weird. Anyway, so the evening progresses, and someone realizes that Stephanie's dog is gone. We have no idea where he went. She totally lost her dog! Now, this is the girl that doesn't like pets to begin with...we told her not to get a dog and this just proved it!!! Everyone is looking for the dog...here he comes from the street! This is a busy street that Freddie's is on, lots of bars and restaurants, plus a ton of homes. She is so lucky he didn't get hit. At this point, everyone who is left in the place ends up at our table. Apparently they close early on Monday night. Beaver has called last call about 3 times...we end up with a couple of buckets of beer each time. I don't know how many times we cashed out before we actually left (this reminds me of another time I was with these two on the River Walk in San Antonio. We cashed out our tab 3 times at Dick's Last Resort and each time it was over $100. That was all drinks, no food!). Stacy is the smart one and she goes home when they finally kick us out. Stephanie ends up leaving with the two lesbians to go get something to eat. I end up going to another bar with 3 guys. Don't ask me their names, all I know is one guy had a great dane named Jake. We go to Opal Divines because they also allow dogs. There are 3 of us drinking...we end up with 3 pitchers of Hefeweizen. Hefeweizen is not a beer you need to be drinking when you are already drunk. Not only did I shut down Freddie's, I shut down Opals. I don't know what the hell I was thinking. After Opals I head home. Don't ask me about the incident in the gas station parking lot. The story is funny as hell...but I am so not telling it here. I was by myself and I pretty much made a fool out of myself! Like, I embarrassed myself in front of myself! LOL! So, Stephanie calls me at the crack of dawn this morning. We have both decided to stop drinking for a while. I tell her what I did in the gas station parking lot and she tells me what she did. Yeah, not drinking for a while is probably for the best! She ended up not going to get something to eat with the lesbians, she went through the drive thru at Taco Cabana and ended up with beans all over the front seat of her car. She gets home and decides to feed her dog...when she wakes up with morning there is a trail of dog food all over her house. Not from the dog, from drunk ass Stephanie. Not only that, there is a nice grease spot on her sliding glass door. When she sees this, she remembers running into the door. She thought it was open and totally hit it face first. OMG...I am laughing so hard right now I can't even type. Seriously, I was only going out for dinner! Stephanie is right, this is like high school only we have more money and no curfew! All that is going to do is get us into bigger trouble!!!

Hawaii = Beauty

2007-08-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

Picture freakin' perfect. O'ahu was so damn gorgeous! I can't even believe I got to visit...probably the most beautiful place I have ever been. I can't wait to do something with all the pictures. I have several projects in mind. We had such a great time, even before we left. Pre hawaii we got together at Holly's house to watch shows on Hawaii. Not Magnum PI or Hawaii 5-0. Travel shows. Holly is the master of planning a trip. She came up with some great stuff. Stephanie and I just let her have at it. We were scattered all over the plane, but managed to have fun on the plane. We collected at the emergency exit doors every hour or so. You aren't supposed to stand in the way, but we live life on the edge like that! BTW, the picture with the surfboard, left to right is Stephanie, Holly, Nikki. This was the park we painted in. The picture of me and Stephanie is Turtle Bay on the north shore. Anyway, as soon as we landed, we hit the ground running. One of the best stories is Stephanie in her dirty pee pants. Oh man, I about pee in my own damn pants every time I think of it. Stephanie had a little accident on Saturday morning while we were out and about and she was still in her "dirty pee pants" (from Ballad of Ricky Bobby) at the end of that night. She had ample opportunity to change...she never did! I love that girl. We laughed so much, the whole trip. Holly is such a proper and nice person. Then there is me and Stephanie. Steff doesn't have any filters. She says whatever pops into her head. Her head is all over the place! Then there is me...with my potty mouth! What a trio. Stephanie would says something and Holly's response would be something sweet, but would put Stephanie in her place. My response would be "f&ck off Stephanie". I can't wait to take another trip with them. I was worried about getting along with Holly. I have known Stephanie since High School, over 20 years. Stephanie and Holly met in college. I wasn't sure how the whole dynamic would work. Holly and I got along great....Stephanie probably got picked on because we each know her best. Anyway, Stephanie had a motto for the whole trip..."we can't screw this up. No matter what we do, or don't do, we are in HAWAII". Amen, sister. I would go back in a heartbeat!

Here it is....

2007-08-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

So many have asked to see it (okay, maybe one person has asked to see it). Here is my watercolor that I painted in Hawaii. Diamond Head is in the background. I will blog more about Hawaii later...it was awesome! I seriously contemplated staying - calling up my sister and telling her to keep, sell, or throw away everything in my apartment! As exciting as being homeless and sleeping on Waikiki beach sounds, I just thought I couldn't do it like that!

Sometimes a good cry is all you need!

2007-07-24T03:43:00.000-07:00

It's all good! I feel so much better now...writing about my feelings and crying. It was cathartic. I know I have so many positives and blessings in my life. That is what I need to focus on. And, I am leaving for Hawaii in 2 days!!!! How can you be sad with that looming in your future??? Of course, I have a killer headache this morning. Don't know if that is from yesterday or just my allergies/sinus issues.
Oh, and today is Lily's birthday. If you see her, tell her Happy Birthday! LOL!

Which would you choose?

2007-07-23T21:34:00.001-07:00

If you had the choice would you choose the monotone life or the life that has it's ups and downs? The monotone life is the life that is just flat...no highs, no lows, just even. Even though I feel I am in a down right at this moment, I would still choose the crazy, roller coaster ride life. My mantra right now is "this too shall pass". I don't know how many times I have said it in the last hour, the last day, the last month...Yes, someone is having a case of the mondays!
The ex told me that I am ruining his life by leaving him. Who knew that I had that much power? To actually ruin someone's life! I feel really bad that he feels that way, and I wish that I could help him in some way. I just know that I can't stay married to him and keep my sanity. Is that selfish? I wouldn't think so. Who says divorce has to be a negative? We had 15 years together...that is a long relationship. Did I want it to be forever? YES. Am I sad that it isn't? YES. At the same time, we had a good run. He is a great person and I know there is someone out there for him that is a better fit than I was. He is just hurting and can't see that right now. Even if he or I don't find anyone else, that is no reason to stay in a relationship that isn't going anywhere. I am choosing to see my divorce as a rebirth, a new chapter, a step in the right direction....
I got a speeding ticket this morning. Going 71 in a 55. I really had no idea what the speed limit was or how fast I was going until I saw the cop. I speed all the time, so it really probably was my time to get a ticket. I was traveling to our wine warehouse outside of College Station, Texas. When I got to the warehouse...I just helped make my sister madder. It was a very stressful day and my sister was having a hard time. I probably didn't help that situation. Sylvia called me this evening and said that she can't go to Hawaii with me. She was still holding out hope that she could go. Her life sucks right now too. She really needs the trip and it makes me sad that she can't come. Then, my parents got here. We are having training in Dallas the next two days. Rolling out a new ordering system and everyone is getting a laptop. I already had mine. My step dad asked me for it, because he needed to load some stuff on it for the new system. I have programs and stuff on my laptop that aren't work related. He wiped it all off and said that I would get fired if I put any of it back on there or used the computer for anything but work. I am so sad, mad, frustrated right now. It is so hard to work for family. After my step dad yelled at me I started to cry. I went up to my room (because I am staying with my mom and step dad tonight) and my mom heard me. I totally didn't want to get her involved. She always gets put in the middle. But, where do you go when you have problems at work and you can't talk to your family about it, because they are the problem! I feel like I have no support here, even though I know that isn't true. My sister mentioned something about getting another job today...I may have to do the same thing. I just hate doing that, because I know my step dad would take it personally. I don't want to hurt him...but at the same time, I have to think of myself. I am really just learning how to do that. I usually shelve a lot of my feelings because I don't want to hurt someone or add to their burden. I am learning that sometimes you don't have a choice....if you don't, you can and will loose yourself in the process. That is what happened in my marriage. I am just now discovering myself again and learning who I am again. There is a great person in there...she just got lost somewhere along the way.

This is the cutest darn thing I have seen in a long time!

2007-07-22T22:00:00.001-07:00

I got directed to photobucket tonight and this was on their homepage. Damn, that is so cute!!! Makes me laugh just looking at it. People can be so funny with their animals. Just ask my sister about her dog, Sugar....on second thought, don't. That dog is a mess and the stories are endless!!

