That's not coffee, that's diabetes on ice.

Because my last post was wildly depressing this time I'm going to post about a few of my favorite things.

One of them I'm still in shock about.

You have no idea.

Seven years in the making.

Guess what finally came out on DVD.

Yep.

Women's Murder Club.

I'm still going nuts.

Apparently my friends and I - yes, I was that big of a fan that I became friends with other fans online - are so stubborn and persistent that they're releasing it by demand.

Take that ABC. They cancelled it way too early.

The problem was that it aired during the writer's strike so it didn't even get a chance.

Well that and they got rid of the 2 creators halfway through the season and the storyline completely changed.

I still say without it Angie Harmon wouldn't be on Rizzoli and Isles. Where do you think they got the idea of her as a cop? Being a fan of both series' I notice so many similarities.

Alright, alright, I know you don't care so I'll shut up.

I'm just so excited. It first aired 10/12/07 so I'm marathoning it on 10/12/14.

Seven years in the making, I'm telling you. And it's still my favorite show. I've got the posters to prove it.

Plus all of Sketch's artwork scattered around my apartment.

This one's my favorite.



It's hanging on my door.

Oo, I should bring back the tattoo.

Check this out.



But I'd have to get Sketch to do it again cause I'd kill it.

This is what happens when you get bored and have an artist for a best friend.

I know. We were nerds, get over it. But I can't help it. It was an awesome show. Based off a book series by James Patterson - which I hope you knew already.

If not you do now.

I got the first few books in the series that year for Christmas and carried them around with me the entire holiday break.

Even after I finished them.

In like two days.

I remember specifically my siblings were staying over so I got stuck sleeping in my dad's office - which is way on the other side of the house - on this ridiculously uncomfortable couch. And I would sleep with a flashlight just so I could read the books.

And then re-read them. And then mark all my favorite parts.



With quote notes.

Yep. Nerd. But I'm okay with that. Even working in a library being surrounded by other books they're still my favorite series.

And yes I know I shelve them incorrectly but it's my shelf so take that.

I love them cause they're both funny and dramatic. While they're a bit different from the show they're also very similar.

And, because I'm watching the show - episode five. "Maybe Baby." Yes I can tell you that without looking, I'm gonna hit you with some quotes. Cause I can.

Here are a few of my favorite one-liners:

Thomas: "Did you know that the crime desk assignment came with a pepperspray keychain and a police scanner? It's like my new Tivo, I can't turn it off."

Boxer: "So you're leaving the beanie babies, the earring tree, and the butt master."
Bernhardt: "It was late at night, couldn't sleep, infomercial."
Washburn: "That's how I ended up with a Rotato."

Boxer: "Know anything about her personal life?"
Thomas: "She had one?"

Thomas: "You're gonna miss me when I stop coming around."
Boxer: "Give me a chance to find out."

Jacobi: *boxer talking to herself* "Do you need me for this conversation?"

Thomas: "Ohhh, defensive sarcasm, it went well."

Thomas: "Please don't give me the laser vision, it makes me really nervous."

Bernhardt: "Worst. Liar. Ever."

Washburn: "But why do something yourself when you can hand it over to a work-shy ill-mannered counterpart?"
Thomas: "Are we supposed to answer her?"
Boxer: "No, that's not necessary."

Bernhardt: "What'd you do, go to a biker bar?"
Thomas: "I went to seven. They're a little scary."

Thomas: "Right, I'll hang. Catch you on the B-Side."

Boxer: "Tell me you didn't drive this here."
Thomas: "Please, I drove Maggie, my little red car."
Boxer: "Then you sweet talked Officer Cho into letting you past the tape. Wait, your car has a name?"
Thomas: "Doesn't yours?"

Thomas: "I'll chat up the locals, see if there's anything more interesting for sale here at the house of lamps lamps and more lamps." (i still quote that line when i drive by that lamp place on o street)

Thomas: "I hope I go in my sleep."
Bernhardt: "I hope I go out on top of Clive Owen. You die your way, I'll die mine."

Washburn: "If you're strong and push through the pain and the fear, you often find that happiness is waiting for you on the other side."
Bernhardt: "And if you're not strong enough?"
Washburn: "Then that is what your friends are for. To give you a gentle push or a kick in the ass..."

Thomas: "I'm a pancake."
Boxer: "Good pancake."

I'm letting you off easy, there are more. Those are just a few that came to mind immediately. So many memories...

I went back and looked through how many posts are about WMC. 22. Yep. I'm a nerd. Every year on the the premiere date and finale date it was mentioned. Go me.


And, because you're groaning by this point, on to favorite thing number two.

The Voice.

Yes, I heard that groan again.

The Blind Auditions are over so here is my top twenty.

Damien - Adam
James David Carter - Blake
Kelli Douglas - Adam
Anita Antoinette - Gwen
Luke Wade - Pharrell

Toia Jones - Pharrel
Maiya Sykes - Pharrel
Joe Kirk - Adam
Jessie Pitts - Gwen
Taylor Phelan - Pharrell

Chris Jamison - Adam
Mia Pfirrman - Adam
Fernanda Bosch - Blake
Beth Spangler - Adam
Matt McAndrew - Adam

Taylor John Williams - Gwen
Katriz Trinidad - Pharrell
Jean Kelley - Gwen
Troy Ritchie - Gwen
Taylor Brashears - Blake

Pharrell and Gwen are forces to be reckoned with, picking up some of the best ones this season, but I am still and will always be Team Adam. Mostly because I love him and Maroon 5, but also because for some reason he always gets the best singer in the bunch (minus cassadee pope who was team blake). Damien is that singer this year.

Blake's team seems to be a bit lacking when compared to previous years, the only real standouts are James David Carter - who I think will be his frontrunner - Fernanda Bosch and Taylor Brashears. But maybe that's a good thing, because sometimes when you have too many good ones you have to put them up against each other and then are forced to get rid of half. For him there would be no competition so nothing holding them back from making the live rounds.


Alright, enough of that. I know you don't care. On to favorite thing number three.

The Boyfriend. 

No these favorite things aren't in order, if they were he'd be number one. Don't worry. I'm not that big of a nerd.

I got him an epic birthday present this year.

Well it's more like birthday, Christmas, and anniversary. Cause it's big. And I'm proud. Oldest Sister says this tops the camera in Vegas story. Which is huge.

For those of you who don't know it already I lost my camera in Vegas, he went to Best Buy, bought me a new one, and then we went and re-took all of my pictures.

Every girl that I tell that too goes "awww." Cause he's sweet like that. And he deserves a big gift from me.

Last year I got him hockey season tickets so I had to top that.

This one is my ALL IN present. Whether he buys me a ring or not, I'm all in. And hopefully the present will convey that AND remain a secret if my family can contain themselves. Mom helped so of course now they all know.

On to favorite thing number four.

Hockey.

As you know the season has started up again and we are rocking it.

Okay not really, but we have won 2 out of our 5 games so that's not awful. I mean it's not good, but it's not awful. Better than our rivals who have only won one.

Take that Lancers.

Since I'm a huge USHL fan I've decided that I need to pick an NHL team. Especially now that I get more sports channels (i caved and got the big ten network for husker football and it came with a sports package).

After extensive research I've narrowed it down to the St. Louis Blues and the Chicago Blackhawks. Though I also like Colorado and Minnesota.

I'm leaning toward St. Louis because they have David Backes (who used to play for us) as their captain and they also have TJ Oshie who was huge at the Olympics. Plus geographically they're probably the closest team to me personally. Followed closely by Colorado.

But it's still up for debate. They did just smash the Flames last night - which I taped. It was highly enjoyable. However, not as good as the USHL, but perhaps that's the difference between watching it on TV and seeing it live.

Though I have a feeling it's gonna be like college vs. pro for me. I love college football but I'm not a huge fan of the NFL. I mean, I like the Titans, (not as much as I used to) but college is much more fun to watch.

I guess we shall see.


Favorite thing number five.

Husker Football.

So even with a huge fourth quarter comeback we lost to Michigan State. I didn't think we'd win but hoped we'd at least put up a fight. What happened offense? Normally I'm a fan of Tommy but did anyone else notice that we didn't score until they put Ryker in? Abdullah got stopped and it was like our offense couldn't function without him. Thank god for Westerkamp, otherwise that would have been bad. I mean, it was bad, but our defense was excellent so they kept it close. And speaking of that, excellent job defense. You seriously rocked it.

Now on to Northwestern which seems to be the unwritten rivalry. I know it's supposed to be Iowa but I feel like our hardest games in this conference have been with either Wisconsin or Northwestern. Both of which are away games this season and both could halt our no-more-losses mentality. Hopefully that doesn't happen and we play Michigan State again in the Big Ten Championship. Which I think we can do if we pull it together offensively.



Alright, that's enough out of me.

I'm going back to WMC.

