In the Words of Elvis...

"Man, I like Vegas!" I have to agree with Elvis. I just love Vegas, too, and I will be arriving there in about 24 hours. I don't know what is on the agenda first, but I can guarantee Blaine and I are going to have a blast. Blaine has scored some VIP tickets to some fabulous hangouts including LAX at Luxor, Pure at Ceasar's Palace and Body English at Hard Rock Casino. Did I mention a cocktail party at the Palms....I can't wait to be wined and dined.

I have been to Vegas so many times and each time I come back with great stories....like the time I flew out with Lora & Jason a day before Blaine did for the Superbowl and enjoyed huge fruity drinks at a piano bar and huge football drinks downtown...or the time Ryan, Melissa, Blaine & I wandered around aimlessly taking funny photos...or the time we went out to Vegas and stayed at the Fairfield Resort in a fancy condo and the bachelorette party tried to stay out longer than the bachelor party...or the time Blaine, Ashley and I got on the roller coaster on top of the Stratosphere....or the time Blaine and I climbed Red Rock Canyon because we were actually tired of the strip. My first time in Vegas was when I was 17 and I have loved it ever since.

Many people tell me that they don't like to gamble and have no reason to go to Vegas. It is not about gambling for me - it is about the lifestyle, the shopping, the people watching, the whole experience. I can't get enough - actually I can in about 4 days but as soon as I get home and get some sleep, I am ready to go back.

So WATCH OUT VEGAS because I am on my way back. I can't even remember how many times I have actually been to Vegas - and once even spent about two and a half weeks out there. Like I said, I can't get enough.

So pack up the pink suitcases, I am outta here.... Viva Las Vegas, baby!!!

Sick of Sickness - but feeling well.

This week has been a crazy one for several reasons. Here are a few notes to recap...

** I worked worked Monday as a regular work day. But Tuesday it was Veteran's Day and we were off work. Love State Holidays!!

** I became very ill on Tuesday and thought I was coming down with strep throat - a nasty illness that I get every year. Luckily I had a leftover prescriptions so I started popping those (and some vitamins.) I missed work on Wednesday - was very tired, my throat was killing me, I had body aches. Holy crap, I thought. I don't have time to miss work...I am leaving for Vegas on Friday. But i kept slamming the antibotics and hoped for the best.

** Our hot water heater quit working - oh that's just great - I am sick and now I have to take cold showers...I don't think so. We went to a friends house to shower Wednesday night. I thought, "are you kidding me? I feel this bad and have to leave the house to shower.

Well...great news. I feel like a champ. I don't think the antibiotic helped but getting out of the house did.....here is why (you might want to make sure you sitting Momma Moore....you are not going to like this story):

Monday night Blaine decided that for a 2nd time in a week he was going to re-seal our stained concrete floors in the basement. He had sealed it last Friday and we opened up the house, aired it out and was fine. But Monday night he finished up while I was in bed. Unknown to either of us because we weren't using our heads, the consequences of actually sleeping in a fume-filled house is not good. I guess if you really think about it - it can't be good. But I had full faith that Blaine wouldn't let me die in the process (okay a little over-dramatic there, but I am just sayin').

Tuesday I started feeling like crap - but kept chugging along on my laundry list of things to get done. By 7:30, I was in bed dead to the world. Wednesday wasn't any better. In the meantime the water heat goes caput on us and we are disgusted. So the plumber comes to look at it and calls Blaine and says that the sensor for fumes/toxins/things that will make the wife sick has gone off and the water heater automatically shut off so there wouldn't be an explosion. When Blaine explained this to me - I didn't get it.... mostly because I wasn't "getting" anything at that point. I was probably high from the fumes (again over-dramatically speaking).

But now I get it.... I had become sick from the concrete floor fumes. I am not sure how Katie (my dog) and I ever lived. Katie stayed outside most of the day yesterday - I guess she is smarter than me. We aired out the house and last night I was feeling pretty good after going to a friends house for a while to shower are "air out." This morning - throat hurt, felt like crap. But after a few short hours at work, I feel like a champ. Really! Fresh air - I love it.

The house is open all day for airing out and I know by tonight it will be liveable again. But I can tell you that this fiasco will never happen again. I told Blaine next time he tried to kill me just to put a bullet in my head - it would be less painful (yes....over-dramatic again). Truthfully, he can't knock me off - who would make sure he matched in the mornings! :-)

Now that I feel better, it is Viva Las Vegas, baby!!

Happy Hour

I had a lot of happy hours over the weekend. Not that I constantly drank away my weekend -but I had lots of hours with friends. On Friday, I joined the work crowd for a going away party for a girl in my office. To be honest, there are very few women that even attempt to get along with others in my office - although our work environment is a non-competitive friendly one. Just some women would rather flip their hair and snarl at one another instead of flashing a quick smile and saying hello. To each their own, I guess. I am sad to see this one smiling face leave - we need all the nice girls we can get. I don't blame her for getting the heck out of dodge, but sad. Happy hour Friday night at El Jimador was fun though.

Saturday brought even more fun. We headed to Faurot Field (see Melissa....I can spell it - twice!) for a little tailgate action and a very cold, windy football game. Ryan and Blaine participated in a little wing off. Although no one was officially declared the winner, I think I was the winner - my belly was full, friends were near by and a winning football game was in the air. Couldn't ask for more - well....except maybe a little more hot chocolate.

After the game, we headed to a new little place called The Tin Can in Columbia. Our pals, Ryan and Melissa joined us after the game to meet up with the Watts and the Sherrow's. The Tin Can is the new home for our lake pal, Paul. He is now the manager there. I am sure he was happy to see all of his old lake friends gathered in the winter to check out his new digs.

Sunday brought plenty of (but never enough) time to chat with Ryan and Mel before they headed back to Chiefs Country (aka Kansas City).

Good weekend, good times, good friends!

How can I hate the Broncos after this?

I was cruising the internet recently and came across this article from the Denver Post. It talks about a little town in Iowa - Parkersburg. I don't know exactly where that is in Iowa, but I do know that's where my pal, Casey, is from. (Casey is the NFL center that I have mentioned before that used to play for my Chiefs but was forced to put on the Denver Broncos jersey - I say forced because there could be no other real explanation!)

You have to read this amazing story and see the movie (if and when it ever comes out of Hollywood.) If this does make it to the big screen, I want to play Casey's hot wife, Danni. (Just kidding...I could never get that skinny!)

Here is a tidbit of the article:

Falcons rising after tornado
PARKERSBURG, Iowa — "You know they're going to make a movie about this, don't you?" — Jared DeVries to Broncos starting center Casey Wiegmann. When Hollywood gets hold of the story of Parkersburg, Iowa, the little town that could, the final shot undoubtedly will be of the Falcons joyfully hoisting the 2008 high school state championship trophy. At some point though, perhaps early in the film, an artistic cinematographer might focus on the signage. Not the flashing message at the local branch of the Iowa State bank, which on this day reads that the drive-through window will be closed for repairs. Or the "School XX-ing" crudely painted on the street — really the only indication of any sort that there was a school anywhere in the vicinity.

