Top 10 Reasons to Visit Hutchinson

I started this a long time ago, but never posted it. With my impending trip home next weekend -- and the fact I haven't posted much lately -- I decided to take a moment post just a few reason why Hutchinson, Kansas is a great place to visit (even if I don't have a desire to ever live there again).

Underground Salt Museum – this actually isn’t open yet, but if you have connections, you can tour the salt mines themselves. My sister-in-law works for a company called Underground Vault and Storage where they store all sorts of items and documents for both government and private companies. My favorite is the movie vaults because they store all the original film for most of the major production companies. And it’s not just the final cut version of the movie, it is every footage of tape that they filmed. Because its climate controlled and very secure down there, it’s a very logical place to store these kinds of things.

Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Museum – If you’re interested in space travel, it’s a pretty interesting place to visit. Unless you get car sick easily, you will also want to take time to visit the Omnidome theater while you’re there. You actually feel like you’re moving.

Kansas State Fair – It’s your typical fair full of everything a fair has to offer (including the mullets). Our house is less than a block from the fair grounds, which is nice because you don’t have to pay for parking, but bad because you wake up every morning to the sound of the car races and you’ve got all kinds of weird characters walking through you’re yard and looking in your windows.

Anchor Inn – By far the best Mexican food in town. It started out as this little hole in the wall family restaurant that has now expanded multiple times to be able to accommodate their customers.

Prairie Dunes Golf Course – I’m not a golfer, but the 2006 U.S. Senior Open will be held there and the 2002 U.S. Women’s Open was held there. I guess it was a pretty big deal because people were renting out their houses to the women in the tour while they were there.

Dillon Nature Center – Nothing too exciting, but it’s very peaceful and a nice place to go if you want to get away for a while. Also the site of several of our family pictures.

NJCC Basketball Tournament – Probably one of the biggest things to take place in Hutch every year (which is pretty sad). I loved tournament time though because I would make a ton of money babysitting.

The Hutchinson Zoo – not as exciting as it sounds. No lions, tigers or bears, but plenty of livestock, snakes, and prairie dogs. Doesn’t take long to see, but a good way to waste some time on a nice day.

The “burn off” sites – Hutchinson had a problem with pockets of gas from an underground reserve building up under the city and they would explode. It blew up 2 businesses and a trailer park. So now when you drive through town, you occasionally see a pipe coming out of the ground with flame coming out of it so they can burn off these pockets of gas.

My mom (sorry, not link for her) – For those who have gotten to spend time with my mom (especially in her house) you know she is the Queen of Hospitality. She’s a great cook and will feed you all weekend and make sure you have everything you need. Definitely worth the trip. I like visiting Hotel Mom.

My Sentiments Exactly

Good Morning

This is exactly how I feel every morning, but it felt extremely relevant today! Have a good one.

Just Rambling

So, I'm just going to share my frustration at the moment. I just wrote a check earlier today for an obscenely large amount to the specialist who is trying to fix my jaw. Why am I having problems with my jaw? Stress. What stresses me out? My job. Not that it's a bad place to work, but I have to put in way too many hours for what I'm paid. What also stresses me out? The fact that I'm going to have to get a second job to pay for the specialist who has to fix my jaw because of the job that stresses me out, yet doesn't pay me enough. Oh, and have I mentioned that I've been working so many hours, I haven't had much time to spend looking for that second job?

So, the logical answer would be, get a new job. I've thought about it - a lot. What I've discovered is that I want to work for myself (seriously). I've got a couple of ideas of how to go about that, but they're going to take time (which I don't have an abundance of right now) and money (did I mention I don't have that either?)

So if anyone would like to donate $3,310.75 to the Stacey's Stress Fund, I'd really appreciate it.

What is this World Coming To?