Tonight I packed for Hawaii. I got all my stuff laid out and started trying to fit it in my suitcase. I called my sis and said I couldn't fit everything. She forced me to use my common sense and get rid of some stuff. I am still probably taking too much, but it is much better. I mean, really, it is Hawaii! I was told all I needed was a toothbrush and bathing suit. I am taking just a bit more than that. I am sure my roomies don't want me in the same bathing suit 24/7 for 5 or 6 days. When I was younger, that probably would have been it...now I have to bring the sunscreen, allergy meds, lotion, band-aids, dental floss, tums, etc. I feel like my aunt. She always carries a pretty big purse that weighs about 50 pounds. But, if you get into a bind and need something....chances are she has it in her purse.....headache meds, nail files, gum, kleenex, shoestring, you name it....my aunt probably has it in her purse. Love to travel with her. Always prepared!!! My sister is getting to be the same way. When I carry a purse, it is usually just big enough for my cell phone, chapstick, and tampon (or so my sister says). My sister will have tweezers, lotion, toothpicks, gum, nail clippers, you name it. She is more like my aunt (my mom's sister) and I am more like my mom. My sister probably got the better end of the deal, but don't tell my mom that! LOL!

Today

2007-07-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

So, I got my hair cut and colored today. I really have meant to take pictures of all my "hairdos" and "hair don'ts". I change my hair a lot. Especially the color. I think I have A.D.D. where my hair is concerned. I can't keep it the same for very long. This has led to some interesting styles. This is just for fun. I have had pink in my hair once before. Biggest drawback is that it fades fast. Everyone made comments today about it matching my glasses. That wasn't on purpose, pink is just one of my very favorite colors. I am not a girly girl, but I kind of am. I like pink, but not light pink....I like hard pink! LOL! I have included the second picture, because it just cracks me up...see how nice and in focus my camera is?? Yeah, I have no photography skills. I like the picture anyway....I like that I am blurry. What else did I do today....oh, I went to Barnes and Noble to get the new Harry Potter book. OMG! The line! I feel sorry for people who weren't there to buy HP. They had to wait through that line. I wasn't going to buy it today, but I had time this morning and was right by the book store. Plus, I have two 8 hour plane trips coming up. I am going to need some reading material. I also got bit by the donkey. I only had one carrot to feed him this morning. I think he got pissed. The donkey usually lets me pet him, but sometimes he can be skittish. So, I try to be gentle and let him smell me...doesn't that usually work with animals?? My sister said he might have thought my arm was a big carrot. I just think he was ticked that I only had one. He bit my arm, and it hurt! He has some big freakin' teeth!! This evening I went to watch some shows about Hawaii and to figure out the trip. Too many things to do and not enough time or money!! We have a good vibe and motto going for our trip....whatever we do will be the right thing to do. If we do anything or nothing on the list, we are doing okay - we are in Hawaii! Plus, the girls I am going with don't have to do everything together. I like that. I want some freedom in my trip and don't want to feel that I have to be at a certain place at any given time. I can't wait. My face is breaking out because I am anxious about the wait. I want it to be Thursday already. How am I going to stand the next couple of days?? I think I am going to be walking around like I have ants in my pants!

It is 4 am and I can't sleep

2007-07-19T02:01:00.000-07:00

I have too many things on my mind. UGH! I am excited and nervous about my upcoming trip to Hawaii. That probably doesn't make sense to anyone else but me! I feel like I have so much stuff to do before I leave and not enough time. My step dad surprised me and my sister today. My sister works in the office with my mom and step dad, while I am out in the field. My step dad gets packages in the mail all the time...mostly bullets, but that is another story! LOL. He also is a bit of a photographer, so he is always getting camera stuff. Today he got a package and opened it at my sister's desk. He pulled out a camera and said to my sister"dang, they sent me the wrong one. Oh well, do you want it?" He then pulled out another camera from the box and said "dang, they sent me two. Do you think Nikki will want one??". He was just joking...he ordered them for us. We each got a digital Nikon SLR d40x. I already have a digital Nikon SLR D100 that he let me borrow. Now I have a brand new Nikon. He also got us 2 gig cards. How many pictures will that hold?? I hope enough for Hawaii! Of course I almost hate to take it to Hawaii, what if something happens to it?? This is a $1000 camera. That would be just my luck. See why I am up so late?? It is stuff like this that I am contemplating! Why can't I just enjoy the moment! LOL!
I also have a movie I saw recently on my mind. Stacy has been bugging me to watch "Up Syndrome" for a while. I haven't wanted to watch it, because I know I will cry. She finally talked me into it...we watched it the other night. Stacy's cousin Justin is an actor and a film maker. His film production partner is Duane. This movie is about a life long friend of Duane's named Rene. Rene has down syndrome. Duane starts the movie out by saying something like...."Rene lived down the street from me when I was growing up. My mom said he had something called Down Syndrome. I never understood what he had to be down about. He looked like he was always having fun.". It was such a great movie and such a good look at Rene's life. Duane has always been interested in film making. He followed Rene around with a camera for years. The film really centers around his life at age 23....I think he is about 30 now. It was awesome to see Rene take such delight in things we take for granted on a daily basis. The point in the movie that I started crying....Duane let Rene drive his car. It was awesome! Rene got such joy out of it and felt like a "normal" person. Rene also made comments about being called baby, or honey, or cutie...he hated those terms. He isn't a baby and didn't want to be belittled. That really struck me....how people did treat him like a little kid, and he knew it. The movie just gave me pause and made me think. We take so many things for granted and treat people so horribly when they are different from us. There were many life lessons in that one movie. I am glad Stacy made me watch it, even though I did cry. That was okay....I learned something and I laughed a lot too!

Playing with paper - I actually did it today!!!

2007-07-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

I actually made something today. I can't believe it. My sister had these pictures this weekend. She scanned them and we printed out copies. I have no idea of the year. My mom might. Might be 1974 or 1975. My sister, Kim, is on the left and I am on the right. They, they being my aunt and mom, always dressed us alike. We are 3 years apart, but I think that is what you did in the 70's! People still think we are twins - even though we really don't look alike. Even back then we didn't look alike. What happened to all that blond hair?? I have no idea. We were so dang cute!!

South Austin: We're all here, because we're not all there!

2007-07-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

That is the motto of South Austin. I love So. Austin. Last night we went to Freddie's. We went there because Stacy, and now Stephanie, can bring their dogs. Stephanie got a dog, which is a whole other story...she hates dogs. Jennifer - one of Stacy's friends also went with us. She is the one with the Messiah as the roommate. Anyhoo, Freddie's is a restaurant/bar with a great outdoor seating area. They have a stage and will have live music on occasion. All the wait staff at Freddie's wear Freddie t-shirts with funny saying on the back, like "Good looking beer and ice cold waitresses", "Free Beer Tomorrow", etc. Our waiter had a shirt on that said "Freddie's Little Beaver". His name, or nickname, was Beaver. I loved this guy....why are all the great men gay?? He was so funny and entertaining. I want my Freddie's t-shirt to say "I love Beaver!"! We were picking on him and laughing with him and he was so quick witted, he gave us plenty back. Stacy spilled a full glass of ice water on me and he said "she made you wet at Freddie's...you got wet at Freddie's!". The guy was a hoot! We also had a lovely 21 year old named Kelley join our table. She was at the table behind us. Her friends left and she still had a drink to finish. Somehow she ended up at our table. She was like Paris Hilton, only with dark hair and tolerable. She kept us entertained for a while. She kept getting getting phone calls and never knew her phone was ringing...it was on vibrate. The whole table would vibrate...she was so clueless. Anyway, one phone call she gets and we see the screen. It says the caller is "jail". Come to find out, her boyfriend is in jail (his second stint) and he is calling her. Now, I don't know much about jail, but how can you call a cell phone from jail, have the same number that you call from in jail - so much so that it can be programmed into a phone, and call that many times that someone does have your number from jail??? Beyond me. 3 squares a day, tv and phone privileges??? Where is the punishment in that?? I usually don't get that on any given day...not to mention a hot girlfriend that I can call. Life is so unfair! LOL!!

2007-07-10T20:12:00.001-07:00

I actually felt like playing with paper this weekend. I spent all weekend with Sylvia and we played a little. Her husband loves it when I come to visit. We make a mess, stay up late, and laugh the whole time. So much fun. I have had a couple of these desk organizers for a while. I finally decorated them....totally girly. Sylvia just had to have one to decorate, so we had to drive all the way across Houston to get one. Spent most of Sunday doing that! Saturday we went to the movies...Live Free and Die with a Vengence (or whatever the new Die Hard movie is called). It actually was pretty entertaining. Nothing life changing or a movie to cause you to think. Just action and stuff getting blown up. I am sure the people in the theatre hated me. Every time something was blown up or someone died, I would cover my eyes with one of my arms, lift one of my legs, and say "Oh Damn" or "Ohhhh". Totally irritating, I am sure! That is okay....we went to see it in Galveston. Everyone was out on the beach, except for the 6 of us in the movie theatre!