Read the whole article here: http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_10756897?source=commented-broncos

One Time at Band Camp...

Over the weekend, we had a small family get together in Columbia at the Champion of Champions Band competition at Mizzou. My family including Mom, Dad and Shania & Ronnie, Angel, Tiffani and Sophi all stopped by the house on their way through to watch Sydni compete in the competition. We chatted at the house for a while before we all set out for Faurot Field - home of the mighty tigers!

I will admit - I wasn't all too excited about the band competition. I was very excited to spend the day with my family in my neck of the woods (since I live 2 hours away and don't get to share tidbits of my life with them very often.)

As we walked into the football stadium, I could hear a band....yeehaw (sarcastically) I thought. But as we were seated, I realized that this thing was a big deal. Bands from all around were there to compete for the coveted trophy. After watching 3 other bands that I thought were really good, the Willard Marching Band came out (including Sydni and her color guard squad.) Holy cow - there were so many of them....over 200 Willard students. Sydni was only one of 36 color guard girls (or flags) and they were amazing. The music was great and coordination of that many people was awesome. I quickly realized how much practice and time must go into this type of thing. I began a new appreciation for bands.

Syndi's band made it into the finals. And after a quick dinner at D. Rowe's, we headed back to cheer her on. At about 10 p.m., Willard High took second place for all of their performing glory. Congrats to Sydni and to her school for such a great job!

(Picture 1 - Sydni on the field during the competition. Picture 2 - me & Sophi in the stands.)

Hallelujah It is Over!

Today some people are glad; some people are sad; some people are mad. But I am just as happy as can be - the elections are finally over!

Whether you are for or against our new president-elect, I can say that history was made. More people turned out for this election than ever and more people have been engaged in the conversation of politics than ever before. That is a good thing. More conversation means more knowledge for citizens. More knowledge means more questions to the politicians. More questions to the politicals means more accountability. And accountability from our politicians is exactly what we need.

Now bring on the change for America. We need it!

Hands Up!

Raise your hand if you hate election time! Go ahead...raise your hand....wave it around in the air....like you just don't care. We all know you hate it...heck we all do! I can't wait for it to be over.

The only good thing about this year's election hasn't been the candidates....the issues....or the dreadful commercials. It has been Tina Fey. I didn't really love or hate Tina Fey before this year; I guess I never really thought about her. Now I have become a fan. Her recent impersonations of Sarah Palin have made me laugh out loud far too often in the past couple of months.

If you haven't checked out her latest on Saturday Night Live, you have to! Watch it here on TMZ... It will be sad to see SNL revert back to the days without Tina Fey (unless the McCain/Palin can pull it off and someone can talk Tina Fey into staying). But I bet SNL is happy to have Fey/Palin in the meantime. Maybe we should vote Tina Fey for president....she just may be a better option than what we have.

If the Broom Fits....Ride it!

I don't especially love Halloween, but I don't mind it either. When I was a freshman in high school, I was invited to the Party of the Year. My invitation said to find my favorite costume and join the fun. My pal Janna and I dressed in our best attire - me...Minnie Mouse, Janna...a devil - and joined the fun. Turns out - jokes was on us - we were the only ones dressed up and the entire school had played a trick on some of the "freshmen." Mean, I say....just mean. I swore I would never dress up again. But I have - questioning every single time if I will be the only one there in a costume.

In my skinnier days, my favorite costume was a Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleader (a costume I borrowed from my friend Danni.) I love it...pom poms and all. I have also been a witch, an angel/devil, a pirate and a pumpkin. No costume parties for me this year, but I am excited to see the little ghouls that are wandering my neighborhood tonight.

Happy Halloween to all!

I Love Fall.

Although summer is my favorite, I do love fall - the colors, the decor, the cool mornings and warm days. I love to turn my house into a fall/thanksgiving wonderland each year. As my houses have inched little bigger, the more spread out my decor has come. I inherited a most beautiful new wreath for my front door (from Momma Moore - my very talented mom.) **She recently has gained the Momma Moore tag from my friend, Melissa, who is constantly referring to her as that. Love it.**

I don't have a photo the wreath just yet, but I do have a picture I took of a part of my fireplace mantle. I finally broke down and bought that innovative candles that you put batteries in. Those candles are perfect for a scattered-brained person like me. I don't know how many times I have lit a candle and forgot about it or panicked that I at least thought I forgot about it. I am surprised that I haven't managed to burn something down in my life. It is not like Dad didn't tell me a gazillion times when I lived at home to make sure my curling iron was turned off. I should have learned....well I guess I did - I bought candles with batteries! I am clever, I know.

I Don't Think I am in Kansas Anymore....

I have been so MIA this week - I know. But I have been to my annual communcation's conference in Topeka and let me tell you - our hotel had gone to the dogs....literally. There was some type of National Doberman Pincher Convention leaving the hotel the same days we were arriving. I have never seen so many doberman's (or dogs) at one time in my life. It was a bit hilarious. I also have never heard so many people say the word "Bitch" before in one elevator ride. (I know they were referring to their female doberman's, but it cracked me up much like it would have if I would have been in 8th grade.)

While there, my group toured the Kansas countryside, took a hay ride, experienced the Wizard of Oz museum and much more.

Here are a few of my hayriding friends from all over the country: Oregon, New York, Washington DC, Wyoming, California, Florida, Utah, Minnesota. What a great group! I swear the lady driving the tractor was drunk, but it was still fun. She said she was used to driving kids around - but she had some overgrown kids instead.

Before the conference started, I had the opportunity to introduce a huge Chiefs fan to Arrowhead Stadium for a game. My pal, Bruce from Oregon, is crazy about the Chiefs. I know - it's weird; how does a fifty-something year old guy from Oregon of all places love the Chiefs?!? But he does - and we had a great time. We actually met up with my KC pals, Mel & Ryan, for some tailgating fun. Here are Mel and I at the stadium tailgating, enjoying some BBQ and our morning veggies (aka - Ryan's Bloody Mary's.)

I clicked my Ruby Red slippers and am back in Jeff City....I don't think I am in Kansas anymore.

Whirlwind Weekend

Most of you that know me well know that I rarely stay in one place too long on the weekends. I like to shake it up a bit. Although I would love to stay home for two weekends in a row, there are too many temptations in my life to have fun. And that is what this weekend is going to be about - having fun.

Tonight Blaine and I are headed to south to visit family & friends in the Springfield area. We are staying with Blaine's mom tonight and having dinner at the infamous Mexican Villa. (Mmmmm....sweet sauce.) Saturday is when the whirlwind begins. The morning brings a trip to Mom & Dad's church for a fundraiser craft show where I am bound to drop the cash on one person's crafts - yes, my mother's. If I could, I would lock her in my basement only letting her make flower arrangements for me, but she told me no. So I will share her pure talent with the rest of the world.

