An epidemic is spreading...

I was flipping through my recorded shows on tv and noticed an episode on Dr. Phil called the "rudeness epidemic." I didn't get a chance to watch it because my eyelids were drooping, but I've experienced it first hand lately. I'm not so sure what's wrong with Americans these days. Is the economic crisis making people less patient and more rude, or what? The other night I was at Walmart exchanging something. There were six people behind me and about the same number in front of me...and one anxiety-ridden clerk. I don't think it was the number of people that was stressing her out...I think it was the loud-mouth behind me who had to remind every one in the vicinity every ten seconds that there was only one clerk and a million people in line...and how Walmart just doesn't care about customers anymore. She was annoying and I wanted to smack her, but I dug my nose deeper into a People magazine and tried my best to tune her out.

A few days later I was at Old Navy....it was my lunch hour and the store was packed. I could hear the lady behind me making grunting noises as we waited...FIVE minutes or so...to check out. I began to wonder if it was really a human behind me...or perhaps, a raging bull. But sure enough...it was a woman and when it was her turn to check out the cashier asked her, "How are you, mam?" And she responded with, "Not so good. Why do you all only have four cashiers open when there's so many people? I don't know why "you people" want to make your customers mad. It makes me not want to spend any money here" (apparently it didn't make her want to NOT spend money that badly because she had a heap of clothes she was buying) The cashier who was helping her was really nice and he just said sorry meekly. But my cashier spoke up and told her that a lot of people called in...(afterall, it was Friday of Spring Break and the weather was a gorgeous 75 degrees that day)...and they were doing their best with the staff they had. The ladies response was...silence with a deathly glare.

Two words...chill the hell out. Okay, maybe that's four words. I know it's annoying to wait, but what is grumbling and being rude to employees who have no control of the situation gonna do about it? Nothing. Everyone's stressed during these tough economic times...Employers keep less employees on staff...and employees have to deal with more b.s....so just take a minute to be a bit understanding and less rude. Do your part to stop the epidemic from spreading. ;)

"Spa" Birthday party

I'm having a few technical difficulties with my other site, so I thought I'd post pictures from Marissa's surprise "spa" birthday party here. I wracked my brain for a while trying to think of what kind of party to throw for a 12 year old...and I thought this theme would be something she'd really enjoy. So, I made these invites and sent them to a few of her gal pals..

I really wanted to get the girls spa robes as party favors. But, I knew it'd be pricey...luckily, I found these adorable, pink, polka dot robes for a steal of a deal! I think the girls were excited about being able to take them home!

I made decorations that Marissa could use later in her room. So I painted her name in wood blocks, and this hanging decoration is now hanging in front of her bedroom window.

The fondue table...

To keep with the pink and green theme...I even found these little foot massagers to put in the foot spa.

Little girls have really ticklish feet.

I turned their face towels into cupcakes...The face towels came in handy to wipe off their chocolate masks

Hannah enjoying her pedicure

Miriam letting her fingers and toes dry

cupcakes...no party is complete without them.

This cute puppy is the newest addition to the Mathew family...Murphy was being cuddled while his Momma helped me with the party

Finished product...nails courtesy my cousin, Les

Marissa and her friends....

The Ford Center was piz-acked Friday night....Let's just say that I felt really close to God as I sat in my seat listening to John Mayer. This has more to do with the fact that my seats were way high up...and very little to do with JM having a voice of an angel. ;) I have to admit...my friend NC told me a few weeks ago that she hates going to OKC Thunder games with her hubby because their seats are way high, and she is too scared to walk up there. At the time, I sympathetically said "Really?"..but in my mind, I was thinking..."What a la-hooser." But, I was the lahooser Friday night as I gripped on to the railing, seats, the stranger in front of me to make it up to my seat.

This guy...Michael Franti and the Spearheads were the opening act. They put on a really great show...although I didn't understand a word he was saying. All I could hear from my seat was the booming bass...I didn't know any of the guy's songs, he was too far away to read his lips, and he is a Reggae artist...so they're a lil' hard to understand anyway. But I did thoroughly enjoy his dancing. There's just something about the way people dance to Reggae Music. The movement is so free and fluid...not something I could achieve even if I tried (which I won't). =) Now, for my review of JM. He has a tendency to open his mouth and say the most ridiculous things...but the dude, is an amazing singer. I know women go mad for him, but when he performs, he has the weirdest expressions. And his ears are a little oversized. However, I will admit to swooning just a tad when he sang my favorite song "Gravity" and wore an OKC Thunder jersey. He won some cool points with me at that moment.