Maybe you've heard the news. Brad & Jenn are splitsville! I know that the end of celebrity relationships is not an uncommon thing, but I really thought (or at least hoped) they were going to last. There is still the optimist in me that says, "this is just a separation...maybe hope is not lost." As much as this bums me out, there are at least 2 other celebrity couples that if they split, I would probably give up hope in the human race:
1. Clint Black & Lisa Hartman-Black
2. Brad Paisley & Kimberly Williams-Paisley.

Really, what is this world coming too?

Bulletin Day

I am never a fan of bulletin day. Friday’s are supposed to be slow days. Not for me. Friday is bulletin day at my office. The day that can make or break my Friday night (and sometimes my entire weekend). To the average bystander, printing the bulletin probably doesn’t seem like it’s that big of a deal, but if the copier or folder breaks down, it can totally put the rest of the day into a total tailspin. Today was one of those days. It was probably the daddy of one of those days.

I won’t bore you with the details, but for the last year and a half, I’ve been working on the process of putting together a new bulletin. Trust me when I say there is a whole lot more that goes into it than you could ever imagine. This week has been really stressful trying to prepare for today. Trying to make sure that everything went off without a hitch. Test runs were done yesterday to make sure everything was set up and running correctly. Today should have gone pretty smoothly.

I started the bulletin early to make sure we got it done in time. It should have taken us 3 to 3 ½ hours max. It took us 5 ½ hours. The new paper didn’t work well in the copier. The copier was having problems, the folder was having problems. I ended up spending my day sitting by the copier pulling off the bad copies as they came out and fixing jams. And what was really bad, was that it was taking every bit of will power I had to not break my new year’s resolution (to stop saying “crap” and “sucks”). Instead, I stomped my feet and yelled “I QUIT” a bunch.
As a result, I’m sitting at home Friday night trying to get caught up on the work I didn’t get done today instead of doing something fun like laying on my couch watching TV.

Three Things

Krista found this on someone's blog, sent it to Lindsy, and so now I'm posting it on my blog (because I need to post something new.)

Three names you go by:
* Stace
* Bon
* Stacley

Three things you like about yourself:
* I’m creative
* Loyal
* Very attentive to detail

Three things you hate/dislike about yourself:
* I worry/over-analyze too much
* I get too flustered if I can’t concentrate
* I’m overly intimidated by other people

Three parts of your heritage:
* What’s
* My
* Heritage?

Three things that scare you:
* Ferris wheels
* Starting something new b/c I might fail
* Being alone

Three of your everyday essentials:
* Sleep
* email
* food

Three things you are wearing right now:
* black pants
* grey sweater
* black shoes

Three of your favorite bands/artists (at the moment):
* Keith Urban
* Rascal Flatts
* John Mayer

Three of your favorite songs at present:
* Brown Eyed Girl
* Bless the Broken Road – Rascal Flatts
* Where Are You Christmas – Faith Hill

Three new things you want to try in the next 12 months:
* Surviving Relay for Life
* Dating (I think I’ve taken a long enough break)
* Starting a business (maybe)

Three things you want in a relationship (love is a given):
* Security
* Humor
* Common Faith

Two truths and a lie:
* I’ve never seen a Star Wars movie
* I’ve been sky diving
* I only have to work one day next week.

Three physical things about the opposite sex (or same) that appeal to you:
* Eyes
* Smile
* Strong arms

Three things you just can't do:
* Drink anything stronger than a Dr. Pepper
* Eat fresh or frozen peas (makes me gag)
* Dispose of a dead mouse

Three of your favorite hobbies:
* Traveling/road trips
* Watching Movies
* Cooking

Three things you want to do really badly right now:
* Go home and do laundry (my laundry basket over-flowth)
* Go to a movie
* Get a massage (my shoulders are tight)

Three careers you're considering:
* Event Planning
* Doing promotions for a record company
* Starting my own business
Three places you want to go on vacation:
* Hawaii
* Europe
* New York City

Three kids names:
* Hewy
* Dewy
* Lewy (what is the purpose of this question?)

