Finished Memoirs yesterday. Looking over the abrupt and rather disappointing end, it was a pretty good book. I picked up Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil yesterday. Probably won't get to start it for a few days, though, with the final coming up. Heather was reading it a few weeks ago as she and Hugh are going to Savannah this summer, and it reminded me that I've always wanted to read it - especially after I went to Savannah myself. Savannah is a really pretty town - there is this one wrought iron gate entering one of the gardens (don't bother asking me where bec the squares get rather confusing) shaped like an orange tree...quite remarkable! I recommend trying to find it if you're going to Savannah. I also recommend taking along better company than I! Hehe.
Once again, it's a busy week. Ben tells me I should stop being so personal on here even though I don't believe anyone knows my last name or address and well, my name is pretty common anyway. I know there are at least several of us in Chatty. Anyway, I guess I won't say what the busy week is all about until it's over...just in case someone is psychotically reading this blog in order to rob us or kill us or whatever psychos online do. I still think he has way worse personal info posted than I do, but whatever.
Ben is having a terrible allergy attack right now - I feel so bad for him. I, too, am not quite feeling myself, sneezing regularly with a constant sore throat. Ugh. Hope we feel better after our final on Tuesday. What sucks is that we have one weekend off and then start school again next week. I'm really tired of doing this - I am in such dire need of a vacation that I wanted to have one this week, but bec Ben will once again be in class four nights a week (God bless him and hope he can make it through 7 more weeks of this!) that is impossible. At least I can save up my leave for the honeymoon.
I've yet to study. The plan was to study all weekend, but I've not done any studying yet. I don't feel well and would rather try to make myself feel comfortable rather than study. The bright side of things is that this should be the third to last test I'll have to take for the MBA. I don't usually get test anxiety; instead I get anxious bec I put off studying. Does this make sense? It could be miscontrued as the same thing, but it's not. I get the test in front of me and I'm calm as calm can be. No worries. But leading up to the test - usually for at least a week - I'm anxious bec instead of doing whatever fun activity I'm doing, I know I should instead be studying.
Can anyone tell that I'm putting off studying by writing a purposeless blog?
I tried to show my mom this blog the last time she was in town, and she said the funniest thing - "I'm like Granny...I don't like that internet." What?! I have so many problems with that sentence - "that internet" in and of itself is hilarious - but I wish she would get over her fear of learning - not to mention realize that not just 12 year olds use it - and check it out. It would actually be a bad thing if she did have any knowledge of the power of the internet bec I fear what she would read, what and who she would research, and most importantly what sort of incorrect ideas she would take away from it. I've had to deal with her overwhelmingly false view of the world for many years and I guess it could be worse if she was exposed to more information. She often says to me, "I wonder whatever happened to *insert person from past here*?" If she only knew that an entire world was at the tip of her fingers....
Ugh! My throat hurts!
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Ahhh....the air is fixed!
Took a few hours off this afternoon to be here while the guy came to fix it. I did not have class and I did not work out. I cleaned. At 7, I looked at the clock expecting it to be almost bedtime, but it was only 7 o'clock...how cool is that?! So this is what it will be like in August. So this is what it will be like to be normal....to be able to come home right after work sometimes. How wonderful!
Almost got my last case finished today. Should be able to finish it tomorrow during lunch, I think.
Then all that's left is the one final.
Work is still going well.
Had lunch with Kevin, Connie & Judy today...that was nice.
Umm....those Hardee's commercials are horrible. Horrible. I will never eat there bec of them. Not that I ever eat there anyway, but they've really turned me off now.
Lots to do over the course of the next week...must study hard core for that final...yuck...am not looking forward to that.
What a boring post! Bleh!
Almost got my last case finished today. Should be able to finish it tomorrow during lunch, I think.
Then all that's left is the one final.
Work is still going well.
Had lunch with Kevin, Connie & Judy today...that was nice.
Umm....those Hardee's commercials are horrible. Horrible. I will never eat there bec of them. Not that I ever eat there anyway, but they've really turned me off now.
Lots to do over the course of the next week...must study hard core for that final...yuck...am not looking forward to that.
What a boring post! Bleh!
Monday, April 24, 2006
Nobody else here...no one like me...
...I'm special (Special)...so special (Special)...I gotta have some of your attention...give it to me!
So, I was toying with the idea of walking down the aisle to The Pretenders. Hehe. Ben says he prefers "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", which could be construed as a very sweet thing to say, but he just knows I really like the song.
It's funny how random people can impact your life. A few years ago at the beg of the MBA program, I had to make a video for a group project. Nate made the cd with the music (it was a golf themed video, thus he got Caddy Shack for me) but added a bunch of songs to the cd that he knew I loved. Nate was cool that way. Anyway, so we took the unedited video and music to some video dept at the university who edited it for us. The guy was saying that we should put some different music on there (besides C-Shack) and listened to the rest of the cd I had brought. When "With or Without You" started playing I said, "Best song ever" bec well, I've always said that. The guy replied, "No, it's number 3." Hehee...I've always gotten a kick out of that...I mean, who really keeps a list of the best songs ever? Well, apparently he did. So, I asked what was No. 1 and he said "EveryLlittle Thing She Does is Magic" without hesitation and since then, I've loved the song...even though I had never really paid any attention to it before that moment.
Anyway, I then "introduced" Ben to it - I put that in quotes bec obviously he had heard it a gazillion times before just as I had, but he had never really listened to it before just like I never had. So, we went through a Sting/Police phase for a bit, and thus he suggested that I walk down the aisle to it. Obviously not the Police version, but maybe if we can find some instrumental version that doesn't sound too elevator-ish.