Songs of the Week:

We're going with some of my favorites from the blind auditions:

Damien - It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday


Luke Wade - That's How Strong My Love Is


James David Carter - Nobody Knows


Taylor Brashears - You Ain't Woman Enough


i grew up listening to this song and had totally forgotten about it. i literally laughed out loud when she sang it cause it's been my themesong as of late. the boyfriend's got this ex that won't leave him alone. even though it's been like 4 years, 3 of which were with me. i'm staying out of it cause i trust him. he loves me, he's not gonna cheat on me. we're gonna get married, what would be the point of that? but i did totally laugh at this refrain.


Alright, I'm officially out.

Catch you on the B-Side.

Hyvenese = Chinese from Hyvee

Oh the lessons I learn from my coworkers. I've never had their Chinese, but their sushi isn't awful.

I mean, it's not good, but it's not awful.


How does one say goodbye to a friend of 14 years?

From the outside it may appear as if she was only my 7th and 8th grade teacher, but the reality is so much more.

Let’s start from the beginning.

You know how there’s always that one kid that’s better friends with their teacher than their classmates?

The nerd who gets all their jokes and hangs out with them at recess?

That was me.

I blame it on the fact that my siblings are way older than me so I get along better with people who are older.

G Wigger and I bonded over the TV show Friends – the first of many shows we bonded over – and it went from there. I used to write her notes and draw her pictures. I’m pretty sure I was the favorite cause she let me where sunglasses indoors. Again, nerd.

When asked about that later she responded “you have to pick your battles.”

She put up with my tantrums when it came to math – it was not my favorite subject – and even after school got out we stayed in touch. Jump forward a few years and you’ll hit where the nerd in me decided that Jim and I could take over Camp J – no problem. Ha!

We invaded her classroom almost daily for an entire summer cleaning out boxes, updating files, creating schedules, assigning counselors, stuffing lanyards, and then sorting t-shirts and sending out mailings. She called herself Camp J’s “number one fan” and helped out even though she avoided the actual camp like the plague.

It was during all this Camp J prep that 2G was formed.

Every year my old high school hosts a golf tournament as a fundraiser for the school. We decided – having no golf experience whatsoever – that we would start a team of our own and compete. The team was made up of Pastor (our leader and the only one with actual golf talent from the start), Jim O, G-Wigger and myself. We came up with the nicknames Blackstone, Dash Riprock, Homey G-Wigger, and Choot ‘em Lizbet, respectively.

Eventually we’d put those nicknames on bright orange t-shirts so you could see us at all times.



Though, we were told, you didn’t need to see us to know where we were cause we were the loudest ones there so you could hear us from across the course. But hey, our drinking team has a golfing problem – what can we say?

Two out of the four years we’ve competed I was unceremoniously thrown from the cart. Though that might have been partly my fault since I was leaning out to grab wayward golf balls.

Plus I had to save Bertha. Don’t ask.

But it was worth the bumps and bruises.

Golf isn’t the only sport 2G competes in. Softball is actually our specialty. We play scrappy but we dominate. Every game G-Wigger and I would warm up together and after every game we would stop for icecream.

We told her that since the golf tournament is in the summer that she should come back for it every year, however since softball games are usually on Sunday nights in the fall that won’t be an option.

Our team will never be the same.

Sports weren’t our only thing recently. We’d go to movies – see post “At least the baby stopped crying” – or out for jalapeno margaritas.

The adventures are so numerous she even has her own tag. "Homey G Wigger". And only my favorite people get their own tag.

So how does one say goodbye to someone who’s had such an impact on one’s life?

I could thank her I suppose. For sticking with me through the good times and the bad. Tell her how grateful I am for all the times she was there for me. Not just for math but for everything.

But I still feel like that that doesn’t begin to cover how much of an influence she’s had on my life.

So I’ve decided instead of goodbye, it’s just so long for now. We’re gonna pen pal it up. And it’s not the end. She’ll be back for big events – confirmations, golf, and a wedding if it ever happens.

And that makes it easier.




Okay, on to happier, less emotional things.

Took a trip out to Illinois to visit the BFF. Sketch and Edit’s Excellent Adventure. Take Two.

Or is it three? Whatever, either way it rocked.

Minus the 9 hour drive it took to get there, that is.

We jammed. Made camo cake.

Check it out.







Gotta have orange frosting with a camo cake. It actually tasted pretty good.

Other cooking adventures included booze popsicles. Looks like sherbet, tastes like vodka.

Holy crap those were strong. It probably had to do with the fact that it wasn't just vodka it was also mixed with tequila. Knocked us on our butts.

Non-cooking adventures were catching up on Grey's, and we watched a bit of Raising Hope.

Which I’d seen part of like one episode one time, so now of course I had to check out season one from the library. It’s actually quite entertaining.

And then of course we hit up the races cause her boyfriend has a car. Like in the races. With a driver. Who's pretty good. Got second in his heat, but then it got rained out. So we jammed in the trailer. See Facebook for pictures.

It was good to see her. It had been like a year. Or two. More like two.

That should change.



What else? The boyfriend and I are doing great. We’ve been going to a lot of races lately. We hit up the World of Outlaws the other day in Greenwood and my guy won! After I had bought his t-shirt. And it’s awesome, it’s like a pit crew shirt with all the advertisements on it.

Plus he signed it.

I was proud that I picked him and that I got the shirt before he won the race instead of after. Plus he beat the guy who always wins and you gotta root for underdogs.

Races aren’t the only fun things we’re going to, a few weeks ago we went to my sister-in-law’s surprise 40th birthday party. The surprise part being the event we dragged her to Omaha for. It was a Murder Mystery party at a hotel – professionally done, it was fun.

We all had to pick aliases. I was Regina Philange.

Make me proud people, make me proud.

Mom was Cher. Dad was John Wayne. After picking the killer’s name as his alias and being told it was already in use (but not told it was the killer) the boyfriend went with Dr. Emmett Brown from Back to the Future.

I know, how does one pick the name of the killer out of the like 80 million names available? It was amusing.

The problem with their setup was that you had to be paying attention to nametags to figure out who-done-it cause the detectives who were supposed to be solving the crime did nothing but distract you. But that’s okay, we went for the fun of it and it was fun, even though I was forced to walk the cat walk to prove my innocence.

Long story.

This week we went fireworks shopping. And you know me with my fireworks. Hit up my mother ship. aka the Dorm Mom's stand. Got some good deals. I'm stoked!

After the 4th he and I are taking a trip to Iowa for another motorcar excursion so look forward to those highlights....

What else?

College World Series! My team won! Go Black Gold! The Cool Aunt was also for Vandy so anytime they did something good we’d text “black gold!” We saw them play live one of the years we went so that’s what we like them.

And speaking of a lot going on, I’ve been working tons on camp stuff. I’m getting excited, it’s coming up! Again this year we have more boys than girls but that may change since they have ‘til July 7th to turn everything in.

I'm really excited for my 7th and 8th graders skit. No HeeHaw this year but they're still singing. Don't worry, they won't hate this one.

And Smo is coming this year. I'm so excited! Gonna be my Skits and Worship helper. Which is good cause there will be lots...

Scale of Awesome’s for you:

Edge of Tomorrow


Scale of Awesome says 7/10. Interesting premise but not a huge fan of Tom Cruise.

Bowfinger


Scale of Awesome says 5/10. So horrible. Yet funny.

300


Scale of Awesome says 5/10. Am I the only person on this planet that didn't like this movie? I feel like it. It's only redeeming quality?



Gerard Butler. And the "This is Sparta" kick. That was badass.

On to the music:

Strong Enough - Cher


a month later and it's still in my head. awesomeness.

and one for an upcoming concert:

From Me To You - Beatles


so excited! debating what my favorite Beatles song is. this is one of many. Probably Hey Jude. Maybe Yesterday. Blackbird. Day Tripper. Paperback Writer. Hello Goodbye. Let it Be. Love Me Do. Yellow Submarine. She Loves You.

Too many good ones to choose from...

And I'm out. I promise it won't take me another month to post.

It's cold out and I'm not wearing pants, where are you?

Huzzah for a day off.

Slept in, it was fabulous.

Watched a ton of my DVR'd X Games - winter edition, go Kelly Clark!

Did a ton of laundry - and folded most of it...

Did a ton of editing - and am loving it.

And played a ton of Lords of the Realm 2 - just cause I could. Made it to level three then looked up and realized it was 11:30 and I should probably go to bed.

See, I didn't think I was one of those gamers that would play stuff like that for hours and not even realize it, but then I found that game and it just never ends.

Blame my brother, he's the one that gave it to me in the first place.

So I was semi-productive, right?

Oh and I watched 2 episodes of Hollywood Game Night - holy crap Angie Harmon is competitive... - and then of course The Blacklist - intensity man.

So I'm boring, and I'm sorry. I'll be more exciting tomorrow cause it's date night.

Today was just too cold to do anything.

Oh and I finally set up my fancy new coffee maker. It's fantastic. The only problem is now I have three - yes three coffeemakers. They all work, I just don't know what to do with them.

