It's A Boy!

Well, Baby Fitz is a boy! We found out last week but kept it a secret to surprise everyone for Christmas. It was super hard to not tell anyone. Of course I have been buying stuff ever since and can't stop! It's too much fun. I was a little sad that I wasn't going to be able to buy all the cute little girl stuff, but I have found tons of cute little boy things. I have had a great time finding things online and adding them to registries. Now we just have to get his room ready and we'll be ready to go! Anyone want to have the baby for me? Let me know...that would be great. Thanks!

I Love Christmas!

Have any of you ever been down town to see the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park? This was the first year we had the chance to go and it was AWESOME! Of course, it was crowded and people were kinda rude, but it was still cool. I can't decide if my favorite part was the Grinch or the Charlie Brown set up. I love Mr. Grinch and Max AND all the Peanuts Gang. I actually couldn't believe that entrance into the trail was free...they could make a killing. I also really enjoyed the 'blue' tree. It's amazing how someone actually lines each tree limb with lights. No limb is left unlit. It was pretty neat!

As sad or silly as it may sound, I thought I was going to die walking the trail. It's crazy how fast my body has started to hate me. My back started bothering me a few weeks ago and I thought for sure it was too early for that nonsense. But trying to walk all that way (which in reality isn't that far) was brutal. I was like an old lady. Quite honestly, if I had seen an old lady in a wheelchair, she would have had a fight on her hands. I might have even settled for a walker. But we got to the end of the trail and I noticed a pregnant, very pregnant, woman. It looked like the baby was about to fall out of her. She was standing there smiling. I looked at Mike and said, "oh hell no. My fat ass is staying at home at that point!" Maybe I'm just a big weenie, but you won't find me walking that much when my baby is ready to fall out! How miserable. I have got to be the worst pregnant girl ever!

(I tried a billion times to make a new paragraph here, but it won't let me...stupid!)

I can't believe it's already here, but I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas! Be safe, there's lots of crazies out there on the road...which is where we'll be! Wish us luck!

Ornament Fun

My cousin, Paige, had her annual ornament making party this weekend. I'm so glad Mike and I were able to go as I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. I most enjoyed the food and the ornament competition. I don't care what anyone says...I did NOT spend too much time with the fabric glue! I am very proud of my Santa! Sara, you're just jealous! Although, after showing a friend the pictures, she thought your reindeer was better than my Santa. What's up with that? It started out with a cow head!

I didn't realize when signing up to attend the party how serious the ornament making was...but it's not just for fun...it's a competition. So, Sara, beware next year...IT IS ON! Love ya!

And I had to include this picture...it is so cute!

Pencil In Eyeball

That's what I want to do to myself...put a pencil in my eyeball. It is 8:45 in the morning. I'm at work with nothing to do all day but stare at my cubicle walls. This is what makes crazy people crazy! Can you believe I get paid for this crap? It's not like I have things to do and just don't want to do them. Really, I have NOTHING to do! And after today, I have two more days of this nothingness. God, please help me!

OH MY LORD!!!

Yesterday Mike and I were walking out of the house and noticed Creepy Neighbor Man and his wife greeting someone at their front door. The man they were greeting was delivering toys because CNM's wife is PREGNANT! Like 'having the baby tomorrow' PREGNANT! HOLY MOTHER OF GOD! I couldn't believe it. I stopped and my jaw dropped. That woman is having a baby with the cheesedick! Better yet...if we both still reside in that neighborhood in 5 years...our kids will be at the same school, in the same grade. HOLY SHIT, HELL NO!

This means she was PREGNANT! when he tried to attack me! Again...HOLY MOTHER OF GOD! What a SORRY SON OF A BITCH!

Creepy Neighbor Man, Part Seven

Okay, so there may end up being a Creepy Neighbor Man, Part Eighty Six before this is all said and done. Yesterday was CNM's hearing. He did show up this time...guess he deserves a pat on the back. Yeah, okay. I assumed it would be over yesterday, but I was wrong. He's trying to get an attorney. Apparently he's hired one but that attorney is waiting for payment. The guy looks like a real goober and his website is awful (http://www.rhjrlaw.com/). CNM's new hearing is scheduled for January 18. Sheesh, that's a long time away!

So, I spoke with the Criminal Prosecutor, who was super nice. The prosecutor told me CNM does have a criminal history, mostly stuff from the 90s. Great! Of course, that may help my case. He wanted to know if CNM and I had ever had some kind of relationship. I laughed and replied, "ABSOLUTELY NOT!" The prosecutor thinks CNM must have some kind of infatuation with me. This past Monday afternoon I got home from running some errands and the cheesedick was outside. I had to make two trips cause I had so much stuff to carry in. On my second trip, he stood in his driveway and stared at me as I walked to my truck. Then the mother f-er had the balls to wave at me. HE WAVED AT ME! It was like a "hey, how's it going?" wave. What a freak! I want to beat his ass!

Mondays Are Stupid

So, here it is, Monday after a long holiday weekend. Sucks!...especially when you can't figure out why you even bothered coming to work. Work stinks. Work gives me a headache...from staring at my computer all day. I have nothing to do at work but a million and one things I could be doing at home. Sheesh! The real world is a crock!

Thanksgiving rocked though! I ate entirely too much food (after the doctor told me I've gained 2 more pounds than I should)! What the heck, man, I want to eat cheeseburgers and fries for every meal. Guess I should eat carrots and other healthy shit. Yuck!

We took a family photo or photos. It took 4 tries and before each snap the boys said a few choice words. I don't think they were having much fun, but they kept making us girls laugh...hence 4 tries. We played the Wii which was hilarious! Ryan really gets into it. I don't know how he didn't pull something. Ryan, Mike and I each killed a deer. (Frank doesn't count...he missed!) I, of course, cried as soon as I pulled the trigger. I tried to pretend it was Creepy Neighbor Man, but I still cried. It wasn't my first deer, but it was definitely my last. Mike killed the deer that Frank had missed. She had pierced ears. And the best part of all...Badger thought it would be neat to eat the insides of the deer 10 minutes before we left to come home. We had no idea how much he had eaten until we found it in our back seat, 3 minutes after we had left. It was a big, bloody mess. Mike had to clean it up. I gagged just looking at it. I have no idea how that little dog ate so much...I don't know where he put it. So now our truck smells like a mixture of cleaning products. GROSS!!!