I insist that Ring of Fire be played at the reception at some point. I mean, c'mon...how appropriate is that? Plus, I guess it would be on my top ten list if I were dorky enough to have one. Hehe. But I don't...bec I'm not a dork. I swear. :-)
I guess we don't really have "a song". When we first started dating Ben sang John Mayer's "City Love" to me one night, and it was rather sweet...so I guess that would be the closest thing we have to "our song". He always says he thinks of me when he hears it. I've always liked that one Jack Johnson song - is it called "Better When We're Together"? - but I'm not sure if Ben even knows it.
Anyway, so at about 1PM yesterday, I realized that the site was having a luncheon that I had RSVP'd to for contracted people to try the catering. It started at 2. Ben was at work working on school stuff (finals week), but he had agreed to go and I was happy when he still wanted to go. So, we went and tried the catering and oh my gosh it was unbelievable! So that made for a very happy Stacey (and surprisingly a quite happy Ben, as well). Mmmm...the best part was an appetizer (which I don't think we'll have since ours is sit down, not hors doerves) - it was on a toothpick - mozzarella marinated in basil oil with cherry tomatoes and black olives. Yummy. It made me think of Positano bec you see that sort of tomato type dish everywhere there. We were pleased and stuffed when we left the site.
Ben went ga-ga over the lamb with mint jelly...I was fond of the salmon (even though I'm not usually a fish person)...wild rice dish was excelente and stuffed mushrooms were quite delicious too (although not quite as good as the recipe Erin gave me years ago).
Then I proceeded to AT and AT Loft and spent over $500. Crazy. Cute shoes, skirts, shirts, shrugs (yes, I finally found not one but two that looked good on me!), etc were purchased. It might have been a bit of "retail therapy" as I've not exactly felt myself these last few weeks.
K's announcement was in the newspaper yesterday! She and B looked so cute! The wedding is coming up so quickly.
So, I've had the laziest week ever. I think me not feeling myself is corrupting my fairly healthy lifestyle. I have been eating horribly and well, I have not worked out since last Monday. That is insane. Crazy how working out makes you feel so much better - it's an anti-depressant - and now that I don't feel quite right, I stopped going and it's probably compounding the problem. Anyway, I'm going tonight...maybe going to Livewell will help me bounce back.
So, I was toying with the idea of walking down the aisle to The Pretenders. Hehe. Ben says he prefers "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", which could be construed as a very sweet thing to say, but he just knows I really like the song.
It's funny how random people can impact your life. A few years ago at the beg of the MBA program, I had to make a video for a group project. Nate made the cd with the music (it was a golf themed video, thus he got Caddy Shack for me) but added a bunch of songs to the cd that he knew I loved. Nate was cool that way. Anyway, so we took the unedited video and music to some video dept at the university who edited it for us. The guy was saying that we should put some different music on there (besides C-Shack) and listened to the rest of the cd I had brought. When "With or Without You" started playing I said, "Best song ever" bec well, I've always said that. The guy replied, "No, it's number 3." Hehee...I've always gotten a kick out of that...I mean, who really keeps a list of the best songs ever? Well, apparently he did. So, I asked what was No. 1 and he said "EveryLlittle Thing She Does is Magic" without hesitation and since then, I've loved the song...even though I had never really paid any attention to it before that moment.
Anyway, I then "introduced" Ben to it - I put that in quotes bec obviously he had heard it a gazillion times before just as I had, but he had never really listened to it before just like I never had. So, we went through a Sting/Police phase for a bit, and thus he suggested that I walk down the aisle to it. Obviously not the Police version, but maybe if we can find some instrumental version that doesn't sound too elevator-ish.
I insist that Ring of Fire be played at the reception at some point. I mean, c'mon...how appropriate is that? Plus, I guess it would be on my top ten list if I were dorky enough to have one. Hehe. But I don't...bec I'm not a dork. I swear. :-)
I guess we don't really have "a song". When we first started dating Ben sang John Mayer's "City Love" to me one night, and it was rather sweet...so I guess that would be the closest thing we have to "our song". He always says he thinks of me when he hears it. I've always liked that one Jack Johnson song - is it called "Better When We're Together"? - but I'm not sure if Ben even knows it.
Anyway, so at about 1PM yesterday, I realized that the site was having a luncheon that I had RSVP'd to for contracted people to try the catering. It started at 2. Ben was at work working on school stuff (finals week), but he had agreed to go and I was happy when he still wanted to go. So, we went and tried the catering and oh my gosh it was unbelievable! So that made for a very happy Stacey (and surprisingly a quite happy Ben, as well). Mmmm...the best part was an appetizer (which I don't think we'll have since ours is sit down, not hors doerves) - it was on a toothpick - mozzarella marinated in basil oil with cherry tomatoes and black olives. Yummy. It made me think of Positano bec you see that sort of tomato type dish everywhere there. We were pleased and stuffed when we left the site.
Ben went ga-ga over the lamb with mint jelly...I was fond of the salmon (even though I'm not usually a fish person)...wild rice dish was excelente and stuffed mushrooms were quite delicious too (although not quite as good as the recipe Erin gave me years ago).
Then I proceeded to AT and AT Loft and spent over $500. Crazy. Cute shoes, skirts, shirts, shrugs (yes, I finally found not one but two that looked good on me!), etc were purchased. It might have been a bit of "retail therapy" as I've not exactly felt myself these last few weeks.
K's announcement was in the newspaper yesterday! She and B looked so cute! The wedding is coming up so quickly.
So, I've had the laziest week ever. I think me not feeling myself is corrupting my fairly healthy lifestyle. I have been eating horribly and well, I have not worked out since last Monday. That is insane. Crazy how working out makes you feel so much better - it's an anti-depressant - and now that I don't feel quite right, I stopped going and it's probably compounding the problem. Anyway, I'm going tonight...maybe going to Livewell will help me bounce back.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
First paragraph is kind of random...