After the craft show, I hope to squeeze in a couple of minutes of shopping for Misti....a few necessities need to be found. Then it is off to a BBQ for a friend's wife's birthday. I am excited to see of the new babies that are popped into their lives - not mine - their lives! I only get to stay for the fun for a couple short hours before I hop in the car (leaving Blaine) and drive to Topeka for a conference for most of next week. However, a conference is not complete without some action, some excitement, some fun - Sunday I am headed to the Chiefs game. (Tomahawk Chop!) I have nosebleed seats against a team that is undefeated...but that doesn't have me down. At least I will be at the game. After the game, back to Topeka for work, work, work.

7th graders, 8th graders & me....Oh My!

I only have one favorite 7th grader in the whole world. You guessed it - Shania! Well, this favorite 7th grader, along with her teacher Ms. Kendrick, invited me to visit Republic Middle School yesterday to speak to the 7th & 8th grade Career Path class about my job. It was odd to re-enter the musty hallways that I once hung out in many years ago. The pictures on the wall are still the same, the front office where I was an office aide looks the same, the ancient letter board in the hallway showing who holds records in sports was still there - and no my name is not on it. But one thing has changed - I have gotten much older.

It seemed weird cruising the halls in my work attire as a visitor that was just about to answer to a class about my career choices and accomplishments over the past....well....uh....many years ago (there is no need to out how many years it was that I was a student in those hallways.)

I had planned ahead for this career class. I knew that I had to suddenly become the "rock star," the "awesome older sister" and the "best thing to visit class." I brought some beef stick snacks from work AND, more imporantly, I stopped at Walgreen's on the way and bought candy. I knew they would love me!

I was quite shocked that the little critters asked me hard questions: why did it take you 6 years to graduate college? has there ever been a time where you made a mistake in your career? how much do you make? Geesh...I thought I was entering a middle school class not the witness stand!
Ms. Kendrick asked me who I was married to and when I replied with "Blaine" she let out a big ole, "awwwww....Blaine is so adorable. I just adore Blaine!" I guess the hubby knew how to schmooze the ladies even back in 5th grade when he was a student of Ms. Kendrick's. I assured Ms. Kendrick that my Blainer had grown up, was still adorable and had grown in to those ears that he had back then. (Sorry honey - you couldn't avoid those things much like you couldn't avoid telling me how I walked like a horse! Nay! )

But all in all it was a fabulous time. Ms. Kendrick's Career Path class treated me well, participated in my conversations and I even heard, "that's the best one we have had yet!!" I keep trying to convince myself that "best one" was me instead of the candy that I took - but I am not convinced yet.

Thanks Shania for reintroducing me to the halls of RMS - the home of the mighty Tigers!

Holy Smokes!

So I mentioned earlier this week that me & Blaine and pals, Ryan & Melissa, went to the Americal Royal BBQ Contest in Kansas City. Holy Smokes....it was a good time. Holy Smokes...there was a lot of great BBQ. Holy Smokes...my hair still smells like a campfire after many attempts to expel the smell by numerous washings. Holy Smokes....that was the team name - we co-sponsored.

A co-worker of Blaine's asked if he wanted to pay to "be a team member." Are you kidding...Blaine be a team member? He was all over that like....well you know what! Although we didn't have official team shirts, we celebrated the event with our team, Holy Smokes. It was quite an event. Blaine's friend, Todd, was there too but opted to leave early. So it was up to the Preston's and the Lanclos' to consume as much food and beverage as we could - and we did.

After our bellies were full and the Mizzou game had ended (because we couldn't miss listening to the game), we headed out to hear the concert. It was a bit of a redneck concert - since we saw two uncalled for punching matches amongst the drunk crowd - but it was a site to see (even a chair was thrown) and we were far away from the action - but close enough to laugh and watch as handcuffs were slapped on. Amusing I guess - I don't see too much of that action in my life...well except if Jason Watts invites us over for a UFC fight.

After we had had enough BBQ action, we headed to the Power & Light District in downtown KC to see the action there. After a quick stop at the Flying Saucer - a beer nerd's true paradise - it was back to the hotel to seek out Tina Turner - who was supposedly (or at least we were convinced) was staying at the Hilton also. I am sure if she was there she heard our rendition of "What's Love Got to Do...Got to Do With it! What's love.....blah, blah, blah, blah, blahblah!" I am sure she was impressed!!

My Thoughts on the Presidential Debate Last Night...

1) Buy a stop watch...

2) Read the directions before you get there...

And last but not least....

(Photo courtesy of roflrazzi.com)

Fun in the Kitchen

Blaine and I traveled to Kansas City over the weekend to attend our Culinary Class for Couples in Overland Park and join our friends for some fun at the American Royal BBQ Contest. What a great weekend of eating!!

Friday night, we drove to the Culinary Center of Kansas City to test our cooking skills together. To be honest, I had no idea what to expect - I am no Martha Stewart. Sure, Blaine watches the Food Network but I just keep clicking past that channel. I will never be the next Rachel Ray or Emeril - I know my strengths - and they are not in the kitchen. We joined 12 other couples in a quaintly decorated cooking studio to prepare an elegant meal. It was fabulous and WAY more fun that I expected. We didn't burn anything (well....except for my finger), our Shrimp/Wonton appetizer, strawberry and walnut salad with homemade vinaigrette, steak and shrimp dish and Boston creme cupcakes were all to die for. I was stuffed. I actually learned something! And I got to mess up someone else's kitchen and didn't have to wash one single dish (that had to be the best part!)

Our cooking class reminded giggly Blaine about the time right after I moved away from my home to Jefferson City. I was a recent college grad that thought she could take on the world. I moved with no job, little money and a deteriorating self-esteem to mid-Missouri to begin my life anew. After only being here for a short while, broke and desperately missing my family, I decided to bake Blaine a cake. I had never baked a cake before. And it was not pretty.

I went to the local grocery store to find my ingredients. I picked up all of the essentials and headed back to the "dungeon" apartment to create my masterpiece. I read the instructions (and although questioned some things), I skillfully crafted my cake. (Note: Always taste your baked goods before serving them for the first time.) When Blaine got home from work that evening, he dug into the chocolate creation. To his surprise (and unfortunately mine), I had substituted salt for sugar and my hard work had only produced a bitter, sodium-filled disaster. It was awful...and I was devastated. Yes, I cried. And yes, I cried for days.

Blaine tried his hardest to keep the laughter inside. He knew that I had NO idea how to cook more than Ramon noodles and scrambled eggs. I think he was impressed that I even attempted...but his laughter covered that up.

To this day, I still cringe when Blaine reminds me of that event. But you know, I have come a long way in those 5 1/2 years and am taking on the family Thanksgiving celebration next month. Although that dinner will be another venture I have never tackled before, I am confident that with 6 burners, a griddle and two ovens, I can whip up a mean batch of traditional Thanksgiving chow for all. A couple of years ago, Blaine's mom, Sandy, challenged me by saying, "as soon as you learn to cook fried chicken, I will pay you a visit." I said, "Bring it on, lady!" I fried up some scrumptious fried chicken (mine is better than Chef Blaine's) and proved that I can do anything I set my mind to in the kitchen.

