tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134073032024-03-13T11:06:39.888-07:00No Spiders AllowedThoughts from the Mind of An Arachnophobic BrunetteNonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-472208206612409632009-09-01T13:46:00.000-07:002009-09-01T14:04:51.775-07:00Things I've Learned...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkF9CHjoy27QqndbwF3SAEG4w00AaWaUjaRatKuyhuxneagMpvBEq7NVKhxSR69GZXRMduo4BWrP0yve023l4l267Gv0xExJw4WEBRRj63yoCNusUJwMAbQO3IsAcCr3Aa4OUFw/s1600-h/i_bought_this_shirt_with_my_unemployment_check-p235447253440124429trlf_400.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkF9CHjoy27QqndbwF3SAEG4w00AaWaUjaRatKuyhuxneagMpvBEq7NVKhxSR69GZXRMduo4BWrP0yve023l4l267Gv0xExJw4WEBRRj63yoCNusUJwMAbQO3IsAcCr3Aa4OUFw/s320/i_bought_this_shirt_with_my_unemployment_check-p235447253440124429trlf_400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376604788397010674" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Things I've Learned Since Losing My Job Nine Months Ago:</span><br /><br /><br />Cheap vodka tastes as good as expensive vodka (especially when mixed with Diet Sprite).<br /><br />Big K Diet Lemon Lime Soda tastes as good as Diet Sprite (especially when mixed with cheap vodka).<br /><br />There are ALWAYS coupons for batteries.<br /><br />Netflix can be more fun than the movie theater since you can wear sweatpants and rub your dogs' heads while watching (and you don't have to deal with annoying cell phone usage by people around you.)<br /><br />If you keep touching it up with the same color, you can make a professional pedicure last seven months (and counting).<br /><br />Eating at home is cheap.<br /><br />Eating carbs at home is even cheaper.<br /><br />Take nothing for granted.<br /><br />Time spent coupon-ing and studying the sale papers, is time well spent.<br /><br />Embrace generic brands.<br /><br />There are ALWAYS coupons for liquid shower soaps.<br /><br />Don't underestimate what Walgreens coupons can do for you.<br /><br />Time spent by the neighborhood pool is not nearly as quiet as time spent at a child-free Jamaican beach resort.<br /><br />Having a loving husband is more valuable than any job.<br /><br />Finding $20 in a bag now feels like winning the lottery.<br /><br />Libraries!<br /><br />You are never too old to have hot dogs for dinner.<br /><br />You will survive if you adjust your thermostat by one degree.<br /><br />Clicking "wish list" on Amazon instead of "add to cart" is almost as satisfying and not nearly as expensive.<br /><br />Chasing your dreams is more of a marathon--no, a triathalon--than a sprint.<br /><br />Money isn't everything, but it sure helps.<br /><br />Losing your job is still painful--even nine months later.Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-80636051915037937542009-08-26T09:09:00.001-07:002009-08-26T09:13:52.679-07:00Wondering....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSy7F8ZaUiYZhiBWW4kRLTCqOgtWf2NhyZiLnA6GfKeTkGaD4Yz6IqmF9f5X5Mv2dJkNHC9n4toDwOPK9DyXJNlwhTUCi4S_DsJse-QSQc8P4vL8be9pJyB1CzzE_plUB03uhmaw/s1600-h/reunionfunny.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSy7F8ZaUiYZhiBWW4kRLTCqOgtWf2NhyZiLnA6GfKeTkGaD4Yz6IqmF9f5X5Mv2dJkNHC9n4toDwOPK9DyXJNlwhTUCi4S_DsJse-QSQc8P4vL8be9pJyB1CzzE_plUB03uhmaw/s320/reunionfunny.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374306365334535122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />If I've already become "friends" with a lot of people from my high school graduating class on Facebook--and I'm even communicating now with people I didn't even know before, is it REALLY necessary for me to attend my 20 year class reunion?Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-65891819165800302652009-05-27T16:52:00.000-07:002009-05-27T17:47:41.694-07:00No One Ever Said It Would Be EasyThere's a part of me that thinks...no wait...<span style="font-style: italic;">knows</span> that if I had any concept what was ahead of me in the "let's start our own business" idea, I would have probably run off screaming and hidden under a rock somewhere.<br /><br />It's almost June and in the past 5 months (holy cow, five months!) there have been ups and downs, struggles, fear, frustration, elation, laughter and tears just name a few things. Wait--that might have just been the first week!<br /><br />The bad news is, none of us are even close to making the money we were making at our old jobs. The good news is, that in a less than perfect economy, business is building, we have kept our team in tact, we are having fun, learning a lot and experiencing new challenges. We've had a lot of successful small jobs come in and we might have even just scored our first "big" client. <br /><br />It's an exciting process and with each week and with each additional invoice that goes out this whole thing is starting to feel more and more real.<br /><br />However, the stress of trying to do this is unbelievable. I find myself grinding my teeth from the stress to the point where my jaw hurts. The lack of money is tough (especially when we had a water pipe burst in our house and are having to do repairs and remodeling--some above and beyond what insurance is covering). I am still trying to learn to play bass, pay our bills, keep us on budget, exercise, grocery shop and some days, it just feels like too much. And yet, somehow, it all feels like it is worth the fight--like somehow, I'll be stronger from all of it and come out on the other side a better person.<br /><br />So, I am just flying by the seat of my pants, praying a lot and hoping that one day I can look back and say how happy I am that I lost my job because it gave us the opportunity to do something amazing with our lives that we never would have had the chance to do any other way. <br /><br />I think that sometimes we forget (or at least I do) that when you hear about people achieving something great, you don't always identify with the struggles they went through to get there, but I think the great struggle is always "chapter one" in any great success story. <br /><br />I'm just thrilled that whether we succeed or fail--at least we had the guts to start writing the first page. <br /><br />Now, if I could just get my jaw to stop aching...Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-60101403361239037882009-04-26T12:24:00.000-07:002009-04-26T13:03:11.592-07:00Never a Dull MomentWow, what a crazy couple of weeks it has been!<br /><br />First, I worked a temp job at a gun shoot for four days. I fired a 12 gauge rifle for the first time in my life and hit a moving target in the sky on my first try! (It also scared the crap out of me, but it was fun!).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r4ilOL36tbPIT3N6W9km4odFKYmAcio3TAvqeJy0U4Hn53xfMDIXjjNfRk4LNs7x4UwnihbyD0grfgoGebQPCMkg4_y1S2D2UYc5DcjYuqdqtTUD4yeJpj33QkBSQKnsPJ12dA/s1600-h/2-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r4ilOL36tbPIT3N6W9km4odFKYmAcio3TAvqeJy0U4Hn53xfMDIXjjNfRk4LNs7x4UwnihbyD0grfgoGebQPCMkg4_y1S2D2UYc5DcjYuqdqtTUD4yeJpj33QkBSQKnsPJ12dA/s400/2-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329084171631865394" border="0" /></a><br />It was also exhausting, physical work and it only got worse when it started to downpour and then we had to tear everything down for four hours in the mud. It was a rough way to earn some cash, but it made me appreciate getting back to my desk job.<br /><br />Speaking of my desk job, my new business has moved into their new offices and it felt SO good to be able to go to the office every day this week. It felt like we got a lot accomplished and every day we are closer to really having some great success. I pray every day that we will be able to make this business work. If we can, it will be one of the smartest risks I have ever taken. I can't wait to go back tomorrow. We are also going to be featured as a new business in the Nashville Business Journal sometime soon, so we had even a publicity photo taken. Good things are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">a'happenin</span>'!