Google's search page letters are decorated with solar panels and a wind farm today. Interesting. I assume bec we're on the eve of the 20th anniversary of Chernobyl? After working in TL design for five years, I must note that while wind farms sound like a wonderful alternate energy source to most people, attitudes change when it is discovered how big the farms must be...especially when the sites are too "close to home". Wind farms take up so much space - if a TL tower is an eyesore then a wind farm is a double eye infection that produces blindness. They are a good idea - no doubt - but at the same time the production of energy from them will never be as great as from a coal fired plant...yet their initial construction costs are ridiculously expensive. Now don't get me wrong - I have my little hippie girl moments upon occasion - but having worked at a power company for over 5 years I also am aware of and willing to accept the truth - we Americans love our electricity (especially we Southerners). When I began working we did not continuously break power records (monthly yoy), but we do now. It seems to me that we as consumers are getting more and more lax with our habits; as a result we "need" more power. Thank goodness it's pretty cheap in the Valley.
No, I have not been brain washed. :-)
Onto other things. We've had some really bad April showers this week. The meteorologists say it was very much needed, so that's good. I really like good spring thunderstorms (so long as they don't produce tornadoes). They're relaxing. I'm fortunate enough to get a window seat yet again at work and as a result have had to opportunity to watch the storms this week...I love working to the drumming of the rain (although at one point it sounded like it bordered on hail) and the accompanying bass booms of thunder.
Heather emailed this week and said that Catherine has a job interview back in TN (Oak Ridge, I think?) this weekend and will be in. It's unfortunate that we won't be able to see her, but we wish her well and hope - if the job seems like a good one - that everything works out and she and Rick are able to come "home". Also, Heather forwarded a message from Ben's uncle Keith and he and his wife are coming to the wedding! I was excited to hear that bec when we decided to move the wedding up to September we assumed that it meant Ben's English relatives would be unable to come as they plan their trips (and Heather said they do a countryside walk evey September) for the year pretty far in advance. But looks as if there is a change of plans and they are doing a trip to Yellowstone/Tetons/etc instead and will be in Chattanooga on the 21st! Hooray! Such interesting people - the email also said they were about to go to Jordan next week - how exciting! And several months ago Ben sent me an email saying they had just been to South America. I hope I get to travel that much in my lifetime.
On days like these, being in grad school isn't too much fun. I only have one case and one final left for the semester, and today is "DO CASE" day. :-( So, instead of cleaning/shopping/running errands, we are meeting Daniel to finish up the case. Next weekend will be "STUDY FOR FINAL" weekend. That gets an even bigger frowny face. I have to say that I probably wouldn't mind studying and working on cases so much if I were in a Finance course...but alas this is a Prods/Ops Applications course and well, Prods and Ops is just plain boring.
Also, it could be worse - last year at this time on the first beautiful day for the year, we had to meet at Jess's house to work on two cases due that week at 10:30AM and didn't finish until just before sunset - with the first case. It was pretty disheartening. At least today is overcast - and we have the promise of dinner with good friends and the baseball game to look forward to! Not to mention the August graduation date, as well.
Speaking of, Jess sent out grad announcements and they're quite pretty. I hadn't expected to do that - I'm most definitely not walking - but might possibly consider the announcements now, I guess. I suppose I should get the ribbons/hoods or whatever they have just in case I do pursue my doctorate.
So I finished my first full week in the new job and like it pretty well so far. The people are nice and I'm starting to get to know them a bit more which is good. It's always awkard right at first when you don't know anyone. Must learn intricate details of how fossil and nuke plants work which makes me feel a bit anxious. Thank goodness for Wikipedia! I've been sending Ben and Jess gazillions of emails this week for explanations...they've been very helpful.
I've been very lazy this week and only worked out on Monday. I think it's due to the fact that we stayed out so late on Wed. night - I have only just now recovered after sleeping in today. Tomorrow I must get back on it - especially considering how much cake I've eaten in the last couple of days!
And that concludes this blog.
No, I have not been brain washed. :-)
Onto other things. We've had some really bad April showers this week. The meteorologists say it was very much needed, so that's good. I really like good spring thunderstorms (so long as they don't produce tornadoes). They're relaxing. I'm fortunate enough to get a window seat yet again at work and as a result have had to opportunity to watch the storms this week...I love working to the drumming of the rain (although at one point it sounded like it bordered on hail) and the accompanying bass booms of thunder.
Heather emailed this week and said that Catherine has a job interview back in TN (Oak Ridge, I think?) this weekend and will be in. It's unfortunate that we won't be able to see her, but we wish her well and hope - if the job seems like a good one - that everything works out and she and Rick are able to come "home". Also, Heather forwarded a message from Ben's uncle Keith and he and his wife are coming to the wedding! I was excited to hear that bec when we decided to move the wedding up to September we assumed that it meant Ben's English relatives would be unable to come as they plan their trips (and Heather said they do a countryside walk evey September) for the year pretty far in advance. But looks as if there is a change of plans and they are doing a trip to Yellowstone/Tetons/etc instead and will be in Chattanooga on the 21st! Hooray! Such interesting people - the email also said they were about to go to Jordan next week - how exciting! And several months ago Ben sent me an email saying they had just been to South America. I hope I get to travel that much in my lifetime.
On days like these, being in grad school isn't too much fun. I only have one case and one final left for the semester, and today is "DO CASE" day. :-( So, instead of cleaning/shopping/running errands, we are meeting Daniel to finish up the case. Next weekend will be "STUDY FOR FINAL" weekend. That gets an even bigger frowny face. I have to say that I probably wouldn't mind studying and working on cases so much if I were in a Finance course...but alas this is a Prods/Ops Applications course and well, Prods and Ops is just plain boring.
Also, it could be worse - last year at this time on the first beautiful day for the year, we had to meet at Jess's house to work on two cases due that week at 10:30AM and didn't finish until just before sunset - with the first case. It was pretty disheartening. At least today is overcast - and we have the promise of dinner with good friends and the baseball game to look forward to! Not to mention the August graduation date, as well.