Three things you want to do before you die:
* Visit all 50 states
* Pay off my debt
* Get married

Three people who have to take this quiz now or die painfully:
* ?
* ?
* ? (I’m a lover, not a fighter. I don’t want to see anyone die a painful death).

Happy Holidays

Christmas Cartoon

You'll probably have to click on this to be able to read it, but it cracks me up. By the way, did NOT attend the office party last night and do not regret it one bit. Might have to try that again next year.

Tis The Season

As I was driving down Memorial Road earlier today, I was thinking that I hadn't seen any cars with Christmas Wreaths on the grill this year. Could it be? Could the tradition that I was unaware of till I moved to Oklahoma finally run it's course? Have people finally realized how STUPID it is to decorate your car for Christmas. Christmas wreaths belong on your door, not your car!

Well, as I just discovered, the tradition (though fading) is still hanging on. I just saw a big white SUV with a big green wreath and a red bow driving down Memorial Road. Please, JUST SAY NO!

The Weekend

The Christmas Tree

So, this is how the weekend went. The concert Friday night was great, with the exception of the drunk lady behind us that felt the need to scream in a high pitched shrill the entire time anyone one was on stage (no exaggeration). She only took a break during intermission which is when she would, as the girl next to Meredith put it, “reload”. I was deaf Saturday morning.

Some other highlights from the concert would be the “fashion statements” made. My two personal favorites would be 1) the teenage girl in the shiny teal top who literally could not walk in the shoes she was wearing and complaining about how bad her feet hurt. (Honey, that’s why you don’t wear stiletto heels to a concert unless you’re a professional). 2) The lady who looked dressed to “meet the band”. I almost felt sorry for her because you could see the forlorn look on her face that seemed to imply she had realized she would not be “getting lucky” that evening with anyone famous. Jay Leno really needs to hire me to go to country concerts with a video camera and get my commentary on things.

Kudos do go out to the man who sat next to me. He was a BIG guy (a stout version of Grant) yet was kind and considerate enough to always stand in such a way that he would not block my view of the stage. Not all concert goers are that considerate.

Saturday was spent running errands and decorating the tree (see above) followed to an brief excursion to Harrah, Oklahoma to the Harrah Music Hall to listen to a friend’s band play. If you’ve never been to the Harrah Music Hall, a must see for sure. And hey, for $3, it’s a cheap date (not recommended for a first date unless you don’t want there to be a second).

Sunday night I had BK at my house. It was a fun time of fellowship, despite the fact I spent the whole night trying to keep Jayna from stealing my candles on the dining room table (her bag had to be checked at the door). Then there was my little flub up that Tracy has insisted had to be included on my next blog. We were discussing why I wasn’t keen on letting my chiropractor set me up and I was telling Tracy that he doesn’t know me very well because he’s always telling me I need to go to Night Trips to meet guys. “Night Trips” was not what I meant to say…City Walks is what I meant to say. And though I caught myself immediately, I thought Tracy was going to wet her pants on our floor. Probably a “you had to be there” moment, but we got a good laugh out of it.

Week in Review

Sunday:
Sunday morning started with me waking up from a very disturbing dream that caused me to seek out answers. Found this site: http://www.dreammoods.com/. Somewhat helpful, but if nothing else – kind of fun to read what certain things in dreams “could mean” (it’s by no means the standard for everyone).

Monday:
Started out fairly normal with the exception of being really tired since I keep having weird dreams that are keeping me from sleeping well. Then I had the run in with the stupid driver (see previous entry). Then that night I went over to Randy's apartment to play cards, but since it was dark and it had been a while since I’d been there, I went to the wrong apartment. I was a little thrown when a shirtless guy answered the door and then noticed that the décor had changed quite a bit. That’s when I notice I was one building over from where I should have been. Of course, since I had cookies in hand, I think he was going to let me stay.