It was kinda nice to get back. We hung our Christmas lights around the house and in our poor little trees (Fred and Ethel). It's Christmas time!!

Oh, and before I forget...I have bragging rights for another whole year. I can't believe it. I have to admit, I didn't have much faith, but poor Colt McCoy (McCord, as some might call him!) didn't play too well. The longhorns should find a new quarterback...bless his heart. And Coach Fran is a gonner! Gig 'Em, Ags! WHOOP!!

Happy Turkey Day!

Nothing new or exciting to post, but I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! I can't wait to EAT...seeing as how it's all I think about lately...well, food and sleeping!

Gig 'Em, Ags! (Please don't let me down. I do not want to wear a pink longhorn shirt out in public. I should stop betting!)

Creepy Neighbor Man, Part Six

I spoke with the County Attorney today to check on the status of the situation. She informed me that CNM’s wife had called to find out the trial date for an assault by contact charge…which has nothing to do with my case. CNM’s wife told the County Attorney that she had no idea about the criminal trespass charges (mine). The CA told the wife that CNM had to turn himself in because he had a warrant out for the trespassing charge. On Nov. 3 (Saturday) he did just that. The judge increased his bond by $3,000 and the asshole was able to bond out. So, in total he’s paid $5,000 just for my case. His new hearing is set for Nov. 27.

What a freaking idiot. The County Attorney said the only reason she was aware of the assault trial was because the wife told her. Her court doesn’t handle those cases. So, my case is not the first time this bastard has been busted. And, still, they let him walk free. I hope between the assault charges and the trespass charges, the asshole will get some kind of strict punishment. I wish I had known all of this before sending the letter to the HOA and home owner.

And all of this new information really makes it more real for me. I mean, yeah, I figured he was trying to get into my house to assault me, but now, knowing he’s assaulted someone else…he was DEFINITELY going to assault me if he had gotten in my house!

Where's the Lube?

Seriously...where IS the lube? Gas prices have risen, what, 30 cents in the last couple of weeks. What is wrong with our country? I remember going to the gas pump and paying 89 cents. At one point, when I lived in Hawaii, I was paying $1.30 and thought that was outrageous (when everyone else was only paying 99 cents). Where have those days gone? I would give anything to pay $1.30 for a gallon of gas. Crap, at this point, I would give anything to pay $2.00 for a gallon of gas.

Apparently some are saying at this rate, by next summer we will be paying $4.00 a gallon. At what point does someone do something? It makes me angry every time I go to the pump. I guess what makes me so angry is I can't do anything about it. I basically just have to bend over and take it in the ass...without any lube! How much is lube?

Creepy Neighbor Man, Part Five

I got a call last week stating the warrant for CNM's arrest was processed and would be served. I was asked to verify his address and that he still resides at 213 BANNER AVE. Well, he does. And here it is, a week later and that asshole is still walking around with his head held high thinking he cheated the system.

Last week, Wednesday I think, I was leaving for work. I walked out my front door and noticed that CNM was also outside. He watched me walk from my front door to my truck...just staring at me the whole time. When Mike is with me he won't even breathe in my direction. Bastard waits til I'm alone.

I've seen cops try to serve a warrant...once. They had their guns drawn and were ready to go. So what if CNM doesn't answer his door? How long do they wait before they take him in?

I sent a letter to the owner's of the house, who live in California (lot of good that does me) and also to the Homeowner's Association. My only hope is that they will take my letter seriously and not allow CNM and his family to renew the lease on their house.

So, here I sit, still waiting for the system to do something.

t.u. vs. Nebraska

I had the 'pleasure' of attending the t.u. game this past Saturday. I even wore appropriate attire, although I think people could tell I didn't belong. Luckily I missed the before kick off band playing, as I don't know if I could have stood up for 'The Eyes of Texas!'

We were given the tickets and the seats weren't all that bad. We were in the in-zone across from the jumbo-tron on the first row. My only complaint, every freaking 'event staff' person working that day came to check our tickets. Security is apparently tight at t.u. games. And of course there was a big sign tied to the railing in front of us and I wasn't tall enough to see over it unless I was standing, so I had to stand for most of the game.

People have always given Aggie Yell Leaders a hard time. I will, however, not take any more shit talking about the Yell Leaders. Have you seen the male t.u. cheer leaders? They have fringe on their uniforms. And the t.u. band uniforms...dear God. What were they thinking? The only thing I can say t.u. has over A&M is the crowd...they were really freaking loud. Well, until they realized that t.u. isn't that great this year. We left at the end of the third quarter and apparently the game didn't really start until the fourth. I don't know what happened to the first 45 minutes of the game, but t.u. forgot to show up. We did listen to the game on the drive home though. I love commentators. Colt McCoy sucked it up during the first three quarters. Then, all of the sudden, in the last quarter he makes an okay play and he's "magnificent!" I hate to say it, but he's not that good. Of course, anyone following Vince Young is going to suck. t.u. won't see the likes of Vince for a long, long time.

To all my longhorn friends...they did hang in there and managed to pull off a win to a not so good team. I hope next year better things will happen for y'all! (And don't worry, the Aggies sucked on Saturday too!)

Creepy Neighbor Man, Part Four

Okay, so this is the never ending story. This past Friday Mike contacted the Leander Police Dept. to inqure about warrant proceedures. He was told if he was 100% sure CNM had a warrant out for his arrest and saw him, say in his front yard, he could call the cops to let them know and they would come pick him up. Otherwise, we have to sit around and wait for the bastard to do something wrong.