Speaking of, Jess sent out grad announcements and they're quite pretty. I hadn't expected to do that - I'm most definitely not walking - but might possibly consider the announcements now, I guess. I suppose I should get the ribbons/hoods or whatever they have just in case I do pursue my doctorate.
So I finished my first full week in the new job and like it pretty well so far. The people are nice and I'm starting to get to know them a bit more which is good. It's always awkard right at first when you don't know anyone. Must learn intricate details of how fossil and nuke plants work which makes me feel a bit anxious. Thank goodness for Wikipedia! I've been sending Ben and Jess gazillions of emails this week for explanations...they've been very helpful.
I've been very lazy this week and only worked out on Monday. I think it's due to the fact that we stayed out so late on Wed. night - I have only just now recovered after sleeping in today. Tomorrow I must get back on it - especially considering how much cake I've eaten in the last couple of days!
And that concludes this blog.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Let's play a game called "Guess what I just ate"!
Anyone? Anyone?
That's right...I just ate wedding cake samples.
Apparently shopping for a wedding cake is a rather tasty treat in the whole wedding experience. Especially for someone with as big of a sweet tooth as mine! I don't know what I was thinking but I know I was not expecting two little 8 inch cakes to sample for free - that's awesome. So this baker is amazing, but I don't think I'd shop around for another baker anyway...bec I would get too much free cake!
So should I divulge the winner? (Or at least the winner in my book since Ben hasn't tried it yet, but since he doesn't even like cake - yes we're doing pumpkin pies in lieu of a groom's cake - I'm thinking my pick is it.)
While I was waiting I browsed through some wedding cake magazines and there was this one...so scary...so macabre! It was iced in a sort of ivory "bone" color and had two skeletons on the top. It said "Till death do us part" on the bottom! Kinda creepy but totally cool (for the right couple...ahem, that is not this couple).
I was gong to have her do a blueberry filled sample but on second thought I decided it would clash horribly with my colors. It's a shame...I like blueberry.
So I had my last Portfolio Management class last night. I loved that class and Dr. Long, too. We had to take a picture and then after we went to Chili's for dinner. There were some really cool people in that class. One guy's wife is a cheerleader for the Atlanta Falcons. Another guy is from Zimbabwe. He is so interesting to talk to. What a Prince Charming, too! We ended the night at The Hair of the Dog Pub and we didn't get home until 1:30. Geez, I was tired today.
Paul's wife came to Chili's too - she is super cute. I hope they can come out on the boat with us sometime.
Talked with Dr. L about getting my doctorate. I'm not sure he'll write me a good recommendation now that he knows how liberal I am! :-)
So has anyone seen the new Lean Cuisine panini's? The southwestern one is awesome but I'm trying the chicken and spinach right now and it's a little iffy.
Today the Tour de Georgia came rolling by the complex during lunch. Cool huh? Jess and Ben and I hung out and watched. Unfortunately it was only time trials - I was a little disappointed when I found that out ...I wanted to see a pelaton!
So all that's left is the completion of one case and then one final. Poor Ben will have it rough these next couple of weeks...but at least he's only got 3 more classes to go after this semester.
Job is going well. I'm really liking it. It is amazing what and how much I've learned this first week. The electric utility business is quite interesting.
That's right...I just ate wedding cake samples.
Apparently shopping for a wedding cake is a rather tasty treat in the whole wedding experience. Especially for someone with as big of a sweet tooth as mine! I don't know what I was thinking but I know I was not expecting two little 8 inch cakes to sample for free - that's awesome. So this baker is amazing, but I don't think I'd shop around for another baker anyway...bec I would get too much free cake!
So should I divulge the winner? (Or at least the winner in my book since Ben hasn't tried it yet, but since he doesn't even like cake - yes we're doing pumpkin pies in lieu of a groom's cake - I'm thinking my pick is it.)
While I was waiting I browsed through some wedding cake magazines and there was this one...so scary...so macabre! It was iced in a sort of ivory "bone" color and had two skeletons on the top. It said "Till death do us part" on the bottom! Kinda creepy but totally cool (for the right couple...ahem, that is not this couple).
I was gong to have her do a blueberry filled sample but on second thought I decided it would clash horribly with my colors. It's a shame...I like blueberry.
So I had my last Portfolio Management class last night. I loved that class and Dr. Long, too. We had to take a picture and then after we went to Chili's for dinner. There were some really cool people in that class. One guy's wife is a cheerleader for the Atlanta Falcons. Another guy is from Zimbabwe. He is so interesting to talk to. What a Prince Charming, too! We ended the night at The Hair of the Dog Pub and we didn't get home until 1:30. Geez, I was tired today.
Paul's wife came to Chili's too - she is super cute. I hope they can come out on the boat with us sometime.
Talked with Dr. L about getting my doctorate. I'm not sure he'll write me a good recommendation now that he knows how liberal I am! :-)
So has anyone seen the new Lean Cuisine panini's? The southwestern one is awesome but I'm trying the chicken and spinach right now and it's a little iffy.
Today the Tour de Georgia came rolling by the complex during lunch. Cool huh? Jess and Ben and I hung out and watched. Unfortunately it was only time trials - I was a little disappointed when I found that out ...I wanted to see a pelaton!
So all that's left is the completion of one case and then one final. Poor Ben will have it rough these next couple of weeks...but at least he's only got 3 more classes to go after this semester.
Job is going well. I'm really liking it. It is amazing what and how much I've learned this first week. The electric utility business is quite interesting.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Oh...I almost forgot...
...I came in second in my age group...crazy huh? :-) I need to call to see if I can still get the plaque. This is the first time I didn't stay around to watch the awards and I won one!
What do I do with Verbena?