Tuesday:
By far the most eventful day this week. I had an appointment that afternoon to go to the doctor to have a mole removed from my arm. I’m sitting in the lobby talking to a lady from church who was also waiting to see a doctor when there was this pop and the lights went out for about a second. Little weird, but we just kept talking. A few minutes later a nurse comes out and tells everyone we’ll have to evacuate the building because a transformer blew and started a small grass fire out back. So we all go outside and wait for the fire department. Because of my LOVE of firemen, this alone made my day. By time the fire department got there (which was maybe a minute) the fire was out and they let us go back inside a few minutes later. They were checking the attic while I was in the exam room and it sounded like they were going to come through the ceiling. Having a fireman fall in my lap would have made my year! No such luck. Instead the firemen left and I left the doctor’s office with one less mole than I had that morning (I was going to post a picture of my stitches, but I'll spare you the gory details). The day ended with my trying to put Christmas lights on the tree by myself (a true sight to be seen) and watching A Charlie Brown Christmas (which I hadn’t seen in years, but found even more humorous now than I did as a child).

Wednesday:
Wednesday was a pretty busy day since I accomplished nothing at work on Tuesday, but the only thing eventful was the trip to the chiropractor’s office. A little history, my chiropractor is almost obsessed with setting me up with someone. He is convinced that he can find me a husband. So, I walk into his office Wednesday and the first thing he asks me is “are you up for a blind date?” The man has seriously been scoping out friends and patients to find me a date. As tempting as it is since my dating life has taken a serious dive the last few years, I don’t exactly trust my chiropractor’s taste and based off of information he shared with me about the guy, I think it’s probably wise to pass.

Thursday:
Pretty uneventful other than the fact that I did score a ticket to go see Rascal Flatts on Friday night (thanks Krista). I shouldn’t go because I need to clean house for BK on Sunday, but oh well. Krista and I have discussed my need to wear tight jeans and have big hair so that I’ll fit in with the crowd (and so we’ll have a good story for Bible study). We’ll see…

Friday:
The day started with another disturbing dream. According to the dream site, I’m going through a lot of personal change, personal discovery, inner turmoil and hidden feelings. That site might be more accurate than I thought. On a brighter note, I received my Christmas bonus today which was earlier than normal. It’s not a substantial amount, but every little bit helps this time of year.

So, up to this point, that’s been the highlights of my week. I have a feeling the weekend could be just as entertaining. I’ll keep you posted.

HELLO!

My BIGGEST pet peeve is people who think they are the most important thing on the face of this earth and the rest of the world needs to submit to them. I ran into one of these people today on my lunch hour.

For those familiar with Edmond, I was heading east on 33rd Street and had just past Pepperoni Grill heading to Taco Bell to pick up lunch for a co-worker. Well there was this woman sitting at the cross street next to McDonald’s who wanted to turn left onto 33rd. Problem was, the light was red, so traffic was backed up quite a bit.

I don’t know who died and made this woman queen of the world, but instead of waiting for the light to turn green and look for a break in traffic, she pulls into the east bound lane and proceeds to block BOTH lanes of traffic. So not only is traffic backed up on the west bound lane waiting for the light to change, but traffic is now backed up on the east bound lane waiting for her to move. And the whole time this broad is looking at us like we’re the ones with a problem.

I wanted to get out of my car and smack her upside her head to maybe jump start that brain of hers (if she had one), but before I had a chance, some cars in the other lane maneuvered to let her in (I think they saw the anger on the faces of everyone else). So now, what she’s learned is that she can get away with it.

All I want to know is why people like this exist? What is it that makes people think that the world owes them and they have the right to behave badly to get their way? And sorry to say, it’s not limited to non-Christians. I see it all the time. I have to deal with a woman on a regular basis who has gotten her way her entire life and as a result, she believes that she deserves to always get her way and will stop at nothing to make sure it happens. Frustrating. Does nobody remember the Golden Rule anymore? Okay, I’ll stop now, but stunned at this woman’s behavior.