<br /><br />Third, I've still been practicing my bass playing whenever I can and my husband felt I deserved an upgrade, so he is selling my old bass and he just bought me this one (should be coming to me this week):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXzeJEUJ0GXpq5BeoYmO7oNyqIdAwZdjx7AFtBj4X1N_N_r6p1sb3ZbniYsSEapwSHeVo8TBZ-dHD0dVKbao69pLrpyNrl8iGHTbikCpFfN5Ww7tuSnzqb58DiTI5q0LKuk1_VQ/s1600-h/fen04squier-pbass-spec-redquilt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXzeJEUJ0GXpq5BeoYmO7oNyqIdAwZdjx7AFtBj4X1N_N_r6p1sb3ZbniYsSEapwSHeVo8TBZ-dHD0dVKbao69pLrpyNrl8iGHTbikCpFfN5Ww7tuSnzqb58DiTI5q0LKuk1_VQ/s400/fen04squier-pbass-spec-redquilt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329093088756589042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm going to be playing a Fender--I'm so excited! It's a better bass and neck is a little smaller so it will be easier on my small hands. I can't wait to give it a try!<br /><br />Okay, back to practicing...A flat, F, D flat, E flat...Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-31470789280929006322009-04-09T16:54:00.000-07:002009-04-09T18:33:33.713-07:00Facebook Fascination<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHoClapCyazD510NdiVDnvWb_vI0d3951UNsXX_I4d628VHQe08fTU35pSr2hbl8fR-RfPOkIH14J9X7R9JuX7AN5phcGb6rmnEXBmbFdprcIri1KVZ5iBklx5k_IS_4uI4yvZA/s1600-h/facebook_pic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHoClapCyazD510NdiVDnvWb_vI0d3951UNsXX_I4d628VHQe08fTU35pSr2hbl8fR-RfPOkIH14J9X7R9JuX7AN5phcGb6rmnEXBmbFdprcIri1KVZ5iBklx5k_IS_4uI4yvZA/s400/facebook_pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322845244925609042" border="0" /></a><br />I am fascinated with Facebook and all of the things that go along with it. It's relationships, communication, voyeurism, narcissism and networking all rolled into one big, crazy, internet ball.<br /><br />I have some really close friends on Facebook, my husband, work colleagues, people I see on a regular basis, even my hairdresser. I love that.<br /><br />Now, I don't know if your Facebook friends are anything like mine, but I also have Facebook friends who are people I worked with thirteen years ago. I have Facebook friends who are people I went to high school with and never spoke with in the four years that I attended that institution. I have Facebook friends who are people I met--once. I am Facebook friends with the girl who sat behind me in 9th grade General Business class and that is probably the only time we ever spoke.<br /><br />Through Facebook, I have developed these strange relationships with that latter group, that can only really be described as "Facebook Relationships".<br /><br />I'm fascinated by the fact that I have this dialog, this random communication, with people I probably wouldn't recognize if I passed on the street because their Facebook profile picture is of their kids, their favorite Family Guy character, their pet or they just look so darn different I simply wouldn't recognize them--and mind you, some I never knew all that well to begin with.<br /><br />However, it is with this group that I find communication the most fascinating. They know details about me. I know details about them. One girl knew I was starting a business and sent me a message to tell me she would keep us in her prayers. Another guy found out I was trying to learn bass and he sent me an adorable picture of his 2 year old daughter "playing" his bass. I discovered I had this kinship with someone else over Police music and someone else with Beatles music. Another girl thinks we should hang out because we both like wine, cute hats (I almost bought another cute hat a Target today, but I digress), pickles and the same TV shows.<br /><br />There is also that strange cross-section of comments that you might get on your status. I could mention that I am on my way to a particular location or doing a particular thing and I could get a comment from my best friend, from someone I never actually spoke to in person before, from someone I used to work with in another state and my husband. And somehow, this seems normal.<br /><br />Another cool thing about these Facebook relationships is that people start to feel comfortable with you--which can work to your advantage. They know when you shop for groceries. They know what restaurants you eat at. They know where you just went on vacation. Just as you know these very same things about them.<br /><br />So, when our new business officially opens it's doors and I update my status to promote this fact, I am hoping that I have a little bit more of a "foot in the door" with some of these people than I would have had if we weren't Facebook friends. When I lost my job, and my Facebook status reflected that, I had some great information and leads sent my way. It seems to be a networking heaven.<br /><br />So I say, let's embrace Facebook and these strange Facebook relationships. Communicate with that person you were introduced to at lunch that one time. Find out what their top 5 Favorite CDs are. Find out which Beatle they are most like. Find out what their score was on Seinfeld trivia. Read their "25 Random Things About Me". It's such a small world and you just never know when your paths may cross again and they could be in a position to hire you for your dream job. Luckily, you'll have the Facebook edge over the other candidates since during the interview you were able to cleverly discuss your shared interest in chocolate milk, comedians with moustaches and jelly beans.Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-12734036469750924242009-04-07T08:34:00.000-07:002009-04-07T11:17:56.722-07:00Being a Woman in 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXK0-8APYAGEW1rKo7apsEqbHqPBbzJFZo0FD7UeL4ZeazgJjBk5WgLX2FbvGMZubMDT1JQGolh9UtPHqOg9AJ5rWf-IlzkaPjwn9Fz6DqsfSoiVhIRXrOCjPcH5UuFIwsGBU9g/s1600-h/toaster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXK0-8APYAGEW1rKo7apsEqbHqPBbzJFZo0FD7UeL4ZeazgJjBk5WgLX2FbvGMZubMDT1JQGolh9UtPHqOg9AJ5rWf-IlzkaPjwn9Fz6DqsfSoiVhIRXrOCjPcH5UuFIwsGBU9g/s400/toaster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321981582717058354" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Above - I think I may have a similar toaster, but I have never been <span style="font-style: italic;">that </span>excited about it.<br /></div><br /><br />I'm really thrilled to have been born when I was. I think that being a woman in this day and age is probably a lot more fun than it used to be. It imagine it allows you to be more multifaceted.<br /><br />For example:<br /><br /><br />I love a good ballad, but a powerful rock song makes my pulse race.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kms6gj2wZ2qqxAPsMuYGoQ6fMINKRlDzOtOr5xbUERNTzeVQXnA64ylfXavwldR_I3WTzszaHeYQHp0-625Dn5e_NXJPtssahCTZT35S-_QFVOi6wzB7gKz7MnB_INaZK9AEBw/s1600-h/acdc+logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kms6gj2wZ2qqxAPsMuYGoQ6fMINKRlDzOtOr5xbUERNTzeVQXnA64ylfXavwldR_I3WTzszaHeYQHp0-625Dn5e_NXJPtssahCTZT35S-_QFVOi6wzB7gKz7MnB_INaZK9AEBw/s400/acdc+logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321980228114991090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I like pretty jewelry, but I've also been known to enjoy an occasional, good cigar with the boys.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lE8ZowMZS-L9uuiA68Pa7-Ih-NXNalAXO4ashxS34tNQzm8jKCAydK6PVDcq-WuoWSn_uZ9QLauWjSuv0zoHlKEL4iPSb6qhKd2wZBjgPSW9Yh15gzG_7zcVekqykzCjiKvdyw/s1600-h/tiffanys.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 386px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lE8ZowMZS-L9uuiA68Pa7-Ih-NXNalAXO4ashxS34tNQzm8jKCAydK6PVDcq-WuoWSn_uZ9QLauWjSuv0zoHlKEL4iPSb6qhKd2wZBjgPSW9Yh15gzG_7zcVekqykzCjiKvdyw/s400/tiffanys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321977165169063938" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I like a girly, pink cosmopolitan, but I also like to drink beer and shoot whisky.