Other than that, I spent the weekend planning the coolest party of my party planning career. Yes, I say that every time I plan a party...but this time...I think I mean it. I will post pictures on my other site soon. I did a bit of thinking this weekend...I was about to pull the plug on this blog in order to concentate more on the other one. But, I kept thinking about all the history I have here...and about the useless information I share with the blogosphere...and I realized I'd miss it even though I neglect it. I decided I have to spend more time and energy on my other site if I really want it to fly...the next day, I stumbled upon a book at BN about marketing hand-made products. I thought my friend DM would be proud of me for not just purchasing it but actually reading it...since he's always encouraging me about being pro-active about pursuing my dreams. =) (Thanks DM). I'm learning about branding, marketing, and pricing....off to a good start, I'd say.

TGIF

I'm spending the evening with this guy tonight....

Tickets courtesy my friend and concert buddy the Furball!

I know that I'm a self-proclaimed reality tv addict. I enjoy the drama and disfunction of other people's lives. But, I think I have officially come to a point where I realize the downfall of the creation of reality television shows.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I am pretty sure the first reality show was aired by MTV....it was none other than "Real World-New York" Yes, there were drama and fights, but I think there was more to it as well. I think the whole point of the show was to open people's eyes to other people's reality...It was not just about shock tv. It was a novel idea....until MTV went overboard with it. Now, there's no purpose or meaning to the show..the only theme I see is "the smuttier, the better."

I think I finally came to my senses when I saw the cast reveal for "Dancing with the Stars." Kate Gosselin? Really? I thought this show was called Dancing with the STARS?!?! Back in the day, there were prerequisites for attaining stardom...like TALENT. It's mind boggling how an average joe lands on reality tv and becomes instant celebreality...there's no longer anything average about them or their lives. The paparazzi is stalking them, they're signing book deals, launching fashion lines, making records, and dancing on prime time! It's nuts!! It makes me feel sorry for trained professionals who spend their whole life dreaming and working towards stardom!

Will I go cold turkey and stop watching it all together? I'm going to be honest...probably not. But, I'm definitely cutting it down and definitely weeding out the smut. (maybe) =)

I've been compared to a grizzly bear lately, and I'm beginning to see the
similarities myself. With the weather being cold/gray/gloomy for the past
several weeks....I find myself wanting to stay home and hibernate as much as
possible. My favorite past time is taking siestas on my comfy, red, couch.

Hibernation isn't my only similarity with the great grizzly bear. I'm also
very easily agitated these days. It seems that silliest things totally set
me off....like parmesan cheese. I sent Matt out for ingredients to make
spaghetti the other night. I know, I know...I was asking for trouble.
Everyone knows that most guys aren't the best grocery shoppers...They either
bring home the wrong stuff or don't bring home stuff at all. But, I
carefully explained where each item is located in Walmart. Apparently he
forgot, so he asked a woman where parmesan cheese was. She directed him to
powdered parmesan cheese that sits on a shelf...not real, grated parmesan
cheese that sits in the refrigerated section. I know what you're
thinking..."So, what's wrong with powdered parmesan cheese?" It's wrong on
so many levels:

1. Why is it powdery? The bottle says it's 100% percent parmesan. Can
someone please explain to me how that's possible? How can a chunk of solid
cheese turn into fine powder?

2.Parmesan does have a stank. But the powdery kind has a stench. I find that
it's a cross between sweaty feet and stinky butt. (And no, I haven't smelled either, but some things you just know.) Now, I don't know about you guys...but that's not a scent I want garnishing my food.

3.What kind of cheese is not refrigerated?? I'll tell you what kind...FAKE
POWDER PARMESAN!

As you can tell...I'm quite sensitive and picky about my cheese! I feel
myself getting all worked up again...so I will end here...
But before I go, I leave you with my bargain find for the week:
Polka dot wedges-Ross-$12

Warning: Too much cuteness to handle in this post.

The many faces of Miss Maddicakes Two of my favorite cuties together...Tessa and Maddi

Plugged In...