God Doesn't Make Mistakes

A couple inches taller
Another size smaller
A little curl in my hair
Used to wish I was older
Now I wish I was younger
Back when I didn’t have a care
Most of the time I am happy with what God gave me
Once in a while I wish that some miracle would change me

I’m okay with the way God made me
I have my days but doesn’t everybody
It’s not always easy for me to believe in myself
But I gotta remember
I’m always going to be a better me than anyone else
And God doesn’t make mistakes

Mama says I’m special
Calls me her little angel
Yeah, I could almost do no wrong
But I trip and stumble
Guess that’s what keeps you humble
But I pick myself up and I carry on
I’ll never be a flawless model of perfection
Nobody’s perfect and I admit I’m no exception

I’m okay with the way God made me
I have my days but doesn’t everybody
It’s not always easy for me to believe in myself
But I gotta remember
I’m always going to be a better me than anyone else
And God doesn’t make mistakes

I’m thankful for the rainy days
They only make the sunshine sweeter

I’m okay with the way God made me
I have my days but doesn’t everybody
It’s not always easy for me to believe in myself
But I gotta remember
I’m always going to be a better me than anyone else
And God doesn’t make mistakes


If you don’t listen to country music much, you’ve probably never heard of Carolyn Dawn Johnson, but this song is off of her Dress Rehearsal CD and it has to be one of my favorite songs. Not that I think it’s musically spectacular, but the words really hit home with me.

I don’t know about anyone else reading this, but I have a tendency to get down on myself now and then and wish I could change some things about myself – both inside and out. What I like about this song is that it reminds me that God made me the way that I am for a reason and if I’ll just trust Him and let Him have control of my life, He’ll make any necessary changes. Of course this is easier said than done sometimes.

I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas

When I was out shopping with my mom on Friday, by far my favorite thing about the holiday season took place...I heard the Hippopotamus song for the first time this year! My sophomore year in college, my roommate and I would turn this song up every time it came one (which was every morning at least!) If I could find this ring tone to download on my phone, I would. Jenn, this one's for you! =0) Merry Christmas!

I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas

I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a Hippopotamus will do
Don’t wanna a doll
No dinky-tinker toy
I want a hippopotamus
To play with and enjoy

I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
I don’t think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won’t have to use
A dirty chimney flue
Just bring him threw the front door
That’s the easiest thing to do

I can see me now on Christmas morning
Creeping down the stairs
Oh, a joy and what surprise
When I open up my eyes
To see a Hippo-Hero standing there

I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a Hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses
I only like Hippopotamuses
And Hippopotamuses like me too

Mom says a Hippo will eat me up, but then
Teacher says a Hippo is a vegetarian
There’s lots of room for him
In our two car garage
I’d feed him there, and wash him there, and give him his massage
I can see me now on Christmas morning
Creeping down the stairs
Oh, a joy and what surprise
When I open up my eyes
To see a Hippo-Hero standing there
I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a Hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroseses
I only like Hippopotamuseses
And Hippopotamuses like me too

Mod Podge

This will probably be the most random of any of my random thoughts ever, but I don’t care, I’m sharing anyway! =0)
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STACEY

First, Lindsy and Grant both made mention of the Dictionary of Names site, so I decided to check it out. Not sure that was a good thing. Though fairly accurate, I don’t sound like a very pleasant person. That could explain a lot of things, though.

Your name of Stacey has created a practical, responsible, stable nature, and you desire to direct the efforts of others rather than to take order or ask permission. You have a determined, self-reliant, capable nature and resent any interference, although in your desire to help you are inclined to become involved in the lives and decisions of other people. You like to make your own decisions and to be the master of your domain. You feel a limitation in your own expression when it is necessary to reach another through tact and understanding. Although you are honest and fair, a directness in speech is a source of much consternation to you, and you often regret what you say. You also have a tendency to worry. It causes you to be too serious, and interferes with happiness and relaxation that comes with naturalness of expression. Health weaknesses centre in the head appearing as headaches, head colds, and eye, teeth, ear, or sinus problems.
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EVEN MORE RANDOM THOUGHTS

Here are some other thoughts that have gone through my head (or come out of my mouth) the last few days:

Taco Bueno has indefinitely stopped putting tomatoes on their menu items due to the hurricane in Florida. Though not the end of the world, one of the reasons I prefer Taco Bueno is because they put tomatoes on their tacos.