Guess I could have a coffee taste-off.

With like 10 of my friends, cause they each make a ton.

Yes "ton" is the word of the day. Pretty much every day of my life cause there's always a ton of things going on and it seems the only word worthy to capture that amount specifically.

I guess there are others.

Massive.

Large.

Mahoosive.

Oh, and I wrote thank you notes to the professors who wrote me recommendation letters for grad school.

I don't know why mahoosive made me think of that.

Well, it went: Mahoosive.

Moose.

Gazelles.

Gazelle swagger.

Fiction Writing.

ZH.

Long story.

I realize I'm making no sense.

Sorry.

I think it's all the caffeine from the new coffeemaker.

Or I'm just losing my mind, I did go outside in shorts today to take the trash out.

Which would be fine but it's like 10 degrees out.

But I'm an idiot like that. College classmates used to yell at me cause I would never wear coats, just hoodies, and then Sketch would be like, um, yeah. Have you ever met her before?

"It's cold out and I'm not wearing pants, where are you?"

Shorts. I was wearing shorts. They're not pants, but it came out wrong.

Speaking of Sketch, it's her birthday today. So in honor of that I shall re-post two of my favorite Sketch-centric Sketch and Edit's in her honor. Cause I can. And let's face it this post was going nowhere anyway.

Originally posted here and here. Should really make an inventory post for these things. Here's links to this particular storyline if you get lost.

First was this: Sketch Gets Some Flowers
Next was this: Sketch and Edit Buy Some Plants
Code reference comes from here: Sketch and Edit Cook a Turkey

Sketch Meets the Parents
*Sketch enters front door and slams it*
Sketch – “Would someone please tell me what is up with guys?!”
Edit from couch – “You don't really expect me to have an answer to that do you?”
S – “He wants me to meet his mother.”
E – “What?!”
S – “Yeah.”
E – “I didn’t know it was that serious!”
S – “Neither did I!”
E – “When?”
S – “Now, tonight, I gotta go get ready.”
E – “You’re shaking!”
S – “I’m meeting the parents! Who meets the parents on the third date?!”
E – “A mama’s boy?”
S – “But seriously? His mother? Seriously?”
E – “Where does she live?”
S – “Over on Elm Street.”
E – “Ah, suburbia, where they tear down the trees then name streets after them.”
S – “I gotta find something to wear, come on.” *Edit jumps off couch and follows Sketch upstairs*
E – “You’re asking me for fashion advice? Really?”
S – “You’re my only option.”
E – “Good point.”
*Sketch goes into closet while Edit sits on bed*
Sketch returns with dress – “What do you think of this dress?”
E – “Ummm, stick some candles in it and make a wish?”
S – “Bad, got it. Moving on.” *goes back into closet and yells* “Why am I doing this again?”
E – “I don’t know, some plantman-induced psychosis?”
*Sketch re-enters in dress*
E – “Oh, don’t even try using the laser vision on me with that dress on.”
S – “Bad?”
E – “It’s…interesting.”
S – “Interesting as in not pretty. Got it.” *goes back into closet and yells* “But seriously, why am I doing this?”
E – “Love is a damn crazy thing.”
S – “Is it really?”
E – “I don’t know, that’s what my college roommate told me when she was drunk on her 21st birthday and I had to take care of her.”
S – “Point taken.” *returns* “What about this one?”
E – “Much better.”
S – “Okay, makeup.” *move into bathroom across the hall, Edit leans in the hallway* “But, it’s like, he calls me and acts all sweet and asks me out to dinner. So I say yes, clearly stating I have no other plans. Then he drops the bomb. ‘Oh, it’s at my mother’s. So dress nice. Okay, see you at seven!’ CLICK! He hangs up! But what was I supposed to do? I can’t say I have plans when he knows I clearly have no plans. So there was no escape route. But, I like him. I mean, I think I like him. Maybe it will be okay.”
E – “Do you need me for this conversation?”
S – “Maybe she won’t be this horrible horrible bitch that I can imagine her being because her son is such a jerk.”
E – “And yet you continue to date him.”
S – “Well, not really.”
E – “You’re meeting his mother! That’s like the definition of dating!”
S – “You’re really not helping my nerves here.” *turns away from mirror* “What do you think?”
E – “Hot.”
S – “But not like slutty. Cause that would be bad.”
E – “Nope, not slutty enough to be a hoe yet not nun-like enough to be celibate.”
S – “Um, thanks?” *Sketch starts downstairs Edit follows*
E – “So, what is plant man’s real name anyway?”
S – “No.”
E – “He’s Chinese? Is that his first or last?”
S – “Absolutely not, cause you’ll run a background check or hack into his computer. No!”
E – “Oh come on! How am I supposed to be petty and judgmental without having all the facts?”
*Sketch glares*
E – “What?”
S – “I’m trying to imagine you with less personality.”
Edit grins – “How’s that working for you?”
S – “Kiss it.”
E – “Suck it!” *sketch opens door* “Good luck!”
S – “Watch out for the code!” *closes door, Edit crashes on couch with phone*


A Nightmare on Elm Street aka Sketch Uses the Code
*Edit’s phone beeps*
Text message from Sketch: “as;dflkjasfdlparlay”
*Edit dials*
*Sketch’s phone rings at dinner table, Mother glares*
Edit – “Curses, King Henry has cut off my head!”
S – “I have to take this, excuse me.” *goes outside while Edit rambles*
E – “You need to come home because I am decapitated. And even though I can still talk it is, in fact, an emergency and I need you to come and drive me to the hospital. Now. You need to come now, there’s blood all over the couch and I’m hungry and I can’t eat without a head because I can’t see the food to eat it and I don’t have a mouth to put it in and then there will be no food because I have no head so then I will die, like actually die and…”
S – “We’re clear, I’m outside. Are you watching The Tudors again?”
E – “Yep. Bad?”
S – “You know Hitler?”
E – “Not on a first name basis, but yes, I’m familiar with him.”
S – “Imagine him with long brown hair staring at you while you’re trying to eat a salad.”
E – “Is this with or without the mustache?”
S – “You need to come get me.”
E – “You don’t think they’re going to see through that?”
S – “I know. I hate you.”
E – “You like this guy right?”
S – “I’m eating dinner with his mother, I think that’s a definite sign.”
E – “Well, it’s not like you had much choice in the matter, but you seem to like the guy and you glow when you come home and you’re all happy giddy Sketch all the time. He seems worth all this and you don’t want to throw that away because you can’t stand to be in the same room with his mother for more than an hour, do you?”
S – “No.”
E – “So just finish the salad-”
S – “But she’s staring at me!”
E – “Then stare back!”
S – “What if her jaw unhinges and she bites off my head?”
E – “Well, then we’re screwed cause I’m already decapitated.”
S – “Who will drive us to the hospital?”
E – “Plantman?”
S – “Maybe.”
E – “Oh, is he not on our side anymore?”
S – “Undetermined. But he can’t think it’s going well, right? I mean, when your mother grills your dates about their personal lives and finds a way to make every answer sound like they’re a hillbilly with no hope or future do you think it’s going well?”
E – “Don’t know, haven’t really had a relationship that’s lasted longer than a mento so there’s been no need for introductions.”
S – “That’s cause you’re a commitment-phobe.”
E – “Look who’s talking.”
S – “Hey, I’m here aren’t I?”
E – “Yes, but you don’t want to be. Just breathe, go back inside, finish the salad and say it’s a school night so you need to get back to work on lesson plans. Which it is, and you do. I’ll see you when you get home.”
S – “If I don’t jump out on the interstate first.”
E – “Don’t jump out on the interstate – drive a motorcycle and get someone to door you, it’s a much better way to go.”
S – “Alright. I’m going back in. Thanks.”
E – “Anytime. By the way, was that a ‘parlay’ at the end of that text?”
S – “I thought it was fitting.”
E – “I think we found our new codeword.”

BTW that phone call actually happened. My college roommate coded me and I responded with a decapitated rambling.

It was quite fascinating really.

Alright, that's all I got. I hope you all had an awesome Monday.

Music and I'm out.

Follow Your Arrow - Kacey Musgraves


not bad.

This is geopolitics, not couples therapy.

So apparently Omaha is going to the Superbowl.

Which makes me feel obligated to cheer for the Broncos.

If that makes sense.

Apparently he calls the play "Omaha" a lot and people from Nebraska are going nuts and giving a bunch of money to charity every time he yells it.

It's kind of a big deal.

Not that I was big fan of Seattle, but I can honestly say I have never before cheered for the Broncos and it will be a totally new experience.

Broncos were my ex's team, if you couldn't figure that out.

I was always more of a Titans girl, but they sucked it up this year so they had no chance.

Current boyfriend really doesn't give a crap about pro football, or college really just the Huskers, so I don't even know if we'll watch it. We did last year for the commercials.

But I'm pretty sure at least 70% of the viewers only do watch it for the commercials.