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwDoXa0yuW1kWfE6pU3FSMJPwLNvkKR0_m2Ue-ZDUcm79HUCTch_j5hrDHNPOyoHid5CBdejZK1v3IlGniXRWZvzyyzXgXbAosMqhChg2Fkwhe3ezZWiMaPjq-d4-qTLhlAKEOg/s1600-h/whisky.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwDoXa0yuW1kWfE6pU3FSMJPwLNvkKR0_m2Ue-ZDUcm79HUCTch_j5hrDHNPOyoHid5CBdejZK1v3IlGniXRWZvzyyzXgXbAosMqhChg2Fkwhe3ezZWiMaPjq-d4-qTLhlAKEOg/s400/whisky.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321990048060108114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I love trying new makeup, but I also love playing bass.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVjDCqwWZVbkgOrNV21VJvD7s4SsYqVxcgAFT1UnquVtEitps6UIhvVWckEo7DvV_6NhVa3Y4OLQuBy8ym2GVuwoGd-of5lQOzWZEv04mxs8qcyY9i2QjwEw97FSyr0iZh1oNbw/s1600-h/mybass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVjDCqwWZVbkgOrNV21VJvD7s4SsYqVxcgAFT1UnquVtEitps6UIhvVWckEo7DvV_6NhVa3Y4OLQuBy8ym2GVuwoGd-of5lQOzWZEv04mxs8qcyY9i2QjwEw97FSyr0iZh1oNbw/s400/mybass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321976034630084946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I don't mind the callouses I am getting on my fingers from playing bass, but I do like to keep my nails pretty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaIUKBtTbGjs7JmXbDI1tleGghcYnM_ELzKxbhUmtua2CfWlJ-S0VJVNDj4Tuq3m4m3v7E4C99CW2tkzlpe4tQJ4q-uyd3b4x9Uq97FSZJGiO98uRxUq0sCgW4URvaeCOs3uXAQ/s1600-h/basshand.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaIUKBtTbGjs7JmXbDI1tleGghcYnM_ELzKxbhUmtua2CfWlJ-S0VJVNDj4Tuq3m4m3v7E4C99CW2tkzlpe4tQJ4q-uyd3b4x9Uq97FSZJGiO98uRxUq0sCgW4URvaeCOs3uXAQ/s400/basshand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322012228838139010" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm terrified of spiders, but can't wait to speed down a mountain on skis even after a life-changing skiing accident and injury.<br /><br /><img src="file:///Users/carolstokes/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZQwpfh2DGNbPm3kI1-8g3Wey9vCixHFKSmPU4kf8rWWiHLGZCqXugq1NO9BKfGa9IdKGfnVnXXbqguDu4mmrqFKVjWfvP7_lBQHfqgNN4aXHFuAB8AjKFDj5q-LhNOuJc3gKpQ/s1600-h/meski.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZQwpfh2DGNbPm3kI1-8g3Wey9vCixHFKSmPU4kf8rWWiHLGZCqXugq1NO9BKfGa9IdKGfnVnXXbqguDu4mmrqFKVjWfvP7_lBQHfqgNN4aXHFuAB8AjKFDj5q-LhNOuJc3gKpQ/s400/meski.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321979397922985074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'll tear up at a sweet proposal on TV, but I don't cry from physical pain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinev3bCvFFIwHIe5zU6eOdskk5leIyJ5sZRWIwk-xa0sIYkB-DzN62AjdLHd8FZxJLDoXHaB22pc8ITCI4uVIW7FBZJEzkVGSWinzFMAq5moPYLI1wWjsmutRfSXT22aYxTHdNcw/s1600-h/proposal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinev3bCvFFIwHIe5zU6eOdskk5leIyJ5sZRWIwk-xa0sIYkB-DzN62AjdLHd8FZxJLDoXHaB22pc8ITCI4uVIW7FBZJEzkVGSWinzFMAq5moPYLI1wWjsmutRfSXT22aYxTHdNcw/s400/proposal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321990913230523250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm a sucker for a great chick flick, but also love a good (or cheesy) horror or science fiction movie.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwAs4ZdDfdA-xEjUd1yXNy-lgZvd7X7sBAmLg_5VgYPDyYWP-9_mDM-uCDh4jVjvQEoTjGIX1QJwPYoYeldTV3R_N9vx_nKuyAJhX3Ygwqn8-hpR173NdZ7UxQrMf1eUksT42Pw/s1600-h/and_now_the_screaming_starts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwAs4ZdDfdA-xEjUd1yXNy-lgZvd7X7sBAmLg_5VgYPDyYWP-9_mDM-uCDh4jVjvQEoTjGIX1QJwPYoYeldTV3R_N9vx_nKuyAJhX3Ygwqn8-hpR173NdZ7UxQrMf1eUksT42Pw/s400/and_now_the_screaming_starts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321980947890908738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I prefer comfortable shoes, but I love dressing up and wearing heels sometimes too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3x-2Ano7qV_tyLGV4QqcsAn9a2zX3w0oGJZ63T-n6DOuZheeLM5ALFLG0gF9bzNtCulR7bMV_BanlxWG7kSS024641CgyRKvzkgZmLrmt6jMPaXZpoVgGIrRXL2rKEKO-BoLEA/s1600-h/carolsmanolos.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3x-2Ano7qV_tyLGV4QqcsAn9a2zX3w0oGJZ63T-n6DOuZheeLM5ALFLG0gF9bzNtCulR7bMV_BanlxWG7kSS024641CgyRKvzkgZmLrmt6jMPaXZpoVgGIrRXL2rKEKO-BoLEA/s400/carolsmanolos.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321975723846506594" border="0" /></a><br />I don't think I'll ever be completely "girly", but I'm okay with that. I'll take my Manolo's with a side of rock and roll any day.Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-35726132939381121442009-03-28T11:26:00.000-07:002009-03-28T11:34:54.698-07:00SatisfactionI know it's not nice and I know that deep down, it's probably downright wrong. <br /><br />However, I feel a strange sense of satisfaction that the woman who came into my former company and told us all we were losing our jobs has now lost <span style="font-style: italic;">her</span> job. <br /><br />On December 1st, she brought the 18 of us into a room together, told us we were losing our jobs and told us that the company would be "better" without us.<br /><br />I really hope someone had the courtesy to give her the same speech that she gave us.Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-60382644131897863872009-03-25T16:07:00.000-07:002009-03-25T16:37:08.185-07:00Fifteen Days Old<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwAjTyZacPc7-aMACH-9uh4Oi9nUGm3CR5OIQVryaQQvtOriFFyXMPzHMycYCMTkvv-0pSUEKTsQmNOSCiEYZP3dZ4VG3GG-2H7b2bNcue4eORcsoUPegxiwgADvpQgI2xbel9g/s1600-h/2-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwAjTyZacPc7-aMACH-9uh4Oi9nUGm3CR5OIQVryaQQvtOriFFyXMPzHMycYCMTkvv-0pSUEKTsQmNOSCiEYZP3dZ4VG3GG-2H7b2bNcue4eORcsoUPegxiwgADvpQgI2xbel9g/s400/2-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317267439337919506" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Above: Yup, that's my hand playing that "G" note.</span><br /></div><br /><br />As a fifteen day old bass player, I...<br /><br /><ul><li>have practiced and played every single day during these 15 days.<br /><br /></li><li>have numbness in my fingertips.<br /><br /></li><li>can play the basic bass notes for Nickelback's <span style="font-style: italic;">Rockstar</span>, The Beatles' <span style="font-style: italic;">Hey Jude</span>, Sheryl Crow's <span style="font-style: italic;">The First Cut is the Deepest</span> and The Police's <span style="font-style: italic;">Every Breath You Take</span>.<br /><br /></li><li>am unsure why they would give some notes two names--and my 38 year old brain is having a tough time with it.<br /><br /></li><li>have a whole new respect for anyone playing a stringed instrument of any kind.<br /><br /></li><li>plugged into a bass amp for the first time and LOVED being able to hear myself amplified--I can see how that can become addictive.<br /><br /></li><li>am driving my seasoned, guitar-player husband crazy with constant questions.<br /><br /></li><li>find myself listening to music differently.<br /><br /></li><li>really want to learn how to play Foo Fighters', <span style="font-style: italic;">The Pretender</span>, after my husband taught me that cool bass lick, but need someone to chart out the notes for me.<br /><br /></li><li>think I needed this creative outlet in my life right now more than I realized.<br /><br /></li><li>think this is a whole lot more fun than I ever imagined it would be--why didn't I try this earlier in life?<br /></li></ul>Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-56691977974592853632009-03-16T08:23:00.000-07:002009-03-16T09:36:02.322-07:00Eight Reasons to Play Bass<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEF3mrh2PVvos5K2z4AgnhlGrQ5196xY9meUIZb06xciDrCpLeSYM-hzvwDE0kLweo2YctXqTI1wwiEHvVN1fW2ZguItm1WglC-mh_OthhE055odfxb2QHlm44WIq9uGTMNeH1w/s1600-h/2-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEF3mrh2PVvos5K2z4AgnhlGrQ5196xY9meUIZb06xciDrCpLeSYM-hzvwDE0kLweo2YctXqTI1wwiEHvVN1fW2ZguItm1WglC-mh_OthhE055odfxb2QHlm44WIq9uGTMNeH1w/s400/2-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313806889138822610" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">Above - My beautiful bass!