Average Tuesday Night

Tonight was a typical Tuesday night.  I cleaned a bit.  I cooked up some walleye and brought it to Ken at work.  Now I'm occupying myself in front of the computer while waiting for A2 to call for a ride home from work.

Yes, my desktop is a mess.  I'm catching up on the Bachelor on our iPad while surfing the forums on GOMI.  I'm trying out a box of the new Girls Scout cookie, Mango Cremes, and sucking down a bottle of Coke (regular, none of that diet crap for me).  The cookies are okay.  Good but it's strange having mango as a cookie flavor.  Other random things on my desk are my phone bill, a paper flower that the Primary children passed out last Mothers' Day, the book French Women Don't Get Fat by Mirelle Guilano, and the DVD Minion Madness.  Clutter, clutter!  It's not too bad though.  Most of it will be gone by the end of the night.

Have a great one, everybody.

The Story of Us: My Coach Likes You

Ken and I, about 9 months after we started dating

When Ken and I met, the last thing on my mind was getting married.

The summer I turned twenty-six, I was pretty depressed.  Basically I just went to work, exercised, and drank.  I went through a string of men that I met at bars.  I believe I was just so desperate for human touch that I was willing to do anything to feel close to someone.   These random hook ups did nothing except make me feel more lonely than ever.  It wasn't what I wanted.  I knew that I wasn't living my life the way I knew I should.

Once September rolled around, I decided I was going to focus on what was important to me.  I started going to my niece's and nephew's soccer games every Saturday morning.

Ken was A2's coach for a 9-10 year old team.  My nephew was also on his team.  I noticed Ken and how good looking he was.  I just assumed he was married because what kind of single man coaches soccer.  So I pegged him as a nice piece of eye candy that I could check out occasionally while cheering on my nephew.  One day, after a game, we did actually talk to one another about our hometowns and where he went fishing.  More like a good teasing than actual talking.  That was our only interaction until the end of the season.

The last game day was on October 21st.  I decided, since I had been out late the night before, that I was going to just sleep in.  It was a good plan except the phone rang at 7:00 am.  My sister was calling to tell me to come to the last games.  They were playing the championship tournament and I should be there because I had gone to all the other games.  I still balked at the idea of going.  Then my sister said, "[Your nephew] has something to tell you."  Since I couldn't convince her to tell me over the phone, I told her I would be down there as soon as I could.

I was a hot mess.  I don't even know if I washed off the makeup that I forgot to wash off the night before.  I threw on this horrible faded Trix (yes, the breakfast cereal)  tshirt that belonged to my little sister, a hoodie, jeans, my raincoat and a scarf.  Add on top, a Matt Kenseth baseball cap and I was ready to go.  My niece's game was at eight and I would be about five minutes late.

When I arrived, I bought a hot chocolate and searched for my family on the sidelines.  As soon as I walked up and said hello, my nephew whipped around and, with a big grin on his face, said, "My coach likes you."  I didn't know what to say.  It's not everyday that I  have a nine year old attempt to find me a date.  Not to mention that I was embarrassed.  Why embarrassed?  I have no idea why.  Probably because I like to keep my love life hidden from my family.

After my niece's game (a loss), we had about a half hour before my nephews game started.  I decided I was going to play with my niece and started chasing her around on an empty soccer field.  Ken must have really wanted to talk to me because he came over by us and started teasing my niece.  My sister then called her away and I was left standing there with Ken.  Awkward doesn't begin to describe how I felt standing there, not knowing how to talk to a man that I knew nothing about except that he went fishing in Rhinelander and didn't like driving through the town I went to high school in.

We talked a little bit.  I can't remember what we said.  Probably just getting to know you type stuff.  Then he looked at his watch and said, "I have to go coach the next game but will you wait around for me after the game?"  Obviously I assented or I wouldn't be telling this story today.