My life is pathetic because I spend 90% of my Friday nights in this manner: get off work (most likely late), go to the grocery store or run errands, go home and watch TV till I fall asleep (which is often before 10 p.m.). My Saturday’s are often the same, without the work part.

My life isn’t as pathetic as it seems because 1) I don’t have a cat and 2) I don’t dance with it! (Trying to think positive here!)

It is WRONG to start playing Christmas songs all day, every day on the radio before Thanksgiving. It’s even “wronger” to run head first into a Christmas tree when you’re going to change the server tapes (thank you Christian Services for this experience). =0)

Office Christmas parties are for the birds, which is why I’m boycotting mine this year. I have decided to just forego the whole process of praying I’ll get sick so that I don’t have to attend – I just told them I wouldn’t be attending this year. I hate the office Christmas party. It is the only time of the year I feel like it really SUCKS to be single. There are so many reasons for why I feel this way, so that might have to be a blog of its own.

Keith Urban is by far the sexiest man alive (but People Magazine didn’t ask me).

At this very moment, someone in my office is popping popcorn and it smells like a wet diaper. I want to puke!

Well, that’s it for today. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Quiz

Since I was feeling the need to change my blog entry, I’m taking a cue from Lindsy and posting one of these email survey’s I received yesterday.

1. WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME? Stacey Kaye _______

2. WHAT COLOR PANTS ARE YOU WEARING? black

3. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Teresa cleaning up her Sonic coke that she just split all over the floor & “You’re Still the One” on the radio.

4. WHAT'S THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Quaker Oatmeal Square

5. DO YOU WISH ON STARS? Sometimes. Hasn't worked yet.

6. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Blue

7. HOW IS THE WEATHER RIGHT NOW? Cold and foggy

8. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Some guy who is bringing a shuttle bus for our transportation ministry to look at.

9. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT YOU THIS? Of course (okay, with questions like this, are you really going to say no – but my answer was honest).

10. HOW OLD ARE YOU TODAY? 30, but 31 is too close for comfort.

11. FAVORITE DRINK? Grape Shasta

12. FAVORITE SPORT? Baseball

13. HAIR COLOR? Dark brown

14. WHO WOULD YOU MEET IF IT COULD BE ANYONE DEAD OR ALIVE? My Grandpa Wayne or my sister, Michelle.

15. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No

16. SIBLINGS: 1 - a brother, Brad

17. FAVORITE MONTH? December. I generally have the most time off work that month.

18. FAVORITE FOOD? BBQ

19. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Amelie (yes, I finally watched it! And what’s scary is that I AM Amelie!)

20. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR? I don't think I have one.

21. WHAT DO YOU DO TO VENT ANGER? Walk it off.

22. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD? Jenny Doll (This is what Jenny would look like if she hadn't been so loved. My Jenny's head is barely attached to her body). I was also a big fan of Barbie.

23. SUMMER OR Winter? Summer

24. HUGS OR KISSES? What are kisses? I'll have to go with hugs.


25. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? Both - I like them mixed together.

26. DO YOU WANT YOUR FRIENDS TO WRITE/ E-MAIL BACK? Of course (again, are you really going to say no?)

27. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Rachel (though, at this point, she hasn't.)

28. WHO IS LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? This question is just wrong.

29. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS? Rent a condo with Jeana.

30. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last night (7th Heaven was sad)

31. WHO IS THE FRIEND YOU HAVE HAD THE LONGEST? Melissa Nuss & Jill (Dietz) Blackwell. I’ve been friends with them both since the teen years.