Although the holiday is still a ways out, I am already preparing in my head how I am going to prepare the meal for my family and Blaine's at our place. I may be gluten for punishment, I am sure I can pull this one off. It will be chaotic, stressful and a complete mess, but I also think that this will be another fun experience to add to my database of "why in the heck did I even try that?"

$$ Vegas $$...Here I Come!!!

Blaine & I booked our trip to Las Vegas this week and I am so excited I created the image above. (I found this great new website called FaceinHole.com where you can magically input your pictures into several different options.) This one seemed perfect for me and Blaine.

This image reminded me of my first trip to Vegas with Mom & Dad for a talent contest when I was only 17. Outside of the MGM Grand where we stayed, I had my picture taken and inserted into the face hole of a woman in a skimpy bikini. At 17, I thought that was pretty funny! There is a lot of trouble a teenager can get themselves into in Vegas, but I managed to dodge security while I plugged my coins into a slot machine at MGM. It was a memorable trip that included my first cab ride (with a bunch of other teenagers and no adult supervision), the first time anyone had ever handed me a flyer for strippers, my first 120 degree weather and my first slot machine arm pull. I guess it ruined me for life because I have loved Vegas ever since.

Although I have to wait until November for me & Blaine's next trip to Sin City, I am so excited to make it out to Vegas again. I am not sure if it is the shopping, the exciting night life or all of the lights and action that draws me to Vegas, but I often long to go back. Fortunately, Blaine gets to fly out for work twice a year and I try to tag along occasionally.

Rumor has it that some of our friends are going to join us which will be a great time. The last time I went out, I was joined by Lora & Jason and Mitch & Beth....what a great time we had at Studio 54 and shopping at Ceasar's....not to mention our infamous trip downtown for the "cheap gambling" and plastic footballs full of our favorite beverage. On another trip a couple of years ago, I was also joined by our friends Ryan & Melissa in Vegas where we enjoyed fruity drinks in front of Ceasar's and Blaine's random disappearing act, Chinese television at the MGM and me & Blaine's constant need to get on the monorail to take us back to whatever hotel we were staying at that night.

You would think after venturing to Vegas so many times we would have seen it all - but Vegas is ever-changing and adds even more anxiety for the next trip. I can assure as soon as I step foot in Vegas I will head towards the Bellagio fountains with my Mojito from Cheesecake Factory in hand, shake a leg at Studio 54 and continue my shopping experiences at the Wynn or Venetian. Although I cannot afford my wants in Vegas, a girl can window shop, can't she?

1-3...I will take that as long as we beat Denver!

Anyone that knows me well knows that I like to watch NFL football. No, you cannot find me every Sunday planted in front of the TV and, no, I don't know every player on every team. But I do love to watch the Chiefs (yes...I still admit that) and I love to rant and rave over games.

Since I was a kid (or since I moved to Missouri and gave up on my love for the Dallas Cowboys), I have loved the Kansas City Chiefs. Maybe it was my infatuation with living within driving distance of the team. Maybe it was my brother's influence who has the arrowhead tattooed on his arm. Or maybe it was my die hard Chiefs fan friend named Danni. Either way, I have had a love for the team that can never seem to find a winning season, the best combination of players or the best record. One thing I can say - the Chiefs have the best fans and I am one of them.

While sitting around the lake this weekend at the boat races, I found another friend of mine that may possibly love the Chiefs more than me....Cari. Much to her husband, Jason's, argument and after some screaming "turn it up!!!", Cari and I listened to the game of the year...the KC Chiefs pounding the Denver Broncos. (Watch the highlights here.)

Now you might remember me posting previously that I had to find it somewhere in my heart (against my better judgment) to begin kind of liking the Broncos. It has been painful to sit there rooting on a team that I was destined to hate from the beginning....a team that is in our conference....a team that could very well whoop our butts and keep us out of the playoffs. But I had too compromise since Danni's husband, Casey, became the Center for the Denver Broncos. It wasn't rough at first....Casey was going to be 2nd string - he is 35, in his 13th year with the NFL and ready to retire. He was going to sit quietly on the bench - so I didn't really have to root for the Broncos. But then suddenly, the Center had an injury and Casey has started all games for the Broncos and is kicking some booty. Secretly, I have been hoping for Bronco victories ever since the first game.

But this weekend, it was on like Donkey Kong!! The Broncos entered in to Chiefs territory (Tomahawk Chop!) My 0-3 Chiefs took on the 3-0 Broncos and I knew deep down inside that the Chiefs had to win this to even begin their comeback. I heard Casey's name often (and praises of his performance as a "former Chief") as I listened from the Sherrow's boat. Cari screamed and hollered....we slapped high fives on every great play. We even yelled at Blaine for trying to share his cookie recipe while we were trying to hear the game - for crying out loud.

The Chiefs came out on top (33-19), we finally saw their A game. Larry Johnson decided to show up and earn his Mayback driving pay, Damon Huard finally took off his blinders and made some great throws, Derrick Johnson clobbered Denver's offense forcing a pair of turnovers and some QB sacks and the Chiefs finally found a kicker, Matt Prater. (I am still bitter about the 1995-96 playoff game against the Colts where we were doomed with -9 degree wind chill and a stupid kicker. Lin Elliot - or Lin Idiot as I renamed him - missed 3 field goals in that game to lose to Indy 10-7. I was at that game with Blaine and Ronnie where we had bussed with a radio station from Springfield to KC for tailgating and the game. I cannot even describe how cold it was in the upper level.)

But now....My Chiefs finally won a game in 2008. I knew they could...and I am guessing that this game just might be the single most important win in the past 20 years. This week we are off to take on the Carolina Panthers on the road. Our confidence is boosted, the plays are finally tweaked and all of the newbies have finally figured out each others flaws and strengths to work together to actually look like a winning team.

Although Casey's return to Arrowhead was not what he was dreaming of (read the story here), it was a dream come true for a true Chiefs fan! This week I will be cheering for the CHIEFS and secretly...the broncos. Shhhh.....

Preceding my anniversary date...I stink!

I had mentioned in a previous post today that I stunk to high heaven when Blaine and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary...and it was true. I spent most of yesterday at an exotic animal auction in northern Missouri watching the sale and touring the facility. I had other important meetings yesterday in the same town, so I was dressed for success in my black ABS suit and BCBG patent leather pumps. I didn't take clothes to change so I walked into the animal auction like a owned the place and everyone starred. At one point, my boss' wife said, "Do you have sunglasses? You should put them on and pretend you are some Hollywood star here to bid on an exotic animal!" I laughed - and knew deep down inside that if I hadn't been with my boss, I would have completely done that! I have tried that before cruising through casinos in Las Vegas....but Blaine always blows my cover.