Two games were played back to back.  My nephew's team won both of them.  I cheered loudly as any good aunt should.  In between games, I remember that my sister said something along the lines of, "Don't worry about who that woman is.  It's just his ex-wife."  I wasn't even looking at Ken then but there was a short, blond woman talking to him.  I didn't care.  My sister was pretty keen on making sure I knew that he was absolutely single though.  

Once the game was over, I talked with my sister's family a little bit before they finally left.  Ken finished putting away equipment and then came over and talked to me.

Remember how I said I only put a raincoat on?  Big mistake.  It was freezing and I was shivering and trying desperately to not let my teeth chatter.   Ken was talking on and on, asking questions and I don't remember a thing he said.  Later, he told me he thought I wasn't interested in him because it seemed like I just wanted to leave as quickly as possible.  I did, but only because I was freezing.  Finally, he brought our conversation to an end by saying he needed to get A2 home and check on A1, who went home earlier with a migraine.  He then asked if it would be okay to call me?  Of course.  We exchanged phone numbers and thankfully, I could finally get into my nice warm car, head home, and take a hot shower.

A Dog That Slowly Learns How To Talk

Just about everyone knows that we want to have another baby.  Crazy, right?  Especially since we are just over two years from no longer being legally responsible for our current pair of boys.  

Despite our impending freedom, we just aren't ready for that phase of our life to be over. 

photo source

Before A Fall

Ken and I only wear our wedding rings when we go out.  Usually it is he who forgets to wear his ring and I remember to put it on.

Of course, we joke that when we wear our rings, we remember to be married.

The last few times we've gone out together, I've been the one to forget while he has his on.  My standard joke is that it looks like he's cheating with me.

Today we were headed out for a day of shopping.

Me: Oh, look.  I forgot to be married today.

Ken:  Not me.  (holds up his beringed hand)  You look like a home wrecking whore.

Me:  That sounds horrible.  Why would you say that?

Ken:  'Cuz you say it when you forget to wear yours.

Me:  You're right.


These are typical conversations that don't even phase me anymore.  On the other hand, I got myself a few pretties today.  A bracelet, dangly earrings, and sunglasses.

I also picked up a pair of nude pumps (once again, late to the dance).  They have five inch spike heels and an inch high platform.  I love them and they don't pinch.  Of course, my poor feet are in agony after wearing them for ten minutes but that is long enough to get from my car to a seat in church.

I decided to walk around in them since my usual shoes tend to be much more sensible than these.  A little practice is always good when one is no longer used to wearing stripper high heels.  I walked around in my dining room and then headed upstairs with no incident.  I put together an outfit for church tomorrow and tried it on with barely a wobble.

You know what's going to happen, right?

I decided to ask Ken what he thought of the outfit.  I stepped out into our upstairs hall and felt something inside one of the shoes.  So I lifted my foot and leaned over to pull off my shoe and remove the offending irritant.

WHAM!

I landed on my backside.  Surprisingly, I only said ow because I bumped my elbow on the hardwood floor.  Apparently I can not balance like a stork in stripper heels.

Ken's response:  He yelled up the stairs, "If you hurt yourself, I am never letting you buy heels again."

Then he decided to play Nice Husband and asked if I was hurt or if I needed help up.

I can now walk properly in them.  Luckily the only thing hurt was my pride and vanity.

Looking for Greener Pastures

Right now I am pretty dissatisfied with my job.  It really isn't hard work and I enjoy the clients I have.  I guess it's because I have no stimulation.  I do the same things day after day, week after week.  There is nothing that stimulates my mind and I find that very important.  I also drive fifteen miles one way to work only two hours.  It doesn't seem like a lot but when you drive a gas-guzzling Blazer, my pay only amounts to about $4.50 an hour. 

I want to quit so badly.  I don't quit because I like getting out of the house and I like earning the little bit of money I make.  I have been looking for something closer to home but things have not been panning out.  I just need something part time that isn't going to be every weekend. 

I feel guilty admitting this.  I feel guilty feeling this way.  So many people do not even have a job to complain about.  I have a husband who works a job he isn't happy with because he has to support the family.  He has to provide insurance for his often ill or injured wife. 