What's Up?

2007-07-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? Again, forever since I posted. This is a picture from gay pride a few weekends ago in Austin. This is also Stacy and Stephanie. We decided to be funny and wear custom t-shirts. I made the t-shirts. Stacy's says "Main Gay" and Stephanie and I have shirts that say "Proud of my Gay". It was really probably pretty dorky, but it was fun. We went out to a gay bar, of course, to celebrate. All the other people were groomed and smelling good. We stuck out like sore thumbs. I don't know if I have mentioned this, but I have a tendency to fall. I fell right in the middle of the bar and took out 4 lesbians. Thought I was going to get my ass kicked. They were all very nice and gracious, made sure I was okay. I was, but my knee has hurt since the tumble. No stitches this time, though.

Been forever since I posted...

2007-06-03T22:25:00.001-07:00

What have I been doing? Been in a funk for part of it, and haven't felt like posting. I did meet the son of God over Memorial Day weekend. That was kind of exciting (read weird). I was over at Stacy's for an impromptu BBQ. One of her friends showed up with one of her roommates. He got drunk (and might have been on something else, if you know what I am saying). He started crying, saying that it was all just so beautiful, and that he was the son of God. God had two sons: Jesus and him. WHAT??!!! It was so weird. He left soon after that (read got kicked out of the BBQ). Of course I was trying to egg him on, and get more info out of him. The girl that brought him was trying to shut him down. She said he had done that once before. Who knew she was living with God's son. And how do you kick God's son out of your house?? Also this week, I decided I was going to get rid of all my scrapbooking supplies. I was going to enter the Rusty Pickle contest and had bought all this stuff from RP for it. I just couldn't sit down to make anything. Doing stuff because you have to, not because you want to takes all the fun and creativity out of it. I totally had a mental block and I shut down. I really don't want to sell all my stuff, but I just can't scrap on demand. Now that the deadline has passed I will probably have some really killer ideas and turn out some awesome stuff! Oh, and I saw George Lopez this weekend. Same restaurant that I saw Taylor Hicks in. Totally weird. Stephanie and I were supposed to celebrate Pride with Stacy on Saturday. Stacy ended up going tubing in the morning and was drunk by 6 pm, so she didn't come out with us. Stephanie and I ended up going out to eat at about 4 and then went to a bar called the Broken Spoke...pretty much a dive bar, that has some notoriety. We shut the bar down and ended up back at Stephanie's house at about 4:30 am. I am too old for this stuff. It is going to take me days to recover!!!

Road to Austin Concert

2007-05-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

So I went to the Road to Austin concert this weekend. It was a free event that included Bonnie Raitt, Kris Kristopherson...and a whole slew of other people. It was awesome! I wanted to hear two songs. One was by Kris K and one was by Bob Schneider. The both sang the songs I wanted to hear, even though they only had two or three songs to sing. Not enough time for more than that. Too many acts on the bill. Stacy and I hung out with Gene all night. We met him at the concert. He might have been homeless, might not have been. Interesting guy...had seen a bunch of musicians in his lifetime. He is 61. He said something that gave me pause, that I thought was a great quote. He said "one thing about getting old, you really realize the value of a woman". That was great and sad at the same time. Anyway, I also met the man included in the picture. This is Leslie. He is famous in Austin and he is homeless. This is his magnet set that you can buy. He pretty much looked like this when I met him at the concert. Only, he had a red thong on, a leather vest, red top (with the boobs) and a tiara. He is a hoot.

My sister has an awesome sister (and so do I)!

2007-05-18T13:19:00.001-07:00

This is a layout my sister did of ME!!! I love it. Not only is it cool, it's subject is my favorite topic! LOL! I haven't blogged in forever. I don't know where I have been. What has happened to me in the last few days? Hmmm....had to quit the part time job. The real job was interfering, so I had to let the other one go. Happy and sad at the same time. Glad I don't have to work that 4 to midnight shift tonight. If I did, I sure as hell wouldn't be blogging right now...I would be on my way to work. Other than that, I have just been digging myself out of all the stuff I have let slip. Apartment needed to be cleaned, laundry needed to be done, caught up on some much needed rest, drank some beers with Stacy, all the normal, everyday stuff that I had not been doing with two jobs. Don't know what I am going to do with all the free time on my hands this weekend...I will keep you posted!

I love Slutina and I love me some Pearl!

2007-05-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

http://sjl.funnyordie.com//v1/landing.php

I have watched this thing about 1200 times.....I love Pearl. I want to track her down and steal her! Will Ferrell is my hero. He just cracks me up!
The reason I love Slutina (aka Sylvia) is that she bought me some paper and stuff....and mailed it to me. (PS: I had to come back in and edit this post. I don't just love her because she bought me paper; I love Slutina for a lot more reasons than that. She is just an awesome person and a great friend.) She knows I am in a funk and it totally cheered me up! She mailed it yesterday and I got it today. I had a full day today. I took the ol' MV (mini van - MV just sounds cooler than Mini Van) for a wash today. I spent about $20 in quarters and still could not get off all the bug guts. I tricked it out with a sticker that my sister sent me. It is like a blacksploitation sticker...has a guy with a fro and it says "Craft: Can ya dig it?". Totally cool. After the wash, I cleaned my apartment, and then went to a wine tasting. I drank too much. I then went to Threadgills and met a few friends. I drank too much. I then went to Stacy's house to watch American Idol. I drank too much. Stacy and I have money on the outcome. It really doesn't matter who wins. We will use the spoils to buy beer and food. I then started to drunk dial people. It is pretty sad when you drunk dial your sister....and she knew it before I even said anything. Damn, I don't like her. Now I am watching the movie Matchmaker. Don't know why I love this movie, I just do. It doesn't have any great acting or any great story line, but I just love it. Probably the use of the work "feckin'", which is the Irish accent version of "f#$kin'". They say it a lot in this movie! Recurring theme with me, don't ya think? I seriously have a problem....(well, several problems!!!)

My sister reminded me of one of my favorite quotes

2007-05-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

"People are just bastard coated bastards, with bastard filling". My sis said this to me the other day...I had been thinking it a lot lately, because this has so been my life. I feel like getting all my money out of the bank (all $3.58 of it), getting in my car, and not looking back. Leaving all my stuff behind and starting over somewhere else. Only problem is I know all the stuff would catch up with me eventually. Paypal has frozen $500 of my money because of a claim from eBay. I sold my Pazzles mini cutter to a lady and she is saying that I did not include all the software to use the cutter and that the item was damaged in shipment. No refunds and no insurance (I did pay for insurance, BTW, just as a precautionary measure). Post office has refused the claim because they say it was not packed properly. What??? It was put in the box I received it in. On top of that, still working 30+ hours at the part time job. Totally sucking the fun out of my life. Why do I not have any entertaining stories to share with you? Because I haven't had time to do anything! I have been too tired and too busy working to have anything fun and exciting happen to me. Maybe tomorrow something will happen. Going to a work related wine event. I am going to try and not get drunk, but I don't have to work at the scrapbooking store tomorrow night. Who can I call to bail me out of jail, if I get arrested???? (Hopefully that is a joke and not foreshadowing!)

It's official...

2007-05-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

I hate people. I know, I know, I am a people person. That is one reason why engineering did not work for me....me and a computer in a 4x4 foot box. Just wasn't the makings of my dream job. What I wouldn't give for a job like that today. I have to work with the public tonight and I am afraid...afraid that I am going to go off on someone. "Seriously, are we doing this??" Those words could come out of my mouth at any moment, especially if I get a stupid question about adhesive! Could my stress come from working two full time jobs? Maybe....the "part time" fun job at the scrapbooking store is about 35 hours a week. The real job and dealing with wine assholes - for the most part I love my job, the wine jerks and the people at Spec's liquor store that think they invented wine are the ones that bring me down. Maybe the stress is coming from my separation. I seriously think I am breaking his heart. I have had my heart broken and I know how it feels. To think that I am doing that to someone else is killing me. I don't have much choice, for my own sanity and happiness, I have to. Life just sucks right now....I keep on trying to look at the bright side (and I do have many bright spots in my life: awesome friends, an awesome mom and sister, a job, a place to live, enough money to get by, etc.). "Pity Party, table for one....." that's me right now! I know it will get better...in another moment, another day, another year....things will be totally different. Just have to hold on and not smack the living shit out of someone right now!

"I feel like Hank Williams tonight..."