Don't give me that look, you're probably one of them.

Anyway, it'll be interesting for sure.

And I guess Nebraska was gonna be featured anyway since we made that Pepsi commercial.



Look it's Bruce Lee.

Or Lee Brice, sorry Sketch.

I think if I say it enough times she'll get mad enough to drive all the way down here just to smack me.

From Illinois.

Anyway, they filmed it here in like 15 degree weather so... looking forward to seeing that finished product.

Whatever, what else?

I'm jamming at the farmhouse. Going back at some point tomorrow cause we got the hockey game tomorrow night.

Slept in this morning, ate good food, watched some TV, just jammed out. It was nice to get away from everything for a couple of days.

Mom and I watched some Castle, Major Crimes, and Hollywood Game Night.

I about had a heart attack when I realized both Alyssa Milano and Paget Brewster were on in the same episode, though on opposing teams. Which sucked. Alyssa won, btw. And next week is Angie Harmon. Which means my screams will be louder and more frequent. Perhaps I should prepare the neighbors.

I'm a nerd, get used to it.

And then Lola Glaudini - aka Elle Greenaway - was on Castle, another Criminal Minds alum. Gotta love it. Though I guess Paget is coming back for the 200th cause JJ got kidnapped. Which means I may have to actually watch that one.

I'm way behind.

But I was lazy today. To be fair I was more active yesterday. Work then out with the boyfriend. We saw Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.



It was alright. Interesting seeing the director play the bad guy. Scale of Awesome says 6/10. It would have been better if the guy behind us stopped talking and the guy in front of us got off Facebook.

For serious.

That's really all I remember about yesterday.

No wait, the cops were called cause of a drunk guy.

And this other guy continues to follow me around.

More on that later.

I'm zonked. Gonna crash. Hope you all had an awesome holiday.

Song of the Day:

Your Woman - White Town


one of my favorite songs from the 90's. which makes me sad cause the boyfriend had never heard of it. i can't believe i haven't posted this recently, i've heard it over and over.

if you don't know, become educated, it is wicked.

and i'm out.

Oh, did anyone watch SNL? Loving the new girl! Drake wasn't bad either.

"Camera adds 10 pounds." "What's your excuse for the other 20?"

Post #998

Ridiculous, I'm aware.

So Bruce Lee was in Nebraska today.

Sorry, Lee Brice.

Whoever that is.

I keep calling him Bruce Lee cause it's easier to remember.

Plus it makes Sketch mad cause she's a fan.

There was this big secret concert in Milligan cause it's halfway between LA and NY. It's part of Pepsi's halftime series. Anyway it was a big secret as to who was gonna perform, there were rumors of Bruno Mars, Keith Urban, and then someone thought they saw Faith Hill in G-Town so everyone thought it was her or Tim McGraw and then it's Bruce Lee.

Sorry, Lee Brice.

Who the crap is Lee Brice?

Anyway, it helped us decide whether we were going or not.

Country twang, that we don't know, in 15 degree whether...yeah no.

Sorry if you're a fan.

And yes I am a country girl and grew up on country music, but the country music that I grew up on was so much different than what plays nowadays.

I'm a fan of 80's-90's country, but not so much of today's.

But that's okay, the people that did go seemed pretty excited about it.

And I was just happy to be inside in the warm.

Today actually was pretty good.

Slept in - 'til like 10 - made waffles with my new wafflemaker - they were awesome - watched NCIS marathon - well, like 2 episodes, I didn't realize Grimm's royal captain was part of Paula Cassidy's team, yay Sasha Roiz - did movie night with the teens - we watched the Hobbit part 1, well half of us did - then date night with the boyfriend - Grudge Match.

The Hobbit was interesting. They're teens so of course they don't actually watch the movie at a movie night, actually half of them did while the other half sat in the corner and screamed every time someone came up accidentally in the elevator.

Though it was usually just the security guard.

The corner group was fine, except they're the ones that wanted to watch the Hobbit, while the rest of us were for Princess Bride and got out-voted.

We should have switched it out and see if they noticed.

After movie night I went out to see the boyfriend. We saw Grudge Match.



It was...alright. Scale of Awesome says 6/10.

My problem is that I love De Niro but hate Stallone and in the movie De Niro is a jerk and Stallone is the nice guy you're supposed to root for so I couldn't get into it.

After that we went out for supper, watched part of Star Wars 5, then he went to work and I came back to my big fat cat.

En route I talked to Sketch, hence the Bruce Lee frustration.

And that was my day.

I'm hoping tomorrow is good as well, though apparently this whole week is gonna be freezing cold. Ugh.

On to the music: More of my favorites from 2013.

Radioactive - Imagine Dragons


mostly love Will Champlin's version of this, but the original is good too.

Just Give Me a Reason - Pink ft. Nate Ruess


love them.

out.

"I have to work to keep this figure." "You don't work very hard."

Sketch just called my new hair style "tame" and "classy". If you've seen my current hair style you may not characterize it as those things, but that just means you haven't seen my previous hair colors.

She labeled my old hair colors as "screw you society". I guess this is a bit more reserved than previously.

It's also way short, but I'm getting used to it.


So, as most of you know by now we didn't end up going to the graduation service as planned due to mad weather in Missouri.

However, it didn't stop us from celebrating here.

And it was kind of nice to have a lazy weekend to fall back on.

I got off of work at 3 on Friday so I came home and took a nap - it was glorious - did some laundry then the boyfriend came up and we watched White House Down.



Scale of Awesome 8/10. I liked it. I've actually wanted to see it for a while. I didn't realize Maggie Gyllenhaal was in it. She was great.

So that was Friday, Saturday the boyfriend took me out for lunch.

Well, brunch.

No, it was lunch.

But it was breakfast at lunch.

What constitutes brunch exactly?

Anyway, breakfast/lunch and then we went shopping.

Well, we wandered the aisles of Menards for a while looking for presents for him.

I am now officially done with all my Christmas shopping.

Minus my cat, that is.

Still have to get him toys to go in his stocking.

Though I won't put them in until last minute cause otherwise he'll try to knock it down like last year.

Cat nip.


After that we met up with my family - Cool Aunt and son included - for dinner.

What is ironic is that originally I was supposed to be spending the weekend with my parents, boyfriend, and Second Sister's family in Missouri.

What really happened is that I had supper with my brother's family yesterday then my Oldest Sister's family today, completely missing Second Sister's family all together.

Weirdness.

After dinner we went to his place, watched the VH1 countdown and some of Larry The Cable Guy's Christmas special - welcome to Nebraska - before I headed back.


Today was Bubby's Christmas program so went to that this morning, dinner with Oldest Sister's family as mentioned and then - because I had nothing else to do, huzzah for lazy weekends - I came back to my apartment watched more of Arrow season one - made it to disc 3 and loving it - and took a nap.

Oh and played Angry Birds on my new iPad Air. Graduation present from Mom to replace the one I had as a GA after I had to give it back when my job was done.

I now have far too much time on my hands, I think I played that and Hearts for like 2 hours.

See what I'm turning into?

It's okay, work tomorrow will fix that. Gotta get ready for Christmas - sorry, can't say Christmas - Holiday Party for my teens. The joys of working for the City.

Anyway, the Holiday Party is this upcoming weekend right before my graduation party so I'll be all celebrated out by midnight.


Quotes of the Weekend:

Brother: "That's an ugly seven."

Boyfriend: "I have to work to keep this figure."
Nephew: "You don't work very hard."

President: “We got some knives in the kitchen.”
Kale: “WHAT?” 
President: “They're big knives.” 
Kale: “Great, you can make me a sandwich.”


To be truthful I'm kind of glad I didn't go to the ceremony. It would have sucked to drive that far in that weather, plus you have to wait in line to be announced and since it was an online school I didn't know anyone anyway.

This way they'll mail me my diploma and I'll celebrate my way with my friends and family next weekend.

Should be fun.

Alright, on to Christmas Music that Doesn't Suck: Day Two

Today's songs are:

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer - Jesse Hite


2011 it was Elmo and Patsy, 2012 it was them 30 years later

even though the world seems to hate this song i'm posting it anyway cause i like it. and this kid is actually pretty good. he did this 365 days of music where he covers something new every day, it's pretty cool.

oh my god he covers what does the fox say? weirdness. Everybody Talks and Pretty Woman are probably my favorite of his covers.


Little Drummer Boy - Pentatonix


2011 it was Sean Kingston, 2012 it was Kevin McHale

i posted one by these guys last year so i can officially say i was a fan before they got big. they're all over the place now. yes they seem like big nerds but it works for them.


Santa Baby - Megan Nicole


2011 it was PCD, 2012 it was Eartha Kitt

elf selfie anyone? i enjoy that he proposes and she walks away. crazy cool voice for a kid.

you may know her from some of her covers: Lazy Song, Never Getting Back Together, and Payphone, all have view counts in the millions. my favorite is probably Just Give Me a Reason.