My step-mother contacted the County Attorney, as she was not happy with the information I had gathered. Turns out, CNM did not have to go through a bail bondsman to get out of jail. Because it was his first offense (first time being caught, that is) he was able to put up the bond money without going through the whole bondsman process. So this means there won't be a civil suit, which I had hoped for. If there was, he'd have to come up with the other 90% of his bail. Asshole. The County Attorney connected my step-mother with someone else in the Court system. This person informed her that the warrant was not in their system. Come to find out, it was still sitting on the judge's desk...over a week later. So maybe they're a little backed up. Whoever this Court person was, promised to follow the warrant and call my step-mother as soon as it was processed, sometime this week.

CNM gets to sit at home and feel good about himself. He's gotten away with this shit, for now. We hadn't seen him in weeks, but Saturday afternoon he showed his face. His wife was sitting in the drive way with a beer watching her two kids plant flowers around their front trees, while CNM hacked away at the ground with a chain saw. Weird, right? I think he was trying to till the dirt, but who knows. I secretly was wishing the chain saw would slip and maybe he'd cut off a toe or maybe the whole foot. (Sorry, God...but c'mon, you gotta give me something here!) No luck there. And, damnit, the warrant wasn't processed yet, or I'd have called LPD. It makes me angry.

What makes me angrier is the comment my step-mother made. I made the statement, "he got off for now, but you better believe if he steps foot in my house, he won't be leaving it alive." She replied by saying, "now you need to think about his kids!" I'm sorry, did he think about his kids when he pulled his little stunt? No! Yeah, it would suck to see your "dad" go to jail and I'm sorry, but what are you teaching your kids? It's not okay to attempt to attack someone or enter someone's house without their permission. It's not okay to skip out on your court hearing. What a responsible adult he is. What a role model. His kids would probably be better off without him.

I hate the bastard. I want to spit on him. It was all I could do Saturday afternoon when I saw him not to start screaming, "you sorry mother f-er!"

I promise there will be more to come...

The Country Life

This past weekend we went to my mom and step-dad's house. They live...well, in the middle of nowhere...between Sabinal and Utopia. My step-dad, Frank, raises deer and apparently other "fun" animals. While he and Mike were out riding around on the mule they encountered a scary sight.

Mike, apparently, had his leg dangling from the side of the mule and when they passed the snake it began to rattle its tail. Mike, being from the north, had never seen anything like it. When Frank caught sight of it, it had his head cocked and was ready to strike. Thankfully, Mike pulled his leg in before the snake had a feast. After a few shots, the snake gave in. If you've ever killed a snake before then you know they wiggle and squirm well after they are "dead." Frank gave it an extra bullet just in case. The damn thing wouldn't stop moving. It was kinda freaky. It measured 64 inches...that's over 5 feet long and it had 10 rattles.

So, I think Mike is traumatized for life. He's now insisting he buys a pair of boots and long pants before going back. I'd have to say I agree.

Creepy Neighbor Man, Part Three

Last Wednesday, October 10, CNM was scheduled to appear in court. The County Attorney had informed me that I could call her on Thursday, following the hearing, to find out about the outcome. I called. Guess what...jackhole didn't show up for his hearing. The attorney explained to me that he posted bail after being arrested and paid $2000 as a promise to appear in court. So, this means his bail was set at $20,000, right? She explained that he now has a warrant out for his arrest. My question, though, is how long does it take before they arrest him? Is it like a traffic violation? I've had a warrant out for my arrest before for not completely paying off a ticket. Of course, mine was an accident, but usually in those cases you don't get arrested until you get pulled over again and they run your license number. When does CNM get arrested again? He never drives, his wife always does. He's always home cause he's a bum. Will they go to his house and pick him up? I mean, running a stop sign and trying to attack someone are two very different things. Basically what this says to me...CNM, asshole, got off. He will go unpunished for what he "did" to me. I'm very angry at the system. There's got to be something, legal, I can do. This guy can't just get away with this. Any suggestions, legal suggestions?

Beat The Hell Outta Baylor!

Being back in College Station this past Saturday was AWESOME!! It was so fun to be a part of the Aggie family again. We got there early enough to watch the famous Fightin' Texas Aggie Band march across campus and into the stadium. It was so neat to see the lines of people waiting to watch them march by. And my most favoritest part, singing the Aggie fight song and watching the entire stadium sway back and forth as they sang, "saw Varsity's horns off!" Plus, I actually remembered all the words to "The Spirit of Aggieland!" I was very proud of myself.

My second most favoritest part was seeing the 12th Man. Every school has their traditions, but to be a part of the Aggie tradition is the coolest thing ever. Someone said to me this past Friday, "A&M is just quirky! I have never understood the Agriculture and Military thing." Normally I would have been offended by the "quirky" comment. Every college has their own special things that are different. You can't peg A&M as "quirky!" However, I wasn't offended because "A&M" isn't Agriculture and Military...it's Agricultural and Mechanical. Sure, they have the Corps of Cadets, but get your shit together before you go making comments.

I had to teach Mike what "hump it, Ags" meant before the game so he wouldn't be shocked when every person in the stands bent over and began yelling. And I had to tell him that every time the Ags scored and the cannon went off, you "mug down!" He was a little confused, but was a-ok with the whole process after the first touchdown. AND...I think he even got a little used to the "whooping" after every "Fightin' Texas Aggie First Down!"

It was touch and go at the beginning of the game. I was a little embarrased and worried that freaking Baylor was going to give the Aggies a real game. Thankfully, it got better and there were no worries. Standing the whole entire game was a little difficult as it was 400 degress out there, but we made it. Now, every year I plan to go to at least one game and experience it all over again. I love being an AGGIE!!

Lethal Injection

Okay, so this pisses me off. The Supreme Court actually issued a repreive for Carlton Turner Jr. Apparently after all this time death by lethal injection is unconstitutional. Let's think about this...Carlton Turner Jr. "was condemned for the 1998 slayings of his parents in suburban Dallas. He was 19 when authorities said he shot Carlton Turner Sr., 43, and Tonya Turner, 40, several times in the head. He then bought new clothes and jewelry and continued living in the family's Irving home as their bodies decomposed." Is that constitutional? He should die for what he did. Who cares how he dies, he should just die. Actually, why don't they shoot him in the head several times and leave his body to decompose. Is that constitutional?