2007-04-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

That is from a song that Jerry Jeff Walker sings. I don't know if he wrote it, but that is his version I have running through my head. It just talks about his moods and what type of music he listens to during those moods. Hank Williams is the "I am in a funk" music. I am in a funk. The high point of my day was helping another goat get unstuck from the fence. I should be in a better mood. My friend Sylvia was here this weekend. We had a great time...didn't do much of anything besides spend money and laugh (a lot on both counts). She left on Sunday and it went downhill from there. Anyone have a sure fire cure for the blues?? I need it!

Donkey

2007-04-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my neighbor, the donkey. He was pretty happy with me...I just fed him carrots and petted his head. Still haven't been able to pet the dog! I am working on him, though. He will come around eventually.

Motley {camping} Crue

2007-04-26T02:52:00.000-07:00

Here are the crazy girls I went camping with. Notice the beer and cigarette...that pretty much sums up the whole weekend. This picture was probably taken 5 minutes after they woke up in the morning too!! Gotta love these girls!

Website Development, anyone???

2007-04-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

This week I am taking a three day class to learn how to use Dreamweaver software. It is used to develop websites. I was nominated to take the class to support my company's website. I need to use it...anyone have a website they need??? You can pay me in beer or scrapbooking supplies...I am cheap! Anyway, what I want to know is why I never worked in a building like this when I was in corporate America? I think I know the answer to that. I think this building is used by many different customers. I believe it changes all the time, schedules fluctuate - have perks, just because their building is their product. Anyway, coffee, tea, and lemonade are provided at all times. Good coffee, tea, and lemonade. There is an ice maker and REAL glasses. Also, the restroom! Have you ever been out at a bar or night club and had the assortment of products for use in the women's restroom? Make-up, perfume, hairspray, gum, etc. that is monitored by a lady for tips. I would never use any of those things, haven't been that drunk. The restrooms here have stuff you would actually use: a lint roller, lotion, dental floss, a nail file. Stuff you might actually need and might not have on you!!! Of course when I did work in an office, I had all that crap in my desk. People just came to me for it, because they knew I had it. I was basically the restroom attendant, only I didn't get any tips! I really wouldn't trade my job for all of that. Can't stand being chained to a desk, even for fresh and good coffee, tea, and lemonade!

Wine, Houston, and Camping

2007-04-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

I have had a busy couple of days! Winemaker's lunch on Wednesday. Good food, good wine, and I didn't sit by any wine snobs. Not bad. Thursday I had to get up at the crack of dawn to be in Houston by 11. I needed to stop off in College Station to pick up some wine, so it took me longer than normal. Had to pick up another winemaker (actually the winemaker's daughter, Kristen) for her visit to Houston. We had an employee tasting at the biggest liquor store in Houston - Specs Downtown. We did that, had a late lunch, and then had to be back downtown by 9 pm for a little wine/appetizer thing at a restaurant. It was fun. Some of the same Specs employees that we sampled to earlier were there. On your birthday, this restaurant brings out a huge martini glass (not a drinking glass, more of a glass for dips and what not that is in the shape of a martini glass) filled with cotton candy and sparklers. We pretended it was my birthday. Nothing like wine and a little food followed by cotton candy!!! I was supposed to stay with my friend Stephanie in Houston. By the time this was over and I dropped Kristen off on the North side of town, there was no way I was going to drive all the way South. If you haven't been to Houston, let me tell you, it is a big city. It probably would have taken me one hour to drive from where I was to where I wanted to stay. I ended up staying with Kristen in her hotel. I forgot to bring my laptop on this little trip, so I went to the hotel business center to get online. This was about 1 in the morning. Okay, they have two computers. One was occupied by an Asian guy typing (via the hunt and peck method of typing) a manifesto in his email. The other was occupied by a black guy looking for a date online. Seriously! It is 1 in the morning and you are on a hotel computer in the business center looking to hook up. After several different sites, he finally went to IM a couple of ladies. I gave up at this point. The manifesto was still being typed, at about one word per minute, and the other guy was still looking for a little bit of "late night". I got up super early again on Friday, because I had to be in Austin by 11. Once again, had to stop off in College Station. I finally made it back to Austin and picked up Stacy by 12. We were finally on our way to our camping destination. We had rented a "rustic" cabin in Concan (West of San Antonio). 8 girls were going. Most were on their way by the time we left. When Stacy and I arrived, the other girls were already drunk! It was about 3 in the afternoon. These girls were a hoot, but I am kind of afraid of them now! Just kidding! But several off these girls have done some hard living. The stories they told....they are so lucky they are still alive to be telling these stories. I feel like a nun compared to a couple of these girls. Anyway, on Saturday we went tubing down the Frio river. There is a reason it is named the Frio - it is cold. We were about the only people tubing on the river. We had asked all kinds of questions - how long is the trip, is the river up, how cold are people saying the river is, etc. We were told the river was up and we shouldn't have to walk, should be a relaxing float. I believe we were lied to. I ended up walking most of the river. I got tired of getting hit in the ass by a rock when we bottomed out. The one lesbian in the group thinks she lost her virginity to a rock on that river! LOL! Thank goodness I was not drunk. I would not have been able to keep my balance as well as I did walking in the water, while carrying my tube. I found a nice to stick to use as a walking stick about half way down. That thing saved me. I am bruised and sore in places I didn't know I could be bruised and sore in from that trip. The Frio kicked all of our butts - the Frio river one, cabin 15 zero! So, after a nice hot shower had by all of us, we relaxed in front of a fire with a couple of drinks. That was very relaxing...followed by more hair raising stories. I seriously wish I could type a few here. I just can't......I try to keep my blog PG-13 or at least rated R. Today I got up at about 9, packed up my stuff and headed back to Austin. All the other girls are staying through tonight. I couldn't because I have some work obligations that I can't miss on Monday. I was almost home when I got a call that a set of keys might have been left in my car. I pulled over, searched the car and didn't find them. That just totally sucks. No telling where we lost them. All 8 of us were piled in my mini van for most of the weekend, with both sets of sliding doors open. I know this isn't safe, but we were only traveling a short distance and not going faster than about 15 miles per hour. On the trip back from tubing we had 8 girls, two ice chests, and 9 tubes in or on top of my car. Plus, everyone was drunk (except for me). I believe we lost the keys at that point. Several tubes fell off of my car and we had to stop to get them. No telling what else flew out of my car. It was a great weekend. I didn't drink too much, felt fine every morning. Didn't get sunburned. Just a little sore from the river. I can't wait until the next all girls trip....

How is that people look to me for answers?

2007-04-17T02:55:00.000-07:00

My sister says it is because I am just plain bossy, people think I am in charge because I am bossy. Last night is a prime example. We were unpacking boxes of scrapbooking supplies at Archiver's. We all got the same instructions. People repeatedly asked me what we were supposed to be doing. What? Were you not there when they told us what to do? This included the shift supervisor. She kept asking me what we were supposed to do, how we were supposed to do it, and sent people to me if they had questions. She was there on Saturday, just like I was. Saturday was our first day in the store and Monday was the second. A girl that had not been there on Saturday worked last night - her first night of work. This girl asked the shift supervisor for a run down on what we had done and were doing. The supervisor said that she didn't really know and sent her to me. I had to update/train the girl. Not to mention that as we are unpacking stuff, half of it these people have never seen or used. Moral of this story....don't come to the Archiver's Austin store and expect to get answers to your questions unless I am there. The other employees probably don't know the answer and will send you to me anyway! Seriously, this is why America is going down hill. People don't care, don't pay attention, and are too lazy to figure shit out for themselves.

Circle Journal Layout

2007-04-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

I still had the stuff out from my Dwight layout and I needed to do one for a circle journal on my home town. My title: I wasn't born in Texas but I got here as fast as I could. My journaling: "I was born in Denver, Colorado in 1971. I loved Colorado, never wanted to leave. In 1985, I was drug (kicking and screaming) to Three Rivers, TX. A small town in South Texas with a population of less than 2000. I thought I was going to hate it. Little did I know it would shape me in to the person I am today. Mainly because of the girls I met there. These girls have made me a better person. Love You! Nikki"
Just a simple layout on a place that has a big impact on my life. I truly do not think I would be the person I am today without Three Rivers, Texas and my friends that I met there. I am a much better person than I would have been. Thank you Stacy, Stephanie, Michelle, and Emma....and thank you Three Rivers, Texas.

Maybe I do have some funny stories!