This is the second year in a row that I'm killing it. Anyone? Erin, I know you read this sometimes....any thoughts on what to do with verbena? I left it in the full sun and watered it but not too frequently. My Southern Living gardening book didn't say anything about cutting the blooms...do I do that? I only had it a week and it started looking sour.
My new favorite month is April. Earlier I realized how much I love spring. I'm not sure if this is just a particularly beautiful one, but it has been such a perfect April weather-wise. Our plants are all growing...even the petunias (which is funny since those are annuals)...everything is beautiful right now.
Hmmm...so we went to Heather's on Sunday and that was nice. I had not seen Hugh since last summer, I don't think. Hugh is such an interesting fellow - he's so smart. Everytime he's around I try to take everything in.
Started the new job yesterday and I have been so extremely busy which is great. Learning all the details of the entire system...it's a bit overwhelming right now, but really interesting.
So, I said that I wasn't going to do anything more for the wedding until at least July, but I couldn't help stopping back by the bakery on Friday afternoon - I was in the neighborhood. We discussed and I think we can get something that I like but not exactly what I want for a reasonable price. I'm tired of compromising, though. I compromised on the date, on the dress, on the photographer, and now on the cake. Anyway, I'm picking up the samples on Thursday...here's hoping they're good.
I really only stopped bec I was craving cake...not bec I really wanted to talk about wedding stuff. I did try a buttercream petit four (spelling?) and it was quite nice.
I guess it's time for bed...I'm exhausted.
My new favorite month is April. Earlier I realized how much I love spring. I'm not sure if this is just a particularly beautiful one, but it has been such a perfect April weather-wise. Our plants are all growing...even the petunias (which is funny since those are annuals)...everything is beautiful right now.
Hmmm...so we went to Heather's on Sunday and that was nice. I had not seen Hugh since last summer, I don't think. Hugh is such an interesting fellow - he's so smart. Everytime he's around I try to take everything in.
Started the new job yesterday and I have been so extremely busy which is great. Learning all the details of the entire system...it's a bit overwhelming right now, but really interesting.
So, I said that I wasn't going to do anything more for the wedding until at least July, but I couldn't help stopping back by the bakery on Friday afternoon - I was in the neighborhood. We discussed and I think we can get something that I like but not exactly what I want for a reasonable price. I'm tired of compromising, though. I compromised on the date, on the dress, on the photographer, and now on the cake. Anyway, I'm picking up the samples on Thursday...here's hoping they're good.
I really only stopped bec I was craving cake...not bec I really wanted to talk about wedding stuff. I did try a buttercream petit four (spelling?) and it was quite nice.
I guess it's time for bed...I'm exhausted.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
So, Mary and I ran the Chick Chase today. Got up at 6:30 and paid 25 bucks to run a 5k 3 mins slower than I usually do! Crazy. Hehe...and it's times like these that I realize how not photogenic I am.
It is a beautiful day here in Tennessee and it was quite a warm run...I wasn't expecing that. Thanks to Mary for getting up and running with me and thanks to Kevin for photographing us....it was a good time. Since it gets so warm here so quick, I doubt I'll run another until the fall. Maybe I'll run the Symphony Race again this year...that's a really flat one. I think it's the weekend before the wedding. But we'll see...I could probably be talked into another one...but I must start running outside a bit or at least putting an incline on the treadmill when I run. This course is a really flat one and even the minor hills kicked my butt....hence the 3 mins slower, I guess.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Get a blog!
NPR All Things Considered ran a story last night on the guy who wrote that college textbook On Good Writing: How to Write Non-Fiction or whatever that book is called. He was talking about how everyone wants to write their memoir and how terrible most of it is. He said that what separates the bad from the good memoir is the ability to see some light and grow from the experience. I say for everyone who hasn't yet moved on...get a blog!
So, today is Good Friday and the entire country has a holiday but those of us who work for the government...so I'm here...and I'm packing up. T minus 4 hours until I'm no longer an engineer. There have been no tears...hehe.
We went to the Lookouts game last night...good times, good times. I'm so happy for spring and warm weather and baseball games and outside events.
We are going to see Heather on Sunday. I'm really happy for that bec we've not seen her since January. I miss her....we don't get to see her enough. Tomorrow, I might run a race...we'll see.
We seriously need to get some yard work done. Our yard needs to be cut, we need to till up and mulch some more areas, and we need to plant some more stuff. I say "stuff" bec I'm not sure what we should/want to plant. Last year Ben threw together some pots for the back deck and they survived, so we were excited for that. In one of them, we have a beautiful little white flowering plant (with pink stripes). Last year it never flowered and it was such a pleasant surprise to see the blooms emerge a couple of weeks ago. I'm not sure what it is, but it's brilliant right now.
All right...I guess I better get back to packing up....
So, today is Good Friday and the entire country has a holiday but those of us who work for the government...so I'm here...and I'm packing up. T minus 4 hours until I'm no longer an engineer. There have been no tears...hehe.
We went to the Lookouts game last night...good times, good times. I'm so happy for spring and warm weather and baseball games and outside events.
We are going to see Heather on Sunday. I'm really happy for that bec we've not seen her since January. I miss her....we don't get to see her enough. Tomorrow, I might run a race...we'll see.
We seriously need to get some yard work done. Our yard needs to be cut, we need to till up and mulch some more areas, and we need to plant some more stuff. I say "stuff" bec I'm not sure what we should/want to plant. Last year Ben threw together some pots for the back deck and they survived, so we were excited for that. In one of them, we have a beautiful little white flowering plant (with pink stripes). Last year it never flowered and it was such a pleasant surprise to see the blooms emerge a couple of weeks ago. I'm not sure what it is, but it's brilliant right now.
All right...I guess I better get back to packing up....
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Only 3 more days left...