I really believe that if you receive the death penalty then you should be put to death in the same manner that you took someone else's life. I understand that this is just an opinion and not everyone agrees with this, but come on...lethal injection UNCONSTITUTIONAL? These people are the scum of the earth. People who are sentenced to death didn't commit minor crimes, they did something heinous. And what they did to deserve the death penalty was most certainly unconstitutional. So, I don't understand...why are we paying for them to sit in jail for years on end so the court has time to debate whether or not the mode of death to carry out the death penalty is constitutional? Please explain!

Creepy Neighbor Man, Part Two

This past Sunday afternoon Mike was out watering in the front yard. I was inside sleeping. Ha! Mike's minding his own business watering the almost dead flowers and notices that Creepy Neighbor Man has come outside with his two kids. While the two creepy kids start messing around in the front yard, Creepy Neighbor Man walks to the side of his house. As Mike continues watering, he looks up and notices that Creepy Neighbor Man is motioning for him to come over. Mike begins looking around to see if, possibly, this idiot is motioning somone else to come over. There's no one else outside. Mike looks back at Creepy Neighbor Man and he is still motioning for Mike to come over. Mike pretends he doesn't notice.

My first reponse was, "why didn't you go over there and beat his ass?" I mean, this guy tried to attack me and then has the nerve to motion my husband over. What, were they going to have a nice friendly neighborly chat? Thankfully, Mike didn't go over. No telling what this guy would have done, like call the cops for trespassing or something. This guy has got a lot of nerve. There's no way he can be playing with a full deck of cards. Mike's not a small guy. Why would you try to entice a not-so-small man over who is married to the woman you tried to attack? What a freaking moron!

So, do I call the County Attorney and report the "incident" to her? Will she laugh at me cause nothing really happened? I want this guy gone. It pisses me off when I see his kids riding their bikes around the neighborhood unafraid of what might happen to them. It pisses me off that he isn't afraid to come outside and try to make random conversation with his neighbors. I am afraid to go for a walk by myself. Every time I leave my house, my eyes are on his until I get in my truck and lock the doors. Then I freak out thinking that he might be hiding in the back of my truck. When I come home, my eyes don't leave his house until I am safely inside my own house. I hate that man...if you can call him a man. I shouldn't be afraid to live in my own house. I shouldn't have to be afraid to take a walk. I just shouldn't be afraid!

"Go Directly To Hell!"

This is my first week of school at LeTourneau University. I am excited to learn but am having a problem with the whole "christian university" thing. I don't have a problem with praying before class on Saturdays and I don't have a problem with someone reading a devotional. However, I do have an issue with being graded on my response to how the weekly devotional speaks to me. What if it doesn't speak to me? What if I'm just going to school to learn how to become a good teacher? Can you be a good teacher without having every scripture in the Bible memorized?

I believe it takes all kinds to be good teachers. I also believe that to be a good teacher means having an open mind and not believing in only one thing. Yeah, I believe in God and I was raised in the church. But, I also find other religions and other beliefs interesting and credible. I don't like being forced to "agree" with people when I really don't.

I took a philosophy class years ago. It went against everything I was taught at church. I struggled with it, but it turned out to be a class that I did well in. It opened my mind to other...well, options. Just because I was raised in the church and taught about God doesn't mean I have to agree with it all. I find Paganism very interesting but that doesn't make me a witch. Can you imagine the looks I would get if I voiced that interest? The response from my classmates would be "Go directly to HELL! Do not pass 'go' and do not collect $200!"

I thought I knew what I was getting myself into when I applied to LeTourneau, but I was mistaken. I think my relationship with God is MY relationship with God and I shouldn't be forced to share that with anyone else, especially people I don't know. I'm finding it very difficult to write about things that I don't necessarily agree with. And on top of that, I get graded for it.

Creepy Neighbor Man

Well, yesterday I saw the bastard for the first time since the incident. Mike and I were both outside conversing with neighbors. The Creepy Neighbor Man didn't even glance in our direction, which was good. I want to spit on him.

I received a call from the Williamson County Attorney last week. She asked me what I thought should happen to this guy. Of course I said, "I think he should receive the maximum punishment!" I mean, he live across the street from me. It's not like he was just some random person. I had done some research and his "crime" is classified as a Class B misdemeanor. The max jail time is 180 days. The County Attorney informed me that since this was Creepy Neighbor Man's first offense, he would only probably spend a couple of months in jail. She stated she is going to go for one year's probation. A stipulation of the probation will be that if Creepy Neighbor Man makes any contact with me whatsoever, his probation will be revoked and he will go to trial.

The County Attorney asked me if I would be willing to testify. Well, hell yeah. I'm not going to let that guy beat me down. I want him to know that I'm serious. God help him if he even smiles at me. And as usual, the cops don't do anything until someone really gets hurt. Nevermind that Creepy Neighbor Man was determined to do something to me. If I hadn't stopped him in the act, what would have happened? Would I have been raped? Murdered? Who knows. So he gets probabation. The only good point is that he will have to think about it for a year. Other than that, it's kinda sucky. If something does happen to me, guess you'll all know who did it. There won't be any mystery there.

Just Call Me Fatty!

I might as well spill the beans now...you will see me gaining an exceptional amount of weight as I will now be eating for 2. Yep, it seems we are expecting an addition to our family in May. Yikes!

I'm a little scared...okay A LOT scared. My clothes are already becoming too tight and uncomfortable. I haven't slept in a week. Cramping has gotten outta control. And I am beginning to feel nauseous at random times during the day. I'm not sure what I've signed up for! I don't get to go to the doctor until Sept. 28, which is like forever away. If you go by the calculators and such, I would be 6 weeks pregnant, but who knows for sure. Just have to wait to see the doc.

So, any words of wisdom, advice, anything would be much appreciated at this time. I've got a long way to go. It will be fun eating all the cheese I want but damnit, I already miss Coke. Just call me Fatty!

