Great Day Outside

It has been cold here and every day that we have had some hint of warmer weather has been a day that I have had to work. Our little fish pond needs a break. I'm sure our fishy would like to see some sun. I would like to see the sun. Today was supposed to be in the 5o's so I wanted to get outside.

This morning, Sadie and I were up at 8:30a and off to the trail. I have a great trail just steps from my sub-division. Together we walked three miles. She loved it and so did I.

When we got home, she wanted to stay out on the deck. There she was. Snoozing in the sun. I loved the morning walk. Cowboy had some friends on thier way today to spend the day with us. They got here at 11a and just left (6p). It was a good day. I'm alittle less stressed but know that I have to go to the office tomorrow to try to stay ahead of the trainwreck!

I'm going to get my invitations finished tonight. They are looking cute! Despite work, life is good.

Work....

Work...If you don't want to read me whine for a while, skip this blog and come back tomorrow, I promise I won't spend more time on this than today.

My job is a real bummer right now. We have a slum landlord that promised amazing space. We moved in almost two years ago and it has been crappy the whole time. We've had walls that didn't go all the way to the ceiling, leaks in the roof where the unskilled laborers drilled screws into the roof, heating and cooling issues that would drive anyone insane. It is nothing for us to leave one day and come back and the place be changed somehow. For example, on Monday, I entered my office and all my blinds were changed. I'm not sure why. I just know that all my personal items in my window seals were moved and not put back.

We have endured all kinds of torment that our landlord has forced upon us. Being the person in charge, all the complaints come up my way. I'm also the one that gets the honor of bearing bad news to the staff. Today's bad news, our building has mold an we have to vacate certain parts of the building. Sucks! Totally sucks. No mega sucks.

Our company has filed a law suit and the landlord walked out of mediation a couple of months ago. The case goes to court in April. We were told that we should be moving in the next 30 days--how much more sucky can this get. I have done this move twice already and it is really tough on everyone and there are so many decisions to make. I would really rather plan a wedding than a move.

Please, does someone want to trade me jobs because right now mine sucks!

Two Months

Me: Do you know what happens in two months?

Cowboy: "You mean the day that you are making me marry you."

Me: That's not what I told you to say!

Cowboy;" Oh yeah, you mean that day that you will be my beautiful bride and we will get married and start our wonderful life together, where we will be so happy and live together, each loving each other for the rest of our lives".

Me: You're catching on, good job.

Can you believe it, two months? I'm so excited to have a husband and solidify our relationship for the rest of our lives. He is such an amazing guy and makes me laugh constantly. I get him and he knows me better than anyone else. He makes me feel comfortable, sexy and loved. He challenges me and pampers me all at the same time. I am one lucky woman.

What Wrong with this?

Tonight, home from work at 7p. Left for gym at 7:20p. Left gym at 8:45p and entered Long John Silvers at 8:55p. We are so wrong!!!

My Guy

This is another reason that I love my guy. Usually on the weekends, I make breakfast for us since he does it all week long. However this weekend I got a treat. One morning was this breakfast and another was blueberry pancakes. He's an awesome cook and loves to cook for me. What a guy!

Here's what I've been doing all day. Printing and cutting to put my invitations together. I've taken over the man's room coffee table and couch. It will be my work station until I'm done. I'm hoping to have the invites complete and out by next weekend. Wish me luck!

It Snowed

Yeah! It snowed, it snowed. I've been wanting snow. I want a winter. I want to make a snowman and watch Sadie do a head dive in the deep snow mounds. I want to snuggle in and watch the world be pristine white around me. So I'm thrilled it snowed. The bummer is that it didn't snow much and it's already starting to melt. Maybe there is more to come.

Today we went on a shopping excursion. We were looking for make-up for me for the wedding. Something that hasn't been in my very small make-up bag for 15 years. I was amazed. Did you know that there is new technology with make-up. They have things like pre-foundation prep stuff. Eye shadow foundation? It was amazing. My friend, Dr. T went with me and held my hand as I moved into the world of grown up make-up.

After leaving behind a lot of cash, I have my make-up plan for the big day. About two month to go before I become Ms. Cowboy and I'm thrilled to soon have a husband.

"P"

So I took on the challenge from Lynilu to post about 10 things that I like starting with the letter "P". Let's see how I do.

Pillows- I love my pillow. I love to wad it up just right and snuggle in with it. I love Cowboy's pillow when he is gone and it smells like him. And there is nothing like the millions of pillow's on my couches that are used for napping.