2007-04-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

Monday I met Stephanie and Stacy at a Mexican restaurant for a few drinks and some appetizers. The bartender cut us off!!! Several pitchers of beer and a few tequila shots later he said we were done. Well, maybe just one more, but this is your last pitcher. Okay, you can have another drink, but not a pitcher. What kind of drink do you want...Stacy and Stephanie got beer. I asked for a margarita....and can you put a shot of grand marnier on that??? Oh, the bartender loved us! I stole a lime (for my beer that I knew I had at home, like I needed to drink anymore). At one point he asked us which one of us was driving...we all pointed at someone else. Total Three Stooges!!! (I know my sister is rolling her eyes at this point...she thinks I have been boozing it up {her words} too much of late...she is probably right!) On Wednesday night, after my hard few hours at paper training, I called Stacy to see what she was doing. Oh yeah, she had already been to happy hour and was feeling no pain. There was a lot of noise in the background, music, but I knew she was at home. She tells me to hold on and says to the background "Hey, y'all take that keg outside. You are too loud and I am trying to talk on the phone.". (She was just joking...it was funny). She then says to herself "where did I put my stereo remote? I think I left it in my truck...". Finally to me she says "let me call you back...". Why she would have her stereo remote in her truck is any one's guess, but she does get crazy with the music after she has had a few drinks. So, she calls me back. We are chatting away and then she says "oh shit" and starts to giggle uncontrollably. I ask her what and she still giggles and then says never mind. Then she says...."I dropped the stereo remote in the toilet". Okay, she is on the phone, has the remote, and is going to the bathroom....is it just me or is that a little too much going on?? Gotta love that girl!

Where have I been?

2007-04-12T03:01:00.000-07:00

Not much funny going on in my crazy life...nothing real exciting to report. I started training for my new part time job, at Archiver's. Yes, we have to be trained on scrapbooking supplies...and I am shocked that most of the people in my group have not used a lot of the supplies!! They are all scrapbookers. First night we did stamping basics. Yes, we are getting paid to play. Several ladies in attendance had never embossed before, never stamped before, never even heard of acrylic stamps. What??? I know most of you out there are supply junkies, just like me. How can you not have done that stuff before? Last night we did scrapbooking basics and adhesive training. How funny is that....adhesive training! Again, got paid to play. We made a one page layout and then got to play with all the adhesives. Again, several of the women in attendance had never used several of the adhesives. What the heck kind of scrapbooker are you that you haven't tried every kind of tape out there???? I think I had used all of them and had definite opinions on which ones I would recommend. Tonight we have cutter training....can't wait to hear what these ladies use to trim their stuff with....probably some old, dull kitchen shears!

Crazy baby stories...

2007-04-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

They are coming at me left and right! Houston Stephanie is pregnant. Last year, she wanted to have a third and her husband didn't. Then, this Christmas he tells her he is ready. She found out she is pregnant...got pregnant right before she came to see me in Austin. Remember her trip to Austin...drinking and tattoos. Yeah, that Chinese symbol for mother she got tattooed on her ass is right!!! So, she calls me this morning giggling and crying...asks me if I am sitting down. She is having TWINS!! OMG! Her oldest child, Jacob, is a sweetheart. The second child, Mo, not so much! Love her to pieces, but that girl is going to be a handful. Now twins!!! It was nice knowing you, Stephanie...
Now, on to my other friend. She will remain nameless to protect her identity (grin). She is someone who never really wanted to have children. Her husband has one daughter - teenager - from a previous marriage. Anyway, she goes in to have a little bit of cosmetic surgery...nose and boob job. They ask if she is pregnant or any chance she is pregnant. She says no, but you better check anyway. Yeah, PREGNANT. No surgery for her!
Moral of these stories...ladies, watch out! There is something in the air, in the water, going on with the tides, etc.

I really don't like my bank right now!

2007-04-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

First off, they decided to change our debit cards from Visa to Master Card, without really telling anyone. My sister told me about it, because her debit card was denied. Because of my move, I had a heck of a time actually getting a new debit card. I finally get one in the mail a week or so ago and my pin number still has not shown up. Stacy and I go out for dinner on Friday night. I wanted to pay for her dinner, because she has done so much for me since the whole move. Yeah, debit/credit card is denied. She ended up paying for dinner, but I had enough cash to pay for our beers the rest of the night. We went to a local dive bar...I don't know if they take anything but cash. We got our butts kicked in shuffle board, but that is another story. Anyway, I call the bank Saturday morning. They said my debit card was not associated with any account. Great! No wonder it didn't work. In the mean time, I have transferred money from my account to an account I share with my sister. That debit card works. Only problem...transfer still has not shown up. When I look at my account online, it says both of my accounts have money. When I try to debit money, it says my account is negative. I just want to get some money! Somebody please help me!!!!!

Funk it UP #6: Secret

2007-04-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

For this challenge we had to use the word "secret". I decided to do the project on my secret flame, Dwight Yoakam. My sister gave me the idea of doing my layout in an office file folder. The outside of the folder says "Top Secret", "Confidential", "Do Not Open", and "Shhh...". My actual layout journaling says "It is the man, the music, the clothes...but mostly the lyrics. He writes the way I feel or the way I want to feel.". Dwight has a way of writing and singing that gets me. I sometimes think he has to be living my life (not really, but I can relate to a lot of his stuff). Plus, he has that old school country sound. Not to mention the fact that I really do love his style. Love the custom boots and his flair with western wear.

Across the alley from the Alamo...

2007-04-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

I love San Antonio. I seriously did not take advantage of it when I lived there while in college. This weekend I was in San Antonio. Stacy drug me to a wedding - one of her cousins got married. It was a blast, and I think I drank my weight in alcohol. Not really a good thing, but I had a heck of a time. Highlights of the weekend: the mother of the bride wearing a short dress that was a zebra print, the mother of the bride shaking her money maker out on the dance floor dancing by herself the whole evening, being called a dick by Stacy's brother Preston, getting smacked on my ass by Stacy's brother Preston, telling Stacy's mom about all the people using the "f" word (cause you know I got in trouble for saying it in front of her), hanging out on the street today drinking beer (I didn't drink, but had a lot of laughs). Quotes from the weekend: "Stacy did you convert to Kabbalah?" "Stacy you have salt on your face." (This was from all the margaritas and salted beers she drank.) Stacy and I purposely got a hotel close to the wedding venue, so we wouldn't have to drive after drinking. We ended up being in a car with 7 total people and having to stop at 3 hotels. No one really stayed at the same place and several people didn't have a ride. That was a scary car ride! F=m*A. Force does equal mass times acceleration. A vehicle handles differently when the driver has been drinking and you put that much weight in a car. We made it safely to our hotel and made it back to Austin in one piece...just our livers a little worse for the wear! "I woke up Sunday morning with no way to hold my head that didn't hurt. The beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad, so I had one more for dessert..."

Funk it Up! number 5: My Space

2007-03-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

For this challenge we had to use "At First Glance". The picture is of my little one room garage apartment. My journaling says: At first glance...It looks like a small, one room apartment. It is much more than that...it is my FREEDOM, my INDEPENDENCE, my SPACE, my HOME!

The baby goats

2007-03-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

My sister wants to know where the baby goats are. Here is a picture with one of the baby goats...the little brown one. I was trying to get a picture of the rest while they were frolicking by a tree. I guess I got too close, the dog stopped me. A wolf in sheep's clothing perhaps??? The dog knows me so well!!!

The stitches have been removed

2007-03-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

So, I go over to Stacy's house tonight to have some work done on my hand. They ticked me off at my last visit with the clinic...decided not to go back to have the stitches removed. Stacy is armed with finger nail clippers and tweezers (plus she has been drinking). Do you see where this is headed?? Wasn't pretty! Actually it wasn't too bad, once we figured out which direction to pull from. My hand hurts now, though. The stitches were keeping it together and now all the movement is causing it to hurt. I seriously hope I don't open it up again...that would be just my luck. What else exciting happened today? Went to another wine tasting. Not too bad. Biggest draw back is that I really can't stand the guy that helped me put it together. He is a jack ass, and I have to work with him quite often. Oh, I also helped out one of my neighbors today. I live on a one lane dirt road. Across the dirt road is a goat farm. The goats were close to my side of the fence this morning. When I looked at them a while later, they had all moved some distance away. I heard one goat crying, so I went to investigate. This goat had it's head stuck in the fence. Because of the horns, it could not get it's head back through the fence. I helped the goat get unstuck. It cried a little, looked around for the other goats and took off like a shot as soon as it saw where they had all gone. There are several baby goats with this group. They are so cute!! Why are baby anythings so dang cute? My parents lease their property for cattle. I love me some baby cows! They are so stinking cute! Anyway, here is a picture of my neighbors - the goats. There is also a big white dog, a horse, and a donkey. The donkey will come to the fence and let you pet him. He also likes carrots.

It looks like someone is having a case of the "Mondays"! (AGAIN!!!)

