2009 over and done

As 2009 comes to an end, I'm reflecting on what a great year it was both professionally and personally. I still like my job alot. Helping people everyday is one of the best feelings in the world and never gets old. When I get a phone call from a frantic caregiver and I'm able to provide them with much needed information and they tell me that they appreciate what I do and that I'm there for them.....man, there's no feeling like it...ANYWHERE!!!

Personally, I've had some awesome things happen. I was able to hang with my brother 3 times this year. In April, he came home for a visit. In June, we met him and Jeana in Colorado for a few days there and had an amazing time. In December, we were able to fly to NYC and spend time with them there. I've ALWAYS wanted to go to NYC since I first watched Saturday Night Live. So stepping off the plane in NYC was such a cool thing to me. I can't describe it!

I was also fortunate enough to go on our annual fishing trip with my parents, Aunt, and Uncle in Branson! This is one of my favorite times of the year. My Dad and Uncle Calvin are so hilarious together that it just makes for an awesome time of not knowing what to expect from them. My Uncle Calvin and I are so much alike. We have the same funny personality so you mix that with my Dad who also has a funny personality and it's never a dull moment.

ALso this year marked the return of my best friend back from Hong Kong in January! I was so excited to have her back in town. We hung out quite a bit and talked on the phone about every other day if not everyday. It's easy to take someone for granted and not realize it until they're gone. So to have her back was awesome!!!

Facebook has been awesome this year in helping me reconnect with people from southwest Arkansas as well as people here in NWA. I've made some wonderful new relationships that I wouldn't trade for anything! We have a complete and utter blast when I'm with these people.

I've been very fortunate this year! I cannot complain one bit. To all of you, I thank you for being a part of my life and making it the blast it is.

Here's to a wonderful 2010 with a ton of laughs!!

Mellow Yellow

I like to have fun and laugh. Laughter is pretty cool unless there are times when you just don't feel like laughing, then you should turn to music. As you know, I dig music. My taste in music is very eclectic, but I love it. It's fun NOT knowing what song or what TYPE of song I will hear next.

Anyways, I turn to music alot because there are times when I don't know what else to do. I really need to start a journal, but bloggin is ,basically, the same thing, just not AS personal and private as a journal. I'm usually out having fun with friends, but lately, due to unforseen circumstances, I just haven't really felt like it. I mean I've gone to Spanky's in Grove which was a blast, but I'm just not feeling like going to the bars right now. After a week or so, I'm pretty sure I'll be back out, but not right now. I need to find a better way to vent my anger or sadness rather than drinking or whatever. I have great friends who always make me laugh or cheer me up when I'm down so I'm very grateful for them. However, the one who makes me laugh the most, is leaving and going to the other side of the world. I've played it out like it doesn't bother me. "Being sad isn't going to change it." Blah blah blah. Well I'm done playing. This freakin sucks. I know you're going to read this and IT FREAKIN SUCKS!!!

NEW YORK! Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Made Of!

I'm back after taking a long hiatus from the blogging world. Mainly because I had nothing to say...at that time. Now that I'm back.

Several things have changed since my last posting. I just got back from New York City on Sunday. All I have to say is wow! I adore it and want to go back and WILL go back sometime in the near future. I had a blast there and it was so good to hang with my brother and Jeana. I love my brother and I miss him, but he's right where he belongs. New York looks good on him. He fits in well. I had an issue with my foot where I ended up with a huge blister on the bottom of my foot which did have a small effect on what I was able to do or not do. We arrived around 11 a.m. on Thursday morning and took the tour of Justin's crib. He didn't really have a stoop like I wanted to sit on, but he did have a deck outside which had a cool view.