Safe Neighborhood

About a month or so ago the man across the street from us came over to inform me he had caught a "prowler" in his yard. I spoke with him for a few minutes and that was that.

Yesterday, being a state holiday, I was off and Mike was not. Around 11 AM I was watching tv and heard someone put a key into the keyhole on our front door. I thought it strange that Mike was coming home at that time. I then realized, it wasn't Mike. Whoever was at the door was turning the knob and trying to push the door open. (Thankfully it was locked!)

I waited for a few moments to see if the person would walk away. After about a minute, he did. I grabbed my phone and went to open the door. I had given the person enough time to make it back to the street. When I opened the door, I recognized the man as the man from across the street. I asked, "excuse me, can I help you?" He said, "no" and kept walking. I responded with, "what's going on here?" The man didn't respond and kept walking, not looking up. I ran inside, re-locked the door and went to watch from my front bedroom window. The man wandered up to his own front door and began pacing back and forth. I then watched him walk back across my front lawn. He began throwing himself against my front door while turning the knob, trying to get into my house. I frantically dialed 911.

The dispatcher of course began asking questions. I am trying to describe the guy and then realize he is walking towards our back gate, to our back yard. I raced through the house making sure all the doors were locked and all the blinds were closed. I lost sight of him.

I stayed on the phone until the police arrived, about 3 minutes later. The dispatcher instructed me to go outside and meet with the 2 officers that had arrived. I did so, only to find one officer telling me to "get back inside!" I can only assume the other officer had his gun drawn, as he was headed into the back yard. The back yard was empty.

The officers came to the door and asked questions about the man and what had occurred. At this time 3 more police cars pull up. There were a total of 6 officers. I'm about ready to crap my pants at this point. I tell the whole story. A couple of the officers take off.

They found the man wandering down the street a ways. They had me identify him after they arrested him. The idiot even admitted to trying to enter our house. I had to give a written statement. They hauled the idiot to jail.

Now I sit and wait for him to arrive back home. Will there be retaliation? Do we get a gun? Do I take self-defense classes? I do know that if he did ever manage to come back, I wouldn't go down without a fight. And I also know that Mike would remove what balls the man had left.

I Love State Employment

So, my previous boss contacted me several times regarding a new position she had opening up. At first I refused. But the calls kept coming. The position posting was re-opened just so I could apply. Did I feel special you ask? No! I applied with the intention of playing a money game. How quickly things change.

I interviewed and was informed that most of the interviews she was conducting were to be completed over the phone. Good news for me. “I’ll let you know by the end of the week!” is what she said to me. Great!!

So, here it is the end of the week and I receive an email asking what my current salary is. Prime opportunity to start playing the game. I respond by letting her know the minimum I would take and gave rationale for my demand. If I accepted the position I would be traveling twice as much, using my own vehicle, be included in an on-call schedule, be expected to work some weekends, and take on about three times as much stress. My demand was VERY reasonable considering I don’t do shit at my current job. Ha!!

Well, slap me in the face. My current job is two salary grades higher than my old job, however the maximum range of my old job is about $17,000 higher than what I currently am paid. The rules of the stupid HR department that no longer even exists, state that an employee within the same agency that accepts a job in a lower salary grade cannot be offered any more than what they currently make. WHAT? Seriously? But, an applicant from outside state employment can be offered anything up to the max of the range. Please explain to me how on earth this is fair? Oh, right, it’s the state. It’s not fair.

And here’s the real kicker. My old position required about 2 months of training, including out of state training. That’s a few thousand dollars. Plus, a new person will not be certified to actually do the work for about 6 months. So, why not hire the person who is already trained, certified and who you know for a fact cares about her work?

I had always suspected that state employment really did suck, but now I KNOW state employment sucks. You can’t get raises. They’re too stupid to realize that to keep good employees, you have to pay them reasonable salaries. The only option a state employee has is to continue jumping from job to job. Dear God.

Guess I should just feel lucky I have a job, right?

People Scare Me

I really wonder how some people survive in the world. This morning when I arrived at work and was attempting to park my vehicle, I wound up behind a car just sitting in the parking lot. The person in the car appeared to be contemplating which parking space he wanted to park in...the empty one on the right or the empty one on the left, both equal distances from the building entrance. While the man struggled to decide which space was better, the line of cars began to pile up behind him. Finally, he chose to park on the right, while the rest of us parked on the left. No way was I parking next to him.

I exit my vehicle, began my treck to the building and find that I am walking behind the man. I enter the building and wouldn't ya know, he's going to the same side of the building I am. We get on the elevator. I instantly realize this man has bathed in his cologne. My hands were full and to his credit, he did notice this, and said, "what floor?" I said, "3, please." He pushed 2. He then turns to me awaiting my approval and I said, "No. 3, please." The cologne drenched man stared at me as if he had never heard of the number 3 before. Dumbfounded I stared back. I then freed my right hand and showed him three fingers. He then pushed 3.

Maybe he was just having an off day.

Hangovers Suck

My pound is heading...or, I mean, my head is pounding and my eyeballs hurt. This can only mean one thing...I drank too much and karma has come to kick my ass by way of a hangover. We played on the lake yesterday. I usually don't drink much while on the water as heat, beer and lake water don't usually mix well together. I was fine until I drank that stupid "special" gatorade. They said, "here, drink this. You'll hydrate yourself and feel happy at the same time." Um, no. That didn't work.

So, here I sit at my lovely job dreading the 5 hours of meetings we have today. CRAP! 5 hours? Seriously? Do I gotta? I certainly hope no one expects me to participate. My head could explode at any time.

Narcissistic...

...characteristic of those having an inflated idea of their own importance.

I overheard someone using this word and thought it was a good adjective.

Baby Names

I have found that picking out a baby name and having your spouse agree is a difficult task. So, you pick out a name, you like the name, you love the name, and then someone else uses the name. Is it okay to still use the name?

