Come Shopping On My Street

Ok folks - 'xplain me this one. Why would a person set empty boxes, proudly displaying their newly opened Christmas gifts, out on the curb for the garbage man?! Seriously? Don't you have enough sense to realize if that box has a picture of a 42" TV on it, a burglar is gonna figure out you got a brand new flat screen in that house? Sheesh. If you wish to commit a crime of theft, come shopping on my street.

And the kicker, our trash comes twice a week, one of which is Monday mornings. Well, my brilliant neighbors put their trash out Sunday night and we didn't have trash pick up Monday. It's now Wednesday and those TV, kiddie toy, and small appliance boxes are all still sitting out on the street. For their sake, I hope we don't have any dishonest thieves lurking around.

Folks were giving me a hard time recently when Bo and I bought a new TV because I cut up the box with a serrated bread knife into 1 foot by 2 foot pieces and put it in a garbage bag. But, you know what, no one knows what's in my house and that helps me sleep at night.

She had a cocktail in her hand and confetti in her hair

As I struggle with the concept of aging, I grudgingly accept it as long as I have reminders of years gone by - that little black dress still hanging in my closet, my old softball glove in the garage, TCU tshirts in my drawers..

Just as the seasons change, so does hair color, nail polish, clothes, and now, perfume. Although that last one I was content in never changing. I am Kate Spade - always have been. It's as if she knew I was down to my last few spritzers. Kate Spade original....



....is discontinued. Just like that.

Now, Kate Spade Twirl...



...and who asked me?

That scent identified me. And Twirl's resemblance of her predecessor isn't similar enough to consider her a sibling. I'm not ready to move on.

Merry Christmas from the Familyyyy!

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,
Bo, Jenny, Shooter and Stella Rickner

Oh, the Memories!

I was thinking today - this use to be one of the two worst weeks of my life for four years - FINALS WEEK. Oh how I blocked those memories out the day they gave me my diploma, which was about 2 weeks after my last hell week and I was still dazed from the lack of sleep. I recall an average of 2-3 hours of sleep a night. Yes, average. There was very little sleep, very little information retained, but years of memories with some great gals late into the mornings I will never forget.

This then got me thinking about college in general, fretting over presentations, the house on Highland Ridge and how quick those semesters seem to have flow by now that I am not living them. As I checked off more required classes on my degree plan, I spent less time studying up to the point of my 21st birthday, after which there was absolutely no turning back, or sleep for that matter. Back in my younger days (haha) I survived on fast food, red bull, and beer. :)

Junior year of college, I was a newbie in the interview circles. I had come down with a cold leading to laryngitis a day or two prior to my first early morning interview with Corning. Now, when your 19, you don't realize the importance of landing an internship. That experience will eventually be the only conversation of substance you will be able to reference when big girl job comes down the road asking what you know about the real world. You don't think about this the night before internship interview. So, if you had been me what would you have done? Gone to bed and rested up, call in to cancel the interview....? Perhaps. Instead, I remember it was a cold 4AM that morning, sitting outside on a trampoline, discussing life voiceless with several people, whom of which I can only recall was Miss Kaleigh Roberts. I got the internship. I knew nothing about anything, but because I showed up with literally NO voice, I believe they had pity on me. Six years later, I am still in the same department that internship taught me - Purchasing.

A few from memory lane...














I'll have to dig out my old laptop to get the good Freshman year ones. Hahaha

A Week Not So Ordinary

Finally home and recovered from my week of grandpa sitting while mom and grandma were in Prague. Two observations of the week: Papa is a pretty cool World War 2 veteran. A friend and her 10 year old grandson stopped by as he wanted to talk to Papa about the war and I learned a little as well. Papa was on the USS Nevada during his time with the Navy and actually witnessed the placing in the Iwo Jima flag. He also dug a wooden box out of the garage with a piece of warped metal from the Japanese plane that hit the Nevada. Twenty-five years and I never knew much about Papa's time in the service.