Friday, Jeana had to work and I missed her big time, but it was cool to be able to hang as just the 4 of us. As we were walking down the stairs to the subway, I misjudged the landing and missed the last step and felt like I hyper-extended my left knee. By this time my foot was better but it wasn't 100% so I had a sore left knee and a sore right foot walking around in NYC! Never dull in the life of me. Anyways, Justin was nice enough to mention taking a bus tour around the city so I could stay off my feet and rest my knee. I was ALL ABOUT THIS! It was wonderful! We got to see sooo much that I don't think we would have in the amount of time we were there. I loved every minute of being on the open upper level of this bus. The wind in my hair, watching the locals and not so locals walking and riding bikes. I loved it! I'd definitely do it again. We saw everything it seemed like and sat down the whole time! I can dig it!

Saturday, we got up and went to take a harbor cruise. I'd been wanting to see the Statue of Liberty and I didn't get a very good view on the plane or by the bus. So I was all excited about riding in a boat, which I love, and seeing one of our nation's landmarks. While on the cruise, we went by Ground Zero. I could see where the buildings were and I stopped to think and told my Mom that somewhere over our heads, the planes hit these 2 massive buildings. I wondered if there was a harbor cruise boat going out at that time that saw those planes hit. I wondered if maybe the bus had driven by before the buildings collapsed. It just really made it more real to me. The bus took us to St Vincents in Grenwich Village where they took the injured people that day. I couldn't help but wonder what it was like at that hospital that day or in that city period. I thought about the ambulances trying to get through. I think we drove by the street that they showed on TV that day where all of the people were running and covering their heads from falling debris. Man, it just really made it all real to me. Later that night, Mom and Jeana made peanut brittle together. That was really cool. We had our Christmas with them. We got some wonderful presents and vice versa. It was alot of fun. Mom wanted to take me to see Mamma Mia on Broadway, but didn't want to fork out $700 bucks for it, which I cannot say that I blame her. SO instead, she bought me the movie and we watched Mamma Mia with them and had the songs on the screen which made it all the more enjoyable. We also watched Up. I love this movie! It's cute, funny, sad, but more cute than anything. Jeana's parents had been in NYC for a while longer before we got there. When we got there, it was only her Mom still there. Her Dad had to go back earlier. I would have loved to have met him, but Layne is a wonderful person. Very personable and enjoyable to be around. Jeana is a WONDERFUL, FUN, ENTERTAINING person and I can't wait for her to be my sister in law.

Sunday, we got up and sat around and visited before catching a cab to go to the airport for our long journey home. It was sad to come home. I really liked being there. I got to play with the pug who I ADORE! She's so much fun. We ate great food made by Justin and Jeana, and just spent time together as a family.

So now I'm back and get to hear the news that my best friend is going back to Hong Kong. I'm definitely not ready for this either, but there's not much I can do, but grin and bear it. It just sucks. I'm very grateful for email because it's alot better than the old way, but it's not the same as a phone call. Crystal is one of the MOST funniest people in my life and her stories just aren't as funny in an email as they are in a phone call. I guess I'll just have to grin and bear it. SE LA VIE! Not much I can do about it.

Serious time....rare, but does happen.

I'm done with my work for the day and killing time before I have to go do a presentation at 6:30 at a church in Rogers.

I sit at my desk with all kinds of thoughts running through my head which is why I haven't updated in a while. I haven't had this many thoughts running through my head at one time to actually write about.

I'm pondering what will happen this week. I worked today and will work tomorrow and then I'm off for the rest of the week. I'm thinking about doing something Tuesday night, then I'll stay at my parents Wednesday night and Mom and I will make these cute little pilgrim hat cookies. Thursday is my FAVORITE holiday. There are no strings attached such as people waiting on Christmas presents, it's all about being together. It's my absolute favorite! This year, just like last year, my Mom's cousin and her family will be joining us. I love it because Mom doesn't have any family that she hangs out with on my Grandad's side other than these people and this has been a recent thing. Don't know why, they just haven't hung out much. They're WONDERFUL people and I know my Mom is SO excited that they're coming again this year. HOpefully, we've started a new tradition....fingers crossed. Last year was the first time they've come on Thanksgiving and what a blast! My great Uncle Dean came with them as well. I can't remember how old he is, but he's sharp as a tack! It's odd to me how my Grandad could have Alzheimer's and Uncle Dean is that sharp. I wonder if Mom thinks about that too. I bet she does. We also had my Grandmother over too and the stories between the 2 of them were awesome! If Grandmother couldn't remember a part in the story, Uncle Dean would pick up the slack after waking up from his afternoon dozing. It was hilarious! Mom had such a blast and thanked me over and over for getting with Marlo and planning it. I know she's excited to be doing it again this year. My Mom's an only child so for the last 17 years, it's been just her and my Grandmother on that side with the exception of a few times here and there with her cousins on my Grandmother's side. So she knows that this relationship is a great one to be having at such a time.