Someone who works with Mike, for now (she will soon be leaving), has had great misfortune starting a family. She is on her third pregnancy and just found out the baby is absolutely a-ok. This is excellent news. She also found out she is having a girl. More excellent news. And the baby's name...well, I can't say, just in case, but it's the same name we have picked out for a girl. Are we still allowed to use the name? I want to use the name. Will this person think we stole her name though? That sucks. Mike and I finally agreed on a name and to think we have to go through all the "What? Hell no!" conversations again...damnit!

If a close friend decided on the same name, I might reconsider and find a new name. This person is someone only Mike sees at work. I need some advice...is it okay to use the name?

The Mortgage Club

Just wanted to say Congratulations! and Woo-hoo! to the newest members of The Mortgage Club. It’s so awesome to finally be able to say, “I own a home!” Technically you won’t actually own it for another 30 years, but hey, at least you’re not paying rent. You now get to look forward to stupid Home Owner’s Associations and many solicitors trying to sell you water softeners, security systems, etc. Good luck with that!

It’s great to hear about friends finally “falling into” a situation where they are able to move on and up in life; getting something they deserve…like a home. We know what it’s like to be stuck somewhere you don’t really want to be. So, please, “prattle on!” I don’t think you’re being “high and mighty” when you discuss your new and exciting life rewards. I think you’re just trying to share your excitement with other people.

[I can only assume you hired movers to move you and that, I’m just not sure I can live with. Maybe if we can say that my used car is better than your used car…that would make it acceptable. Deal? I mean, I just can’t continue on with my life if my friends have better things than me. That just wouldn’t work for me.]

May you not forget to pay those pesky taxes every year. May you always cut your grass a day before the HOA inspects the neighborhood lawns. May you not have a neighbor who says, “can I have a beer so we can bond.” May you not have an annoying freaking parrot next door that won’t shut the hell up! May you always have friends who want to share in your excitement! And, may you always have a “fantastic job” and get bonuses that rock so you can buy a boat and invite your friends to the lake. Just kidding! No, seriously!!

Jingle Bells!

For whatever reason, I'm so excited about Christmas! I want to watch all my favorite Christmas movies and I want to sing all my favorite Christmas songs. It's July, people! What's wrong with me?

Halloween is usually my favorite holiday but I'm not really excited about Halloween this year, or at least not yet. I guess I am so anxious for Christmas to be here so I can decorate my house. I can't wait to hang lights outside. I want to buy a crap load of new Christmas decorations since I have tons more space to decorate. I may have to take out a loan. Ha! We could barely fit a Christmas tree in our tiny apartment and I would have it maxed out with decorations. This year, we're getting a big ass Christmas tree. It's gonna be awesome. I've already been online shopping and saved a whole basket worth of new stuff. Ooooooh and I must find a Grinch set...with a Who Village. Do they make those? They just have to somewhere. GOOGLE!!!

I'm gonna start counting down the days. Sorry! Call me nuts if you must! I'm starting to wonder about myself anyway. Merry Christmas!!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!!

I love Grumpy Bear and this is how I feel today!!


For the love of Pete, please, rain, go away and don't come back! The rain keeps ruining plans. I hate it. This summer has really blown thanks to all the down pours. Lakes are closed. Rivers are scary. Pools are off limits. Parks are muddy. Why is it one year we go without any rain at all and the next we have so much rain people are actually starting to float away? Do we really need to build an ark?

We had big plans to go camping this weekend. I was looking forward to it. Was gonna relax, drink some beer and have a good time. But, now, it will be so humid, the only thing we would be able to do is MELT. And quite honestly, I'm not all about melting. I'm okay with sweating, but melting, not so much. It's not fun to sit in a hot, smelly tent, with no breeze. I would be wishing the whole time I was in my nice, cold, comfortable house. Or, in my car with the AC on! Either one is far better than melting my ass off in a tent. Although, melting my ass off may help me lose that 20 pounds a little faster!

So, I hope that whatever you're doing this weekend...you're not getting wet and you're nice and cool sitting in the air conditioning. I also hope that if needed, you will all volunteer to assist in the building of the ark!

If It Isn't One Thing...

...it's another. It seems like trying to get ahead isn't really worth it. For example, our refrigerator died. Mike gets a bonus twice a year, for now. I always have that money spent long before he actually receives it. I just want to get some bills paid off. I just want to get caught up. Seems though, that every time I get the chance, something else comes up and pushes the getting caught up part further back. So, here we are spending the already spent bonus on a new refrigerator. And why in the heck does the color "bisque" cost more? It's the ugliest color, I think. Unfortunately, all of our kitchen appliances are "bisque". Really, it's just a nicer way of saying "off-white".

I guess I might as well just accept that I will always have debt. There's really no way around it, unless of course, we win the lottery. The only problem is, we don't play the lottery. I need those few extra bucks (that lottery tickets cost) for the food to go in the new bisque refrigerator. Figures!

What Goes Around Comes Around!

A hypocrite can be described as one who puts on a mask and feigns himself to be what he is not. It’s falseness. It’s saying that you’re one thing when in fact you’re not. It’s disgusting.

I go behind your back and say nasty things about you to people you know. You then go behind my back and say nasty things about me. I get mad and decide never to talk to you again. Isn’t this being hypocritical? Both of us “name-called.” Why is one right and the other one wrong?

I have always been told “what goes around comes around!” and I truly believe it. I’ve had it come back around to me before. Everyone has. At least I can admit it. I believe in karma. How can someone bash a person for doing something and turn around and do the same thing? How can someone be mad at a person for doing something they themselves have done? That’s not really fair, is it? At what point does the hypocrite stop to realize they are a hypocrite? Do they ever? No one can be right all the time. It’s just not possible. Everyone makes mistakes. And when one does admit to being a hypocrite, it’s not a free ticket to continue doing shitty things!

So, just remember, when you do something horrible to someone and karma comes back to bite you in the ass…there’s no room for pity parties…what you gave out has come back around!

Harry Potter

I'm so excited about the new Harry Potter movie AND book that I can hardly contain myself. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those people who buys the movie ticket early and goes to the midnight showing on the release date. Maybe if I didn't have a job. But, I desparately want to see The Order of the Phoenix at the IMAX so I can be IN the movie. How awesome would that be? Sadly, I won't be around for the next couple of weekends to see it. That sucks. Maybe by the time I get there the crowds will have died down and Harry Potter fans will have already seen it.