Second, getting old is a bitch. That's not quite as insightful of an observation as Papa's war hero stories, but damn, I'm not looking forward to it. Being young with all my mobility and five senses intact, I struggled to slow my pace and raise my voice when talking. It was a good reminder to appreciate my health and family. Days are numbered and I don't spend near enough of them with those who raised me.

I Heart NY

Other than maybe a quaint town tucked somewhere in Europe, I can't imagine a better place to be than at Christmas time in New York. There is magic in that city. Add a 45-degree evening, wool coat and scarf, some 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' mood music, and someone to enjoy it with - ahhh.

I came off Thanksgiving with anxious anticipation to start playing Christmas music, hang some lights, and make soup. I'm losing it though. I need some New York, that might do the trick.

Come on now..

My last post might have been a smidge harsh, but hey, blogs are a blank canvas, right? We have made a true effort to have those obligatory "we're new, what's your name" conversations with all our neighbors as we see them outside. So the childish part is that someone couldn't find some courage and knock on our door. I'd be pretty open to discussing when my dogs are disrupting you and do my very best to keep the terrors at bay. If you have kids that go to bed early, sure, I'll try to keep the dogs inside or take them with me. Seriously, help me out a little.

To my neighbors...

Get some balls and don't send me a fucking anonymous letter saying "Please do something with your barking dogs. Thanks, Your Neighbor."

Grow up. At least have the courtesy to come over and introduce yourself and your complaints so I could tell you to get a fucking life to your face. Now, you have introduced a problem I have no way of remedying becuase you have not given me enough information to help you out. I don't intend to lock my dogs in the bathroom for 10 hours a day so, please, tell me if you are an over-bearing, uptight nurse who sleeps lighter than a feather during the days, I will be sure to keep my dogs out during those hours. Ugh.

Thankful.

This year has been no exception in the blessing department. I'm not naive to forget the valleys or that I reached the peaks because of them, but my year in review shines bright. I could use this post to list all I am thankful for, but in reality, those blessings only mean something to me rather than anyone who reads this.

However, I will share what I consider to be the greatest blessing of 2010 - little brother found a job. It's difficult to see someone, your family, directionless with a degree and no one to appreciate it. Five years of dedication, studying, and maybe a little partying, yet no where to go but home. I am truely proud of Nick for keeping positive and now, not only employed, but employed 6 hours away, braving a new environment and job. Kudos to little brother!

May Your Season Be Bright

If you are in need of some Christmas cheer, may I suggest James Taylor's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." The way that song eases you into a Christmas spirit has not a close rival of any cheery tune. It just makes you want to wear flannel, make a fire, and unpack Christmas decorations.

103.7 is playing Christmas music! 103.7 is playing Christmas music! And apparently the radio DJ's love Mr. Taylor as much as I do cosidering how many times they have already given him air time. Christmas perfection.

The NEW Rickner Residence

Sheesh, tackling a move really makes you fall off the map. We sucessfully closed last Friday on the house, not without a hiccup of course. Little issue with the property survey and a utility line and easement that was not noted. The bank had ASSURED me the underwriters would not find this to be an issue, but guess what?! Banks lie. We survived though and the Rickners have a new address.

I'm in love - absolutely in love - with our new house. Sitting in my new living room, I think back to all the houses we looked at - even the one we put our first offer on - nothing suits us better than the one we ended with. It's us.