2007-03-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty crappy weekend and today hasn't been much better. On Friday I took a mini tour of Texas...Austin to College Station and then to Houston. I had to pick up some wine in College Station that was needed in Austin by today. Houston was just an additional stop...needed to pick up some more of my stuff. Friday night I hung out with Syl. That's always a good time. Saturday I went by my house to pick stuff up. On Sunday I had a wine tasting to go to in Austin. Let me tell you...wine snobs are the worst kind of snob. They drive me bonkers! People ask me all the time what makes a good wine. You know what makes a good wine? If you like it, that's a good wine. Price, style, grape, doesn't really matter. If you like it and want to drink it, then it is good. I have never seen people so full of shit as wine people..."oh, this wine has some Rutherford dirt in it". What?! You are 21 years old and work at a liquor store, don't tell me you know Rutherford dirt from Sonoma dirt from Napa dirt. I know there are people out there who say they can tell that, but not some 21 year old kid from Austin. So, I pretty much buried my head in the sand after the tasting. I decided I had enough this weekend and tomorrow was another day. Tomorrow is now today - Monday. I woke up to a flat tire. Had to find someone to help me with that (with the stitches in my hand, I can't change a tire). Finally got it to Discount Tire (I bought new tires less than a month ago). I had a nail in the tire. I had to deliver the wine I picked up on Friday, for a wine maker's dinner tonight. I wasn't supposed to be involved in this, and now I am up to my eyeballs involved. I have to pick the wine maker up and take her to her hotel and then take her to the dinner. 30 to 40 people paying $160 a person to have dinner with Merry Edwards and drink her wine. Yeah, more wine snobs. Tomorrow is pretty much the same thing. We are having a tasting with her and her wines. Don't get me wrong, nothing against the wine maker. Haven't met her, but I have met her husband. He is a nice guy. I just hate the schmoozing, ass kissing, etc. that goes on with all of this. I am going to have to be on my best behavior tonight. That is all I need, to get drunk feeling like I am now!

Funk it Up, number 4: He Said, She Said

2007-03-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

For this challenge we had to ask someone a question, or questions, about our self. I called Stephanie in Houston and asked to speak to her kids. I asked Jacob, age 5, and Morgan, age 3, why they loved Nena. They call me Nena. Jacob said "I just love her so much!". Morgan said "Her is funny!". I love these kids!!! They were the hardest thing to leave behind in Houston. Kids grow up so fast and I know I am missing so many things. Day to day stuff that I miss. One of the last times I was over at Stephanie's house, before I moved, is a prime example of day to day stuff. Mo (I call Morgan, Mo) was wearing a dress. She went potty and had her dress stuck in her underwear. We all told her to fix it and Jacob said "Yeah, Morgan, fix your dress. We can all see your nut crack!". Nut crack!! That is funny! Then, they were talking about the movie they watched with their dad the night before. Jacob said that he liked the cops in the movie. Morgan said (with a tinkle in her eye) "I liked the BAD guys!". We know you do, Mo. And you are really going to like the bad guys when you turn 16. Don't think you are going to come live with me when your mom kicks you out of the house!!! Anyway, this is my layout. Not my best work. But even Picasso, Van Gogh, etc. didn't produce only masterpieces. (Not that I am comparing myself to any great artist or anything, just trying to make a point...)

Don't look if you have a queasy stomach...

2007-03-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

Actually, the picture isn't that bad. It just looks bad because of the Frankenstein stitches! This is the picture of my hand and the stitches.

Jacqueline Jinxed me!

2007-03-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

JC called me the other day to gush over my recent scrapbooking work and my blog. She was so sweet!!! She made me feel really good about what I have been doing. A while after our phone conversation, I sat down to finish my layout for the 4th Funk it Up Challenge. It looks like I just started scrapbooking! Seriously, it is not good. I am totally blaming it on my hands!!!! I will post the picture later of the layout later...

I love me some classic country music!

2007-03-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

Seriously! Ray Price was awesome at the show last night. He said he is 81 years old...and still doing his thing on stage. The steel guitar and the fiddles - it doesn't get much better than that. Merle was really good too...and so was Willie. Merle and Willie had Asleep at the Wheel as their back up band. Come on! Again, it doesn't get much better than that. One of the best quotes from last night was from Ray Price (besides after stating his age that he was NOT the father of Anna Nicole's baby girl). He said radio did not leave country music, country music left the radio. Your damn right. If you want to hear anything decent (in my opinion) you have to tune in to AM or find one of the few classic country stations on FM. Houston has a decent FM station...only thing is they throw in too much stuff from the 80's. I love Dwight, but can't stand Reba!

We found a sharpie!

2007-03-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

Today, Nikki is playing the role of a pugilist...

2007-03-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

I would like to say that this happened at the Public Enemy concert, or that I was drunk. Nope, no great or interesting story. I have a tendency to trip and fall. Friends of mine have actually commented that it is a good day or a trip when Nikki hasn't fallen. Today, Stacy and a I were headed out to get something to eat, do a little shopping, and catch a couple of musicians at Threadgills. Stacy pulled up to a walk up ATM, so I could get some cash. I normally pay attention to where I am walking because of my clumsiness. Not so today. I tripped on the uneven sidewalk and ended up in urgent care. I got 8 stitches in the palm of my right hand and a really nice cut on my left hand. The tetanus shot and the nurse pulling the loose skin off of my cut hurt worse than getting the stitches. Don't worry, I am still going to see Willie, Merle, and Ray Price tonight. Actually, Stacy is looking for a Sharpie right now. We are naming my right hand Pancho and my left hand...Lefty!

Flava Flav!

2007-03-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah boi! Tonight I went to the free SXSW show. It was Public Enemy. It really was a pretty good show...and I had ample opportunities to people watch again. There were a lot of small children in attendance. If they didn't know the "f" word before the show, they sure did after it. Any artist that uses that word in a song, I am a fan. I don't really know why. Yesterday I saw a musician I had never seen before, Tommy Womack. He used the word repeatedly in one song. I am now a fan for life. Love that word in song. If you have read my blog, or met me, you probably know I have a potty mouth. I have had a long relationship with that one particular word. One of my mom's favorite stories about me is when I was 3 I asked her if "f#$k it" was a bad word. How is this for good parenting...she said "No, just don't say it in front of grandma.".
Anyway, I digress. Tomorrow I am going to see Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ray Price. Can't wait. How cool is that...Public Enemy one night and Willie Nelson the next! I will let you know how the Willie show goes.
Oh, also, I saw Taylor Hicks from American Idol today. We had dinner at the same restaurant and he was at the next table. He is in town playing for the rodeo. My first celebrity siting in Austin. He was drinking Dos Equis in a bottle...I should have stolen his beer bottles and tried to sell them on eBay.

6th street in Austin

2007-03-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

Last night I was on 6th street. SXSW is here, it is music and film extravaganza. I am a natural people watcher. There were all kinds of people on the street last night...everything and anything. That is one reason that Austin is so neat, anything goes here. Take the free items I was given last night...a couple of shots of varying types of alcohol, mentos, and some condoms. I don't know what they all thought we were going to be doing, but they made sure we were prepared: drunk with fresh breath and protection. Got to love that!!! I drank the alcohol, ate the mentos, but I still have the condoms. Wasn't so lucky in that department. I did have an offer from the parking attendent, but had to turn him down. He was crushed! LOL! I am pretty sure anyone parking their car in that lot got the same offer! Who knows, it might have worked for him...I hope he got some free condoms!

Funk it Up! The 3rd Challenge

2007-03-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

For this challenge we had to use the phrase "What I know for sure". I usually don't make things about myself, but recently that is all I seem to be doing. I guess it is because I have been doing a lot of soul searching of late. Some of that has been coming out in my work. I normally don't really like my layouts (I think I am more of a paper crafter, than a scrapbooker), but I like what I have been doing for this contest. This Funk it Up challenge has been a cool thing. Got me to think outside of the box.

My weekend....

2007-03-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

I just played some this weekend. Got drunk on Friday (damn that tequila) and went to Keg Kick Ball on Saturday. Keg kick ball was a hoot. The only rule was that you had to have a beer in your hand at all times. We had a keg of Lone Star that we just rolled up in to the park. Got to love that. Someone brought a whole cooler full of jello shots. I had one or two, but have learned my lesson with those things. Had a bad experience several years ago (Jello isn't necessarily a bad thing to throw up, but that doesn't mean I want to do it again)! We were able to use our jello shots to barter for some crawfish, though. Another group of people had 70 pounds of crawfish they were cooking in the same park. Sunday I went to Houston. I hung out with my friend Sylvia and we played with paper. I finished my third layout for the funk it up contest (I will post later) and I did this layout just for the fun of it. The pictures are from the weekend before, when Sylvia and Stephanie came to Austin. The pictures are of me opening my birthday gift from Syl. In case you can't read my title it is {In my mind} I am a Rock Star. My sister says she is tired of seeing my tongue out in pictures. Apparently I stick my tongue out a lot. I wasn't aware of this, but thank goodness (said with MUCH sarcasm)that I have a sister to point this out to me!