Par's- On the golf course a par is great. I love shooting a par and one day hope to play par golf. I get about 4-5 pars per outing so this summer, I'm shooting for about 9 par holes.

Pictures- I am a shutter bug and like to take pictures. I scrapbook and pictures have become more important to me since starting to scrapbook. I also like to look at pictures. There is nothing better than looking back on a moment of time that captures so many feelings, emotions and memories.

Pork Chops- Given the choice between a steak and a pork chop, I would prefer the pork chop. Maybe it's the fact that I grew up on a pig farm and saw those nasty beast as great food. My dad would always say can't you smell that money. Hell no, I smell nasty stinky pigs.

Parents- I have two of the best parents in the world. My day is a rock and was a great provider and demonstrated a true work ethic. My mom is caring, kind and considerate. She taught us how to love unconditionally and holds us together.

Psychology- I love how the mind works and how people think and react. Psychology was my first major in college but then I moved into social work.

Painting- I love to paint. There is such a therapeutic feeling to just focus on putting paint on something and seeing the outcome when you are done. I love to paint walls, as well as art projects.

Passion- Passion with the one I love. Kissing, touching, holding, rubbing....need I say more.

Playing- I love play. Playing games, playing jokes on someone, playing cards, playing poker, playing sports, on and on. I think that play keeps you young and I want to be young forever.

Purple- The purple that goes with the Kansas State Wildcats. K-State is my Alma matter and I had so many good memories associated with K-State.

And so goes my favorite "P" things. One I left off--my last name starts with a P. A name that I will keep when I get married. For those who are curious, it's one for the books.

TGTF

Thank goodness tomorrow's Friday!!! I'm numb. There is so much going on right now. So much that I can't talk about and so much that I can't wrap my little bitty brain around. It's all related to work and I'm really not sure how I've made it through Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I'm not sure how I'll make it through Friday only to not be sure how I'll make it through next week or next month. The merry-go- round just continues to speed up and never seems to slow down or stop. I can't get off and catch my breath.

With that being said, it was 60 degrees and someone got to play golf and it wasn't me. That's just not fair. However, Cowboy got to play golf with his son. He said it was a great day and I'm so glad for him. Next time, I am going to stow-away in his bag and just ride along.

Jewelry Party

My friend had a jewelry party tonight. Not just any jewelry party, a Silpada jewelry party. My absolute favorite. I love the silver. I found a necklace that I would have killed for. However, I restrained myself. I held back, kept the checkbook in the purse and left by myself without my beautiful necklace.

This is the first time ever I have restrained myself and oh was it hard. On the bright side, I have $100 for my honeymoon!

Oh Poor Baby Girl

Today was a big day for Sadie. My poor baby girl. She didn't get to eat this morning because they were putting her to sleep so they could clean her teeth. She now has clean teeth and the big growth that looked like a tick removed from her leg. She seemed pretty happy to see me today but has been a little woozy this evening. I thought she was going to fall over standing up. Her poor throat is a little hoarse because they had a tube down it. She was happy to eat. Cowboy made her a special dinner. She's been kind of just wandering around the house. I finally told her to lay down and she's been out for a while.

She's doing very well otherwise. The vet said all of her blood work was good. She has two cracked teeth but they are not problematic. However, she has some scar tissue on her eyes. This has been there for awhile (a poke in the eye from rough-housing). He may want her to see an opthamologist (sp?) at some point. But for now, my baby girl is good and home safe and sound sleeping.

And I'm calculating how many months it will take to pay the bill--jeeze that was one expensive trip!

The Bachelor

Watching the Bachelor with Cowboy is a trip. First, let me say that I am a reality TV junkie. Second, Cowboy would not watch The Bachelor if I did not watch The Bachelor. Anyways, Cowboy adds so many editorial comments it's just down right funny. He points out how big the boobs are of every girl on the show. He comments on how short their dresses are and how they are trying to show their "business" to the Bachelor. He then is convinced that the Bachelor gets a little action from 3 or 4 women on the show before it's all over. I'm sure he thinks the Bachelor should be called--"25 hoochie mama's waiting to be laid by on lucky dude". Whatever, Cowboy!

Highway Woman

Just call me the highway woman. I found out that my nephew was playing basketball this weekend-two back to back games. Cowboy wasn't up for the trip so I left at 7 am to head out for my parents home. This is the first time in a long time that I have driven down there by myself. I picked up Mom and Dad and we headed out for another hour drive, so after 3 hours we were at my nephew's ball game.