We've had a few additions to the new house already - none that go in the green room though. I got a new washer and dryer - fancy front loaders. Laundry is fun again. They even sing a little chime-song when they're done. No one actually took me up on my Facebook offer, but I'm still accepting takers. If you'll bring dinner to my house, I'll do your laundry. :)

If you remember, we now have a gameroom to furnish. Bo was planting the TV bug so I gave him a budget and told him he could get whatever he had the money for. Well, his luck and timing could not come at the same time any better if he had planned it. He saw a news blip announcing an early bird special at Wal-Mart Saturday morning so we scoped it out Friday night and indeed the sale would be happening the next day at 8AM. We braved the morning chill Saturday and posted up in the electronics section at 7AM. A few other people had the same idea and the short panic of a Black Friday epidemic crossed my mind. There weren't near that many folks but a 55" inch TV was the biggest they had on sale and in Bo's budget so we were after 1 of the 5 prized. Luckily, we were the first people there and our gameroom now houses a TV larger than any woman would see necessary. But, we did get about 30% off so any financially conscious woman would concede.

Finally, we did some painting. The beginning of LOTS of painting. The gameroom was our first amateur attempt. Below the chair rail was previously baby blue and begging to be Oklahoma Crimson. That color actually does exist. Home Depot conveniently publishes a sporting team pamphlet with all teams colors in a gallon-size can. Two gallons of Oklahoma Crimson later and Bo's manroom got a dramatic update. Looks pretty good if I do say so. When I find my camera cord, I'll post some pictures.

36 Hours and Counting.

Friday is closing day! Friday is closing day! Friday is closing day! I promise my posts will soon gain some variety, but 'til then, Friday is closing day! The bank called today and the final approval was received from the underwriter, so with every extremity of my body crossed, we're scheduled to close Friday. Do I mention that aready? Too much?

Ok, my near future blogs will probably not venture out of the house category - maybe to decorating or painting rather than buying. But I have no life besides this, so get over it. :)

Words to Paper

I've always wondered what I would do with a website full of posts one day. I no longer wonder.

http://blogspot.sharedbook.com/blog2print/googleblogger/index.html

Maybe one day for my birthday, I'll bag my thoughts.

Free, you say?

If you are EVER without good quality entertainment one evening, PLEASE read the "Free" section of Craig's List. You will find yourself with wrinkled eyebrows, no doubt casting judgement on people for wasting the time to post advertisements for bizarre items.

My favorite today...


Freezer Burnt Meat - Free (Burleson)


I have a side by side fridge and the freezer is FULL of freezer burnt meat. I know some ppl feed their pets a raw food diet or may have some other use for it. I hate to throw it out if someone can use it. We are moving out of state this week so it needs to be gone ASAP! Please email or txt xxx-xxx-xxxx if interested. Thanks!

My blog post for those who don't post

Dang it! I missed Ashley's one year anniversary of ZERO blog posts. I just realized it's the 24th and I'm 4 days late. I guess being 4 days behind your last intended blog is better than being 369 days behind on updates. I'm not hopeful my post will spark the blogging bug for Ashley, but one can try.

Kristina - get ready, you're next.

The Wheel Keeps Moving

We are now living amongst empty shelves, cardboard boxes, lonely walls, and optimism our closing date will come soon. The move is on the horizon and I had lived so temporarily in this house, I failed to unpack many boxes. As I was packing today, I found myself unpacking as well. I came across reminders of high school, the good ol' college years, and days of single life from my apartment.

Funny how life moves on while it stands still in boxes at the back of your closets.

Stetson, like the cowboy hat.

Say hello to our new house...well, our new house as soon as we close. The inspection came back with minor fixes, so we're committed (only contractually of course, but I may need to be mentally committed soon - 23 days to pack and move it on out).




From the street - I live on Stetson, like the cowboy hat.



Paper readin' area.



Dining room.



Upstairs gameroom bathroom - that will be painted.



Hello, laundry.



A baby's room for the baby we don't have. We plan to keep this room shut.



Kitchen from the living room.



From the master bedroom.



Gameroom, or mancave I intend to hide Bo in.



Video games anyone?



Guest bedroom, who would like to come visit first?



Master bath.



Teeth brushing stations.



Guest bath leading outside - on the list for painting.



Oh baby, again?



Shooter and Stella's domain.



No retaining wall - yessss!



Kitchen - with the non-matching island I love, which will be staying.