FUNK it UP! Part Deux

2007-03-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

Here is my second layout for the Funk it Up challenge. This one had to use the saying "someday I am going...". Mine was "someday I am going to get another tattoo". That day happened before I finished my layout. This highlights two of my tattoos. The cat I have on my leg and the skull and crossbones that I just got. I know the saying still applies, because someday I am going to get another tattoo! Stay tuned for part three where we have to use the saying "this I know for sure...".

My weekend....

2007-03-05T19:19:00.000-08:00

I had to interrupt this post to tell you one of the best things about this weekend. Totally forgot it when I was first posting. So, we all go get pedicures on Saturday. I was the only one not wearing flip flops. The nail place gave me one green and one pink "faux" flip flop. If you have ever gotten a pedicure, you know what I am talking about. Stephanie and I headed to Congress to shop after our pedicure. This is a walk on the street from store to store type area. Well, I didn't want to mess up the pedicure, so I was still wearing what the nail salon gave me. This is one of the reasons I love Austin - no one looked twice at my funky foot wear. Not even an eyelash was batted. It took me several stores to find a pair of regular flip flops to buy, but I finally did. The lady at the store even asked me if I needed a bag for my "shoes". Uh, no, I think I had worn them out by this point!
Okay, back to the regularly scheduled blog....
Two of my friends from Houston came to visit this weekend, Stephanie and Sylvia. They are a hoot...especially when Steph gets drunk. She has two small children, 3 and 5, that stayed at home with their dad. Stephanie made up for lost time with this weekend! We drank, hung out, ate, and got tattoos. Well, at least Steph and I did. This is my fourth, and probably not the last, tattoo. I already want to add more to the tattoo I got this weekend. I got a skull and crossbones on my arm, close to my wrist. Stephanie got the Chinese symbol for mother on the ass side of her hip. It is always entertaining to hear stories of other customers, their requests, and their tattoo placements. We heard a few doozies this weekend. I won't repeat them here. If you are curious, you just have to ask me. I have one picture of the new tattoo that I did on a layout for the next challenge in the Funk it Up contest. I will post the layout later. The pic really isn't that clear. But, my layout is pretty cool. I kind of got the idea from a layout my sister did. Have to give her credit, or she will bitch (love ya sis!).

FUNK it UP!

2007-02-26T08:05:00.000-08:00

This layout is for a contest called, you guessed, Funk it up. Not really doing the contest to win...just forcing my self to create some stuff. Anyway, this layout is about my gang! The girls I talk about on this blog are pictured. I was the last one to move to Three Rivers, Texas and that happened in 1985. We were all in the 9th grade. Stephanie, Stacy, and Michelle lived in TR all their lives at that point. Emma moved there in Jr. High. We became inseparable by the time we were in 10th grade. You may not have seen all of us together all the time, but there was always more than one of us! Every year or so we try and plan a little trip together. This was just a weekend in San Antonio. Again, my sides hurt from laughing so much!!! I love them more than I ever thought was possible and feel so blessed to have them in my life. It is so comforting to have friends that know all about you (and I do mean ALL) and love you in spite of it...or because of it. I feel I could (and have) tell them anything. It hasn't always been a bed of roses, but that is another thing that makes our relationship so great. You got to have the downs, to fully enjoy the ups. Just ask Michelle about the time I stranded her in San Marcos...we didn't speak for a long while after that. But, we eventually worked our way around it and can see the humor in all of it now! I love you girls...

You ever laugh so much your sides hurt the next day?

2007-02-25T21:27:00.000-08:00

That is the way I feel today. My sides hurt! I laughed so much yesterday. It was my 36th birthday and I ended up at a party in Whitsett, Texas. Whitsett is a small community south of San Antonio. The party wasn't for me...but I crashed it with my friend Stacy. It was hosted by the unofficial mayor of Whitsett, Jack Meeks. We had such a good time! Highlights of the weekend...greasy Pat and his mix cassette tape (yes, you read that right, a mix cassette tape!) of music from movies (will now always think of Pat when I hear the music from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly), Tony and his Silence of the Lambs van (that he had to pull a lawn mower and weed eater out of the back so we could sit in it), getting reprimanded my Stacy's mom because I said the "f" word one too many times around her, shooting a gun for the first time (I decimated a cactus), making a run for sausage and cake, finding out Charlie Pilgrim (I love Charlie Pilgrim!) is not the jerk I thought he was in high school...all in all, a great time! If you ever have a chance to go to a party thrown in Whitsett, I highly recommend it!

I love my friend Stephanie

2007-02-22T20:43:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I just moved to Austin...and I am starting over. I am very limited in my household goods/supplies. Moving is such a pain. I don't have things like a broom, vacuum, etc. I was sharing my distress with Stephanie. She said that she had a vacuum I could have. She had to warn me that it was very loud. It is so loud in fact, she threw in earmuffs. This might not be the correct terminology...they are not winter earmuffs, they are the kind of things that you would put over your ears if you were going to the shooting range. Stephanie is the only person I know that would give someone a vacuum and throw in some ear protection that would normally be used at the shooting range. Oh, and don't think that I am taking Stephanie's last pair. She has several. Hanging in her home office is a target practice sheet from the last time she went to the range. As a matter of fact...she almost shot me last year. Well, not really...but I still nearly peed my pants. Stacy and I had a few beers and decided it would be fun to toilet paper Stephanie's house. We grabbed all the necessary items and headed over to Steff's. We started tossing the stuff around in her yard having a good old time. Probably being too loud and taking to long. At one point Stacy said that she was getting nervous because we were taking a long time and hadn't seen Steff. Just as soon as she said this, we heard the cocking of a rifle. I kid you not...I seriously screamed like a little girl. Mean while, Stacy is saying "stick close to the fence, we are a harder target if we stick close to the fence". OMG! Have you ever seen any of the Terminator movies? I think it was the first one. Linda Hamilton cocks (is that the right terminology??) a rifle with one hand. Totally tough! This is Stephanie. Of course, she said she had been watching us out the window the whole time. Just did the gun thing to scare us. Stacy and I still need to pay her back for that...we just need to hide all of Stephanie's shells and bullets first!

My 36th birthday fast approaches

2007-02-18T21:11:00.000-08:00

My 36th birthday is this Saturday (the 24th of February). Last year I made a box of "forty things to do before 40". Some are serious and some are not so serious...things like learn more about religion (all types of religion), decide if I am going to have a child, fly a real kite, etc. I don't think I have completed any of the items on my list. What kind of a slacker am I?? Get busy living, or get busy dying. I think I need to get off of my ass and do the former and not the latter!

Another reason being a girl sucks!

2007-02-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am looking at getting a part time job. No, my parents don't pay me enough. I am sure they think I make too much for what I do. I think I am almost the lowest paid employee - damn my luck, they don't play favorites. Anyway, I had to do the drug screen today for the part time job. Can I just say that I hate peeing in a cup???!!!! Being a man, your aim has to be better. This is gross, but do you know how many times I have peed on my hand??? Not just once...and let's just leave it at that. I hate that you can't wash your hands after until you exit the restroom and hand them the cup. Okay, my cup and hand are just dripping. Does anyone want to be subjected to that?? It is my urine and I don't even want it on me! I can see why guys pee outside. If I had their parts, I would be peeing on everything...just because I could! Well, maybe not everything. My friend Douglas peed on a dog once. I have never quite forgiven him for that.

Valentine's Day Sucks

2007-02-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

It is just another holiday for you to feel shitty about yourself. Even when I was in a relationship, I still didn't like the holiday. If you love someone...they should know. You should tell them and make them feel appreciated as much as possible. A Hallmark card, some flowers, and a few chocolates isn't going to do it. If you are by yourself, it just makes you feel inadequate because you don't have someone. Well, guess what, you aren't inadequate and some stupid holiday shouldn't ruin your day.

My Freedom Song...

2007-02-13T12:21:00.000-08:00

Stacy's brother Preston has a freedom song. His song is by Kelly Clarkson - Miss Independent. It cracks me up that he has a freedom song and that Kelly Clarkson is his choice. This got me thinking about what my freedom song would be. Right now, my freedom song is "Everything I do gon' be funky (from now on)". This is a song by Lee Dorsey, but the version I am partial to is sung by Toni Price. I also have a tendency to listen to songs I like on repeat (just like my movies). Right now my iPod is stuck on Train in Vain by The Clash, Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers, and The End of the World by Skeeter Davis. This sampling is a great cross section of my music tastes. I am all over the board when it comes to music. I don't listen to one particular type or genre...I will listen to just about anything, at least once. So, what's your freedom song???