Enough about Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday...again, I said it. Now, Friday and Saturday are also up in the air. I'd love to do something with the friends, I've been "neglecting" lately by wanting to stay home and do nothing. I miss you guys!

Then next week, I work Monday- Wednesday and then Thursday we're off to NYC to hang with my brother. I've always wanted to go to NYC since Justin made me watch SNL for the first time. It looked so cool on TV and just never had a reason or someone to go see. Now I do. Mom and Dad always talked about how they'd NEVER go there....until their son moved there. How their tune changed, especially lately. Justin has met a wonderful girl that we had the pleasure of hanging out with for several days in CO. For those who know me, sometimes, I get tired of people after a while. This was NOT the case with Jeana. I was more sad to see her go, than Justin. True.....sorry bro. We love being around her and having her in our lives. She's such a blast and always laughing....like our family. I HOPE marriage is in the near future for them as I'd love having her in our family. She'd fit right in! We're already aware of that after those days in CO. We had wonderful conversations with her and played games and just had a blast getting to know her and letting her get to know us. Justin's got some cool things planned for us while we're there. OH and let me brag on my brother for a second. My brother sent me a certificate for my birthday saying that it was good for travel anywhere in north America! How cool is that! I'm, obviously, going back to NYC! We're gonna hit up the karaoke bars! Maybe I'll hit up a little open mic night and get discovered for SNL! Who knows?

Anyways, I'm always thankful for everything and everyone in my life. As we get closer to Thanksgiving, I think about it more. I've got a TON to be thankful for. I have the best parents and brother anyone could ask for. I have a job, I love! I get to help people EVERY day! The stuff I do today will help others later. I am healthy! Life is good! Be thankful for everything in your life!

Last weekend

As I reflect on this past weekend, I'm reminded of the SKULLETS I saw! For those of you who don't know what a skullet is, it's when a person has a mullet, but is bald on top, for the most part. Therefore, one can see the scalp or skull, as I choose to say. Skull + Mullet = Skullet!

They're quite comical, if you ask me. The definition of a mullet is, "business in the front, party in the back." However, there is NO business in the front of a skullet. It's, "NOTHING in the front, party in the back.

Jesse, the body, Ventura was definitely rockin the skullet. I bet you're thinking that if the Former Governor of Minnesota had a skullet, then they MUST be cool. I hate to tell ya, but it's a lie. They're not cool. The best thing I've ever seen is when they put the "party in the back" part in a ponytail! That's hilarious!

Another interesting part of my weekend was the spotting of the, ever so, endangered species of the HOOPTY! For those who don't know what a hoopty is, it's a car that, when parked, still smells of gasoline and oil. We encountered the spotted hoopty at Buffalo Wild Wings Saturday night after the game and UFC fight. This car would have made all other hoopties jealous. The best part about it was the fact that they were about to have a brawl fighting over who got to sit in the front. They were yelling shot gun, but I think they were really talking about a shot gun, but that's just me.

See folks, you can encounter all kinds of endangered species at your local restaurant while watching a football game or UFC fight. Keep your eyes peeled. It could end up on my blog.

That's what friends are for...