I ran last night and beat my personal best...and for the 5k beat 26 mins for the first time ever! I was ecstatic! Anyone who might come across this that is a better runner might scoff at that - but anyone must also keep in mind that I'm only 5'2"...running at 7.2 mph is a little difficult on these short legs. Anyway, that was very cool. I was very proud of myself. I should have run it faster, though...looking back on it, I definitely had the energy.
Special Conviction comes on tonight! Hooray! (I can't believe I'm hooray-ing for a TV show)
But first is class so I must go.
Special Conviction comes on tonight! Hooray! (I can't believe I'm hooray-ing for a TV show)
But first is class so I must go.
Monday, April 10, 2006
To Triathalon or Not to Triathalon...that is the question!
I've decided that I need a goal after grad school is complete, so I'm thinking about training for a baby triathalon. This would require an extensive amount of swimming on my part bec I was too poor as a kid to take swimming lessons, so I'm not exactly the most efficient swimmer in the world. I would also have to purchase a bicycle as I do not currently own one. But yeah, I think it sounds like a good idea. I think the mini-triathalons are a 6 mile run but I'm not sure about the biking and the swimming parts (maybe a half mile swim?). We'll see. Talked with a guy at work about it last week and I think he's got me talked into it. But not until after the masters is finished.
Ben made it home safely yesterday which is nice.
I can't believe May is almost here! K's getting married in like 3 weeks! Bobby is getting married in like 6 weeks! Jeff&Jess are getting married in like 5 weeks!
This is my official five day count down. Today I've been seriously going thru my desk/cube. How did I accumulate so much stuff??? There's so much to get done before Friday...
Ben made it home safely yesterday which is nice.
I can't believe May is almost here! K's getting married in like 3 weeks! Bobby is getting married in like 6 weeks! Jeff&Jess are getting married in like 5 weeks!
This is my official five day count down. Today I've been seriously going thru my desk/cube. How did I accumulate so much stuff??? There's so much to get done before Friday...
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Paul was such a happy groom!
I did feel quite awkward, though. But Paul sent his sister over to talk to me and she was extremely nice. And living in such a small town, of course there was someone there I know. So, I talked with him and his family for awhile - they were a fun group.
Afterwards, continuing with my awkwardness, I went to the Chattanoogan and had a beer by myself at the bar. That was strange...I've never done that before. Anytime I've ever been someplace like that, I was waiting on someone else to arrive or some such. I think it's good for me to get out on my own like that a bit...instead of being a hermit if none of my friends are available. It's a shame, though...I was too early and there was no one to buy my beer for me! :-)
Anyway, so things went pretty well for Paul, but it turned quite cold right before the wedding (which was outside on the grounds looking at the river - ours will be up on the balcony instead if there are few enough people - and if it's still on). It never rained which was really good, but I, along with the majority of the women there, had chosen to wear a strapless dress - we were eyeing the men in suits with a desire to steal! Paul's wife was quite cute and she did such a lovely job with all of the planning. I appreciate her help with mine - she's definitely someone to take advice from.
I had a very difficult week. I'm not sure who all reads this - there have been several friends who have mentioned it - but just a forewarning that I might start another blog for my closest friends to read. Some things just can't be said to the general public and because of this I'm leaving off the details of the very difficult week. If I do start another blog for just random thoughts and leave this one just for wedding talk, I'll let those of you who have told me that you read this know what the new address is. We could be cool and trendy and all join myspace! I don't quite get myspace, though...but then again I'm not 16 either.
Hmmm...what else? I had a nice day yesterday. I bought new tennis shoes - boy did I ever need those. I go to this cool little running store here in town and they "fit" you for your shoes. They look at your wear pattern, they watch you walk and they look at the arch on your foot, then pick the most appropriate style from each shoe company for you to try on. I swear by this service. When I began running, I went through pair after pair after pair after pair of tennis shoes and nothing seemed right - I always blistered. Then one day I heard about this store and I went and bought *the* shoes. New Balance. I had always passed by NB bec I thought they didn't look "cool" enough....boy was I ever stupid! New Balance style number 766 in combination with Nike Dri-Fit mesh sock = a VERY happy running Stacey. I've never since had a blister. So, now when I go back to them - and yes I am loyal even though I could probably get the shoes for a whole lot cheaper at some random chain - I don't go through the whole walk/let them look at my arch thing. They still look at my wear pattern and they still tell me that they either think I should go up or down a size and what not....and I continue to buy the NB 766's. As long as I live in Chattanooga, I'll buy my shoes there.
I was pretty bad, actually...they say to go about 500 miles and then buy new shoes. The guy yesterday said the rule is actually 350 - 500. I've had that last pair for over 2 years...yuck...I'd say a conservative guess would be that I've run a minimum of 1200 miles in those. He said that once you start breaking down that middle part you expose yourself to joint pain in the knees and ankles. I'm anxious to give my new pair a go - probably not today bec I have a list of things I'd like to get accomplished - but tomorrow.
I also made it to Mia Cucina (the local cooking store) and Cynthia Howell's (the local stationer) and then I went to my chain for the day - Lowe's. I'm quite excited for spring and flowers and planting! So it's on my list to make a few decisions today and go back and buy and plant some things. I'll probably hit a nursery today, though. Those plants at Lowe's didn't look very nice.
Friday night - Las Vegas and Conviction were watched. We had terrible storms in TN that night - the whole state was in a tornado warning. I hear Gallatin got hit by some tornadoes - must call Mom today to make sure the fam is ok. And bec of all of this, with about 5 mins remaining on Las Vegas, the weather guy interrupted and I didn't get to see what happened! :-( So, I guess we'll have to download that one. I read that Conviction might get cancelled. That also gets a frowny face. :-( I really like that show.
I also read the other day that for every 2 hours of tv you watch per day, you have a 23% better chance of being obese.