The book is set to release on July 21...and I'll be camping. What kinda crap is that? I've been waiting for months for this damn book and now I'll have to wait a day longer. Is sad, really. However, I've been re-reading all the books and will not allow myself to read the 7th and final book until I have finished re-reading the previous 6. I'm on book 4 right now...but it's ginormous, as are 5 and 6. So it may be weeks longer before I get to read Deathly Hallows. And if Harry dies, I will need therapy. I probably need therapy anyway seeing as how I'm obsessed with all things Harry! I want to BE Harry Potter, well, maybe Hermoine.

Judging and Jealousy

At some point in our lives we have all judged a person, whether we judged based on looks or clothes or how a person talks. Alot of times we may have judged someone because we were jealous of what they had or where they worked. It would seem though that as we get older, we would stop judging. How is it that people feel they can judge someone without really knowing a person? Who gave us the right to judge in the first place?

It's funny, to me, how people go along in their daily lives saying they are happy but are so quick to turn around and judge someone. Do people judge simply to make themselves feel better about their own lives? To me, judging is a sign of insecurity. If someone is truly happy with their life and with themself, then what is the point of judging?

As a teenager I always thought I would grow up and school, work, etc. would be a place free of judgment and jealousy. Boy, was I stupid! I couldn't have been more wrong. It seems that in the "adult" world people thrive on judging. God forbid someone drive a better car or have a bigger house or make more money at their job than you. Sure, I'm a little jealous of people who have a boat or a swimming pool. I want those things too! But I would never even consider trying to make those people feel bad about themselves. I would never try to make them look bad in front of other people. Quite honestly, I think that would be a reflection of my own stupidity and insecurities.

We are all different and unique. We all have different ways of doing things. We can't judge someone because they are different than us. We shouldn't be jealous because someone has something we don't. We should all strive to be happy with what we do have (and befriend those boat owners)!

Saw 'Em Off

(To all my longhorn friends...please don't be mad at me!)

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4919688.html

What the heck, man? So for 10 years now people have been walking around with t-shirts that have the "Saw 'Em Off" logo printed on them. It's part of A&M's fight song for crying out loud. "Saw Varsity's horns off!" We've gone all this time and no one had a complaint. Then, 10 days after the A&M/UT game back in November, some longhorn jack ass decides to sue the sellers of these shirts. What, the shirts just now started bothering him? Was it because the Aggies beat the Longhorns for the first time in FOREVER? Give me a break. And adding a tuft of hair and nostrils so changes the image, doesn't it? Uh, no, it doesn't. You can't stop people from wearing the shirts, so what's the point of the lawsuit? Ten years of Aggies own these shirts. And now that this t-sip has cried over it, I'm sure all those Aggies will wear that "Saw 'Em Off" t-shirt proudly and more often. What was he thinking?

And what's up with the UT dingus saying they want to make sure the "Saw 'Em Off" logo isn't confused with the UT longhorn logo? If you can't tell a difference between the two, then you have problems far beyond logos. It's quite obvious that in A&M's logo the horns are facing down and detached; in UT's logo the horns are facing up and connected. My goodness people.

The Aggies and Longhorns have been rivals since the beginning of time. Well, maybe not that long...but a long freaking time. Are you going to make us change our fight song now? Deal with it, man. It's a freaking logo. WHOOP!

Life Isn't Always What It Seems

This week my family was faced with a tragedy. My cousin, Brooks, took his own life. When I first heard the news I was confused on how I should feel. Then I became angry. I was angry that he could leave his 4 kids without a father. His son would never play catch with his father. His daughters would not have their father to give them away. I was unsure if I wanted to go to the funeral. I decided to go for my mother.

Not going to the funeral would have been something I most certainly would have regretted. I was able to understand what happened and why. I always thought people who took their own lives were selfish and hadn't stopped to consider their families or friends. Brooks had. All the pieces of the puzzle were floating around me but I couldn't put them where they belonged. Then, Brooks' mother said, "He thought his family would be better off without him." When I heard that statement, all the pieces came together and I understood. I came to realize that his actions were not in any way selfish.

It was heart breaking to watch his 3 year old son smiling and playing around the grave site, too young to understand. It was heart breaking to look into the faces of his 3 daughters and wonder what pain they must be feeling. I pray they all know that their father loved them so much and did everything in his power to take care of them. I pray that some day all 4 of them will grow to understand what happened to their father.

I love ya, Brooksie! I'll never forget that smile!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho

Yeah, so a pirate song doesn't really fit for a fishing trip, but it was fun to sing anyway. I enjoyed it! Well, the first family trip in Ryan's new boat was exciting! I thought I was going to die; minus that part, it was a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera available to take a picture of Laura's BIG fish...but, she did catch the biggest fish of all. Who needs to walk aroud in neck deep water to catch a big fish when you can catch The Big One from the boat? Sad thing there's no proof. I'll try harder next time, Laura!

I think there was a total of 46 fish, plus or minus a few. Luckily us girls don't know how to filet. Man, that sucks! And the guys always smell so nice.

Thanks, Bro, for a great weekend!

My Biological Progenitor's Wife

I don't like my step-mother. She bugs me. It doesn't matter what
I do or what I say, I am always wrong. I always say I'm not going to let her get to me, but in the end, she always gets to me. And my father doesn't help matters. He's always pushing her on me. I don't need another mother. I have a perfectly great one that loves me for ME.

My biological progenitor's wife has said some pretty nasty things to me which have included, "you don't love your father". Apparently because I haven't spent every Christmas with them for the past 14 years, I don't love my father. What a load of crap. There's history there that she wasn't around for and if she only knew the crap I dealt with, she'd think twice before she opened her oversized mouth.