The auction was quite a sight to see...holy cow! If you have never been to an exotic animal auction or any animal auction for that matter - Go!! It is a riot. I had been to cattle sales in the past. But this was like straight out of a movie. As we sat in the crowd, you began to see animals in the audience on leashes - kangaroos, bull dogs, anteater looking creatures, houn' dawgs. It was just plain weird.
We ventured into the "back" rooms (because you can when you have our credentials and I am dressed like I am either coming to take over the place or that I have more money than the law should allow - both FAR from the truth). I was blown away by the birds, komoto dragons, giant turtles, chinchillas, porcupines - you name it! I even saw an 8 week old bobcat that I had mistaken for a tabby cat until I popped on the sales website today.
After venturing outside thinking that I will see a bunch of llamas and cows, I was shocked again....a two-toed sloth, crazy cows with horns as long as me, short pony's, deer, elk, ostrich's, zebras, cows with really long fur....everywhere! And then there was the taxidermy sale where I saw Bullwinkle (who only went for $1900 I might add) and all of his friends. I also saw an elephant's head mounted to the wall...next to him, a warthog...next to that, a few big giant bears...an alligator (yes, stuffed) and I even saw a man in a chair asleep that I just knew was my Uncle Sambo all taxidermied in that chair. I looked twice - he was breathing....thank god!

The day was incredible. The governor decided to pay a visit while we were there. At some point on this tour, Guv decided to get between two miniature bull that were fighting amongst themselves (I say miniature...but could bust my gut and KILL ME if they gotten close enough.) Those bulls decided ..."cool, there's people...let's chase them" and they did! As I screamed like a child that had just gotten a spankin' by my momma and backed up against a fence holding an unsuspecting co-worker in front of me, the bull ran by, turned around and ran by again, then again, then again. Why didn't I climb the fence like everyone else? I was in freakin' 4 inch heels and a skirt.

I lived through the experience - I don't know how - and can relive this memory over and over with my coworkers who yesterday laughed it off because they are tough. But today - the story and the bulls keep getting bigger and bigger every time its told. They are scared too - but man enough not to admit to it. As for me, call me a wuss....I don't care. I ain't no farm girl!

Like I said before - get to an exotic animal auction at least once in your lifetime. It is weird, smelly and bizarre...but where else can you find a Zonkey for sale.

Zonkey = a donkey crossed with a zebra. Here is a baby trying to rest....and oh so cute!!

It is Anniversary time!

I can hardly believe that Blaine and I have been married for 5 years (tomorrow). Since we have friends in town this weekend, we decided to celebrate last night. After I had spent much of my day in a cattle barn, overdressed for any farming-like event in a suit and heels and stunk to high heaven, I met Blaine for dinner and we headed to CC's City Broilers in Columbia. (If you haven't been and live near or ever visit Columbia - it is a must!) We have been before, but decided to step it up a notch with the Lobster and Steak. Awesome food! The presentation was great, the atmosphere was perfect and the food was so delicious my tummy is still full.


Blaine and I rarely have date nights. Who can find the time with work, building the house, trying to clean the house and being constantly on the go? So this date night was super special - we were together, alone, it was our anniversary celebration and it was a great place. I guess time flies when you are having fun because it just seems like yesterday that I walked down the aisle with Dad attached to my arm telling me great stories. Dad's words are always inspiring: "Don't worry, Misti. This time you will not be 1st runner-up!" I thought - true...but have you seen my bridesmaid's?


Another great line as I was about to walk down the aisle was, "Blaine just threw up 30 minutes ago." Oh great - was it cold feet? did he take one look at my hot bridesmaids and say, "I can't do this whole marriage thing!"? Nope - Blaine had actually had butterflies swarming in his stomach and grabbed his so-called McDonald's cup to only find out it was someone else's - chew - spit! Disgusting....after I found that out, I laughed and cried all at the same time. But now it was time...we were walking...I had a death grip on Dad...I saw Blaine....and then it all began. We finally got married and moved to Ashland.


Although many things have changed over the past 5 years - houses, jobs, friends, goals - I am still happy to be the Mrs.


Back then, I didn't want a band to go with my engagement ring. Immediately after becoming a Mrs., you grow so much wiser (like the very next day). I have been wanting a band to compliment my ring ever since. Blaine always said - "on our five year anniversary." But I didn't think that would come true (especially with the house building expenses). Much to my surprise last night, I got my band to go with my ring. I love it!


I didn't get Blaine quite an extravagant gift, but I did book him (and me too) a culinary class at the Culinary Center in Kansas City - it is Cooking for Couples, an Elegant Dinner for Two. I was ecstatic when I thought of this idea since Blaine loves cooking so much. I think that we will have a blast. I paired his gift with a "Love Book" from Shutterfly - that I found so much fun putting together - and ordered Preston Vineyard Wine from Washington (that is what we had at our wedding - just the two of us.)


It was a great evening - and now we continue the fun this weekend at the Boat Races at Toad Cove at the lake.

Taco Bell Hates Me!

I like Taco Bell - I don't love it but I from time to time "think outside the bun" and head to the border. My favorite thing at Taco Bell nowadays is not even the food. I love the Border Sauce packets....I cannot get enough of them. Everytime I go, I ask for extra sauce - for my mere amusement of what the packet might say. You have seen them right? If you haven't, jump in the car NOW and head to Taco Bell to get some (and then quit living under that rock and live a little.)

I don't know why I laugh hysterically at these packets. Blaine has even witnessed this with an eye roll or two. I think they are clever, amusing and make my meal entertaining. So that's why Taco Bell hates me. I am sure that they haven't caught on to my hot sauce game and I am not so sure they would really mind. I keep going back - not so much for the burrito or taco, but for the sauce.

Some of my favorites sayings are:

"I'm taking the day off. See the next packet."

"Can I drive?"

"Scratch & Sniff: Gotcha!"

I even have put so much thought into this that I have come up with a few suggestions:

"My other friends are Hot!"

"Como Esta!"

"Why are you growling at me?" (Get it? Stomach growling....)

"Does this package make my butt look big?"

What do you think - could I get a job at Taco Bell?

Funny Wedding Video

In light of my recent trip to a wedding, I found this short clip that someone sent me a while back. It always makes me laugh....
No this is not the bride from the weekend....

Over the weekend, me & Blaine traveled with our friends, Ryan & Melissa, to the wedding up north. It was a great event....we got all dressed up in our best, drove 95 mph to the church because we thought we were going to be late, drove 95 mph back to the hotel (where the reception was to be held), ate some good food, had a few drinks and danced the night away.
Blaine and I always have a great time with Ryan & Mel. Actually, Melissa and I have decided that although Blaine and Ryan look nothing alike - they must be long lost twins.....they completely act the same when together. So much so, you can often hear one completing the others sentence. A little weird...sometimes creepy, but freakin' hilarious!! Mel and I just sit back and listen to the show going on around us!

Robert & girlfriend, Julie, joined us Friday night for the pre-wedding fun. But unfortunately, Robert had a very infected tooth and was feeling pain the entire weekend. Yesterday, he had emergency oral surgery back in Omaha to fix the pain. Get Well Soon, Robert!! Maybe next time you will be able to join in the fun.