Things have been rough lately, and I've been biting my fingernails again. They look rough. It's strange how a habit dies, but can start up again so quickly.
Anyway, it's been a nice weekend. I'm looking forward to more nice relaxing quiet Stacey time again today. Looking ahead at the week, things look ok. Have to go to class both nights this week, but nothing is due. I think there is actually only one more week of class after this week before finals start. That's comforting. Only two more classes left after these next few weeks are over and I'll officially have a Masters. Oh, and this is my final week in engineering at work. I started cleaning my cube out on Friday and had lunch with the new group for a member's b'day. They are quite nice.
Afterwards, continuing with my awkwardness, I went to the Chattanoogan and had a beer by myself at the bar. That was strange...I've never done that before. Anytime I've ever been someplace like that, I was waiting on someone else to arrive or some such. I think it's good for me to get out on my own like that a bit...instead of being a hermit if none of my friends are available. It's a shame, though...I was too early and there was no one to buy my beer for me! :-)
Anyway, so things went pretty well for Paul, but it turned quite cold right before the wedding (which was outside on the grounds looking at the river - ours will be up on the balcony instead if there are few enough people - and if it's still on). It never rained which was really good, but I, along with the majority of the women there, had chosen to wear a strapless dress - we were eyeing the men in suits with a desire to steal! Paul's wife was quite cute and she did such a lovely job with all of the planning. I appreciate her help with mine - she's definitely someone to take advice from.
I had a very difficult week. I'm not sure who all reads this - there have been several friends who have mentioned it - but just a forewarning that I might start another blog for my closest friends to read. Some things just can't be said to the general public and because of this I'm leaving off the details of the very difficult week. If I do start another blog for just random thoughts and leave this one just for wedding talk, I'll let those of you who have told me that you read this know what the new address is. We could be cool and trendy and all join myspace! I don't quite get myspace, though...but then again I'm not 16 either.
Hmmm...what else? I had a nice day yesterday. I bought new tennis shoes - boy did I ever need those. I go to this cool little running store here in town and they "fit" you for your shoes. They look at your wear pattern, they watch you walk and they look at the arch on your foot, then pick the most appropriate style from each shoe company for you to try on. I swear by this service. When I began running, I went through pair after pair after pair after pair of tennis shoes and nothing seemed right - I always blistered. Then one day I heard about this store and I went and bought *the* shoes. New Balance. I had always passed by NB bec I thought they didn't look "cool" enough....boy was I ever stupid! New Balance style number 766 in combination with Nike Dri-Fit mesh sock = a VERY happy running Stacey. I've never since had a blister. So, now when I go back to them - and yes I am loyal even though I could probably get the shoes for a whole lot cheaper at some random chain - I don't go through the whole walk/let them look at my arch thing. They still look at my wear pattern and they still tell me that they either think I should go up or down a size and what not....and I continue to buy the NB 766's. As long as I live in Chattanooga, I'll buy my shoes there.
I was pretty bad, actually...they say to go about 500 miles and then buy new shoes. The guy yesterday said the rule is actually 350 - 500. I've had that last pair for over 2 years...yuck...I'd say a conservative guess would be that I've run a minimum of 1200 miles in those. He said that once you start breaking down that middle part you expose yourself to joint pain in the knees and ankles. I'm anxious to give my new pair a go - probably not today bec I have a list of things I'd like to get accomplished - but tomorrow.
I also made it to Mia Cucina (the local cooking store) and Cynthia Howell's (the local stationer) and then I went to my chain for the day - Lowe's. I'm quite excited for spring and flowers and planting! So it's on my list to make a few decisions today and go back and buy and plant some things. I'll probably hit a nursery today, though. Those plants at Lowe's didn't look very nice.
Friday night - Las Vegas and Conviction were watched. We had terrible storms in TN that night - the whole state was in a tornado warning. I hear Gallatin got hit by some tornadoes - must call Mom today to make sure the fam is ok. And bec of all of this, with about 5 mins remaining on Las Vegas, the weather guy interrupted and I didn't get to see what happened! :-( So, I guess we'll have to download that one. I read that Conviction might get cancelled. That also gets a frowny face. :-( I really like that show.
I also read the other day that for every 2 hours of tv you watch per day, you have a 23% better chance of being obese.
Things have been rough lately, and I've been biting my fingernails again. They look rough. It's strange how a habit dies, but can start up again so quickly.
Anyway, it's been a nice weekend. I'm looking forward to more nice relaxing quiet Stacey time again today. Looking ahead at the week, things look ok. Have to go to class both nights this week, but nothing is due. I think there is actually only one more week of class after this week before finals start. That's comforting. Only two more classes left after these next few weeks are over and I'll officially have a Masters. Oh, and this is my final week in engineering at work. I started cleaning my cube out on Friday and had lunch with the new group for a member's b'day. They are quite nice.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
I am struggling right now.
"Destiny isn't always like a party at the end of the evening. Sometimes it's nothing more than struggling through life from day to day."
Please keep me in your thoughts.
Please keep me in your thoughts.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
I have never eaten so terribly in all my adult life as I have in the past week. Mexican Friday and Sunday nights wrapped around Italian on Saturday. Additionally, I'm eating lay's potato chips right now...where did this come from? I never eat chips. It's almost like when I found out I had high cholesterol, I subconsciously gave up on my health and gave in to weird food cravings...although the Mexican fascination is all Ben.
I'm having a hard time going to class tonight. I don't have to go tomorrow night and Ben won't be in the one tonight so I'm wanting to not go, too. But, if I didn't go, then I should probably go to what Ben is going to...and that's just not what I want to do either. I want to go home and try that pan seared tuna recipe, dangit. We didn't cook on Sunday night like we always do, so I want to cook tonight.