<br /></div><br />So, where did the decision to play bass come from? Allow me to give you the back story and my Eight Reasons I Wanted to Play Bass.<br /><br />1. I've wanted to play an instrument for a long time. I've just longed to be able to play <span style="font-style: italic;">something</span> so I can play along with my husband when he's playing around the house or along with my favorite song. Plus, I live in Nashville. It's a music town and it just feels right.<br /><br />2. I used to think playing guitar would be so cool and that would be the way I should go. I thought I could be like Lita Ford or Nancy Wilson in Heart.<br /><br />After several attempts to learn things on guitar, I've discovered a few things:<br /><br />a) The little, skinny, guitar strings really hurt when you have to press on them. They dig right into the flesh of your fingers and until you build up some decent callouses on your fingers - ouch.<br /><br />b) My nails really get in the way of me making the contact I need to make with the strings and I don't really want to give up my nails.<br /><br />3. My husband is a great guitar player. He's been playing since age 6. He's really already got the whole "guitar playing thing" covered. I would just be another (not as good) guitar player in the house. However, with the bass, I feel like it's a whole new ball game. While he can also play bass (and he may always be a better bass player than me too), his primary instrument is guitar, so why not turn to something that I can play along <span style="font-style: italic;">with </span>him. If there's a cool song I want to learn on the radio, let him handle the cool guitar parts and I can learn to sort of groove along with him in my own way.<br /><br />4. The strings on the bass are much fatter than guitar strings and don't hurt <span>my fingers </span><span style="font-style: italic;">nearly</span> as much as guitar strings, (but still hurt a little).<br /><br />5. I can play bass AND keep my nails! Somehow, it still works!<br /><br />6. Guitar = 6 strings, Bass = 4 strings. Two less strings to be concerned with? Yeah, sounds good to me.<br /><br />7. As I am learning the preliminaries of beginner bass playing, it seems like there is much more focus on "notes" than on "chords"--at least right now. It seems I can get away with learning about one note at a time instead of dealing with entire chords to learn a song.<br /><br />8. Last, but not least, we got a great deal on a cheap bass AND scored some free shipping as well. How can you go wrong with that?!<br /><br />So, there you go. Now you know my reasons for wanting to learn bass. It's been wonderful so far. It's fun when something finally "clicks". It's fun to get more comfortable with playing. The whole experience is kind of exhilarating.<br /><br />The best part?<br /><br />After 4 days of just playing scales over and over and over, my husband, (who knows I'm a huge Nickelback fan) charted out the notes for the song, "Rockstar" for me.<br /><br />I can play bass on a Nickelback song. (While looking at notes and while looking at where my fingers need to go.)<br /><br />But I can play bass on a Nickelback song!<br /><br />I never thought I could do something that cool (in my eyes) in less than a week. It's cool to have an awesome teacher (my sweet husband) who knows how to keep me motivated and to keep me wanting to learn more.<br /><br />Who knows what could be next? A Beatles tune? Def Leppard? AC/DC? Journey?<br /><br />I can hardly wait to find out...Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-2518144314178731272009-03-11T16:36:00.000-07:002009-03-11T17:40:53.417-07:00Exciting Times1. We got our tax ID number today for our new company. We are now are real company. A real, official company!<br /><br />2. Now that we have an ID number, we can invoice people for the work we've done and we've done a surprising amount--and it keeps coming in. I'm so encouraged. Soon, I should have an income again!<br /><br />3. We (our company) are on the verge of moving into some office space. Small office space, but really awesome office space. Office space in a historic part of town over top of the local Starbucks. How fun is that?! Below is a picture of the Starbucks that we'll be above.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkG2nUuAwxkRmDF0VXcGzd3sWuQI4CX8Mrz536jt67CiqAm6bj4mJM3QRMSe6rSBJqtbEKwZ7kGKlQn3W875ExHibLvWyIwdBVo5NXh6RUK0YFfWv2f6WXlorVvl023hr8bbGIg/s1600-h/starbucks_franklin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkG2nUuAwxkRmDF0VXcGzd3sWuQI4CX8Mrz536jt67CiqAm6bj4mJM3QRMSe6rSBJqtbEKwZ7kGKlQn3W875ExHibLvWyIwdBVo5NXh6RUK0YFfWv2f6WXlorVvl023hr8bbGIg/s400/starbucks_franklin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312085288401467922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />4. A package just arrived for me moments ago. My bass is finally here and it is sitting in my living room. <span style="font-style: italic;">My</span> bass. I like the sound of that. The box is cool. See below...even my dog is impressed!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqyL8pGQc6skJFPU5KRoT61MwGJ9hLmhSZstrO_isGpUMZ_xPSYTFCBuP2doRyL9Q8DkMN-D4x0gYCa2sRZarMeY20g4RmzDJoEZCKS6fDy7YjeZk8SjLmLqOosOQZpJDHLaVZQ/s1600-h/2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqyL8pGQc6skJFPU5KRoT61MwGJ9hLmhSZstrO_isGpUMZ_xPSYTFCBuP2doRyL9Q8DkMN-D4x0gYCa2sRZarMeY20g4RmzDJoEZCKS6fDy7YjeZk8SjLmLqOosOQZpJDHLaVZQ/s400/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312080219092749970" border="0" /></a><br />It really felt like a good day. It feels like the tides are turning and things are starting to look up again. <br /><br />Maybe this whole "losing my job" thing really will end up being one of the best things to ever happen to me. I can't wait to see for myself what happens.Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-42143621978983487742009-02-26T12:55:00.000-08:002009-02-26T14:15:38.385-08:00Life Adjustments and a New Hobby!As my former co-workers and I work on getting our new business off the ground, I am experiencing the daily challenges of not having money directly deposited into my bank account every other Friday.<br /><br />First of all, there's the whole "no money" thing. It's amazing how attached you can become to cold, hard cash and how much you can miss it when it's not there.<br /><br />Second, we don't have office space yet. I used to spend my days in constant contact with people. People would stop by my desk, people would call me, I would speak to vendors and eat lunch with people. Now, although I am still in contact with my business partners on a regular basis via phone and email, we don't meet every day, so I find myself really missing the social contact. Facebook is fun, but it just isn't quite the the same. I find myself talking to my dogs a lot and today I spontaneously vacuumed just to make some noise. (Well okay, the floor was dirty too.)<br /><br />Third, I find that I put this strange pressure on myself since I am at home. I feel like since I am at here, the laundry should always be done, the counter tops wiped down, dishes put away, bills paid, Ebay sales packed up, etc, etc. So between emails, meetings, phone calls and research, I find myself turning into a crazy multitasking woman at home. Of course, I was a crazy multitasking woman at my previous job, so maybe I am filling that void somehow. I miss that adrenaline rush a little, I think.<br /><br />On the other hand, not having to go to an office every day has allowed me some freedom. I am actually working out regularly now and recently had the opportunity to go and record promotional spots at a local radio station as their "Ordinary Listener of the Week" which was a lot of fun AND I scored some free restaurant gift cards.