The room for the home owners - that would be us.



Another view of the kitchen.



Schoolbus yellow, anyone? To be painted 4th bedroom.



Where I plan to do lots of living.



Who wants to work when you have other rooms to hang out in?



Grown up dining room for holiday dinners - as soon as I learn to cook a turkey.



Home Sweet Home. Come visit us!!

One Straw Left

If I have many more nights sword fighting with the Jeopardy tune to get some sleep, you might have to lock me in a padded cell. We've been house hunting for one month. Just one. I'm already burnt out. We found our new perfect house and tomorrow is the day of truth. I can't uncross my fingers yet because we've been in these shoes before and inspection was a bust. If this one fails us, I'm giving up and building my own home.

Halfway to 50

I've always firmly believed it is not the quantity of friends that gets you through life. Rather, it's the quality of the company you keep. I use to build up to each October 3rd with so much anticipation, not even the utmost, thoughtout plans could surpass my expectations. As I've gotten older, I've scaled back my expectations to Earth. Every person on this planet gets one day just as I do. Matter of fact, I know a handful of people using the same to day to celebrate for themselves.

This year, I was back in the clouds. Bo got to scheming a birthday celebration, which could have completely failed and I would have applauded the thought. And it almost did. I was disappointed to find out several of "my" friends wouldn't be available for the Jenny/Jeff Joint Celebration (that was almost as hard to type and it is to say). I certainly appreciated "joint" friends taking time to celebrate with us, but I would be lying if I wasn't a little saddened to be without the girls.

No sooner do I accept my birthday for what it will be and Kristina and Ashley get me good. True friends drive 4 hours to see me for 6, sleep for 3 (in my pig pen of a house that didn't anticipate company), and drive home. Ecstatic is an understatement - there were tears. I value so few friendships. Harsh? Maybe, but it's a rare case when someone values a friendship equal to the degree you do. Often it's one-sided causing people to part their ways with each passing day. So, thank you to my extraordinary friends who drove across Texas despite the time crunch, sinus infection and sick children. I'll love you forever.

Back at One

We walked away from home sweet home. In a buyer's market, it doesn't pay to play hard to get, Mr. Seller. They tried to call our bluff, we called theirs.

And, at the end of the day, Mr. and Mrs. Seller were not willing to address issues our proactiveness uncovered. I loved the house. Bo loved the house. We both loved the price. But the backyard retaining wall was poorly built and was obviously more important to us than selling the house was to the owners.

So, I ask again, where's our piece of the American Dream?

Cosmetic vs. Structural

There is a black rain cloud over my head - literally and figuratively. When I find myself too busy to fixed my chipped toe nail polish, I realize my priorities are out of order. The house fretting has me completed unravelled. Just trying to find one was a challenge, negotiating an offer, and committing had to me to the top of the hill - oh, no no no. The top of the hill, or mountain I should say at this point, is home inspections.

You spend so much time, thoughts, and steps pacing over the "go for it" gut feeling. THEN, you have some one come in and pick it apart to little pieces. Ouch. After today, we have 6 days to back out or accept the imperfections of what I want to be my perfect new home. The blinders only show me flaws - the chipped toe nail polish. Tomorrow will reveal if the toe is broken as well.

What House Will Build Us?

In one week's time, we have found and offered money for our own piece of the American dream. Weatherford has won out as the location for our first home. We searched, visited, liked, and offered on Tuesday. And silence since.

For the last year, I have daily watched HGTV's House Hunters preparing for the last week. I tuned into House Hunters for the first time tonight since I physical stepped into a home and I'm nauseated. Lack of sleep, much debate, and anxiety over this process has turned off every bit of glamour I watched on TV for so long. Every time my phone rings, my stomach sinks a little hoping it's our realtor. On TV they get a response as soon as hours...we're pushing day three. Granted, the homeowners were relocated to Canada and finally had to move out a few weeks ago. You would think they moved to the islands and lost track of time. Pleaseeee respond, I'd like to get a good nights sleep.