32. WHAT DID YOU DO LAST NIGHT? Washed crock pots from BK the night before, unloaded the dish washer, put away my Halloween decorations, cleaned out the fogger machine, took out the trash, watched 7th Heaven & American Dreams, talked to And on the phone, and paid my bills.

33. FAVORITE SMELLS? Men's cologne or anything baking

34. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? People who can make the most of the worst situations and don't compromise their character in the process.

35. WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? Ferris Wheels & not having any family left (being alone)

36. PLAIN, BUTTERED OR SALTED POPCORN? Buttered

37. FAVORITE CAR? What ever I can afford that won't break down.

38. FAVORITE FLOWER? Tulips & White Daisies

39. NUMBER OF KEYS ON YOUR KEY RING? 8

40. FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK? Thursday

41. WHAT DID YOU DO ON YOUR LAST BIRTHDAY? Spent it in bed - sick and without a voice. I had to postpone the celebration for a week.

42. HOW MANY STATES HAVE YOU LIVED IN? 2

43. HOW MANY CITIES HAVE YOU LIVED IN? 3 (if you consider Anthony a “city”).

44. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW? Crossing Jordan, American Dreams, 7th Heaven, Law & Order SVU, CSI, ER, Third Watch (my VCR is always running!)

45. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CARTOON CHARACTER? Dopey (but if Muppets count, then its Animal.)

Patsy

Only a select few are going to really find the humor in this, but today’s entry is about Patsy.

Patsy is our Onsite Property Manager. Actually her last name is the same as mine, so we’re pretty tight. She’s a nice lady, but she’ll talk your ear off so you better be prepared to be on the phone for a while if you call her with a problem. And don’t get her started on Bob. She doesn’t like Bob much. Bob is the manager for the Home Owner’s Association (takes care of the clubhouse, pool, etc.) Luckily Patsy and Bob both seem to like me, so I can get things done quicker than some (though I’m still waiting for someone to seal my windows so I don’t have cold air blowing in. Maybe today?)

The reason this entry is dedicated to Patsy is because of an observation I have recently made. For anyone living in The Crossings, you probably see Patsy pretty regularly. She’s always walking through the edition. I leave in the morning…she’s out walking. I come home at lunch…she’s out walking. I come home after work…she’s out walking. Even if I run home randomly during the day…she’s out walking. I ALWAYS see Patsy out walking. She has to be in excellent shape because I think that’s all she does all day. Walk and talk to people she meets along the way.

I like to walk, but I can’t imagine walking all day in that neighborhood. There’s no outlet and it’s not a big edition. There’s not a lot to see. I would get bored, but not Patsy. She’s always out walking.
So if you’re ever in the neighborhood and see a white haired (maybe it’s really light blonde) lady walking around – most likely wearing a visor…That’s Patsy. But don’t bother to try to get her attention. She probably won’t even notice you’re there (she gets very focused when she walks – must be something about the last name).

The Frog Man

Don’t ask me why, but I had some flashback to my younger days this weekend that reminded me of something I think I’ve tried to repress, but probably has a lot to do with why I have the “relationship issues” I have now.

What could be so traumatizing from my childhood that it still haunts me today? Three words “The Frog Man,” a.k.a. Frog Man Eddie or Eddie Ford.

Now I’m not being mean by calling him “The Frog Man.” This was a self-proclaimed nickname. You see, I met The Frog Man at my beloved Silver Maple Camp at the age of nine. For those not familiar with SMC, it has a large pond/small lake that is the home to many water-type creatures – especially bull frogs. Eddie lived for two things – catching bull frogs and professing his undying love for me.

I’m not sure how I became the object of his juvenile obsession, but I would have gladly shared the wealth with any of my female co-campers. Eddie used to follow me everywhere. He would go out of his way to get as close to me as possible. He’d chase me multiple times a day from the chapel or mess hall back to the girl’s side of camp. The cabins were my refuge. He put me in tears so many times that first year at camp that our counselors has to impose a “restraining order” on him. He was not aloud to sit by or near me, but he’d still find ways to torment me.