<br /><br />Finally, I am proud to say, that despite all of the insanity that goes along with losing your job and trying to start a business, I am truly going to attempt to do one thing for me. One thing that will not make me any money, will not provide me any networking opportunities, will not get my chores done any faster. I am going to learn to play a musical instrument.<br /><br />I am married to a musician, I have friends who are musicians, and although I have a great love of all things musical, I have never learned to play an instrument. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">I am 38 years old and have never learned to play anything.</span> I want to change that.<br /><br />I live in a house full of guitars that belong to my husband. Behold...the first musical instrument <span style="font-style: italic;">I </span>have ever actually owned. This....is <span style="font-style: italic;">MY</span> bass.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pi88bL36DN7VtgTO4yQGFAGqG5wWAOuXHvFZDkACmnDBU5hYONUL34KIZ-C6dIgMDxJVyaATU03L4hHc-_Y23x_4V_T9AnHWvU2gFtrv5K0XyL6rFSmkpKDuAv33pzAK6kBaEA/s1600-h/mybass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pi88bL36DN7VtgTO4yQGFAGqG5wWAOuXHvFZDkACmnDBU5hYONUL34KIZ-C6dIgMDxJVyaATU03L4hHc-_Y23x_4V_T9AnHWvU2gFtrv5K0XyL6rFSmkpKDuAv33pzAK6kBaEA/s400/mybass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307226195859070834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Oh...and I bought this:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEGz0jPpfxnlkHT4OkAO18yGt0PhoTJiewWTselru-EnY6s11m25vlXpKa6_nQ9m_xHEbOzvi9c-6n-n-9nPzgAM5ASZeGAm8qzkZjHWeHw0uw6xMPUu0_D7I2ZY_eIBw3CBoVQ/s1600-h/bgfd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 321px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEGz0jPpfxnlkHT4OkAO18yGt0PhoTJiewWTselru-EnY6s11m25vlXpKa6_nQ9m_xHEbOzvi9c-6n-n-9nPzgAM5ASZeGAm8qzkZjHWeHw0uw6xMPUu0_D7I2ZY_eIBw3CBoVQ/s400/bgfd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307228408418799314" border="0" /></a><br />My husband is going to help tutor me. (He's so sweet. I think he knows I really need this right now.) I'm really excited about it! Here's to future fingertip blisters and callouses!Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-14274877671619625662009-02-10T00:01:00.000-08:002009-02-10T05:30:33.677-08:00One Year Anniversary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBJZUGkz_a2yetXxsLTYenYwVdLLPZ7wDdwxfdD5KxpirCRdlgAz9gdr34zTkpbFs4gAut38Tj6H3KrTUpVH_z02vkgigeJaVY_R8W-7w-rlFlEk2KOC-fx2tzF7FtcR-fHrjGA/s1600-h/IMG_0909.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBJZUGkz_a2yetXxsLTYenYwVdLLPZ7wDdwxfdD5KxpirCRdlgAz9gdr34zTkpbFs4gAut38Tj6H3KrTUpVH_z02vkgigeJaVY_R8W-7w-rlFlEk2KOC-fx2tzF7FtcR-fHrjGA/s400/IMG_0909.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300854243413807874" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Above - Me, literally minutes before the infamous ACL/MCL tear.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;">February 10th has finally arrived.<br /><br />This means that I have officially arrived at the one year anniversary of the tearing of my ACL and MCL on the slopes of Heavenly in Lake Tahoe.<br /><br /><a href="http://nonblond70.blogspot.com/search?q=nevada">Click HERE</a><a href="http://nonblond70.blogspot.com/search?q=nevada"> </a>for a trip down memory lane. (I just did.)<br /><br />I’m not sure what I expected at the year anniversary. In some ways, it feels much shorter than a year. In some ways, it feels so much longer.<br /><br />I remember how sad I was last year that I was missing out on skiing for the rest of the trip and I just kept telling myself, “just wait one year—just one more year”. I’m glad I didn’t know at the time that I would lose my job and have to skip skiing this year. It would have been too much to take all at once. I was looking forward to that trip SO MUCH.<br /><br />I don’t have any pain anymore (except for a hamstring that occasionally cramps if I do something intense without stretching first. I guess that’s understandable since they had to remove part of it to repair the ACL.)<br /><br />I now have full range of motion back in my injured leg. My dedication to my physical therapy exercises definitely paid off in a big way. Life lesson: Don’t EVER skip your physical therapy homework no matter how much it hurts—you’ll thank yourself later.<br /><br />I am still building strength in my injured leg. I think that’s the part that surprises me the most—how long it takes to get your muscle strength back after not using it. I’ve actually started biking daily now and will probably start incorporating a few short runs into my routine soon now that the weather is warming up a little. I’ve allowed myself a year to heal. Now, it’s time to get all my strength back.<br /><br />Looking back, I am thankful for so much. I am thankful that the injury wasn’t worse. I am thankful that I had some great pain meds to help me through the duration of the trip and my travels home. I am thankful that my husband was so helpful and patient with me during the ridiculously intense following months. I am thankful for a great surgeon and physical therapist who both made the experience about as tolerable as it could be. I am thankful I had a laptop and first floor bedroom. I am thankful I had a job (at the time) that was flexible enough to let me work from home immediately following my surgery.<br /><br />February 10th is a date that I will never forget. There is a lot of sadness and pain associated with that day for me. The injury itself, a painful sled ride down the mountain, a five-hour wait in the ER until pain medicine relief, nearly impossible sleeping conditions even with the Vicodin, Benadryl and red wine and the struggle to stifle the sadness so as not to be a “downer” on the rest of the group—and that was just the beginning.<br /><br />The surgery and excruciating physical therapy that followed then tested me to a whole new level.<br /><br />So, cheers to you, February 10th. I raise my Sugar Free Red Bull to you this morning. I’m using this date as my next launching pad. I’m moving onward and upward from here to improve my strength and endurance and to continue to chase my professional dreams so that I might be able to physically and financially ski again next year. I will be physically stronger, mentally prepared and financially stable. This time it’s up to me.<br /><br />Albert Einstein once said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.<br /><br />Things are definitely changing.<br /><br /></div></div>Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-65139942619555025742009-02-04T17:41:00.000-08:002009-02-04T19:19:29.743-08:00The New Adventure<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8EQTgmRtkeLrLercquRpdcVaI3h_kcOSRkRZXyuWSboZTxNBcE2kCaIS2DTyT0fsmKcw6zWRuGEXtSmUL7ukZoiWqy4ozINebi7YvyplLYFk2q1qD4dOkytUscuksv-4F443wg/s1600-h/adventure-travel-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8EQTgmRtkeLrLercquRpdcVaI3h_kcOSRkRZXyuWSboZTxNBcE2kCaIS2DTyT0fsmKcw6zWRuGEXtSmUL7ukZoiWqy4ozINebi7YvyplLYFk2q1qD4dOkytUscuksv-4F443wg/s400/adventure-travel-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299132720544904834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well, after a difficult year of injuries, job loss and other tragedies, I am walking on eggshells into 2009. I guess that's why this is the first post of the year--and it's February. I am trying to be careful not to stir up any drama. I'm almost afraid to write anything down.<br /><br />I lost my job right before Christmas. I worked in an art department for an entertainment company scheduling and managing the flow of jobs for some extremely talented individuals. I loved my job.<br /><br />As I tiptoe into 2009, five of my former co-workers and myself are bonding together in an attempt to form a company. (Sort of like the department that companies no longer have since everyone is losing their jobs.)