As soon as my pals send me a photo or two of our big wedding outting, I will post some photos. We only took about 200 the whole night - we didn't want to miss a thing, I guess. For now, here is a photo of me (from my camera phone) right before the reception.

Bells are Ringing...

Wedding bells are ringing from Palmyra, Mo. Yep - you read that right, Palmyra. I don't have any idea where it is either, but my pals and I are bound to find it somewhere in Northwest Missouri on Saturday. We will be attending the Grisham/Frankenbach wedding. But the fun begins tomorrow. Ryan and Mel (from KC) and Robert and Julie (from Omaha) are venturing our way tomorrow for some wedding pre-fun! I am looking forward to having that gang together again.

As most of you know, I love weddings - okay, really I don't. It really doesn't matter who you are...I just don't like weddings. I think that occurred in 2003 when Blaine and I had 8 weddings from May thru Septmember including our own. We became versed in ironing our best duds, putting on our happiest "we love weddings look" and giving our best hugs to the bride while thinking....okay, now where is the food?

My true unlove for weddings could have also occurred the years that Mom had the bridal shop. All of those bitchy brides and their mothers - I am not sure how we kept from slapping most of them. Don't get me wrong - there were some pleasant brides, but most were...out...of...control.

When I shopped for a wedding dress, yes I was picky. But if I looked fat in a dress, that was my fault. I should have laid off the cheeseburgers. If I was just plain ugly in a dress, I should have bothered to comb my hair or put on makeup before I decided to try on gowns. If I walked like a baboon in a dress, I should have learned posture...oh I don't know....10 years ago. I put on my happy face, brushed my hair, slapped on some makeup and bought myself a wedding dress. I didn't blame the poor unsuspecting bridal shop owner for my fatness, lack of cuteness or ignorance. However, when working at the bridal shop, we were blamed for it all. I even drug out makeup to try to help some souls try to look beautiful, mom broke out the comb and starting teasing away on their hair to make the veil just right and I even showed a few how to walk in heels. I guess that's why we were successful at what we did - even if we sold the "hoochie" dresses that one shop referred to us as selling.

We were probably the first bridal shop in the Springfield area to carry strapless - otherwide know as Hoochie - dresses (insert horror film music here.) For those of you that don't know, Springfield is the bible belt of Missouri. Most of us now only see strapless gowns, but back in those days, it was unheard of and very "unbridely like and unwholesome". After getting over that hurdle, I can honestly say that we poured our heart and soul into that place and into each bride (that actually appreciated the full attention we would give.) I guess that's why we were successful!

But then, September 11th happened, family health issues needed to be tended to and the dreaded David's Bridal came to town. All of those above made us all look at each other and say - "do we really loooove this place anymore? Really? Because if we do, we will fight through. But if we don't, Hasta La Vista, Baby....we are outta here!!

So that is what we did. Mom & I walked away with pride....okay, Mom walked; I sprinted. We knew that we had made hundreds of brides beautiful for their big day, we had changed the industry in Springfield, met many memorable people and accomplished goals for ourselves that we never imagined. As bad as I didn't want to put up with the bridal brainiacs anymore, I learned a great deal about myself, the wedding industry, business and the world.

So maybe I shouldn't hate weddings anymore. Maybe I should look at them for what they are - two people joining their lives together and taking the plunge. Forget the wedding dress, the bridesmaid's shoes, the color of the flowers or the groomsmen's tuxedos....just enjoy the experience! Play dress up for the day with my hot date, mingle with aquaintances and friends, dance a little jig and eat the great food!

I am mad!

"I am mad!" That is what my niece, Sophi, said last night while at Fuddrucker's with the family for Mom's birthday celebration. I think she was mad that her Nana didn't get a Cinderella dress for her birthday just like Sophi did in February. She kept telling me that her birthday was WAY better (than Nana's) because "Jewie got me a Cinderella dress!" She finally came out from under the table though. And I am pretty sure Mom was happy she didn't get a Cinderella dress for her birthday - she may have wanted the glass slippers though...she loves shoes as much as I do.

Mom & I had spent the day shopping for antiques and other stuff for my house. I only bought a car load it seemed but I couldn't pass up the deals - even if what I liked was a "repro" said the snooty lady. After a quick stop to freshen up and pick up Dad and Shania we were off to see the Willard Tigers take on the Glendale Pansies (not sure of the mascot really....but pansies seems fitting.) Although the girls played good (I thought), I apparently don't know much....Sydni said "it sucked" and Coach Emily was about to explode with anger. Ronnie said if I was the coach I would have been angry too - supposedly they played really well on Saturday. All I know is they played WAY better than I could.

After mingling about in the gym, we headed to Fuddrucker's for post-game Birthday fun! Mom always tries to please everyone else and picked Fuddrucker's because "it's more fun for the kids!" Much to my surprise...that was one good burger I had. Yummy....though there hasn't been a burger that I haven't really loved. Great pick, Mom!!

The whole evening was a great time; we ate, talked, laughed, laughed some more and played games with the kids. I even got in the action of plugging my quarters in the machine to get prizes. Check out me and Shania's new teeth!! We are hot!!

But the evening had to come to an end - and on our way out, I had Mom & Dad pose for a photo. Much to their surprise and mine, I had them pose in an awkward place - hence the sign above their heads. Even the look on the faces look suspicious - but believe me...this was pure accident. Mom would have killed me otherwise.

I hopped into the car this morning to drive back to Jeff City for work. I am tired and worn out. I am not sure if it was the drive, the shopping, chasing Sophi or just laughing so much yesterday. Thanks for letting me drag you all over town again, Mom. I know it was your birthday, but I know I had more fun spending time with you than you did.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

I am off to Springfield tomorrow to celebrate Mom's birthday, cheer on Sydni at her volleyball game, grab dinner and try to squeeze in some shopping. A fun-filled day of chaos for sure, but it will be a good time before I head back to mid-Missouri to get my house ready for company this weekend.

Although mom said, "when you get this age, you quit celebrating birthdays", I happen to think birthdays are important. Besides, Mom, you are not over the hill....there is an old saying..."I am not turning 40, I am $39.95 plus tax. The same applies to you. But if you use $39.95, you are in a very special tax bracket. (Okay....14.5% tax....but at least you are not old.)

I expect to get slapped as soon as I pull in the driveway now.....I never learn.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!! I know the day will be a great one. Lots of family, food and heckling of Sydni's volleball coach - the infamous Emily Yates. Emily and I were pals back in the ole pageant days. She was younger than me - and for anyone who remembers that little girl that sang "Good Ship Lollypop" - that was our Emily! She is all grown up now and coaching volleyball. I can't wait to see both her and Sydni (my niece) in action.

** On a sidenote and since we are celebrating, my mom made the cutest (ever) diaper cake for the Pastor's wife's baby shower this weekend. I have to brag - the talent this woman possesses never ceases to amaze me. You rock, Mom!

Looking at this made me think - awwww...I want one. But that only lasted for a minute and then I was over it.

No Mom - you cannot paint the spare bedroom pink just yet.

Goodbye Rain, Hello Sunshine!