I sent an email today asking both my biological progenitor and his wife if they would be around Sunday afternoon for Father's Day as I would like to take my biological progenitor out for dinner. Unfortunately, the wife got the email first and felt the need to call. That's never good. I hate talking to her. I want to poke my eyes out when I have to talk to her. She informs me that HER neices are going to be visiting this weekend and she's not sure what THEIR plans are for Sunday. I'm sorry, since when are her neices my biological progenitor's daughters? Oh, that's right...they're not!

So, it's confirmed...I can't win. I don't do and it's wrong. I do do (he, he) and it's wrong. Why do I even bother? Seriously? There's a reason she was brought into my life, but I can't figure out what it is. What I really wanna do is just forget it. Forget about spending time with my father on Father's Day. I mean, either way I get the same response. Why put out the effort?

Opinions

We've all heard the saying, "opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one." And this is true. When someone asks for your opinion do you expect them to agree? Or do you expect them to consider your opinion when making decisions? Let's say they do consider your opinion but choose to agree with another opinion. Do you fault that person or get angry? Do you say, "why did they even bother to ask me?"

I would like to think that I fall into the category of expecting consideration of my opinion but don't get angry when another opinion is chosen over mine. I don't always agree with other's opinions. I will certainly consider information I have been given though.

Your boss comes to you and asks your opinion. Your boss also asks other co-workers their opinions. The ultimate decision is based on several co-worker's decisions and not your own. This is A-OKAY in the normal world, right? So why do I have to listen to people bitch about "why did he even ask me if he wasn't going to agree?" Is this an ego thing? Why can't certain people, just for a second, come to realize they are not the only people in the world with opinions? You have an asshole. I have an asshole. We ALL have assholes!! It's not that hard to understand!

Praying...

...is what I will be doing come September when I FINALLY start my teacher certification program. Woo-hoo!! Apparently I have chosen the one and only university that begins each class with a prayer...Le Tourneau. Hopefully the place won't burn down when I step foot in the building. I have been taking crap classes since January 2006 to bring up my GPA. Seems I played around too much the first time I went to school...but, damn it was fun! (I'm not sure "damn" and "praying" should be in the same paragraph!) I'm paying for it now though. While I did in fact graduate, it was pretty darn close there at the end. My grades were so bad I couldn't get into any teaching certification program. But, that is all in the past now, cause I have brought up my GPA and have been accepted to a program. Now all I have to do is make all As in the teaching cert program so that I will be able to get into a graduate program. Let's hope I don't have to go to t.u.! That would be pretty unAggie of me!!

Stupid Interview For a Stupid Job....Stupid!

So, I had applied for a job a while back, with the state of course, and was called in for an interview. Before the interview I wasn't really concerned about getting the position. I could take it or leave it. But, after the interview I decided I really wanted the position and felt I would be really good at it. My cubemate, at my present job, also applied and was called in for an interview. I neglected to tell her I had also been called in for an interview...for whatever reason, I felt bad. She had no idea what the position was. She had simply applied because of the location of the building. I was able to explain to her what the position was without giving away that I also had an interview. Ya see, with the position there are two main parts. One part has to do with nursing and the other part has to do with auditing mental retardation facilities, which is what I did before my present job. (Maybe I should stop changing jobs so much!) So, I had one part of the position nailed, while my cubemate had neither.

Well, my cubemate got the position. I am really so happy for her but am a little upset with how this system works. Did I completely bomb the interview? Is it because I'm only 29 years old? I have sat back now, for a week and listened to my cubemate TRY to explain to people what her new position is...and she can't, really. I know exactly what it is. I knew exactly what it was when I applied.

In the "real world", before working for the state, I never had any problem finding and getting a job. And while I am lucky I have a job right now, what's the deal with state jobs? I have been on so many interviews and I always get, "we really enjoyed meeting you and we think you'd be great in the position, but we've chosen someone else with a little more experience." And I only get that when they are actually courteous enough to call with the bad news. Then I always find out that the person they hired is 20 years older than me. What I really want to ask is, "WTF, Chuck?" Does age equal experience?

Conversing in the Bathroom

Is it weird that it grosses me out when people talk to me in the bathroom? I have met more people, at work, in the bathroom than I have outside of the bathroom. I don't mean to be rude, but I don't want to carry on a conversation with someone while standing in the bathroom. I especially don't want to shake your hand. I'm a washer, but that doesn't mean everyone else is. I have been known to run, literally run, out of the bathroom before stall doors open so I don't have to make eye contact with someone. This is weird, right? I don't have a problem with standing outside the bathroom door and talking to someone. I don't mind if you follow me from the bathroom and come talk to me in my cubicle. Just, please, don't talk to me in the bathroom. What's wrong with me?

Limits

How many times do you have to hear someone complain about the same thing before it becomes unacceptable? Is hearing it twice the limit? Or maybe six times? How about hearing the same thing fifty-one times? That's got to be the limit, right? Everyone complains, hence this post. Everyone, at some point, says things before thinking about other people's situations. And, everyone, at some point, feels their problems are worse than everyone else's. But when do things become ridiculous?

Two people have the same issue but on different levels. One at a low level of "awfulness" and the other on a higher (it could always be worse) level of "awfulness". However, the higher level person has accepted the problem. The lower level person constantly complains about the problem to the higher level person. At what point does the higher level person say "shut it!"? Is it acceptable to tolerate the complaining to the point of being angry? Or would most people reach the breaking point before getting angry? Is complaining about the complaining accetable? (So many questions!) What would you do?

I guess at some point I will have to say "shut it!" and accept the consequences. Some people will play dirty and fail to consider the possibility that they may actually be going overboard. Some people fail to consider "that it can always be worse!"

Here Goes Nothin'

Okay, so I've decided to jump on the blog bus. I have loads of free time at work that I need to fill and thought I would experiment. I've never been a journal writer or one to randomly share my thoughts, but there's a first time for everything, right? Now, it may take me forever to figure out how all of this stuff works, so if anyone has any suggestions to help me get started, please feel free to share. I will probably need all the help I can get, but as I said before, I have lots of time to fill, so I'm up for trying pretty much anything. I may crash and burn, but at least I'm giving it a shot! So, here goes nothin'!!