I think my main problem is that I know what I want for a career.  I gave that dream up when I started seeing Ken.  I don't regret that part.  I knew right away Ken was the man I was going to marry.  It's not his fault we have to live where we do, hours away from the closest school that offers my preferred program of study.  Maybe, in a few years if we don't have more children, I can live away from home the four years required for the degree I want. 

For now, I continue to look for something that is a better fit for me.  And I realize how blessed I am to be able to pick and choose the job I want and that I even have the option to quit altogether. 

Have a great day everyone.

Rest Easy

I'm sure you have heard.

Guido is back home.

If you're not a Brewers fan, he is the Italian sausage in our beloved racing sausages.

Apparently, he was forced to join some seedy underbelly of society that kidnaps meat products and takes them barhopping.  Well, the seedy underbelly doesn't exist but he was taken from his home and taken to a tavern or two.


Read more about it here.

That's Guido in the lead.

photo source

Once Again, I'm Late To The Ball

So I just finished watching the Oscars tonight and I have just a few thoughts.

Yeah, yeah, I know. I am a few days late but I had to work Sunday night.

First off, I hated Seth McFarlane as host. I never liked him to begin with and this gig just cemented his status as total @$$hat.

Secondly, the show was boring. Of corse it was long, but it just seemed even more so with the aforementioned host and horrible jokes. Old Bill Shatner really didn't add anything to it either.

Third, I kept getting distracted by the girl in the wedding dress in the front row every time they panned over the crowd. If you're thinking of Jennifer Lawrence, you're wrong. Amy Adam's dress practically went across the aisle.



If that's not a wedding dress then I'll sell my husband's first born.



Another thing: Why does Kristen Stewart's eye makeup always look like the morning after a slutty drunken night out?



It doesn't look as bad in this photo. However, every time they showed Steven Spielberg I just wanted to take a wipe and clean that up. A smoky eye is fine but she just goes to far under her eye with it.


Lastly: Jennifer Lawrence.

I love her. Her fall was a misfortune but she just handled it perfectly. I wish I could put a video on here but I'm posting this from my iPad and don't know how. I loved her comment when they gave her the standing ovation. She is the kind of girl I want to be friends with.

That's all and have a great night.

Holy Hip Pain, Batman!

I often say things that sound downright inappropriate when taken out of context.

For example, the other day Ken and I were heading out of a restaurant and I just said to him, "I'm awfully tight.  I need you to loosen me up."

His response: "Why would you even say that in public?"

Cue the snickering couple right behind us.


That conversation happened to refer to my hip flexor on my left side.  It's so tight that I am in almost constant pain.  I've been doing stretches, yoga, and physical therapy exercises to loosen this up but it doesn't seem to be helping.  After five days of this, it actually seems to be getting tighter.

So of course, I hit up Dr. Google because that's what hypochondriacs do.  I'm not a hypochondriac but Ken claims I'm one.  Just because I self diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome does not a hypochondriac of me make. 

I actually found some modifications of stretches and exercises that I'm already doing.  Hopefully they work because I don't really want to go to the doctor so he can refer me to physical therapy so I can pay out the whazoo because our deductible is pretty high.

Hope you all have a more pleasant night than I will have. 

Right Outta My Hair

I have a client who is a smoker.  It doesn't bother me when I am around her but I sure notice the smell on me once I get in my car to go home.  I swear I have taken more showers in the last two weeks than I had taken in the previous month. 

Don't judge!  I get very dry skin in winter.

So every evening when I wash the stank out of my hair, "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair" from South Pacific runs through my head.

I hope Ken doesn't think my singing is any reference to him.

A Small Step

(I know, I've already missed a day writing here.  But just because you have three slices of chocolate cake doesn't mean you just quit dieting all together.)

Today was the first time I have gone to church in quite a few months.  I think the last time I went was in September.  I had wrote about why I haven't gone here. 