And this wasn’t just a first year thing. This went on for YEARS! Every year, I’d get to camp and start praying that The Frog Man wouldn’t be there – no such luck. The “chasing” did eventually let up and I developed this amazing skill of ignoring him, but he still continued to be my shadow. I remember on one occasion, we were going on a hay-rack ride and he came and sat close by. The male counselor sitting next to me (yes, I had to have male counselor body guards) reminded him he wasn’t allowed to sit next to me. Frog man responded by saying “I’m not sitting NEXT to her, I’m just sitting close enough to her so I can LOOK at her.” Oh, brother!

I know I should be flattered, but it was creepy. No girl in grade school should have to deal with a “stalker”. And thanks to my early on experience with The Frog Man, I avoided boys a whole lot longer than normal. I’m still not sure why me? I have always been a magnet for guys weird guys (oh, yes, there are more, but we’ll save those for a later blog).

So where is The Frog Man now? WHO CARES! Once I hit my teen years, I started attending another session of camp and was finally free of the Frog Man. Actually the last time I heard, I think he had either joined the army or was in jail or both…I don’t know for sure – something with a lot of structure. I’m sure if he’s in jail, it’s for stalking someone or ignoring a restraining order.

Scary Movies

Okay, so last night I went to go see The Grudge (which, can I say that this link even freaks me out) with some friends after church. I know there are some out there that weren’t that impressed, but since I’m so jumpy, I was completely freaked out. What really got me was the scene of the lady in her bed. I won’t share details, but it only seems logical to me when you’re scared to run and jump in your bed and hide under the covers. Not sure about this anymore. If you’re not safe in your own bed, where are you safe?

Now if you’re like me, when you see movies like this, you’re sitting there saying – out loud – “what are you thinking?!?” No wonder people in scary movies get killed. They’re STUPID! This was just reinforced last night, so here is my brief attempt at a guide of “how not to get killed in a horror movie.” Feel free to add to the list.

1. If you hear a scary noise, do not go “check it out” especially by yourself and without some weapon to protect yourself.

2. Do NOT take the stairs. Don’t go upstairs, don’t go down stairs, don’t go in the stairwell. Bad things happen when stairs are involved.

3. Never return to the scene of the crime. When you know that something bad has happened in a house, a school, anywhere - don’t go back there! If you were fortunate enough to get out the first time, you probably won’t be the second time.

4. Don’t date someone who seems to have involved themselves in some horrific quest. The significant other ALWAYS dies.

5. If you ring the doorbell and no one answers, but the door is unlocked, don’t go inside.

6. NEVER under any circumstances go up into the attic or the down into the basement. Bad things happen in attics and basements.

7. Never leave the office late at night by yourself. Actually being at work late at night by yourself is never a good thing because that “night watchmen” hired by your company to keep you safe will not protect you and most likely, will die himself.

8. Stay away from the creepy kid. No matter how sorry you feel for the kid, the creepy kid will always be your demise (especially if it cries like a cat!)

9. If scary things have been happening to you all evening, do not open the door. No matter who you think it is, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR! It will always lead to your demise.

10. If you think there is something in or under your bed, don’t look. RUN!!!!!!!

Some Day My Prince Will Come...

Me & Kim at the Halloween Party

Unlike my Disney look-alike, this is not a song that I go around singing right now. This thought has spurred on my top 5 reasons why my “Prince” is MIA…

1. He ran off with a dwarf. It wouldn’t be the first “prince” in my life to do that.
2. He clothes lined himself riding his white stallion through the forest and developed amnesia.
3. He was riding his white stallion across I-40 and got hit by a Mack truck.
4. He’s directionally challenged and lost in the woods somewhere
5. He married Sleeping Beauty. He prefers blondes.

Drunk Pumpkin

In honor of the upcoming holiday (and the fact that I've had nothing else to post lately) I've decided to add my favorite Halloween picture ever! I love the drunk pumpkin. Absolutely disgusting! Isn't it great!?!?