How can a woman expect to be happy with a man who insists on treating her as if she were a perfectly normal human being?

That is all.

A Lady's Wish

Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I love you.
Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense.
Always treat your woman like a lady.
Never get too old to call her baby.
Never let your prayin' knees get lazy.
And love like crazy.

Let The Good Times Roll -B. Rhyder

Come here baby, closer still
Lie down with me may this night never end
Tell me you want me, then tell me more
And take me further than I’ve ever been before
Cause I, I need you, and I, I aim to please you

I want to sweep you off your feet
And I want for you to fall for me
I need your body like I need your soul
So c’mon baby let’s go, and let the good times roll

Saturday mornin’ has never been so sweet
To wake up next to you, to watch you sleep
When I’m not with you, I can barely breathe
You know you put the life right back inside of me
Cause I need you, and I, I aim to please you

Lock your fears away, for just a little time
You can hang ‘em in the closet, you can hang ‘em right next to mine
Don’t be afraid to let go, I’ll be sure to hold on
With all my body and my soul, let the good times roll

Let the good times roll
With all my body and my soul
Let the good times roll
Let the good times roll

DCA, BWI...we'll get there one way or another.

American always seems to bite my ass. I'm scheduled to be in Washington D.C. in two weeks for work. What better idea than to bring Bo for some inevitable lonely relief. I've been stalking flights since I found fares for cheap-o. Bo had to clear his basketball schedule so he hesistated to book a flight. I arranged my travel this afternoon at work locking in my flight for $303 - a steal for DFW-DCA. Not 8 hours later, sale OVER! Bo decided this evening he would be able to go and American offered nothing non-stop for less that $700. Fucking ridiculous.

Luckily, I tested my patience, but found Bo a flight into BWI for $256 round trip! Score. He'll just hop a little bus to the Metro and meet me in a city that is beginning to creep up my list of lovely destinations. There's an energy in Washington D.C. that in no way rivals my love for NYC, but exudes a unique, powerful air.

Now to plan Mr. History's museum agenda while I'm working everyday..

You're Invited

My mom and I are hosting a bridal shower for my cousin next month. We decided handmade invitations would add a personal touch to our purple and green themed shower, which also happen to be Emily's wedding colors. I scoped out Paper Plant for some ideas and paper and voila - my own invitation creation.






We also made a recipe book using the same color scheme and papers, but I forgot to take a picture of that at moms. Maybe later.

Another Day Down

The reality of unemployment swept through my office today. I felt the need to stay extra late to day as a thank you that my department isn't facing the same predicament. Good people, who work hard, for many years, gone. One bad day is tolerable, until it becomes two, three, a week. I'm ready for a change of pace.

Change of Pace

I woke up today hopeful for a long dream. Instead, I spent most of the day re-evaluating what to do next. I'm not sure there's anything strong enough to numb the sting. It's surprised me how much faith I unknowingly put in this, but I assume the sting from the first let down exponentially festered a few months and had it's way this time. It's unfortunately exhausting to care so much about my job. New plan: Open a sno-cone stand. What's your favorite flavor? I recommend Blueberry Coloda with Cream.

Funny I'm Fallin', Felt Like This Airplane was Flying

I'm a planner, by nature. In combination with a world that is so unpredicatble, this a confused Jenny makes. As a stereotypical type-A control driven person, I live under the assumption I can predict and make what I need from the world. Occasionally, God, and the world, humor themselves and pin together a sequence of events that doesn't turn out in my favor.

I'd like to get on with life..buy a house, buy a new car, consider a baby, but these are plans. Plans that should follow after the career plan I was working on right now. The natural progression of my career I was hopeful for would step into the airport next. Today, that's not a option. Seems DFW didn't think Parsons was the A+ team to get on board with. Some days would be better with less that 24 hours in them.