Mom and my little bro were watching intently.

Boo Man looks so big and grown up. It was pretty cool watching him play today. I have seen him play every year for the past five years. He has really grown up and is a much different player than he was last year. His first game was not his best. I guess he's been struggling and worried about what his coach was saying to him. The second game, he said, "I just let it go and played my game". He was so much better. I'm a very proud aunt. He starts on the Jr high team and he's only in 7th grade.

After the game, we went to a small town cafe. You know the type--really good homemade food. Great cheeseburgers and a slice of homemade pie. Yummy. The back to the parents home and mom and I chatted about wedding plans for a while. Then it was back on the road for a 2 hour drive back. I was sleepy and could have napped on the home except I was driving.

I'm glad I went and BooMan was impressed that his aunt would drive all that way to watch him play. I also scored points with the sister-in-law. It was a good day!

TGIF

Thank Goodness It's Friday! Remember back in High School when Friday nights meant football/basketball games and dragging main until curfew. Then remember back in college when Friday night meant going out and partying until the dawn and then sleeping in until late on Saturday morning. Right out of college and brand new into the workforce, Friday nights were happy hours and home by 9p.

Now Friday nights are going home and escaping the responsibilities of the world. Friday nights are a way to get away from answering questions. They are a way of avoiding staff, clients and anything else that comes my way. Friday night are going to bed by 10p and taking the whole weekend to recoup and re-energize for the next week. They are a way of avoiding people and demands instead of gravitating to them. Am I getting old?

5 solid days

I'm working on getting it done. Five, 5, Cinco, days of exercise. Between the gym and the treadmill, I've been at it for the last five days. I'm going to meet my goal of exercising 5 days a week. I'm feeling better and I think my stomach is starting to look a little smaller. Maybe it wishful thinking but I'm almost feeling like my jeans are a little looser. And if it's all an optical illusion, please let it continue.

On to the most exciting news of the day. I love my cake lady. She was so awesome. I have picked out the perfect cake for me. Yes, I said me on this one. Cowboy has his own cake but mine is awesome. Four layers, square and all white with raspberry and lemon filling. I'm so pumped about it.

Cowboy's cake is German chocolate with white chocolate golf balls and tees on it.

The cake lady sent a sample home, yummy, yummy.

Almost done

I get to check one more thing off my list. I found a cake lady who is excited to make a wedding cake in March. As I'm finding out, there are not many weddings in March so most people are anxious to get business. I'm meeting with her tomorrow night and deciding all the details. She can even make a "groom's cake" that is German chocolate. The big trick will if she can put a putting green on the cake.

I asked Cowboy if he wanted to go with me. He said that he was confident that I could make all those decisions by myself. He was also sure that I was having more fun with the details then he would. He is so right.

My mom called this morning and said she was feeling bad that she wasn't helping more with the wedding. I told her that there would be lots to do and she wouldn't get out of it all. I feel like there should be a lot more to do but I really think that I'm getting close to being done. Let's hope.

A Follow Up

Isn't my girl just beautiful? She's such a good one.

So to follow up on the comment that Cowboy made yesterday. I instantly went to being offended that he would say such a thing and I confronted him on that right then and there. He tried to explain that he was just concerned about where we put the treadmill in the house and it didn't matter who was running on it, it would probably shake the floor. Our house is old and he wasn't sure we put the treadmill in the right room.

Knowing him as I do, I don't think he was commenting on my weight but it's so easy for me to instantly go there in my own head because I feel like I am struggling with my weight. We have argued over his comments in the past and since that time he hasn't said anything that was negative. He actually has been very supportive of my goal to work out and has been going to the gym with me at times when he doesn't like to go.

The bigger issues is my own internal feelings about my weight and how sensitive I am about it and how much denial I have about it. I know we should feel good about ourselves no matter what. But gosh, I sure don't feel good about my weight.

The good thing, I'm exercising and noticing a difference. I'm being focused and watching what and how much I eat.

How would you take it?

I was on the treadmill-and actually running as opposed to my normal walking. The treadmill just happens to be in the spare bedroom along with the computer. As I was on the treadmill, Cowboy was working on the computer, when I started running he said,


"You are starting to shake the computer, I may need to shore up the floor."


How would you take that comment?

It's been a good weekend. After dress shopping yesterday, Cowboy and I had a date. We went to our favorite steak place for an awesome dinner and then home to hang out. Today was a total lounge day. We planned on going to a movie after dinner but the timing wasn't right so we went this afternoon. We saw GranTarino, very good movie. Cowboy is a fan of Clint so he was excited to see the movie.