<br /><br />I've never done anything like this before in my life. In fact, I've never <span style="font-style: italic;">wanted</span> to do anything like this before in my life.<br /><br />I'm usually the "safe" one. The planner. I don't usually take risks. However, it somehow feels right to take this leap of faith and start a crazy graphic design/photography/3D animation/podcasting/copywriting/motion graphics/publishing company with five people I respect, admire and trust.<br /><br />Slowly, I am peeling back the layers of sadness, anger and frustration. I am replacing them with an entrepreneurial spirit, faith and good old-fashioned hard work.<br /><br />Although it has been a roller-coaster ride over the last few weeks as we encounter new challenges we didn't know we would have ahead of us, we have made amazing progress and I can't wait to see what happens next. It feels like we are on the verge of something great.<br /><br />Circumstances being what they are, I am being much more careful with spending, clipping more coupons, working out more, communicating with God more and actually starting to feel like my old self again. My pre-2008 self again. I'm almost...dare I say it...happy.<br /><br />So, as this new, unprecedented adventure begins, I am entering unfamiliar territory. Instead of mailing out resumes, I'm knocking on doors. Instead of going to interviews, I'm looking for office space. Instead of learning new co-workers' names, I am developing a partnership with my old co-workers.<br /><br />Thanks to a flexible and patient husband, a severance package, a few weeks of unemployment pay and a dream, I am getting to try something new in life and I'll never have to wonder "what would have happened if".<br /><br />Succeed or fail--here we come.Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-63931506062132041532008-12-17T09:13:00.001-08:002008-12-17T09:57:43.135-08:002008 Has Officially Kicked My A**I have not written in a while, because I have been at such a loss for words about how things have been going.<br /><br />Shall we review the highlights of this year? (Again, these are just the highlights...)<br /><br />The movie I was involved in did not perform well at the box office. <br />Job layoffs at my company. <br />Job layoffs at my husband's company. <br />Ski trip ruined by a torn ACL and MCL. <br />Surgery and months of painful physical therapy follow. <br />My sister in law required surgery on the same day. <br />My friend died while giving birth to her first born child. <br />My Mom fell and broke her leg (also requiring surgery and physical therapy). <br />My husband injured his knee and also needed physical therapy. <br />My sister informed me that she is about to lose her job.<br /><br />Now, just before the holidays, my job position has been eliminated (along with 17 of my co-workers). The job that I loved. The job that I poured myself into and was recommended for a promotion in the next fiscal year. Yeah, that job. <br /><br />Oh, and last night I discovered a fraudulent charge on my credit card that I had to dispute.<br /><br />So, as I sit here, popping ibuprofen for the headache that is forming, I have to believe that 2009 is going to improve. I have to believe it. I have to believe it because I'm tired, sad, angry, frustrated and I just don't want feel that way anymore.<br /><br />2008, you had your fun, but it's over between us. <br /><br />2009, mark my words, I know there will be some ups and downs, but we are going to work together to turn things around. A fresh start. A clean slate. A new beginning.<br /><br />I say this with more feeling than I have EVER said it before in my entire life: <br /><br />HAPPY NEW YEAR. (and I mean that).Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-23062285722974161972008-11-05T14:57:00.000-08:002008-11-05T15:19:11.087-08:00Mood Changing PhotoI had one of those days.<br /><br />I kind of felt crappy all day. No one seemed to be in a good mood. Work was stressful and busy. I felt really...blah. <br /><br />Then, someone sent me this image that they found online...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo0xpfpZ5StD27fy-69Re4g0ML6hfBasa8JaE3i9CqDvwTuV9NZolCxRw9LocOC7lSrDQG2hzH0HxcBvkVblUAWz01WXnA5FITMDi2whF_ea6m4WFHIpRk_MLPLiyrfDzm8nwnA/s1600-h/Unknown.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 362px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo0xpfpZ5StD27fy-69Re4g0ML6hfBasa8JaE3i9CqDvwTuV9NZolCxRw9LocOC7lSrDQG2hzH0HxcBvkVblUAWz01WXnA5FITMDi2whF_ea6m4WFHIpRk_MLPLiyrfDzm8nwnA/s400/Unknown.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265314641300939730" border="0" /></a><br />And I laughed until I cried.<br /><br />Hope it did the same for you!Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-27686673044849850572008-11-03T19:29:00.000-08:002008-11-03T20:43:28.988-08:00Winds of Change<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82aUQE3ZBOaMpI2ubWH5m1Ytb2cJsXSeuIFo4JH2606Q9V22cG-8G0acYLAbaQFxFmqzWvYaigFOXQCEYGK4C4ms6dei7TYeceVdsk-230jUB6bSXOtrPynTAJlEpLXCFae-YLQ/s1600-h/yellow-leaves.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82aUQE3ZBOaMpI2ubWH5m1Ytb2cJsXSeuIFo4JH2606Q9V22cG-8G0acYLAbaQFxFmqzWvYaigFOXQCEYGK4C4ms6dei7TYeceVdsk-230jUB6bSXOtrPynTAJlEpLXCFae-YLQ/s400/yellow-leaves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264639937411773586" border="0" /></a><br />Change is all around us. The leaves are changing. We took down our Halloween decorations. The temperatures are changing. We are on the eve of voting in a new president. We even changed the clocks this weekend.<br /><br />This month also is the month that I change from age 37 to 38.<br /><br />I don't claim to be an expert on life, however, off the top of my head, here are my words of "wisdom" at age (almost) 38.<br /><br /><ul><li>Save more. Spend less (it acts as a sleep-aid as well).<br /></li><li>Take your vitamins (we all need our calcium).</li><li>If someone prescribes physical therapy for you--do it (trust me on this one).</li><li>A little Clairol Nice & Easy and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Olay</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Regenerist</span> can be like the fountain of youth (who needs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Botox</span>?).</li><li>Don't let your age determine how much fun you have (ride roller-coasters, dress up for Halloween and be silly).<br /></li><li>Be nice to people (kindness is contagious).</li><li>Laugh more (it just feels good).</li><li>Be thankful--not just for the good days but also for the lack of bad ones (a boring day is better than a drama-filled one).</li><li>Don't make assumptions (it will always come back to bite you).</li><li>Read more (stay informed and keep your brain active).</li><li>Have a well-formed conscience--and act on it (again, another way of sleeping well at night).</li><li>Don't sweat the small stuff (your team losing is not the worst thing that could happen).</li><li>Don't take anything for granted (if you have food, shelter, clothing and someone who loves you, you are ahead of the curve).</li><li>Smile more (but check your teeth for pepper).</li><li>Bring a jacket (movie theaters can be cold).</li><li>Wash your hands (because, ewwww).</li><li>Have a plan (plan for worst case and plan for the best case, but always have a plan).</li><li>Don't give up (even when poisonous spiders and knee injuries become obstacles).</li><li>Sleep on it (Rest will give you clarity and your subconscious can work things out while you snooze).</li></ul>and last but not least...<br /><ul><li>When walking barefoot in your house in the summer, watch out for those long, creepy bugs with all the legs (it's like stepping on a square of jello with your bare foot--I still have nightmares about it).</li></ul><br />Happy Fall, Y'all!Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-79652816549257510082008-10-16T18:38:00.001-07:002008-10-16T18:41:57.115-07:00And On a Lighter Political Note...