Back in H-Town...

2007-02-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

and trying to figure out how I am going to cram all my stuff from a 2000 sq. ft. house in to a 600 sq. ft. apartment! My sister has been telling me for YEARS that I have too much stuff. She is so right. I am not even touching the attic at this point. Do you know how much I love Halloween?? That is my favorite holiday. I have this awesome tree that I decorate every year for Halloween. Kind of like a Christmas tree...but spooky and cool. All that stuff is in the attic. I have to leave my cats behind too. That is painful. I was thinking back on this, my whole life I have had a cat and/or a dog. Growing up, we always had pets. Usually cats and dogs, but once my sister and I each had a pet mouse. Don't even ask how that faired. It was all my sister's fault too. She was the one that wanted a mouse. Being the younger sister, I had to have one just because she wanted one. The only time I have been without a pet was in college. Now, I am without again. I guess I could get a fish. Don't worry though, my cats are being taken care of. When I go to HQ, my mom and my sister have dogs and cats. Our office usually has one of my sister's dogs or several of my mom's cats in it. We need them...that office is high stress. The pets help us keep the little bit of sanity that we have left.

I {heart} Texas!

2007-02-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about this of late...especially with my move to Austin. I didn't want to move to Texas. My mom, my step dad, and my sister moved first. I stayed in Colorado and attempted to live with my dad. That lasted for about a day. So, I eventually ended up in Three Rivers, Texas with my family. When I thought of Texas, I thought of cowboy hats and country music - two things I definitely didn't like at the time. I was a punk (pink, spiked hair, "alternative" clothes, listened to music that no one in Three Rivers had ever heard of). This was a small town - my graduating class from High School was 65 ish people. I think the town had less than 2000 residents. The adults had a problem with my look, but my fellow classmates didn't. My class really didn't have any divisions along any lines either. We were friends with everyone. I talked and hung out (or got drunk) with just about everyone. That was so cool and so not normal. To this day, I am still in contact with my closest friends from High School. 4 of them live in and around Austin. Well, Michelle is moving to Amarillo...but still in Texas. I am so glad to have them here with me in Austin, it has made this move a little easier. Not only did I get 4 awesome friends out of high school, but also got a scholarship that paid for my education. I was headed no where in Colorado...lost in a huge high school, hanging out with the wrong kids, and failing some of my classes. Three Rivers didn't allow me to do that.
I always thought I wanted to live in a big city...I love New York City! But, I can't imagine living there, everything is so closed in and close. My parents recently moved their business. They bought 700+ acres of land in Millican, Texas. Millican has about 12 people and a post office. There is nothing but land and cattle out there. It is awesome to be able to go out there and just look at the stars at night. No traffic noises, no lights, not really any smog. Where am I going with this? I don't really know, just one more thing I love about Texas.
I lived in Los Angeles for about 6 months...short term contract engineering job. I hated it! There are certain parts of California I love...San Diego, San Francisco, Napa Valley...not L.A. Granted, there were a lot of things to do...but the people were so plastic! There were real people, don't get me wrong, but there were plastic people everywhere and they all looked the same. Plastic hair, plastic face, plastic money...it was like a whole bunch of Barbies and Kens came to life and were living in L.A. When I would come back to Texas and visit during this time I was never so happy to see cowboy hats, wranglers and hear the wonderful sound of a diesel truck. Sights and sounds of home. I could live other places and have lived other places, but I think I will always feel like Texas is my home.

Disclaimer...

2007-02-07T10:59:00.000-08:00

The movies listed in the previous post are not, necessarily, on my favorite movies list. They are just movies I get sucked in to watching. I have a lot of movies on my favorites list...some of them are The Princess Bride, O Brother Where art Thou?, Moulin Rouge, Momento, Giant, Lock,Stock, and two Smoking Barrels, a few of Clint Eastwood's funny Spaghetti Westerns....I can't think of others right now. I have a long list!

Do you ever get stuck watching the same movie over and over???

2007-02-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

I seem to do that. A while back it was Tombstone. Don't know why I like that movie, I just do. Maybe my fascination with the old west. I also love a line from Doc Holiday in that movie....there is no normal life, Wyatt, there is just life...LOVE that line. So true. We strive for so long to live a normal life. We really need to strive just to live, there is no normal life. Right now I am stuck on Hope Floats. Sappy, syrupy movie that is just a piece of fluff...and yet it has its moments. A quote at the end....beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it is the middle that counts the most...you need to remember that when you find yourself at a beginning, give hope a chance to float up. I am also stuck on 40 year old virgin. That movie just gets funnier and funnier the more I watch it. When I first saw it, I didn't think it was that funny. Now, I laugh every time I see it. "You know how I know you're gay you macra made yourself a pair of jean shorts." Man, that is funny!

Me

2007-01-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is a little something I threw together at my friend Sylvia's house the other day. I think she was organizing her flowers (for the umpteenth time). The supplies I had on hand were Making Memories brackets and some paper by My Minds Eye, Magnolia line. Love that Magnolia paper!

Okay, so maybe working for the family isn't all that bad.

2007-01-30T15:22:00.000-08:00

Today we watched Talladega Nights and Jackass Two while working. I also took a 3 hour nap. Granted, I haven't been feeling that well, so it was a needed nap. My sister griped the whole time, I am sure. Because I wasn't working and she was. She is probably just ticked because she turns 39 on the 1st!!! Happy Birthday, old lady!

Super Happy Funland!

2007-01-29T18:58:00.000-08:00

I love people. I love to watch people and think about them...imagine what their life is like. I had ample opportunity this weekend. I went to see a band from San Antonio named Buttercup. They are a pretty good band, very entertaining. They actually had a show in Houston at, you guessed it, Super Happy Funland. What a place this was!!! From the sock monkeys on the sofas, the cats wondering around, the beer/wine that was to be had by leaving a donation, and the tampon art in the bathroom. How could you not have fun at a place like this! I took my friend Sylvia with me. Sylvia is a ton of fun and could make you have a good time dying of thirst in the middle of the desert. Sylvia has probably not been to a place like this before...it was fun seeing and hearing her reaction, plus the play by play she gave everyone on the phone the next day. She is a little bit of a clean freak. This place was far from it. I think she probably got a tetanus shot today, just to be safe!

Look's like someone is having a case of the Mondays...

2007-01-23T20:20:00.000-08:00

Having a really bad day. I am on the threshold of a new adventure and am scared. I know things will be okay, but I am having a hard time dealing with the day to day bullshit because of this. How do I make it through the day without choking the living crap out of someone?? I guess you just do. Most of us manage to muddle through somehow. I really wouldn't choke anyone, but I do have visions of it!! I am usually not at HQ, but this week I am. My fellow employees are my mom, my sister, and my step dad. Do you start to see my issues??? Not only do I have work stuff to deal with, but I have family relationship stuff to deal with too.

My dress form, a la Marah J.

2007-01-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

I made this just for the fun of it. Thought the flowers were pretty and found some paper to match them from my stash (imagine that!).

New to the whole blogger world...

2007-01-18T22:37:00.000-08:00

so bare with me! My sister keeps on pestering me to update my blog. Don't have much time. Can't sleep tonight, so decided to post. I have been stuck in Austin, TX for the past 3 days because of a big freeze. It actually snowed. Hung out with my friend Stacy for 3 days. We played scrabble, ate, drank, and repeat. That is pretty much all we did for 3 days. Oh, and we watched some movies and played frozen baseball (that is a story for another day). I went to the store and bought some groceries before the weather got too bad. They were out of eggs, had one gallon of milk left (organic milk for $5.99 a gallon), and only the sugar free, fat free, carb free, wheat/soy/organic bread (again, $5.99 a loaf). Who can afford to eat these things? I would love to be eating organic, free range stuff....but I can't affort it. Who can? I would hate to see the grocery bill like this for a family of 4. Probably more than my house payment. HEB (a local grocery store) sent out a message to the media...they were out of fire wood, cheap beer, and corn chips. That cracks me up...cheap beer and corn chips! Not to mention milk, eggs, bread...but I guess people really weren't looking for those things. Cheap beer and corn chips sounds like a college party. As for fire wood, you could just be like my friend Stacy's neighbor. They were slowly cutting down a tree in their backyard. That was also our entertainment...every time we heard the chainsaw we ran outside to see how much more of the tree they were cutting down. Guess they decided to save money on fire wood because they needed it to buy the more expensive organic, carb free beer at HEB.

2007-01-04T18:46:00.000-08:00