I started a new job and work every other weekend.  Since my client lives in the same city where I go to church (about 15 miles away), I figured this was a good reason to go back.  I guess reason is the wrong word.  It gave me a push to go back today.

I felt weird wearing jeans to church since I haven't worn pants to church in about ten years.  Once I arrived at my meetinghouse, I just felt right.  I knew I belonged and I knew what had been missing.  I was nervous about socializing with people but because I was leaving early instead of staying the full three hours, I knew I could handle it.

Even though I usually sit near the front, I sat down in  a back pew because I didn't want to noticeably walk out in the middle of a talk.  It was nice to say hello to people that I truly enjoy seeing and even love.  Admittedly, I was feeling a bit like a cornered animal after ten minutes of hellos and small talk. Social anxiety really sucks.  Even more so because I have no logical reason to fear being around my fellow church members.

I really wish I could describe the sense of peace that overtook me during the first hymn.  Such an amazing feeling!  Then when sacrament was passed, I just felt like burdens were lifted and that I was not going to handle my difficulties alone.  I truly believe that through Christ's Atonement, he not only took on the burden of our sins but also of the hardships that are sent our way.  It was the same feeling when I was little and my parents would kiss my owwies.  It didn't take away the pain but comforted me more than any medicine.

My friend gave a wonderful talk that put tears in my eyes.  Much like learning a new skill, faith and testimony are often gained in increments.  I wish I paraphrase what she said better.  That is what I took away from it.  It definitely left me thinking and was a nice note to end my time at church today. 

Have a great week!

30 Day Journal Challenge

I have always wanted to document my life.  I try to start journals and after a few weeks, writing in them is completely forgotten.   I guess this is why I attempt to blog.  I have no problem sitting in front of a computer and typing out silly things from my life. 

However, I really like the idea of leaving behind something that my grandkids will stumble upon in a dusty old box and find out what I was really like.  That's why the act of writing out my thoughts, feelings and activities appeals to me.  It's a record of who I am in a certain period of time.  I just wish I was better at carving out a chunk of time to write.

I still really admire people who can document their lives on actual paper though.  I just wish I had the determination to make it a regular habit.  Since I read that it only takes twenty-one days for a new habit to stick, I decided to start a journaling challenge that would last for thirty days.  A 30 Day Journal Challenge.

I've put some thought into pursuing this.  Since I consider blogging a form of journaling, I will post something new everyday.  I will also do a printable guided journal page each day.  The third and hardest part will be writing daily in my very pretty journal that I purchased over a year ago.

I look at these pictures and realize my photography skills are crap.  Oh well, you can tell that that is my journal and a few guided pages.  I'm ready to get this started.

What inspired me to do this challenge?

One of my favorite blogs is Making This Home.  Katie makes these wonderful prompted journals under the name Gadanke that I still haven't purchased. (They're on my to-do-list.  I promise.)  I'm having a hard time deciding which one I want.  Her website was really the driving force behind this challenge.  Every single person has a story.  She wants to make it easier to record.

Katie sells her journals  here.   Just so you'll go take a peek, I'm going to borrow a few of her pictures so you can see how beautiful and funky they are.

The she Journal  is great for documenting the essential things that make you who you are.

Wedding Card Scrapbook

 I'm swooning over that wedding card scrapbook.  I should really locate where ours are kept so that I can get this one and finally have a nice way to put the story of our wedding together with the cards.

Anyways, go check out her store and her blog.  Seriously.  Like now.

Since I wanted to start this challenge now, I decided to google "printable journal prompts".

I came across these lovely guided journal pages by Christie.  She has fifty (FREE!) printable pages that have quotes and different prompts.  The one I filled out for today asked me to describe something beautiful that I may have overlooked and list "3 snack foods that make my day".  Of course there are other things on them but you will just have to check them out for yourself.

According to my calendar, I should complete this challenge on March 24th.  This will definitely push me as I'm much better telling a story through speaking than writing.  I'm up for it though.