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkEALcbnUT2wztBU1kcAkjL4L-5OkYvove7PnuIAua5Vv8d31Zq_TWR_fogHK5IBfJbP9EJNLhf3KmmpkevSOUeNmy01BCCyNP4ebiiWdrvhampi4-P4s1her1jTcSFWKk0pzaA/s1600-h/download.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkEALcbnUT2wztBU1kcAkjL4L-5OkYvove7PnuIAua5Vv8d31Zq_TWR_fogHK5IBfJbP9EJNLhf3KmmpkevSOUeNmy01BCCyNP4ebiiWdrvhampi4-P4s1her1jTcSFWKk0pzaA/s400/download.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257931904462965042" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I don't think any words are necessary.<br /></div>Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-41050753569310045182008-10-14T16:40:00.000-07:002008-10-14T20:24:34.930-07:00Time to Relax<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjKaHCaz24eSauAd4HcoK88tjbWsH86QZDpaNra3YTlE6SajRkywO9LNbSWQfcjf_L0tzcEuRDGmj6O4QSMLbp6NdPUWsaiZOtuRl2CsxB0dbAb9mhjhtOsv5yHkSA2rTuEgDNw/s1600-h/us_politics.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjKaHCaz24eSauAd4HcoK88tjbWsH86QZDpaNra3YTlE6SajRkywO9LNbSWQfcjf_L0tzcEuRDGmj6O4QSMLbp6NdPUWsaiZOtuRl2CsxB0dbAb9mhjhtOsv5yHkSA2rTuEgDNw/s400/us_politics.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257180710681250706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Some days, especially during election time, it feels like we are bombarded with too much information. There are e-mails, blogs, news websites, television, radio, magazines, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SNL</span></span> skits, political cartoons, talk around the water cooler, etc, etc.<br /><br />Some days it just feels like too much. Until today. Today, I heard someone on the radio remind everyone of this fact:<br /><br />"No matter who wins this election, you can't let that person, or that outcome of the election, determine your happiness."<br /><br />And it's true, we can't.<br /><br />No matter who is elected, it is up to us, each of us individually, to make sure that we are responsible for our own happiness.<br /><br />When I hear bits of news about people wanting candidates to be killed or to be gang raped I realize that there are some people out there who are not only psychopaths, but they are also hanging their only hopes of any sort of happiness for the next four years on the outcome of this election. And that's just ridiculous.<br /><br />I'm thrilled that I have the right to vote and I will exercise that right and vote for the candidate who I believe should be in office. But when it's all said and done and after I cast my vote and say my prayers, it is truly out of my hands. However, it's okay, because we all have more control over our individual destinies than any presidential candidate ever will.<br /><br />It is absolutely important to fight for the issues. There are important issues to be fought for. However, no one needs to get shot at. No one needs to get raped. No one needs to drag a candidate's pregnant child through the mud over this. That type of rhetoric is just immature, unproductive and only makes things worse.<br /><br />As we approach this next presidential election, let's all just take a collective deep breath and calm down and relax. Educate yourself on the facts, cast your vote and end it.<br /><br />As the old saying goes, it's just not worth getting your panties in a bunch over this.Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-7162363668913694702008-10-13T09:53:00.000-07:002008-10-13T11:55:01.774-07:00Happy Fall, Y'all<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQkayO8t_dstVLXIvZL5CV2VfZ91ILG9uaY4kWihrfPOUe1BEDl8r65973eWz9M9KrK56Zr2xqK0ls68w1rlM_HScidWfhBylTZRbJ8iH5DoDRHKfK0FkG-om4-KwkPvcINnwHQ/s1600-h/391767_Orange.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQkayO8t_dstVLXIvZL5CV2VfZ91ILG9uaY4kWihrfPOUe1BEDl8r65973eWz9M9KrK56Zr2xqK0ls68w1rlM_HScidWfhBylTZRbJ8iH5DoDRHKfK0FkG-om4-KwkPvcINnwHQ/s400/391767_Orange.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256682776012697602" /></a><br /><div>Really, when it's all said and done, no matter what happens, I can whole heartedly say that...</div><div><br /></div><div>I really like my new Fall purse.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've gotten more compliments on this purse in the last week than I think I have ever gotten on any purse before in my life. (Except maybe for the Holly Hobbie one I had when I was six.)</div><div><br /></div>Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-34633133632423505332008-10-10T08:11:00.000-07:002008-10-10T16:02:44.680-07:00Flu Shot Night!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjza8jypIVdcNuVKs7T4TTS9SUz7KyIKoY_Ov_LJQNXzU0wpbU_l4uMq56bJ1UfyQRItNZX-KIVt0W7Uv5K4jno2ea31MoN5K4fzx2ZF4A9Fd6TS_DCQI2h3eJBCD7yuz7ZFp2iFg/s1600-h/pizza1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjza8jypIVdcNuVKs7T4TTS9SUz7KyIKoY_Ov_LJQNXzU0wpbU_l4uMq56bJ1UfyQRItNZX-KIVt0W7Uv5K4jno2ea31MoN5K4fzx2ZF4A9Fd6TS_DCQI2h3eJBCD7yuz7ZFp2iFg/s400/pizza1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255547001096996642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />It's October. Among the changing leaves, pumpkins, mums and corn stalks, my mind turns to...flu shots.<br /><br />Yes, flu shots.<br /><br />Flu Shot Night is a simple and strange tradition that my husband and I have had since the beginning of our marriage.<br /><br />Every October, we pick a Friday night after work and go and get flu shots (usually a walk in clinic somewhere). Then, as tradition dictates, the following things happen:<br /><br /><ul><li>We go home and put on sweatpants.</li><li>We order pizza and open a bottle of red wine.<br /></li><li>We watch movies.</li><li>We take some Advil (to ease sore and/or swollen arms) and we sleep late the next morning.<br /><br /></li></ul>Somehow, having this simple tradition makes the flu shot ritual something we look forward to each year.<br /><br />So, dig out your sweatpants, grab some comfy socks, and grab a few movies--it's flu shot night!Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-7086607588994486742008-10-09T07:29:00.000-07:002008-10-10T10:03:28.503-07:00Apparently, I Should Have Called in "Brunette" Today...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlByaF__G7nhplp_-ExoR1AqjOlOQyeszLR2dMDGK7jHsCZdsavDQn-OMP4RIHj3G6ybhoUT4yueEuUINk01pag9hD3oarGlfUJ3-Pfl9J2j8jZlAz14nXc6rEUamMcu5rtG-EOA/s1600-h/42-17614146.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlByaF__G7nhplp_-ExoR1AqjOlOQyeszLR2dMDGK7jHsCZdsavDQn-OMP4RIHj3G6ybhoUT4yueEuUINk01pag9hD3oarGlfUJ3-Pfl9J2j8jZlAz14nXc6rEUamMcu5rtG-EOA/s400/42-17614146.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255567157682348370" /></a><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Above - Another apparently distraught woman upon finding out the news that she is brunette.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>In the news...<br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Blonde sues over brown dye; judge brushes off suit </span></span><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">A Connecticut judge has given the brush-off to a blonde woman's lawsuit claiming L'Oreal Inc. ruined her social life when she accidentally dyed her hair brunette with one of its products. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Charlotte Feeney of Stratford says she can never return to her natural blonde hue, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">a shock that left her so traumatized she needed anti-depressants</span></span>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">She says she suffered headaches and anxiety, missed the attention that blondes receive and had to stay home and wear hats most of the time.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">A Superior Court judge dismissed Feeney's 2005 lawsuit Monday, saying she never proved her allegation that L'Oreal put brown hair dye in a box labeled as blonde. The company also had disputed the claim.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Feeney referred questions on Wednesday to her attorney, David Laudano, who has declined to comment.