Update.

Sanding is MUCH harder than one would think. Therefore, the "one day" table project is not complete. Whew. I sanded on that thing for 2.5 hours, got about half the top done, and doubt I will be able to lift my arms above my shoulders in the morning.

I did however complete a little side project using an old fence picket and some paint. Stay tuned. I'll upload pictures later. I have to leave the audience with a little suspense, right?...

Perfectly Easy Saturday Night

I'm attempting my first furniture re-vamp so a trip to Home Depot was necessary. Further details this evening when I take a before picture.

Bo and I had a casual date night browsing Home Depot and topped it off with a trip to the newly opened Fuzzy's Taco Shop in Weatherford last night. Yum. I spend most of my last college years in Fuzzy's by TCU having beers and queso between classes so I was thrilled to see "Coming Soon - Fuzzy's Taco Shop".

Movies

Bo's love of horror movies and my stomach-wrenching fear of them always makes for interesting movie night compromise. I made the mistake of allowing him to pick any movie in our ridiculously unnecessary large collection the other night. Of course he picks something called Strangers? If I had known such a disturbing movie was on our shelves I most definitely would have put a disclaimer on my freedom to choose comment. I'm a little uneasy thinking we own more of these movies. Fortunately, these make for good curl up on the couch and cuddle time. Unfortunately, Bo uses them as an opportunity to giggle while I shriek.

It was my turn to pick a movie tonight and I was falling flat. A perfect opportunity to pick the frilliest chicky movie I could and nothing sounded good. We settled on State of Play. Don't bother if you haven't seen it. Turns out to not keep my attention. Instead, I wound up on the Internet with the intent to write a blog post. I diverted slightly and started reading old blog posts. I never realized this blog was two years old and I have captured some really great memories. It gave me a little more motivation to frequently update. A lot of the post events, I had completely forgotten about. So, tonight I go on record saying State of Play - blah.

Sunless Summer

There is a woman who lives in Jamaica, NY who will never know my name. She dated a man that works for the same company as me, and until 3 weeks ago, I didn't know his name. By chance, I was asked to work on a project with this man the same week his girlfriend passed away from melanoma. She will never know that I had, that very same day, planned to kick off a routine tanning regimine to prepare my flouresent legs for summer fashion.

However, in light of the recent set back my dad faced and news of this woman's passing, I figure it's not a good idea to speed up my clock. If only that woman knew she influenced my life and hopefully I will never encounter a battle with melanoma or skin cancer from tanning.

Too bad for Palm Beach Tan, they got two years of my money, but no more. Too bad for all who have to look at my pale legs all summer. I'm sure winter won't come soon enough for you - keep your sunglasses on. :)

It's All Relative

My dad had a mass of cancer removed from his neck. Ever the protectors, my parents didn't tell me until the second procedure, which removed the last of the unwelcomed ailment. The inch and half incision proves our family is not immune to my biggest fears. Does life bring on these situations to make the daily worrisome woes dissapate in comparison? I assume so since I was unitentionally dwelling on the minor setbacks of each day lately.

There are days when you favorite meal leaves you hungry, your best hair day can't fight the humidity, successfully managing more projects at work doesn't make you feel any more accomplished, a happpy husband doesn't make you feel like a good wife, and a clean house and sheets doesn't help you sleep better. Sometimes the world knows better and humbles you with blow to the back.

Eventually all the waves mellow down and you realize you have overflowing gratefulness for the doctor who's hand so delicately removed the ailment that will allow your world to stay intact.

Party of 1.

Marriage makes you realize how much free time you use to have when you lived on your own. You cooked for one, cleaned for one, and watched tv for one! Bo's had some busy evenings the last few nights allowing me to catch up on girl tivo. How wonderful. I think I'll watch Sex and the City tonight and all 6 tv seasons. Just because I can. :)

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

I went fishing. Came home with cleaned, ready to cook fish. And never touched a fish. That's my idea of fishing. :)



I caught this fish, but Jimmy took care of it for me.