I folded all the wedding invitations so that was a huge check off the list. Now I just have to get them all put together. I've spent most of the day in the cozy man's room. It's warm and toasty down here. I told Cowboy that I didn't really want to do anything but laundry and clean the bathrooms. The laundry is still not done but will be by the end of the evening and I'm not sure the bathrooms will get done. I did make dinner. It was a totally lazy day and I loved every minute of it. I would like to do the same thing tomorrow, you think work would understand??

Dress Shopping

So today I went dress shopping. My friend, Dr. T, who had been helping me plan my wedding has been encouraging me to go shopping for the dress. I have been on line looking at a dress and found one that I really kind of liked. I am not the traditional white wedding dress kind of gal so I looked in the bridesmaid section. The place was a zoo with lots of very young girls trying on wedding dresses. Oh, I feel to old to be doing this. Anyways, I tried on lots of dresses and

drum roll please.......


Here is the dress. I tried it on in black and wanted it in champagne but it doesn't come in champagne so my options were white and pink. I'm going with pink because it is very light and will look perfect with a tan. I also found the perfect pair of shoes. So heels that are a little strappy and sparkly. I'm very happy with my selection.

I now have to keep up the diet and firm up several spots.

Here's the next question...what to do with the hair: veil, flowers, or beady thing. Hair up or down?

Catch up

This is to catch you all up on several different things.

Grumpy was grumpy again last night. He is much different today. I think the economy is getting him down and his business is really really slow. I know he hates not making money. I'm thankful for my job and grateful that we could live off of my income if we needed to.

Sadie is on antibiotics and seems to be getting better. At least, she is not drooling and getting everything in her path slobbery wet. She will go in on the 20th to get her teeth cleaned and a blood mole taken off of her leg (which is good, since it looks like a big fat tick on her leg).

My diet is going well. I lost two pound last week and have been exercising almost daily. My new running shoes are awesome and thanks to my friend who recommended long ago that new running shoes are well worth what you pay for them. I actually ran on my treadmill last night. Don't get too excited, I didn't run far but it's a start. The best thing is that this morning my knees and feet didn't hurt at all. I am also doing a good job of cutting down my portions and stopping when I am full.

The wedding planning is going---I need to get busy on several things, mainly the final details and the invitations.

I think that's all.

Grumpy and the dog

I'm not sure who was worse today. Grumpy, aka. Cowboy or the dog, aka. Sadie. Let's start with Grumpy. Someone was a total Grumpy but today. ICK!! He does not do well with surprises or things on the fly. Things have to be planned and everything has to be just so and today was not one of those days.


I hate it when he is like that. He puts me into a grumpy mood. I know, I know he shouldn't have an effect on me but does. He finally pulled it together and got a little better tonight.


The dog...when we got home last night she didn't eat. That is not like her at all. About 1p, Cowboy called and said I should call the vet. We noticed that she was drooling and has not stopped. He took the cover off of her bed and it was soaking wet. She must have drooled all night long. Cowboy took her to the vet (an unexpected trip that made him grumpier). She has antibiotics and an appointment to get her teeth cleaned but no clear idea on what is happening with her. She's still drooling.


I'm hoping both are better tomorrow.

A day of visiting.

I remember when I was a little girl, at least once a week, my mom would pack us all in the car and we would go visiting. No invitation, no prior phone call, we would just set off to go visit someone and if they were home, we would stay a couple of hours and then head home. No one ever does that anymore. Has it become 'rude' in our society to visit? Is visiting a thing of the past? I miss that sometimes. I wish someone would just drop by and sit and visit. Not planned, not hurried and no agenda.


Today, Cowboy and I went visiting. We only made one phone call to plan a lunch date. Our first stop was at an old farm house that his cousin grew up in and still lives there with his two girls. I hadn't met Jamie before but had heard lots about him. Jamie is a cowboy like his cousin and is about my age. He was great. While we were there, Cowboy's friend HotRod stopped by so I got to meet him also. We stayed about 45 minutes. It was great to finally meet some of Cowboy's family and friends.


Our next stop was to his Mom's house. We exchanged Christmas presents and took her out to eat lunch. It was good to see her on her own turf and then to take her out to eat. Her kids take so much from her so it's nice to treat her.