I was thinking today about my friends. I am blessed with wonderful friends. Some I've known for a short time and some I've known for many years. Some have a funny sense of humor, others have a dry sense of humor. Some are sweet and others are sarcastic, like myself. I know that comes as a shock to you all, but I do have a sarcastic sense of humor and....that works for me. All of my friends make me laugh and that's what it's all about. I love to laugh and I love to make people laugh. If you aren't funny, then you won't be my friend. HAHA. No, that's not true, but just about all of my friends make me laugh when I'm around them or talking to them on the phone.

I've got some great memories with my friends who don't live near me. Church camp, visiting Hope one year, elementary school...all of these memories are so funny to me. I will never forget them as long as I live. I always mess with Hillary about getting me in trouble in the 7th grade and we argue back and forth regarding who started it so we laugh about that all the time. That was such a funny time, both in school with them and when I went down to visit. Hillary, you know what I'm talkin about!

I'm also one of 2 people, that I know of, who had to scrub toilets at Church Camp. It's a title that I'm proud to hold with my partner in crime on the night of the "alleged incident." It's something that we also argue about who got whom in trouble. I think she got me in trouble and she says she never got in trouble until I got there. We have fun laughin and joking about it to this day and that's a friendship that I've had since that week at church camp. Never trade camp for anything in the world.

I have friends, but not as many as I used to. For me, it's about quality NOT quantity. I've got really good friends who I know would have my back in any time of need. I learned this the other day.

That's the good stuff

Here's something to ponder. Do you have a best friend that you can tell anything and everything to? If so, can I have their phone numbers? I'm taking applications. ha. Not really. I got jokes. It's been a fun day so far. I've had 2 cups of coffee, 1 Dr Pepper, 1 cinnamon roll, therefore, the sugar intake is CRAZY high today making me a little hyper.

I love the rain. It makes me about as happy as music does. It also makes me sleepy, but after all the stuff I've had today, there's no way I'll be asleep anytime soon.

I'm making this a short one today so if you don't like it, sorry. I just don't have much to say.

Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting!

I was hoping to sleep in a little today, but woke up at 7 instead. I went with Mom and Dad to work on my Grandmother's house. We got quite a bit done, but also found some awesome stuff again. This time we found pictures of my Granddad when he was about a year old. He was born in 1918 so this would have been 1919. Three different pictures. Mom found a picture of my Great Grandfather on my Grandmother's side. This was my Grandmother's father. He died when Mom was 3. We also found some notes or letters that my Granddad had written to my Grandmother. So sweet. We found pictures of my Mom when she was about 3 weeks old. Some also from 1955 with an awesome 55 Chevy in the background. Although this is hard for my Mom, I always ask her questions about some of the stuff we find. She did really well today. She cried when she read the letters from her Dad to her Mom, but that was about it. Usually, we find stuff from Justin and myself. We are the only grandchildren on Mom's side since she's an only child. They've kept, literally, about everything we've ever given them. It's funny to see some of the stuff that I've given them. My handwriting was pretty funny. Needless to say, we got some more done today. Dad uses this expression to keep us from getting overwhelmed by what all we have to do, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." This means that little by little, we'll have it done. Every little bit helps.

Tonight is Razorback football. The first game of the season. Unfortunately, it's not televised on regular tv, but it's on Pay Per View and I told Dad I'd pay for half so he'd get it. So we're going to watch the game and eat some crab cakes, watermelon, and whatever else we can find. Should be a good time. Unless Dad gets frustrated, then it's funny.

I hope you all have a good 3 day weekend. I know I will. I'm hoping to chill out and not do much.

No Rain

I've read a quote that I really like, but mainly because it describes me 100%. I can't remember who wrote it or I don't think I've ever known, but it's funny. "Those who don't know me think I'm quiet. Those who do...wish I was." It makes me laugh everytime I read it. I am pretty shy around people I don't know, but when you get to know me then you see that I'm not very shy. Which is the same way with anyone. People who know other people are, obviously, not going to be shy around them. It wouldn't make sense if they were. I think I'm the loudest of my friends, but that's ok. I'm cool with it.