I was joking with my boss last week about hearing running water in my backyard wondering if the river (a mile or so from my house) had overflowed. Really - I stood on my back porch listening to water flowing through the backyard. I even went inside and drug Blaine out. It was not the river, it was the neighbor emptying his pool. What a relief...not that the river could ever come even close to our house - we live on a huge hill. If it filled up our valley, we would be building an ark.

This morning while getting ready for work, I got a text message from Blaine. It said, "road closed, go straight." I knew what that meant - the Moreau River, the one near my house and a tributary to the mighty Missouri River, had gone over the road. Sure enough, when I got to the end of my road to venture to work, there was a sign stating "Water over Road."

My boss came into my office this morning to say, "if you thought the river had overflowed last week, what do you think about it now?"

I didn't grow up around rivers in southwest Missouri so they are a bit fascinating, intimidating and scary all at the same time. Although I have two other routes to get around the river on Tanner Bridge, it still makes me a little uneasy that a river can change my routes and destinations.

The only good thing about lots of rain is the chance to break out my hot pink rainboots. Rumor has it though - the rain has stopped and the sun will come out soon. Bring back my sunny days; I am sick of the rain.

Put Your Seatbelt on Galveston!

Sitting here listening to Hurricane Ike coverage, officials in Galveston, Texas just advised those that decided to ride out the storm should find a Sharpie and write their Social Security number on their arm so that they can be identified later. Wow...now that is a statement!!

Here's to living in the Midwest instead of along the coast.... Apparently hundreds of people are riding out the storms. Some are even sitting in bars saying "bring it on." Geez...if it even thunders here, I panic. I cannot imagine trying to ride out a storm like this. The words "stupid people" come to mind right now.

I hope my pals, Jason & Lora, are fairing well in Cancun this week. I checked their weather and everything seems to look okay. But I am no meteorologist... "Hope everything is great in Cancun, Watts'!!"

It's A Bird, It's a Plane...Oh no...It's Super "Lice?"

I have been hearing all of these stories on the news the past couple of days about Super Lice.

As a kid, lice was that icky thing that people got at school (you know the ones that didn't bathe - so my momma said.) Well...I always thought that non-bathers were the culprits of lice until I (yep...the daughter of a hair dresser's worst nightmare), came home with head lice. I suddenly found out that I could get lice from using someone's hairbrush, sharing a bed or headbutting each other on the playground. It had nothing to do with my bathing schedule.

I think I was in 6th grade when the bug arrived and I was mortified....but probably not as much as my momma. She blamed the pesky bug on that ratty kid down the street that probably never took a bath. In any case, I had it...it had gotten me...but Super Mom took care of it - just like any other ailment that came my way as a kid!

My mom bought every product in the store to remedy my new profound nits in my hair. I think she tried everything except Drano to kill the little buggers. My hair was washed and washed, my sheets were exterminated and the house was fumigated for bugs. I lived through the ordeal and lice never entered the house again.

But now, I hear the news of Super Lice. What the heck! I am itching now just thinking about it. Is this a group of lice that headed to the gym, took some steroids and now have become immortal? Seriously...how do Super Lice form?

I am going to be scratching my head for days trying to figure out this one....

To the Rock Stars in my Life!

“true friendship isn't about being there when it's convenient; it's about being there when it's not.” -- unknown

Recently, I have put a lot of thought into how lucky I am to have the great people in my life that I call my friends. Whether it is my greatest "we have been friends forever" pals (hello in Denver), my Mom (who I share just about everything with) or those people that have entered my life in the past five years (what a group you are), I am grateful for them being in my life.

As a kid, I didn't have too many friends. I was always the odd ball (and still am a bit), I had different viewpoints, dressed differently, walked differently and even talked differently. I wasn't like everyone else. As hard as that was walking down the hallways of school, when I left those hallways that is when my true life began and I developed meaningful friendships with those that accepted me for me. I am not perfect, I don't always do or say the right things...but one thing I know for sure - my friends (and family) are the most important things in my life.

As cliche as it may seem, thank you to all of my friends that have been there through thick and thin, accepted my differences, enjoyed my company, been my partners in crime and been the rock stars in my life that you are.

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” -- Dr. Suess

Little Sister's Weekend

In the past 4 days, I have been hitting the pavement more than usual. Thursday night I headed to Springfield to spend Friday with Mom & Julie and pick up Shania for a much needed "Little Sister's Weekend." I spent much of Friday looking for a dress to wear to a wedding - and found the perfect choice (after my other choice wouldn't zip up around my rib cage - man, I loved that dress.) My new choice is even better (says my momma) and fits like a glove (don't breathe.) I was waiting for Shania to get out of school so we could begin our whirlwind weekend of fun.


Shania and I left Republic Friday night and after one quick stop at Steak 'n Shake, we arrived in Jeff City to begin our fun. Saturday was about to bring more fun than our bodies could handle. We started off with pancakes for breakfast (thanks for making those from "scratch" Blaine!) and headed to the Lake of the Ozarks for more fun. In short, we managed to: ride go-carts (where Shania waxed Blaine and I on the track - seriously), take a boat ride, go swimming, lay in the sun, have dinner on the water at Shorty Pants, shop at the outlet mall (where Nia picked up a new hoodie, tank and earrings), play skee ball downtown, shop at the "Dam" Candy Shoppe, have ice cream at the "Dam" Ice Cream Parlor and watch Uptown Girls at the house. Boy - was I whooped?!?!

We ventured back to Springfield on Sunday (with a quick stop at Pac Sun for the Hurley book bag we just "had to have because it's cool), stopped by the mall for some more shopping and grabbed the family some much needed Cashew Chicken (Springfield-style). It was truly a great weekend of fun for me & Blaine and I think that Shania had fun as well. Although I am very tired from trying to keep up with a 7th grader, I can't wait to do it again!!

I Sream, You Scream, We All Scream on the Jet Ski!

One of last weekend's highlights caused much joy, excitement and pain. I am only just now writing about it because my soreness has finally disappeared.

My friends and I hopped onto the Go Fast Watts' boat on Sunday to head to Mama & Papa Watts' boat dock for some relaxation. There were red and blue jet skis set before us all day saying, "ride me!" And we did - all of us. Jason pulled Blaine on a tube while Kristina held the orange flag for safety. I lured in Shandon and actually talked him into taking a ride with me....and he thought it was my first rodeo, but it wasn't. The petrified look on his face cracked me up while we jetted across the water.

But I think the "Holy Crap - What Are You Doing on That Thing?!?" award goes to my pals, Ryan and Melissa. (I think that it must have been their first ride.) After seeing Mel get thrown off twice by her relentless husband (but we forgive you anyway, Ryan), Mel walked away with a limp and a "Oh...my ankle is broken." Much to our lack of sympathy, we didn't take her seriously as Blaine chimed in with a "Oh...my toe is broken" and I said, "Oh...my finger is broken." As for everyone else - they were fine (except Shandon needed a beer after he endured the ride I gave him.) Although my finger was fine and Blaine's toe was fine, Melissa did have to venture to the Emergency Room for a little check up. The next time I saw her, she was on crutches and limping around. Not broken - thanks goodness...but torn ligaments and major bruising. As we rehashed the story over and over of Ryan catapulting her from the jet ski, Mel’s reply was “at least I was doing something fun!!”