I guess it's time to start packing up my cubicle...it's kind of weird. I've been in this desk for almost 4 years. At my new desk I'm going to try to be a bit more professional, so the memorabilia that I keep at this one has to go. :-( No pumpkin lights in the fall and no european 3 letter stickers to all the places I've been in recent years hanging up and no silly pics of Jess and I on the back of the boat or scary pumpkin awards from the time we had the pumpkin carving contest...etc, etc...
In brighter news, the hotel I'm staying at in Dallas for Bobby's wedding looks pretty cool. This is going to be one quick trip...I hope there are no delays at DFW bec I've timed it pretty close. I may show up to the wedding in my travel clothes.
It's weird going to two weddings this year single...Ben has been by my side these last two years. At least at Bobby's, I'll actually know people there...I'm a little iffy on Paul's...I'm gonna be that weird girl that no one knows and no one talks to! Hehee.
I'm having a hard time going to class tonight. I don't have to go tomorrow night and Ben won't be in the one tonight so I'm wanting to not go, too. But, if I didn't go, then I should probably go to what Ben is going to...and that's just not what I want to do either. I want to go home and try that pan seared tuna recipe, dangit. We didn't cook on Sunday night like we always do, so I want to cook tonight.
I guess it's time to start packing up my cubicle...it's kind of weird. I've been in this desk for almost 4 years. At my new desk I'm going to try to be a bit more professional, so the memorabilia that I keep at this one has to go. :-( No pumpkin lights in the fall and no european 3 letter stickers to all the places I've been in recent years hanging up and no silly pics of Jess and I on the back of the boat or scary pumpkin awards from the time we had the pumpkin carving contest...etc, etc...
In brighter news, the hotel I'm staying at in Dallas for Bobby's wedding looks pretty cool. This is going to be one quick trip...I hope there are no delays at DFW bec I've timed it pretty close. I may show up to the wedding in my travel clothes.
It's weird going to two weddings this year single...Ben has been by my side these last two years. At least at Bobby's, I'll actually know people there...I'm a little iffy on Paul's...I'm gonna be that weird girl that no one knows and no one talks to! Hehee.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
So, Mom came in yesterday and after her hair appt we went shopping. I spent wayyyyyy too much money and am thinking about ordering some shoes today...I'm stupid. Wonder if they can get here before Sat? Paul's wedding is Sat. and I've been thinking about going so that I can see first hand how the people handle the wedding (he's getting married at the same location we are)....I'm iffy bec Ben wil be out of town again and Jess can't go with me...so I'll have to be the single weird girl at the wedding. Anyway, I guess I need to wear a dress and one of the ones I purchased yesterday would be nice...but I need those shoes! Too bad we don't have a Rich's Macy's here.
So, I bought 4 dresses, 1 shirt, a necklace and a pair of earrings yesterday. I'm still iffy on fashion right now, though. What I bought is definitely the best of the best right now (at least at anywhere I can afford to shop) but the best of the best is still pretty terrible. I still don't know why white and black are so popular! As a blonde, I don't really care to wear black and white very much...they just don't look that great on me.
I guess I'm getting serious about car shopping again. I've deserved a new car for a really long time and have put buying one off bec I don't believe in financing. Last year, I paid off my student loans so that I could buy a car this year (March was the month I planned to buy) and then we got engaged...and now I have to pay for the wedding (thanks Mom and Dad for not offering even one penny to help.) Hmm...it's so hard to make this decision. Now that I'm going to make more money, it seems silly to not buy a car...don't I deserve this little piece of luxury? Gosh, I'm not even asking for luxury...I'm just asking for a Honda Accord! But the idea of making payments - paying interest - seems insane to me. When I was in the process of paying off my student loans, I was quite obsessive about the interest accrued - so much so that I would check every few days to see how many cents had been added onto what I owed. The day I paid it off was such a celebration! Knowing that, how can I justify going into debt again? I cannot and herein lies my dilemma. I drive a 1999 vehicle. It seems to be in pretty great shape. Why not keep driving it until after the wedding and then inflate savings once again and then save for a car once again? I guess that's what I'll do.
Sometimes I hate being so responsible! Eeerrrrgggghhhh! Instead of dropping my contributions to retirement, what am I doing? I'm increasing them again! Maybe I'll finally be able to afford that Honda Accord...hehehe... when I'm 65 and I've retired.
So, I bought 4 dresses, 1 shirt, a necklace and a pair of earrings yesterday. I'm still iffy on fashion right now, though. What I bought is definitely the best of the best right now (at least at anywhere I can afford to shop) but the best of the best is still pretty terrible. I still don't know why white and black are so popular! As a blonde, I don't really care to wear black and white very much...they just don't look that great on me.
I guess I'm getting serious about car shopping again. I've deserved a new car for a really long time and have put buying one off bec I don't believe in financing. Last year, I paid off my student loans so that I could buy a car this year (March was the month I planned to buy) and then we got engaged...and now I have to pay for the wedding (thanks Mom and Dad for not offering even one penny to help.) Hmm...it's so hard to make this decision. Now that I'm going to make more money, it seems silly to not buy a car...don't I deserve this little piece of luxury? Gosh, I'm not even asking for luxury...I'm just asking for a Honda Accord! But the idea of making payments - paying interest - seems insane to me. When I was in the process of paying off my student loans, I was quite obsessive about the interest accrued - so much so that I would check every few days to see how many cents had been added onto what I owed. The day I paid it off was such a celebration! Knowing that, how can I justify going into debt again? I cannot and herein lies my dilemma. I drive a 1999 vehicle. It seems to be in pretty great shape. Why not keep driving it until after the wedding and then inflate savings once again and then save for a car once again? I guess that's what I'll do.
Sometimes I hate being so responsible! Eeerrrrgggghhhh! Instead of dropping my contributions to retirement, what am I doing? I'm increasing them again! Maybe I'll finally be able to afford that Honda Accord...hehehe... when I'm 65 and I've retired.
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