We are, officially, in September. This is my favorite time of year. I love the fall crisp weather, Razorback football, and the leaves when they change colors. Not so much when they fall in my yard, but I love it before they do. We go trout fishing in September and there's nothing like being on the lake around 9 a.m. when the sun is out and there's fog on the water. AGH! It's beautiful. It's my favorite thing to do with my parents, Aunt, and Uncle. I'm alot like my Uncle Calvin and my Dad. Last year, we were out in the boat and Dad and Unc C started singing James Brown songs. It was hilarious. Eddie Murphy did a really good James Brown skit on SNL where he was getting ready to get into a hot tub. "Ooh, issa HOT. Ug, inna hot tub. Rub dub dub inna hot tub." It's so funny. This is what my Uncle and Dad were doing anytime something was hot. Dad would take a sip of his coffee and say, "OOH issa HOT!" You should check out that video on Youtube. Needless to say, there's alot of laughing on this trip. Dad and Uncle Calvin together are so funny. I LOVE it. One year, we sang songs off my MP3 player and went through all the songs on it. It was so much fun.

Monday Monday....so good to me!

I'm glad you people still love me even after I've peaked. I say this because the last post was my favorite and there's alot of pressure to be funny and entertaining after that. I'm having a hard time so I'm writing about my writer's block. How funny, right?

I think I'll start having a song title as the post title each day. As you can tell, my blog is titled "Born to be Wild." This is just because it partially describes me. Yes I was born, but I'm not wild nor have I ever been. Right!? HAHA! One of my favorite things to do is make people laugh. I get great joy out of it. If I can make someone's day better, then I'll do it. That's what I want this blog to do. If you're having a bad day or something, I want you to be able to come to my blog and get a laugh or even just smile.

Tuesday's Thoughts

First of all, I'd like to thank my 1 follower! You, Ashley, are a diamond in the rough. HAHAHA!
I have the song "Tuesday's Gone" by Lynyrd Skynyrd in my head right now. I have decided that I shall take a vow of silence so I don't annoy people with this song. That seems to go over well. ALmost like a Led Zeppelin. FYI folks, Zeppelin in German means balloon hence, "That went over like a lead balloon." ALSO, the band Led Zeppelin changed Lead to LED because Americans would have pronounced it as LEED. So you can come to my blog and learn USELESS information regarding one of the best bands of all time. For those of you who don't know or have been living under a rock....a FRAGGLE ROCK, I do love me some music! Music says what the mouth can't! Ya know? I can find a song for just about any issue I'm having. Pissy best friend.....Idiot by Lisa Marie Presley. HAHAHAHA. You gotta know that song to get that. HILARIOUS. Mean ex friend.....We used to be friends by the Dandy Warhols. See what I mean! I've been addicted to music at a WAY young age. I used to come home from daycare singing "What's Love Got To Do With It," by Tina Turner. I especially dug the "WHOA OHHH" part. To this day, I can't hear that song without particular emphasis on that part. Justin and I used to be a duo and sing Islands in the Stream by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. My family is very musically inclined. I used to be so now my musical inclination is a little thing I like to call.....KARAOKE! Think I wouldn't do it? Think again. I've done it several times. I'm not the best singer in the world and if I was, I'd be doing it for a living and it wouldn't be called karaoke then, now would it? I don't think so! I love music!

Peer Pressure

It's official! I have a blog! However, it does feel like the end of Doogie Howser, M.D. when he would type his thoughts at the end of each episode. Stop....think....smile, and back to typing. I can even hear the music. I loved that show. Anyways, as I post things on this blog, do not be alarmed at how random my thoughts are OR how quick I change subjects. I, usually, have to warn people when I change the subject so quick. I'm doing this for you guys who think it would be funny. It's not yet, but give me a few drinks later and it could get interesting. Two people were on me like white on rice on a paper plate in a snow storm regarding me starting a blog. I usually give in to peer pressure pretty quick, but I'm an adult now and so it took me a little while longer before giving in. I hope you guys enjoy it. This bud's for you!