2011 Day Two - "That's just Joe's Finger and Pandemonium"
2012 Day Two - So hurry down the chimney tonight.

legit pre-midnight post, holy crap tag in use.

Turtledove - Is it a turtle that can fly or a bird that has a shell?

No.

I don't have the flu.

This headache, exhaustion, and feel of utter despair are only allowed to be temporary.

I have graduation this weekend, I'm not allowed to be sick.

It's all mental, right?

Either way it's 10:30 and I'm going to bed.

It's not that I don't love you all, and want to amuse you with my ramblings, but I literally feel like crap and it's hazing my memory from today.

I remember....work.

I was there.

And then I wasn't.

And then I was on the phone with Sketch for a while.

And then I wasn't.

Then I watched The Voice.

My top pick made it to the final, huzzah Tessanne. First time since season three when my top pick won it all - go Cassadee. She made a guest appearance tonight and rocked it.

That's all I remember, aside from cheering that Will joined her. And Jacquie, Jacquie's good too. But I was stoked for Will, but sad for James.

That's all I remember.

No, there was drunken dancing Marcia Gay-Harden.

Which means I watched Trophy Wife after the Voice.

I don't remember. It's all a blur. I fell asleep. But then I was awake. I don't know, I took cough medicine. Now I'm going to bed. Will see how I'm feeling tomorrow.

Song of the Day:



what's a partridge?

maybe another one for my "12 days of xmas music that doesn't suck" list.

hm.

out.

so excuse me forgetting, but these things i do. you see i've forgotten if they're green or they're blue.

Today.

Geez.

Can finally sit still and you know breathe normally.

I was all over the place today.

Worked the desk in the morning and then the afternoon was all about party prep for tomorrow.

I'm taking 17 teens to see Catching Fire. And getting paid to do it.

Best job ever.

Thankfully there will also be 2 other adults there.

Anyway, this afternoon I got to shop for supplies. One of my kids is gluten and soy free so I had to go to a bakery to get special cupcakes which I still have to pick up tomorrow morning. Then I ran to Target which didn't have yarn or popsicle sticks, which meant I had to go to Michaels. And then I forgot about apple juice so I had to go to Walgreens. Somewhere in there I also stopped for lunch - this was all in a 90 minute period. Got back in time to work the youth services desk and spent it cutting yarn for the obstacle course. Then I attempted to make an example bow and arrow our of a popsicle stick and dental floss...4th time was the charm but I did it! Successfully. You know, 4 times later.

I'll post pictures tomorrow, they're pretty cool. I'm sure theirs will turn out better than mine, I'm not crafty at all.

No, seriously, I have no art skills whatsoever. I can write but that's it. Okay, I draw mazes to. And give them to people. But those don't count.

Physical crafts like that paper mache tiger thing are just a disaster. I leave all that artsy stuff to Sketch.

Anyway, so I have my crafts prepped, I have my food bought/ordered.

Came home to watch the Hunger Games - I was gonna read Catching Fire but I decided to watch the movie instead cause I want to be surprised.

Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm a bad librarian cause I haven't read the book.

I read the first one back in college before it was popular and then bought the rest of the series. Then I started work at the library and recommended it to people and then everyone I rec'd to read it and the rest of the series before I even got a chance to start on the 2nd one. And then I started classes so textbooks and articles were enough reading for me.

But, I'm doing an experiment with this one.

The first movie was okay, but I was sad cause it left a bunch of stuff out that was in the book.

Now, if I don't read the book beforehand I don't know the storyline and therefore I don't know what they're leaving out so I can judge the movie as just the movie instead of being disappointed like I am with every other book that's been turned into a movie.

And speaking of books being made into movies, another one is coming out soon - The Book Thief. Totally 10/10 on the Scale of Awesome for that book. I'm stoked. I loved that book. I actually read that one for the same class that I read the Hunger Games for. Oh yeah and the Hunger Games was also a 10/10. Other books we read for that class were: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian 8/10, Monster by Walter Dean Myers 7/10, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close 4/10 I hated that book and Twilight another 4/10.

Yes, I read Twilight. Let me rephrase that, myself and 30 of my classmates were forced into reading Twilight. Sorry Sketch, just wasn't for me.

I miss those lit classes, those were fun.

But when you're an English major you're also taking like 3 of them at a time so it's a lot of books. Explains why I have so many shelves of them in my apartment.

Okay, so I watched the Hunger Games and submitted my homework. Now I'm off to bed because tomorrow is a huge day with the party and the concert.

Gonna be wicked.


Your Song - Elton John


tomorrow...

legit pre-midnight post, holy crap tag in use.

Take me to the church on Cumberland Road.

Okay, I'm lame.

It's 10:30 and I'm ready for bed.

I don't know what's going on but yesterday and today I've just been dead tired.

It may have something to do with the fact that half of my family is sick and we had a farm meeting Thursday night.

Yes, a farm meeting.

It's really more like dinner and we talk about farm stuff. Well, my brother talks about farm stuff with his fancy maps and statistics while the rest of us nod every few minutes.

Joking, the guys talk a lot too.

Oh, I'm a farm girl if you didn't know that already. And we own land so every few months we meet and talk about farm stuff.

Anyway, ever since I've had no energy whatsoever, but you can't call in sick on a weekend cause we're already short staffed.

And speaking of being short staffed I actually got to spend the day covering at the home branch - where I ran into Sensei.

We were surprisingly busy, though it was an away game so I guess that's not completely surprising.

After work I had enough energy to get groceries, take out the trash, and attempt to make brownies without burning down the apartment before I crashed and burned.

It wasn't the same without Sketch here to criticize-I mean supervise...me.

But they did turn out okay.

Now I'm crashed on the couch, but there are football games galore so it's not really all that bad.

So excited the Huskers won. Was not expecting that whatsoever.

I think that's going to be my mindstate for the rest of the season. Just assume we'll lose and hope I'm wrong.

Now it's Dame vs. Pitt. Go Irish.

Intentional grounding, sad day.

Flipping back and forth between that and the Bama game.

They hosed my Tigers.

I forgot how much I love watching college football.

I used to watch pro too - Titans mostly - but it's not the same.

All about the money instead of the game.

As mentioned, I'm boring tonight, I'm sorry.

Think I'm going to crash before I go off on another tangent.

Hope you're feeling better than I am.


Church on Cumberland Road - Shenandoah


classic country. got my car back but i'm missing the xm radio that my mom's had.

speaking of churches, so at said farm meeting bunch of my family is there and one of my younger nieces comes up to me and says, "are you married yet?" "no." "well, when are you gonna ask him?" #girlpower

If that question was my job it would have happened a while ago.

but...not like i'm going anywhere. it'll happen eventually.

i'm out. legitimate pre-midnight post, holy crap tag in use.

"I can't speak Spanish. I can't dance the salsa." "I did a 360 for you!"

Today was fun. Spent the morning at the work branch and the afternoon at the home branch.

It made the day fly by fairly quickly.

After work I went grocery shopping for the first time in weeks, cleaned my apartment and talked to Sketch.

For like 2 hours. Whilst shopping and then unloading the car. I plugged in my headphones and put the phone in my pocket so she had to do all the talking.

She probably likes it better that way.

Watched the Voice, did some homework, now I'm exhausted and headed to bed.

Hope your day was as rockstar as mine was.

Here are two of my favorites from tonight.

Bailamos - Michael Lynch


love his shakira impression.

"i can't speak spanish. i can't dance the salsa."

really thinking xtina is gonna win it this year for real.


Catch My Breath - Grey


i'm sorry but that's hilarious. "i did a 360 for you!" poor blake.

finishing up my top 20, will post it before battles begin.


i know, i have almost nothing to post about when it's not date night. i'm boring like that. but i did get to jam with my boss for a while talking about my fear of needles and blood, and this morning i did yet another display so it was eventful even though this post suggests otherwise.

"He about sang soprano on that one..."

Saturday:

It was gameday in L-Town which means the library was dead. Which is okay every once in a while cause then I can work on projects and book displays. Plus we have fun keeping up with the score. This was a good one, 59-20. Got to do my victory dance.

After work I met up with the boyfriend and we went to the races. A different track this time and it was pretty fun.

I have a new favorite driver.

Never thought I'd say that.

Felt like I should get a shirt to match the crowd surrounding me.

Never thought I'd say that either.

But I held off. It's not like I would wear it to anything other than the races and since winter is coming that's basically over.

Sketch thinks it's funny that I'm going to races after she's done having to go to them.

Sketch is my best friend from college, and neither of us are race fans.

It's not that we're girly girls, we both grew up on farms, but you know, it just wasn't something we would ever go to. Then suddenly we both find ourselves dating these race-obsessed boys who drag us there.

Okay, technically I wasn't dragged, and technically hers is more obsessed since he has his own car and driver, but now I find myself becoming a fan.

I'm fine I promise, don't send an ambulance to make sure I don't have head trauma. It's just really interesting to people watch.