That’s my girl!! (and just kidding, Ryan - we know you didn't do it on purpose....you are just a bad driver!)

Happy Labor Day!

House building has been fun and all - but as I have mentioned lately, I have missed my summer days at the lake. Last weekend I tried to make up for lost time by spending the whole weekend at the lake and that is what I plan to do this weekend.

My pals Kristina and Shandon are joining us again this weekend. They are troopers - they live 4 and a half hours away and are returning today for more weekend fun - after just leaving on Sunday. My other pals, Ryan and Melissa, are heading this way too from Kansas City. (Cue music - "Party Like a Rock Star..."!)

(See photo of last weekend's fun - Lora, Kristina & I at the boat races.)

Although last weekend's boat races kind of sucked, it was a sunny day with friends and that is what mattered most. We joined the Watts' on their ride and what a ride it was! Their "Go Fast Boat" called Thunderstruck kept up with the Cats and other Go Fasts on the water...it was awesome as we hammered down towards our destination.

Many at the lake say this is their last weekend of summer fun. Not us - we will be boating as much as we can until October. Sure, my goose bumps will grow bigger, the shivers may become a staple in our evenings and we may have to break out the hoodies and mittens, but there are plenty of sunny days ahead.

Shania is going to join me next weekend for an overnight at the lake. I look forward to taking her out on the water, swimming and just having some "little sister" time! See you soon, Nia!!!

There is no place like home...

Katie went for a haircut and bath this week at Petco. She wasn't nearly as excited as I was as we walked into the doors. When we left the house that afternoon, she anxiously ran to the car and did three circles around it before I could open the car door for her to jump in. However, after the sight of other dogs getting bathed, sheared and brushed, she trembled. But I handed her over anyway with the little look of "mommy, don't go!" in her eyes.








Much to my surprise and hers, she came home with Ruby Red (& sparkly) toe nails. How precious. They look much like Dorothy's ruby red slippers on the Wizard of Oz. How fitting for Katie on this day. She realized that there was no place like home with her dazzling ruby red toe nails.

She wouldn't have too much to do with me once we returned home - and that is unusual. She is usually right at my heels. Blaine blamed it on the toe nails - "I would be mad at you too if you had my toe nails painted. I don't blame her." I just laughed - and Katie finally came around. I think she loves her toe nails. Besides, those flashy toe nails match her red Kansas City Chiefs collar - what could be better than that?

Is it really raining?

With the whole house building going on this summer, I feel like I have missed out on the dog days. And today - rain. Why? I don't need rain. I need 90 degrees and lots of sunshine. I found this photo today and decided this is exactly what I needed for a day of rain that was not appropriate for my hot pink Hunter rain boots:
Yes - those are heels with their own personal umbrellas. A little ironic and maybe a bit inconvenient, but very funny - to say the least.

Wait - do I see the sun peaking out? I do, I do!! I better get outside to play!

House Update!

This may be my last house photo posting for a while until I get everything done. So many things are still changing and are exciting. We are still missing a few minor things, but loving living there. Katie (my pooch or doghter as I like to call her) is finally adjusting as well. She has sought out new hiding places to keep me on my toes trying to find her every morning when I go to work.

Although the outside isn't complete, the yard looks hideous and the windows are dirty, here she is: (I have still have to put up wooden shutters on the windows, flower boxes below some windows and other wood accents. Oh and yes...I still need a yard.)

My most exciting moment late last week, however, was my bedroom light. We bought it months ago along with several other lights and it has been like Christmas everytime one gets hung. I love it. Here it is.......

I will admit - before we began moving last Friday, I drove to the house just to see it. I was afraid that 1) I was going to hate it or 2) I was going to love it. Either way, I knew tears would flow. In my defense of being a complete crybaby, it had been a rough week and I was exhausted. Anything probably would have made me cry - but I wanted to do it on my own time without the guys that were helping Blaine and I move witnessing my boo-hooing.

The other excitement of last week was all of the other things that were finished: the custom concrete range hood, the half bath sink and faucet were installed, the master bath began to really look like somewhere I could get ready every morning and just this week, but deck has been coming along nicely. See below for pics:

At last...

After 1 year and 9 months of preparation for our new house, we are finally in! We purchased our lot in October 2006 - believe it or not - and finally made the big move this weekend. Although we have lots yet to do to the house and tons of unpacking to do, we spent all weekend under a new roof with no neighbors above us doing Lord only knows what.

As we lay in bed on Friday night, Blaine said, "Did you hear that?" I didn't - but getting used to new noises always makes me a little jittery. "I didn't either..." said Blaine. He was just happy that we didn't hear the pitter patter of feet above us, a very large dog barking above us or the "CLUNK!!" that we heard on a daily basis. Finally, peace and quiet.

So...now we are left with mounds of stuff to unpack, but that is the fun part, right? And lots of shopping to do to find the perfect picture for the living room wall, the "just-right" flower arrangement for my window seal and the most fabulous centerpiece for my kitchen table.

As soon as I get the mess cleaned up, I will post photos.

I am tired, ya'll!

Only five days left until the official moving day and, boy, am I getting tired. While all of my friends were enjoying the lake, birthday celebrations and great, fun concerts this weekend, Blaine and I were working like crazy to get things done. Along for moral support and some gosh darn hard work were Mom, Dad and Shania. They volunteered to help - and I took them up on it. I don't think that they knew what they were in for. But hallelujah, thank the Lord, that they showed up.

Mom and I spent the weekend wallpapering, dusting, cleaning, and more wallpapering. Dad saved the day by installing all of the door handles in the house. What a chore for Mom & Dad. Luckily Dad got to work in the peace and quiet while poor Mom had to listen to my venting and stress releasing. Blaine and I counted the hours that we made my parents slave away at the house and we managed to come up with 18 hours of backbreaking work. Shania was even a trooper. When asked, she jumped up away from her laptop and music and helped with wallpaper, took care of Katie and did just about anything we asked. Thanks for wasting a weekend with me, Nia. And thanks Mom & Dad for making our lives easier - again! I am certain that the wallpaper would never get done and my door handles would have made it up sometime in December if it were not for you two!

The highlight of the weekend is my new range hood. I haven't taken photos yet, but I will soon. Jerry the concrete guy (different than Jerry the tile guy) came and spent two and a half days building my range hood out of concrete - and I love it. I will have to admit spending hours last week watching his work made me very nervous. What if I didn't like it? What if it didn't turn out like I had dreamed? But it is awesome. You can definitely tell it is a custom job and perfect for our kitchen. Photos will come soon.

Upcoming events - Monday is driveway day, Tuesday our tile will be complete in our master bath, Wednesday is carpet day, Thursday is final plumbing and lighting and Friday we begin the big move.