Next, we went to Rod and Judy's. Rod and Cowboy worked together as mechanics for over 12 years. They have been friends, or as Judy says, "family" ever since. The stories that Cowboy tells about "Popeye" and him are enough to make anyone just shake their head. They are really nice good people. We were there about 2 hours, just visiting. As we were leaving, Judy said, "I like you". Huge praise coming from one of Cowboy's friends. One stop I really glad we made.


The next stop, Ross and Betty. The are old neighbors of Cowboy's and he still hunts deer on their land. They welcomed me with open arms and big hugs. I had met them this summer. Ross and Betty are getting older and Ross isn't getting around as well as he used to. Very good people who truly appreciate the visits. They started a pot of coffee and we sat around the kitchen table just visiting. Exactly like my memories growing up. They were the last stop of the day.


It was a good day and one that I'm really glad I was a part of. We need to get back to just visiting and appreciating our neighbors and friends in person.

It makes me sad..

The Christmas decorations are down. It makes me sad. I love Christmas time and the house with all the light and holiday bling. I wish I could keep them up for several more weeks but I know that I can't. So they are down. Not without some drama. I was trying to take down some garland and was moving an old oil lamp of Cowboy's mom and the top went crashing down. He was very upset and rightly so. I felt so bad!!

I went to a funeral today. It was very interesting. I was one of two white people there. It was a true cultural experience. I'm glad I went. The lady(her sister passed away) I work with saw me across the room and blew a kiss to me. She tells me all the time that I help her so much and she loves me. It was important that I was there and it was good that she knew I was there.

We went to the sports store to buy me a new pair of walking shoes. After a summer of foot pain, it dawned on me that it was my shoes not having enough support. I need to go hit the treadmill tonight. I'm a little tired but know that it will do me some good. Little Miss Sunshine is coming on the tube so maybe it will be my attention away from the fact that I'm on a treadmill.

Tomorrow, maybe rest??

It's going to be a good year.

When your years starts out like this, how can it be anything but good??

I didn't want to work today but never quite got around to asking for the day off. So I did go in but I only worked a half day. I came home and took my dog for a long, long walk. We have a bike trail not far from the house and it was perfect today. We were practically the only ones on the trail. When I got home, Cowboy and I went to a movie. One that I wanted to see. I can only get him to westerns or some variation of a western. But tonight, we went to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It is a very good movie. I must confess that we did get the large popcorn/pop combination. I know, I know, I was giving up pop until the wedding and I really should. Here's the scoop that I have known for a while, pop makes my stomach hurt. Not really like a stomach ache but it hurts. So I really need to stop for that reason.

I'm planning on a lazy weekend at home with the exception of going to a funeral, doing laundry, taking down Christmas decoration and cleaning the house. So I'm hoping to get a nap in and go to the gym. How's that for a lazy weekend. Oh and I need to start working on my wedding invitations. Other than that, not much planned.

Always Believe...

When Cowboy and I got back together for the third time, I bought a silver charm for a necklace that said "BELIEVE". I used that as my mantra for working through the first part of our relationship. I always believed that we would be together and that things would work out. Before Christmas, I bought some vinyl letters and decided to put this slogan on the wall referring to Santa, God, and Christmas. We have since decided to keep it up year round.

Which leads me to my year in review and the hopes for next year. Do you remember my previous post about my 2008 intention poster. I looked at it and could see how many things came true in 2008. Look closely with me, while I offer my interpretation.

1) Very big ring in the middle, now on my finger.

2) Blueberries- I have a freezer full after picking them with my Mom and Caroline.

3) Puppy- Looks exactly like the rescued dogs we found at Thanksgiving and then found new homes for.

4) Corner bottom right--Golf bag and clubs--new golf bag for Valentine's from Cowboy and new clubs for April Fool's day.

5)Skiing and beach--trips to Colorado and Florida

6)Tree- New tree in the back yard from a nursery and then 4 free little ones

7)Hoeing in the garden--We started our garden and flower beds

8)Time for Giggles--Just a year of fun with Cowboy.

9) Furniture-Antique rocker from my grandparents after helping clean out a storage unit for my mom and new couch and chair from my great aunt after she passed away.

10)Treadmill--I've gotten two this year, the basic model that was traded in for the luxury model.

I didn't hit all of my intentions but made a huge dent in all the intentions that I had for 2008. It always amazes me when I look back over what my hopes were-how many of them are realized.

2009- My dreams will come true. I will have an awesome husband. I am very fortunate that he is in my life and he takes such good care of me. He makes me feel safe and loved.

My intentions have not been set for 2009, but I'll get them done.

I hope 2008 was good to you and 2009 will even be better.

Always believe!