Granted we're in the middle of Nebraska so I'm used to seeing a bunch of rednecks, but these are serious rednecks. And drunk rednecks who yell and spill beer and all that.

Plus I like to watch them crash.

Which makes me a horrible person, I know, cause what if someone dies, etc. etc. But don't lie, that's what you look forward to too.

So that was Saturday.

Sunday:

So originally I had two big sporty things going today. If you can call golf a sport. It's more like an activity.

Think I might have lost some diehard golf fans there. SKIP!

But really, it's kind of like cheerleading.

Okay, it's the opposite to cheerleading, but similar to cheerleading it's not really a sport. It's an activity.

Think I lost some cheerleaders there.

Anyway, so we were supposed to golf in this tournament this afternoon but then a church member died and Pastor had to stay back and since 2G would be lost without our Fearless Leader we decided to skip out and run errands instead. I got groceries. Huzzah. Watched some Grimm season two and took a nap.

For like 20 minutes before driving out to play softball.

First game of the season since last week's got rained out.

I'm stoked, we're all pumped, and then the game is about to start and we only have 8 players.

So we're like...well, crap.

So, the Methodists being nice sent over 2 of their players to play on our team.

One of which was our neighbor. Which I didn't realize cause I haven't seen him in like decades and decades.

To be fair, neighbors when you live on a farm aren't 10 feet from you, they're more like a mile from you. Plus he didn't have kids my age so why would I know him anyway?

They also gave us a pitcher.

Who - and this is amusing - only made 1 real defensive play the entire game and it was to throw his wife out at first.

So he was walking home and/or sleeping in the truck.

Thankfully we play best when we're scrappy and were able to pull it off 13-10. Even though we were behind for most of the game, our lineup was way weird, our field positions were way weird, and we had a dude from their team pitching. Thankfully he didn't walk a lot of people cause he's a good guy.

It was actually a really intense game. We play really well in the beginning and the end, that's always our theme. Not sure what happens in the middle, but that's when they always catch up with us.

We started out 2 up, then went up to 4, then they tied us at 4, then after some homeruns they took the lead with 9 which we came back to tie...like 3 innings later...then they got another and I thought we were screwed but last at bat Pastor got a 2 run homerun and then Steve O got a 2 run homerun and we held them so we pulled it off.

Barely.

I really like to hit off this pitcher cause he throws it backward so there's a spin on it.

Well, not backward, but like you know how underhand pitch usually looks like, but he throws it differently with a backspin and I can smack the crap out of it.

I had a really good one over center early on.

It was actually amusing cause I was walking to the plate and on a whim I said something like "help me out here grandpa" and then just killed it.

So I know what to do now in clutch situations.

Granted he was a pitcher, but still. Family legend says he was set to go pro and the day before he was gonna start he got hit by a foul ball and there that went.

I'm hoping next year we'll have the whole gang back together.

It's not the same without all of Who's Steve there to celebrate the good plays.

Though it was amusing to watch Favorite Sister-In-Law jump up and down after she caught the ball and then watch my brother run over and jump up and down like a girl as well.

And that's all I got for this weekend. Exhausted and it's back to work tomorrow so I'm gonna crash.

Song of the Day:

We Like To Party - Vengaboys


"who sings this song?" x4 "the vengaboys!" x4


Oh, and the title quote for this post was after my brother hit himself with a foul ball.

Like I'd ever dry myself with something that has a possessive pronoun on it.

You knew it was gonna be an off day when I woke up an hour early to go to work early and sit in the basement jamming to Red Solo Cup with the Queen of the Known Universe.

My mother would be so proud.

She loves that song.

Husker gameday.

As a fan I love it.

As someone who works downtown where they sell my parking lot out to the public even though I've already paid for it I'm not so much of a fan.

So, woke up way early - cause it was a morning game - got my coffee from the vending machine and jammed in the basement listening to country music.

She had the same plan that I did and actually got there about half an hour earlier than me.

Jammed for a while before heading upstairs for actual work.

Where it was dead.

We joked in the morning about how many people were going to come in today.

I said 20.

Though when they changed that to how many not including those just on the internet or just to use the bathroom my number changed to 2.

My 2 volunteers.

It was a sad day for Husker Nation.

We're were rocking, up 21-3 at one point and then the second half came and they beat us 41-21.

Eerily similar to last year's game against them, though this time it was in our house.

Was totally bummed.

As was most of Nebraska I'm sure.

We're all nerds like that.

BUT I got to spend the last part of my day at the home branch with the Queen of Awesome so it evened out.

Now I'm at home with tomorrow off!

Softball game in the afternoon, the first of our regular season.

Though I guess our regular season has been cut down to just us vs. the Methodist's 3 times.

The other flavor Lutherans are scared of us and the E-Free don't have enough players.

Or at least that's the story I'm telling people.

I'll miss being mercenaries while playing on their team.

But it's on for tomorrow man!

Though, whilst comparing war wounds yesterday with my brother - he slid too - I was reminded I should wear pants so as not to break open my leg yet again.

He did it once and complained about how gross it is then called me crazy cause he would never do it again yet I continue to do it every year.

So. Pants.

Fine.

Sketch wins.

I predict a college anecdote is headed my way soon.

And I'm out.

I will deny this later.



Back to Big Bang Theory.

I love Sheldon.

Good morning, Team Awesome! So good he had to catch it twice.

Ah, church league softball.

Today was the 2nd Annual WELS Area Softball Tournament, and we dominated.

Last year's was a lot of fun - Unhook the Plow - but this year was extra special because we beat the team that beat us twice a month ago.

Sort of.

I mean, we did beat them.

In the morning.

However, we tied them in the afternoon.

But that's more of a longer story. I'll get there.

So, morning game against Plymouth - a developing rivalry - as mentioned, they beat us twice last month but this was our turf, our field, our team, our... whatever, you get the point. So it was on. And you knew it was on when Pastor showed up and greeted us with, "Good morning, Team Awesome!"

Homey G and I had planned to go early to warm up so I was there half an hour early followed closely by Megz and Tyler.

We threw the ball around for a while until the rest of the team joined us then headed in for the big game. A few changes to the lineup, this time Scuba Steve-O was working so he couldn't make it but we were joined by Tash - one of my old play kids - and Jordan who's Pastor's brother-in-law.

Both were welcomed and both showed some serious skills throughout the day so we're keeping them.

Our first challenge of the day?

The lineup.

We didn't have paper, so what do I flail to when I don't have paper?

That's right, my phone.

Make fun all your want, real life big brother, it was the ONLY PAPER WE HAD!

Until Tyler went to his car, got an old bill and we wrote on the back of that.

We switched it up a bit. I realized that we were putting most of our power hitters in a row so we spaced them out and it turned out really well. We won the first game like 9-5 or something like that. I should have written it down on my electronic paper, sorry.

All I cared about was that we won, which sounds horrible, but when you're playing your rivals that's all you would care about too.

After that victory they played Kearney/Grand Island. Two churches who had formed into one team, cause they didn't have enough people interested. Plymouth won like 19-10 and then we took a lunch break.

Jim O makes a mean burger, especially when you top it with sauteed onions and surround it with chips, watermelon, potato salad and deviled eggs.

I ate far too much which I didn't realize until we were out on the field again.

We were worried because the K/GI team had 7 guys and only 4 girls, but it actually worked out okay cause we won our afternoon game against them as well. We're nice and didn't make them take an out every time two men batted in a row.

That's the rule for our slow pitch league, you have to alternate boy/girl when you bat, along with each man can only hit one home run per game, however a woman can hit as many as she wants.

This game had a bit of a bigger spread than the morning one. They were up 2-0 after their first bat but then we batted all the way around the order right after that. Becky being the first out then someone else being the second and then around to Becky again who claimed the third out.

We gave her crap about that for the rest of the day.

But it's okay cause she gave us crap right back.

After that it was Plymouth again for the re-match.

We were zonked from our previous game, but knew that this would be the game of the day so we put our game faces on.

We were ahead for most of the game but they made a comeback around the 5th inning. Then it was tied 9-9. Until around the 11th inning when it was tied 10-10, until around the 15th inning when we said, um, okay. Let's call it a draw.

We're only supposed to play 7 innings.

But we're competitive so we had to keep going until there was a winner.

However, 4:15 rolled around and Pastor had to leave at 4:30 and when the other team's pastor wouldn't agree to a footrace against our Pastor to determine the winner we decided to leave it as a tie.

Which means next year it's gonna be even more of a rivalry.

But I claimed us the champions since we had beat them that morning.

I had some good hits throughout the day. Getting on base more than getting out, which is always the goal. Actually, I think the entire day I only got out three times. Which is pretty good since we played three games and they had some wicked good fielders on each team.

But so did we. And I got to be in the outfield with Pastor, Tash and my brother. I switched off innings with Megz until I was sidelined for an injury, though I still batted.

An injury which I'm sure you all expected.