I've been cell phone-less since Monday afternoon. I couldn't find my charger anywhere. I was at this point where I didn't really want to buy a new charger because I knew that as soon as I did...my old one would pop up. So, I decided to give it a day or two to resurface. Most people have one set location where they plug their charger in and that's exactly where they charge it...every day/night. Not sure why...but this is a daunting task for me. I can't seem to muster up enough strength at the end of the night to plug my phone in and go to bed. Therefore, my phone is either dying or dead half of the time....so I typically talk while charging. I find myself moving my charger around all day...I take it to work to charge, to my mom's, plug it in the living room, sometimes my bedroom, and finally...the kitchen....which is exactly where Matt found it last night.

For two and a half days I've been sorta disconnected....I've missed texts and calls...I've had people calling Matt's phone looking for me...people sending me heated emails asking why i'm not responding to texts. It's nice to know I'm needed and somewhat missed. ;) I think the hardest part has been my drive home. I fall asleep in the car...even if I'm driving...so I typically call someone (usually ccl) while I'm driving home...(I know, I know...Oprah says not to talk and text while driving) It's been so hard to stay awake! I've had to turn up the radio...open my windows and let the freezing cold air in, and/or bring something in the car to drink or munch on to keep me awake!!

Thank God my charger is back...It makes me wonder how I ever survived before I a phone!

I've been looking at old high school pictures tonight...the good ol' days when hair was big, problems were trivial, the sky was the limit, and mix tapes were the ultimate expresson of love. It seems like a lifetime ago and just yesterday all at the same time!

When I think of my high school friends, I still imagine these young faces...and silly laughs. Through Facebook and MySpace, I've been able to see how most of them have grown and changed and now have kids of their own...but it will always be these faces that come to mind when I hear their names or think about them.

It's always shocking to hear the news of someone's death, but when it's someone YOUR age that you grew up with...it makes you stop and realize how fragile life really is. Robin is the girl pictured in the middle of the above collage. I chose this picture because that's the way I remember her...fluffy, blonde hair, happy, youthful, laid back. I've exchanged a few emails with her over the years...and it seemed to me that she didn't change much. She was really happy with life and her children. She was 8 months pregnant with her sixth child...and died of a pulmonary embolism. Unforunately I don't know all the details of her sudden death. But, do know that her baby boy, Cooper survived..and is now in the NICU. Please keep her family in your prayers as they try to deal with this sudden and unexpected loss....especially baby Cooper as he fights for his life with out his mother.

The weekend went by in a blur. And now, I'm having a bit of trouble falling asleep...so I turned on my current favorite song, "Gravity" by Sarah Bareillis and thought I'd write a quick post before I force myself to go to sleep. (I know I'll be paying for this in the morning!) The weekend was a lovely one. BF came home on Friday and brought lil' maddicakes with her. I pretty much hung out with them all weekend and look forward to a few more days with them before they head back to sunny, Florida. Madison's grown leaps and bounds! She does the funniest little things and gives the sweetest hugs. Ugh...parting is definitely going to be such sweet sorrow. =/

No 55 words of fiction today...I have a special anonymous guest writer who promised that he'd be posting this week's 55. I think I might be closer to solving the mystery of who this anonymous poster is. (thanks to a few of his hints)

I leave you with a picture of Moussey on Valentine's Day. She's a very festive girl...she loves when I get her holiday scarves! For those of you wondering...she's mellowed out a lot with age. Nowadays...her favorite things to do are sleep, snuggle, and eat...although she does love running outside and playing as well. Her old nicknames like...Moussolini and Moussipher no longer fit her personality. These days...she's just as sweet as chocolate! ;)

Valentine's Eve dinner at the "fancy pants" restarant was really nice. I wanted to take more pictures at the hotel, but apparently security didn't want us to since we weren't staying there. Minor technacality..sheesh! But never fear...I did have a chance to take a few. Here are a few of my favorites...

The MathewsDelish carrot cake...

Me and Matt...since we didn't get a chance to take pics at the hotel...we had to settle fo the CRV....equally gorgeous photo op spot. ;) In other news, I went a little accessory-crazy this weekend. I couldn't help it...I found cute stuff for great prices! I thought I'd share my finds...

Silver Necklace, Forever 21, 4 bucks and change

Earrings, Forever 21, 3 bucks and changeI think purple might be my new favorite color.

This beaded necklace? $1 Jewlery Galore...for a DOLLAR!

a ring to match $2

Last but not least...55 words of fiction:

I'm fully aware that there is an office policy against dating the boss. But, I would gladly give up
my position as Mark's assistant to take on the new role as his significant other. He wasn't much older than me, the owner of an up and coming ad agency, well built, and extremely good looking.