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /></span></div><div>How terrible for her. I send out my condolences to her and to all those suffering from "brunette-ism" including (but not limited to) Cindy Crawford, Catherine Zeta Jones, Angelina Jolie, Courtney Cox, Eva Longoria, Brooke Shields and Jessica Alba. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had better buy a hat on my way home.<br /></div></div>Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-45201707440626196692008-10-08T13:58:00.000-07:002008-10-08T14:28:21.387-07:00Soon, I Will Need a Second JobThings I have done for other peoples' kids in the last month:<br /><br />Bought 1 canister of flavored popcorn. ($18.00)<br />Bought 1 apple pie kit. ($18.00)<br />Bought another canister of flavored popcorn. ($17.00)<br />Pledged money for walk-a-thon. ($25.00)<br /><br />Total so far - $78.00<br /><br />Question - Do you think I could get any donations by putting a jar at my desk that says, "I have no kids in Band, Boy Scouts or Drama Club, but I do like to shop at Target. Please contribute. (Gift cards accepted)" ?Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-59508577315411915792008-10-02T15:11:00.000-07:002008-10-02T16:47:02.767-07:00My Letter to 2008Dear 2008,<br /><br />I realize that it has been a difficult year, (you know, with the deaths, injuries/ruined vacations, divorces, surgeries, plagues of spiders, in addition to just wreaking general havoc on my family and friends) and now you want to try to make it up to me.<br /><br />I also have to admit that you are off to a good start by allowing me to win a free cruise through a random drawing at work.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcTXGejF7hlaqNw83feVgOMurywYZ9HE7MCCQtGbYE66Ek_tby_9S9V2YuAcL6wCQ2jsgJkf_mANslVtZox3wwEVlnhEs6zhR-wu72nkJbIRJlowINDYUXIqwRnTIhiJ3iA3zqw/s1600-h/ship2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcTXGejF7hlaqNw83feVgOMurywYZ9HE7MCCQtGbYE66Ek_tby_9S9V2YuAcL6wCQ2jsgJkf_mANslVtZox3wwEVlnhEs6zhR-wu72nkJbIRJlowINDYUXIqwRnTIhiJ3iA3zqw/s400/ship2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252702344619588658" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Not just a free cruise, but a free cruise to the island of Grand Turk in January, on one of the upper decks of the ship, in a really nice cabin, with a balcony.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBc5CM8UQtn09UGw-MwQt7E-w_GwKu0YtfQGTvydUqg8c0Xfv9NwAE-YPKnno3ZuZqbmJ_6yU0e-6yxh7oRmddlXMFqT5Mke6r4_bKL9J_Zs4UqgApnzMXSCuFpWUKccrpnySbw/s1600-h/de_oceanview_balcony_lg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBc5CM8UQtn09UGw-MwQt7E-w_GwKu0YtfQGTvydUqg8c0Xfv9NwAE-YPKnno3ZuZqbmJ_6yU0e-6yxh7oRmddlXMFqT5Mke6r4_bKL9J_Zs4UqgApnzMXSCuFpWUKccrpnySbw/s400/de_oceanview_balcony_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252702998892625234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMF7QvNdAgvUEHep6tEZVpXCqwuY8Z0FXUAmHU-8DS7cA-Y2aLe_hDtHm1JIcjNHFNQcMgANVd2gQS75KWePrxNrjDNSgYCt6txlc7N5nPs3ryFmQQiJIlNftsCUY-OnMPOQP6Q/s1600-h/map2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMF7QvNdAgvUEHep6tEZVpXCqwuY8Z0FXUAmHU-8DS7cA-Y2aLe_hDtHm1JIcjNHFNQcMgANVd2gQS75KWePrxNrjDNSgYCt6txlc7N5nPs3ryFmQQiJIlNftsCUY-OnMPOQP6Q/s400/map2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252705296569145090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />However, I have to admit, I am hesitant to embrace this act of generosity. 2008, you have a pattern and I am afraid that you are just setting me up for the ultimate smack down.<br /><br />I could let my guard down and you could send another plague of spiders my way or cause me to drop my cool new phone in a toilet or something--or worse. I've seen what you are capable of.<br /><br />So, here's the deal, 2008: When I am safely on that ship, enjoying a drink with a little umbrella in it, I might look back and say nice things about you.<br /><br />But until then, I am going to have my eye on you. And I will probably still say bad things about you upon your departure on New Year's Eve. Come on, you can't really blame me. You and I both know what this year has been like. You deserve a little trash talk.<br /><br />I will be watching and waiting and hoping that we can make our peace after you leave in January.<br /><br />Thanks again for the cruise.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Nonblond<br /><br />P.S. If you allow me to win a large quantity of some cold hard cash from a slot machine on the ship it will make forgiveness that much easier. Just throwin' it out there.<br /><br />P.P.S. If that ship sinks, even though it will be 2009, I'll still blame you.Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-10609859173229575212008-09-24T13:12:00.001-07:002008-09-24T13:37:08.560-07:00Back to Living "Life in the Fast Lane"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQupH3E7Hmlvyl7soHlDM93NKZZM2vhdQVJbvDs3RYxs5DSSM8_H2wwrV1LvL6c-RW4NTTvLQ5-_plfggg3ij0uj5qbiyFiobdmDvkezIhwk_Atw6IBxF4hCtuk3Rk9GuSren2vA/s1600-h/the-eagle-concert-tickets-o2-arena.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQupH3E7Hmlvyl7soHlDM93NKZZM2vhdQVJbvDs3RYxs5DSSM8_H2wwrV1LvL6c-RW4NTTvLQ5-_plfggg3ij0uj5qbiyFiobdmDvkezIhwk_Atw6IBxF4hCtuk3Rk9GuSren2vA/s400/the-eagle-concert-tickets-o2-arena.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249687492797627282" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Last week was officially the six month anniversary of my knee surgery. On the actual date of my surgical anniversary, I had the opportunity to see The Eagles in concert.<br /><br />Not only did I see The Eagles in concert, I got to see them FROM THE FRONT ROW. (I got goosebumps hearing the first few notes of Hotel California and being just a few feet from the band--it was just surreal.)<br /><br />I wore a dress with high heeled boots (that I haven't worn since before my injury) and I danced. I danced and swayed and clapped and sang through almost the whole show.<br /><br />Part of it was the wine. Part of it was the music. But most of it was the fact that I actually <span style="font-style: italic;">could</span> stand and dance and wear those boots again. I didn't have to sit through the whole concert with my leg propped up in a brace (like I did in April when I saw BonJovi).<br /><br />The concert was great--there's no doubt about that, and it sure felt good to celebrate my recovery in such a memorable way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRk_T2VDXWlwtJNg7AUMZITv3Smjfv03JKiowsIXtOPn_pZpUAXCZ2QPo1eCLd9TtIU4jcY302V4Dz55RkIH-45xqtI_LaZv93C8ncXkMIRiXgJMXCc8I1YOHJr6ncCTDagJyBOA/s1600-h/EAGLES-PRESS-SHOT_160572b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRk_T2VDXWlwtJNg7AUMZITv3Smjfv03JKiowsIXtOPn_pZpUAXCZ2QPo1eCLd9TtIU4jcY302V4Dz55RkIH-45xqtI_LaZv93C8ncXkMIRiXgJMXCc8I1YOHJr6ncCTDagJyBOA/s400/EAGLES-PRESS-SHOT_160572b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249689354119976898" border="0" /></a>Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13407303.post-68641813120058460922008-09-17T11:53:00.001-07:002008-09-17T12:00:08.671-07:00I'm Not Usually Into This Kind of Thing...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibg5ua-m9TeUbLM0zwDhr5Lh0nVuIPCCnGnurm3rVGE0o8kTp4_0_Xc-G1slBw85MsUfPELhFsdhFf960-UhcRC571I3N6uzTfYJzBRHbX8EH54rjjJ9rIpgQIAme1EyEoIQG9OQ/s1600-h/samsung-instinct-by-sprint.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibg5ua-m9TeUbLM0zwDhr5Lh0nVuIPCCnGnurm3rVGE0o8kTp4_0_Xc-G1slBw85MsUfPELhFsdhFf960-UhcRC571I3N6uzTfYJzBRHbX8EH54rjjJ9rIpgQIAme1EyEoIQG9OQ/s400/samsung-instinct-by-sprint.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247065729299183154" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>...But I really love my new phone. Big thumbs up on the <a href="http://www.instinctthephone.com/">Samsung Instinct</a>.</div>Nonblondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08858176058212679389noreply@blogger.com0