The obligatory "I slid and broke my leg open again" one.



Woops.

6 years and counting.

Or is it 7?

Same spot, same leg, 7 years and counting.

And usually the same base - stupid second.

The problem with this year's though was that when I broke it open it wasn't all that bad. Jim O cleaned it and I went back in the game.

But you know me, I slid again, breaking it back open and then it was just gross.

Instead of having him clean it again, cause it hurts, I went home to take a shower.

Which ended up hurting even worse.

But now it's clean and all wrapped up.

Though tomorrow I'll have to wake up early to re-do it I'm sure.

Ugh.

I know, I know, I bring it on myself. And I'll get yelled at tomorrow by not only Sketch - who I'm surprised hasn't "middle-named" me yet, but also Queen of the Known Universe and the Queen of Awesome.

Who's exact words when I told her I'd be playing softball this weekend were "try not to rip open you leg again."

Sorry.

My bad.

To be fair it is tradition.

You'd think I'd have enough scar tissue built up by now.

Anyway, it was a great day.

"Who's Steve" dominated. Go here for the team name explanation if you don't already know.

And we're having t-shirts made for our regular season which hopefully starts soon.



Quotes of the Day:

Pastor: "Good morning, Team Awesome!"

Me: "It's the only paper we had!"

Mike: "Anything that can move without feet freaks me out."

Pastor: "So good he caught it twice."

and then a completely unrelated one,

Me: "Your couch is unplugged?"

ask Mom about that one.


Song of the Day: Song You Know But Forgot You Knew It

All I Really Want - Alanis Morissette


heard this one on the way there this morning and have been singing it ever since.

classic Alanis.


Now I'm off to re-wrap my leg before crashing and hard. I'm exhausted. Half and half day tomorrow which means I'll be on my feet the whole afternoon. Gonna need all the sleep I can get.

Legitimate pre-midnight post. Holy crap tag in use.

The human torch was denied a bank loan.

I love my boyfriend in the mornings.

I'm going to work. 

Okay. 

You want to keep sleeping?

Okay. 

Can you bring me my keys at work?

Okay. 

I laid you out a towel and toothbrush. 

Okay. Thank you honey. 

And then he was gone.

Though he did get up to lock the door after I left.

Cause he's sweet like that.

It's funny though cause he makes fun of me for not being a morning person.

I feel bad making him live normal people hours on the weekends - though this one was his choice - because then he has to go into work on Sunday nights.

I met the other side of his family last night, his cousin owns a bar and all the other cousins got together and brought food and did a potluck sort of thing at the bar.

I was all like nervous the entire day at work. Pretty sure BossLady and Queen of the Known Universe - aka my Work Mom - were making fun of me cause I was all paranoid about meeting them.

But it was good, it actually went really well. They were really laid back and I actually knew a couple of them from camp cause their kid goes.

And his brother and sister-in-law were there so we jammed with them and actually went out with them afterward.

Made for a late night so he stayed over and slept all day when I was at work.

Came home, brought him supper, we watched Anchorman and then he headed back to go to work.



I own it but haven't seen it since high school. Scale of Awesome says 7/10. The second one looks funny, have you seen the cast list? Go here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1229340/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast serious amounts of cameos in this one.


My cat is currently going psycho and I have no idea what's going on. Like he keeps running back and forth in front of me and making strange noises.

I can't tell if he's chasing a bug or having a panic attack.

Can cats have panic attacks?

Is that normal behavior? I mean, he does it all the time, but do normal cats do that or is it just mine?

Should I get him a shrink?

Do they have shrinks for cats?

They had one for a dog on Castle.

Maybe I should look into that.


Anyway, those were the real highlights from this weekend aside from working with an awesome crew and then tonight's 2 hour conversation with Sketch.

I had this flashback to college cause I swear like 98% of tonight's conversation was about boyfriends. Anyway, in college freshman year I was on the way back to the dorms with Sketch and Schwartz and Lindz and we were talking about guys and I was like, "Remember earlier when we didn't talk about guys. Let's go back to that." *silence* "What did we used to talk about?" *more silence*

Was good to catch up.

And now I'm off to bed.

My goal is to get up before noon and then do homework all day.

Wish me luck.

On to the music:

It's official, there's a video!

Acapella - Karmin


yes i've posted this song like 5 times in three weeks, but it's official cause the video is now out!

and is awesome.

the toast thing amuses me.

okay, i promise not to post the song again for another month.

how's that?

here are the real songs of the day.

both from soundtracks and both for no reason whatsoever, just got into my head and wouldn't leave.






i was going nuts.



here's another soundtrack for you:



"that's not a good start but, keep going."

out.

"But I would watch Johnny Depp peel potatoes so..."

The Old New Guy and I were debating if we want to see Lone Ranger or not.

Another coworker said it was great, but everyone else that's seen it said it wasn't his best and then the boyfriend doesn't want to see it cause of the train inadequacies - don't ask.

It was pretty much a no-brainer debate though cause we both like Johnny Depp - him saying the title to this post was seriously the highlight of my entire day cause it was amusing and cause I would probably watch him peel potatoes too. I know Sketch would.

Maybe I'll take Squirt if she hasn't seen it already.


Frantic at the moment about the homework for this second class due July 26th. Looked at the assignments and it's making my head hurt.

Though that may be a combination of the fact that I felt sickish all day today and yesterday and that I've been staring at this screen for like 4 hours straight.

I'm hoping I'll feel better after some sleep but it's highly doubtful.

For the class it's like one big encyclopedia entry assignment made up of all these tiny components.

And then like these reading guide quiz things. Which should take like 5 minutes but you have to read all these articles and watch all these clips for the answers.

Hence the screen staring for all these hours.

Plus there was camp stuff before that.

But I'm confused cause there are two unit 1 quizzes and I found all the answers for the one that I thought I was supposed to do but what if it's the other one and then I'll have to start over again. She only lists one in the gradebook and the site has been having issues since the course started so I keep bombarding her with emails.

She probably thinks that I'm an idiot cause I'm sure everyone else in the class is done by now but not everyone else in the class works 40 hours, is taking other classes, and is attempting to direct a summer camp. Amongst other priorities.

Anyway, so they should take 5 minutes but they don't and then there's this massive encyclopedia entry thing where we pick a topic and write up its history and cite a bunch of crap - am debating topics. I'm thinking either Project Gutenberg or Charles Perrault.

Those are worthy of encyclopedia entries right?

For those of you who don't know Project Gutenberg is a Digital Library where you can read a bunch of free eBooks go here: http://www.gutenberg.org/ and Charles Perrault is the father of fairy tales.

The original ones where everyone dies horrible deaths.

Anyway, after all the screen-staring I'm just frustrated and zonked and feel like I've made no progress whatsoever.

So I'm going to bed before I get even more ranty.


Heard this one on the way home and now find it fitting.

Good Time - Leroy (acoustic)


Funny story is that last time I posted this song was in another freak out entry but for last fall with the 3 classes and GA thing.

That was nothing compared to this upcoming fall.


Is that all I do anymore? Just freak out on here?

Perhaps it's time for a break.

legitimate pre-midnight post, holy crap tag in use.

"and there ain't nothing i can do about it."

And I find it kind of funny I find it kind of sad The dreams in which I'm dying Are the best I've ever had.

Another season of American Ninja Warrior comes to NBC?

When was the first season?

And why?!

I know that you probably don't care, but this was epic.



And you should rejoice.

Because it's the finals, meaning after tomorrow you won't have to read my rambles on the Voice until next season!

When Xtina and Cee-Lo return!

I will miss Shakira though.

Maybe even Usher.

Okay, so here is my lineup for the last time.

Red = Adam
Green = Blake
Blue = Usher
Purple = Shakira

Judith Hill

Jess Kellner

Midas Whale

Caroline Glaser

Monique Abbadie

Sasha Allen

Michelle Chamuel

Sarah Simmons

Christian Porter

Jessica Childress

Jeff Lewis

Jacqui Sandell

Karina Iglesius

Holly Tucker

Garrett Gardner 

Danielle Bradbery

Amber Carrington

Savannah Berry

Josiah Hawley

Audrey Karrasch

Artists left:

Team Blake:
Danielle Bradbery
Swon Brothers

Team Usher:
Michelle Chamuel

Both Adam and Shakira are out.

Which is interesting because they had Judith, Sarah and Sasha. Who should have won this whole thing.

Now I'm guessing Danielle is gonna win it.

I haven't checked iTunes or Facebook and I'm not even halfway through the episode yet but I know she's gonna win.

I'm rooting for her or Michelle.

If the Swon Brothers I'm gonna be pissed.

I just don't get them apparently.

But I like Danielle because she and Blake are bringing back classic country music

Timber, I'm Falling In Love


and she's got the power vocals to do it.

And I like Michelle because she's the awesome nerdy underdog.

I Knew You Were Trouble


4 Eyes on the Prize yeah man.

Okay, sorry, I missed it tonight so I'm watching it now.