TGIF! It's been a busy work week! I'm especially looking forward to this weekend since it's a 3 day! God bless President's Day! It's Valentine's weekend...and I'm curious as to what (few) readers (I have left) are doing this to celebrate?

I celebrated a little early and made Matt chocolate covered strawberries last night since he's a chocolate fiend. Unlike me, he's not into cards and all that jazz...so I thought I'd do something I knew he'd really enjoy and appreciate.

Tonight...I'm going to see "Valentine's Day" with Furball. I'm thinking the theater will be packed since it's opening night.

Tomorrow...we are going on a double date with the Mathews. They arranged an awesome dinner for us at the finest hotel in the city....I will be sure to take lots of pictures!

Valentine's Day will be spent at church, my first bible study with the new church later in the afternoon, and then....no plans for the evening. Probably just a little maxin' and relaxin'...and enjoying the fact that I have NO WORK Monday!

PS. If you're reading this, Terry....HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

55 words of fiction courtesy of anonymous...

I was crazy busy this week and didn't have time to squeeze in my 55 words of fiction. So a big thank you to anonymous who took care of it for me:

Of course I could have stayed in again on a Saturday night and watched re-runs of Project Runway, or even better .. Anthony Bourdain! So maybe going to the party wasn't a bad idea after all. Maybe Mark was interested in me in some way other than the assistant tasked with every menial job possible.

55 words of fiction...

I went to the work party at Mark’s against my better judgment. I was never very good at making small talk or socializing with co-workers outside of work. For some reason, it just felt unnatural to me to see them in casual clothes, talking about non-work-related topics, and sipping alcoholic beverages. I shouldn’t have gone.

55 words of Fiction...Monday edition

So, I decided to give myself a challenge. I like to do that on the occasion to keep myself on my toes. A few years ago, a friend and I started doing "55 words of fiction Fridays." I thought it was high time to bring it back...even though it isn't Friday. Maybe I'll just change it to Mondays instead. I figure it will be a good way to muster up some creativity...and who knows...maybe those 55 words will lead to another 55 words...and another...and by the time I know it...I'll have a short story?!? We shall see...

I saw him tip-toe past my office in stealth mode. Although, my head seemed to be buried in a file, I was very aware of the fact that Mark was trying to avoid me. I’m quite sure that it had to do with the fact that I spilled red wine on his off-white carpet.

Cuppycakes...

I love cupcakes. I love everything about cupcakes...how they taste...how they look...heck, even the word itself is SO cute.

So, I found it quite hard to resist when I saw cupcake hair clips for little girls made out of ribbon! I had to try to make one on my own!

This is the cupcake sample I made. I still need to attach it to a hair clip and a "cherry on top" embellishment...but I think I got the hang of it at least.

I can't wait to make some for all my lil' cupcakes! They know who they are...

I've been out of pocket for a while. Our friends moved into their first home, and we've been helping them prepare for the move. It's amazing what a few coats of paint and a new rug can do to a place!! This weekend, I pretty much felt like we were all on some HGTV show where we had 72 hours to redo a house. It was tiring, but so well worth it when seeing the end result. (If only we had taken some before and after shots!)

And now, we've embarked on our own hunt to find our first home. I always thought that this would be so exciting. But, it's kind of grueling. It's hard to commit to a home that either has someone else's stuff in it...or nothing in it...and try to visualize things like your stuff in the rooms and your dog running around it and cooking in the kitchen. It's a stretch of the imagination...even for me!

We've already seen a couple but roof damage and odd layouts have kept us from totally falling in love with a house yet. Will keep you posted!

It's up and ready to go!

A very special thank you to my friend, Dains for helping me with THIS. This has been a long-time goal, and it's awesome to see it finally up and running. Please click the link and share it with your friends and family as well!!

2010

On New Year's Eve, I realized a few things...
1. I will never live to see another single digit year. Not that I'm particularly sad about this...but it was something weird to consider.

2. I hate football. But, I remember hearing people discuss the University of Oklahoma football team one year...and they talked about it being a "growing year"...which meant, they didn't think the team would go to any of the bowl games, but it was a year for the team to strategize, grow and learn. That's kinda how I felt about my life in 2009.

Now that it's 2010, I have lots of resolutions that I should make...blog more, excercise more, eat less sweets, etc. But, I hate making promises to myself that I know I can't keep. So instead, I've decided to do just one thing....stop fearing the future because of events in the past...but instead, move ahead focused on God.

Mousse hits the snow...