Slimy fish..

The Girls of Highland Ridge Reunited

As I was uploading this photo, I realized all of the girls in this photo are now married. Wow. We've come a long way. Will there ever be a picture of us four as moms? We shall see.



Just for laughs, the last picture I could find of us four before the "Mrs."...

V-Day

In years past, we haven't given Valentine's Day much respect. Last year was Blockbuster and Taco Bell. This year, Bo decided to spice it up with a suprise for this Mrs. We spent Valentine's at the Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine and had some much needed married time without puppies. We had some champagne and cake balls greeting us in our room followed by a dinner buffet where we ate ourselves sick. We returned again for breakfast buffet this morning and repeated the insane discomfort of too much food in our bellies. A great way to spend a great weekend. Love that man. :)

White Valentine's Weekend

I'm beginning to think the NBA all-star game should have been played in Vancouver and the winter Olympics in Dallas! Seriously, folks we have too nuch snow while those Canadians we're shipping it into town! Our record 11 inches at the Rickner house has turned us into mentally degenerative shut-ins. We did all things winter -


....built a snow giant...





....made homemade hot chocolate (twice)...





....and homemade ice cream from snow in our front yard!...





It's amazing how creative two people who spend their lives working 12+ hours a day get when they can't go to work and start to lose their minds! I finally had to get out this evening and braved the roads just for dog food. They turned out to be much improved from my inital attempt to drive in snow on Thursday...

I was heading out Thursday morning for work...we probably had 2 inches of snow at the time...left our street and made my way to the freeway, slid of the road slightly, made sure my heart was still beating and finally made it up to the freeway. I was having trouble stopping and decided the roads would only get worse - I would work from home. I made the turn to head back to the house (a different road than I can from in attempt to keep driving straight and not have to turn around). Well, I missed the sign and ended up passing it. I had to turn around and chose a driveway that appeared to be cement. Nope. As I was trying to back out, my tires spun into a mud ruts and I was stuck. Took a little maneuvering, but I worked my way out, got home, and didn't leave for two days!

The first inch of snow was pretty, the second required soup, the third was fun and demanded a snow man, the fourth made me unable to drive and missed my hair appointment this morning, and the fifth made Stella disappear when she went into the back yard. Every inch after that just sucked!

No No Bad Dog

My baby Shooter has discovered the toilet. And not for pottying. Bo and I were in our bathroom last night pick out his outfit for tonight's game and realized Shooter was drinking out of the toilet. How did this happen? Who taught him this...trashy tv, his friends, his sister? "Hey Stella, try this out. It's like a big water bowl." I sure hoped it was a fluke until when I got home thing evening, I was in the bathroom and he went straight for the toilet - and tried to convince his sister to do it too. She's not as tall as him though so she had her front legs flung over the edge teetering on the dive in. New rule in our house - toliet seats down!

Bang.

I hope everyone has had the opportunity to discover 'The Big Bang Theory' on CBS. The laughably awkward Sheldon Cooper should be a part of your Monday night as well. I have even conquered memorization of the theme song.

"Our whole universe was in a hot dense state.."

Unintentional Abandonment of my Blog

When I started this blog I felt it was at a point where my life would be important enough or at least interesting enough to document. Well, seems that I don't even value the day's events enough to scribe them. My apologies to you, Kristina, quite possibly my only reader. I know this because you are the only one attentive enough to inform me my posts are not frequent enough. I'd be interested to even see a comment on this post from my husband, a reader who ranges somewhere between occasional and never.

Well, my last post was Dec 18th - the holidays have passed and guilt pesters the average American to re-evaluate their weight/health, finanical status, and handful of other vices in hopes of temporarily eliminating them. Good luck you average Americans - it never lasts. But keeping with the new year's tradition, I will attempt to keep my exclusive follower(s) updated on life in Parker County.