Slept in, did homework, went in for two hours, headed out to see the boyfriend, got dinner, watched a movie, and now I'm back.


Smo came in today.

Was fun getting to see her again.

She met Wordie.

Smo was my high school roommate.

Well, one of them.

I was sort of a serial roommate-er I guess.

Freshman year I had....2,1,3 so 6, and then Sophomore year was just me and Smo, Junior was Smo, Shel and Juwanna and then Senior year was me and Juwanna.

So like 7 roommates.

But that's leaving out all the girls that Smo and I got stuck with Sophomore year.

Every time somebody came to visit the school or started and then stopped or whatever, they lived with us cause we were the um I guess the most school spirited ones?

Mrs. Gotta called us bubbly I believe.

Or maybe that was one of the girls she stuck with us, I can't remember.

Anyway, so it would be 7 but there were 3 others that came and went during that year alone so that makes 10.

Meaning there were only 3 female classmates I didn't room with.

The joys of a dorm high school.

Interesting because in all of college I only had 1 roommate.

Though I requested it that way.

Myers and I had a lot of fun Freshman year but after she got her own place I was good on my own.

Sketch and I decided if we lived together we'd kill each other.

Why yes, we are the best of friends.

But that's the problem.

We wanted to remain best friends.

And you don't do that when you're trapped in a room with someone every day.

Though she did steal my extra mattress frequently.


I really don't remember anything else about today.

Was nice to sleep in since I was up 'til like 4.

I enjoy those 2 hour shifts, however gonna change and do half hour lunches on the weekends I work instead because then I'll have 2 whole days off. Instead of 1 day and 6 hours.

Okay, I know, I'm boring.


We watched Magic Mike tonight.

It was...interesting.

Didn't get all the way through it, but I do like the guys in it - Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, etc.

Pretty sure his house is haunted though cause during the movie his pop like exploded all over the place.

So apparently the house is not a fan of exotic male dancing.

Which is fine with me.

And that's really I got for today.


Mad World - Gary Jules


I know some people prefer the original Tears for Fears version but I like this one much better.

Lyrics match up better with the tempo on this one than the funki-fied T4Fs version.

Plus the video is cooler.

I'm going to grandma's house and I'm bringing an abactor.

Now that's what I call a day off.

Grad school meeting this morning.

Comps review.

I don't take them 'til the fall but that's part of GA duties.

Met at a coffee shop, of course.

Got my usual chai tea latte in a to-go-cup.

Was there fairly early so played some hearts and jammed out in the corner.

After the meeting I came back, made some stir fry for lunch - okay so I poured a bag of stir fry into the skillet, heated it and then ate it but that counts as making it, right? - watched GI Joe - cause I will at some point see the sequel - and then took a nap.

It was glorious.

After that I turned on the SVU marathon - they have those a lot on USA, on the weekends its always either that or NCIS - added a fun word game to Facebook and did some writing.

The word game has exploded, thanks to some fun friends. Basically I say a statement and then a person says what's already on the list and then adds something of their own in alphabetical order.

So I started with: I'm going to grandma's house and I'm bringing an abactor.

Right now it's at:
I'm going to Grandma's and I'm bringing an abactor, a bridge, cribbage, a dolphin, eggplant, a feather duster, Gary Coleman, a horse, an ice sculptor, jello, Kalua, llamas, marshmallows, napkins, orange juice, pipe and a question.

and I'm going to add:
I'm going to Grandma's and I'm bringing an abactor, a bridge, cribbage, a dolphin, eggplant, a feather duster, Gary Coleman, a horse, an ice sculptor, jello, Kalua, llamas, marshmallows, napkins, orange juice, pipe, a question and a renegade.

Will go well with my abactor.

I know you're all running for a dictionary.

It's actually highly entertaining, will have to do some more.

Where was I?

Oh yeah, the writing.

Mostly Sketch and Edit.

But I'm not allowed to post them until I send physical copies to Sketch.

Or she would drive all the way out here just to beat me up.

Then get in the car and drive back so she could teach the next day.

Apparently her boyfriend, whom I shall call Plant Man - which makes sense but only if you've read Sketch and Edit's - found the SnE binder but she wouldn't let him see it.

Good plan.

Though they are all on here.

I should make a master list post with them all linked.

In order.

They're so scattered on here you'd have to dig through a bunch of pages just to find them.

And they go in spurts.

As I said, have to wait until I mail her some and I usually don't until I have a bunch.

Right now I have 4.

2 of which I'm still working on.

Well, I keep changing the others ones too.

But that's my fatal writing flaw, I'm always going back and fixing things.

Cause I don't like them.

And I never let anyone read my stuff, unless it's for a class.

But that was part of the deal. I had to write her stuff or she wouldn't draw me pictures anymore.

And thus Sketch and Edit was born.

And that was my day.

Oh, I did talk to Sketch for a couple hours tonight as well.

And the boyfriend is driving and will be home late late late tonight.

Which means I get to see him tomorrow.

Woohoo!

I know, I'm boring.

But it was an awesome day off.

Now I'm watching Bloopers.

I really hate Dean Cain.

He's so obnoxious.

And the hidden camera stuff makes me cringe.

But it's the closest to World's Dumbest I can get.

Without actually owning Tru TV.

Yep, gonna have to go up one so I can get Big Ten as well.

Alright, like I said, I'm boring so I'm gonna post some music and then crash.

Bad Moon Rising - CCR

Fun fact: apparently the refrain in the chorus is commonly misheard as "there's a bathroom on the right." So much so that Fogerty has sang it that way live for fun.

i remember karaoke-ing it with Delayed...Reaction - aka myself, Cory and then MAK who we wrote GADE for so she became a band member, and on the screen it showed "i hear the voice of raging ruin" and we all paused and went, "what the hell's a raging ruin?"

Hope you all had a good weekend!

and then you'll want the love you threw away before...

I'm tired of filling a tire that was supposedly fine a month ago!!

Broken it is.

Full of crap mechanic is.

Play nice or I go Yoda on your ass.

It gets really old really fast.

So, my week has been suckish.

Which you know already.

But today wasn't so bad.

Was almost incident free and I got to see the boyfriend.

But that's part of why the week is suckish, he's busy and I'm exhausted and freaking out about stupid stuff that's going to my head.

But apparently I'm a better actress than I thought cause I play it off fine.

IN FACT Bosslady actually used the words "chipper" and "perky" to describe me. Then she called me a cheerleader and I laughed in her face.

Then called Sketch who laughed in mine.

Cause if you know me know me, you know that I am none of those things.

It was my brother who brought it to my attention in the first place when I got two jobs at once with no experience.

"You must be a good actress."

But that's me. Be the person they want me to be, keep my head down and I'll be fine.

Not that there's anything wrong with cheerleaders, I may be marrying into a family filled with them sometime within the next 10 years.

I'm giving him 10 though with the rules of inflation he may only have 5 and some change.

Oldest Sister got married at 21.

Brother got married at 24.

Second Sister got married at 27.

With inflation that gives me until 30, right?

We'll see about that.

I mean, it's not as if I'm going anywhere so I'm fine with waiting, but there is such a thing as waiting too long.

Anyway, we watched Moonshiners.

My dad would be so proud.

And then some Die Hard.

Stoked for the new one!! He was making fun of it, saying they'd still be making Die Hard's when Bruce is old and in a wheelchair.

But I don't care cause they are all awesome. And now I'm tempted to watch the first one from the start. Do a marathon over the holiday weekend.

I'm off Monday and Tuesday!!

Technically we're only closed Monday but since I worked the weekend and did the party on Friday I'm taking my 2 days off and getting the heck out of dodge. Think gonna go crash at the farmhouse for a few days.

Gotta get out of here, clear my head and all that crap.

Ha! Sketch.

I didn't realize how often I used the phrase "and all that crap" until Sketch and I had this epiphany that if people overheard our conversations and how we ended them they'd think that we have no emotions whatsoever cause it's always "well i love you and all that crap. okay bye." or something to that effect.

But it's just our thing.

The thing and the thing.

She gets it.

I get it.

Like I said, not so chipper, perky, cheerleader, whatever on the inside.

Just on the outside at work.

Which I can do.

It's basically a job requirement.

Or as one of my grad school classmates put it, "Just don't be an asshole. That's my mission statement."

On to the music:

Keystar - Munchausen By Proxy

2:16 is still the best.

wish they made a complete album. granted half the soundtrack is theirs but still, they rock.

i need more keytar.

Final live appearance together

One Fine Day - The Chiffons

not bad for 49 years later.

i've watched that movie and listened to that soundtrack far too often but it popped up on shuffle on the ride back and i totally jammed out. almost missing the cop sitting in the middle of the road.

good thing i don't speed on the way back.

i go back and forth on which version is my favorite, but it's usually this one

One Fine Day - Natalie Merchant

pretty sure i posted this one back during Merchantfest but you're getting it again anyway.