Death By Chocolate Martini

Random posting of baby shower pictures!

2012-02-02T08:51:00.005-06:00

Baby Grace

2012-01-12T13:17:00.002-06:00

We had a 32 week check-up today. Our Gracie Girl is measuing at 3lbs, 10oz and has all 10 fingers and toes. She was adorable throughout the u/s.

She yawned and sucked her thumb and punched at the wand few times.

When she yawned, I burst into tears.

She was just perfect.

Can't wait to meet her! Only 7 more weeks!

I Won An Award! (And so have you!)

2011-12-04T10:06:00.003-06:00

Liebster Blog Award!

Allison over at Project Open Hearts recently bestowed upon yours truly the Liebster Blog Award! Basically, it's a little bit of love to bloggers with under 200 followers, started by the one of a kind Megan at This Space For Rent. (Liebster means "dearest" in German) How fun!

Here are the rules to pass this baby on:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you. (Thanks Allison!!)

2. Reveal your top five picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

4. Hope that the people you’ve sent the award to forward it to their five favorite bloggers and keep it going!

Here are 5 bloggers I would like to pass the award on to: (It was so hard to choose! I had to randomly pick to narrow the list down!)

1. Meg, from Previously On...

2. Jess, from Points of Interest

3. Katie, from It's Me!

4. Alex, from Good Girl Gone Wife

5. Manda, from No Regrets, Just Success!

Enjoy! Be sure to link back to my blog and share the love. ;)

Missie

I'm bwowing wasbewwies Mussy!

2011-11-14T07:32:00.002-06:00

Last night we were hanging out with G's family and his 3 year old cousin kept giving kisses to "baby Grace" and telling me how he was going to teach her to do puzzles and she would need to sit at her special table to eat (high chair) and he just went on and on.

Then he started blowing raspberries on my belly and giggling. He calls me Mussy and kept saying "Mussy, I'm gibbing baby Gwace wasbewwies". And then he'd do it again.

This is Evan -

He's the reason I wanted a boy at first. He's the most precious 3 year old I've ever known and sometimes I love him so much my heart just feels like it's going to explode. He was our ringbearer in the wedding and didn't walk down the aisle, he RAN. Isn't he adorable!?!?

We are having a...

2011-11-10T15:52:00.002-06:00

Why hello there! How have you been? It's been a few weeks since we've had a chance to catch up.

We found out we are having a.... wait. I'll get to that soon.

Halloween came and went. What did you do? We carved pumpkins and they were amazing.

This was me:

I didn't carve THAT pumpkin.

We do know what that pumpkin is though.

And we have a name.

So without further ado...

****drumroll****

Yep! This mama is having a girl. It's amazing and overwhelming at the same time. And I feel like I'm carrying a piece of my mom forward into this world. No matter what I do, I've sent a little bit of her and I into this world.

We are going to name her Grace.

My friend Mrs. Jess sent me these adorable onesies for Grace.

Aren't they adorable? More updates to come soon - nursery and whatnot. I'll leave you with this stacking hen I bought!

Week 20 - Half Way There!

2011-10-20T19:03:00.003-05:00

It's ironic that at this moment, my best friend is in labor. I got pregnant half way through her pregnancy and on the exact 1/2 way point of mine, she is welcoming her new little one into the world. I cannot wait to meet him!

On to pictures! Thanks to everyone who's asked for them! Please excuse my bed-ragged look, I'm fighting a nasty cold. G was at the gym and I was bored, so I thought I'd take a picture or two. I need to do this weekly and keep forgetting!

First, I had the flash on. Not so good!

Here's from the side:

Please excuse the mess in our bedroom. Be glad you can't see what's to the left of me. (LAUNDRY!)

And a picture from the front. Some lady told me that from the front you can't tell I'm pregnant. Obviously she was just being nice. Or maybe she was distracted by my boobs, which were 34C and are now 34DD.

But there ya go, week 20 pictures!

Missie

Love Is Bald

2011-10-20T15:35:00.001-05:00

A friend inspired me with this.

Love is bald.

Heartbreaking and Uplifting

2011-10-18T14:59:00.002-05:00

I don't normally share these, but I'm reaching out to my followers today in the hopes that we can spread the word about little Tripp.

Tripp Roth was born with a very rare skin condition that he battles every day. He is now 2 years old and such a strong little boy! His single mom submitted her story to Reader's Digest and has a chance to have her story published and win some money. (You can read the blog here: http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/)

If you could vote, it would be great. You don't need to "like" a page or anything like that. It's as simple as clicking the vote button.

That's heartbreaking. The pain he must be in... and I'm sure not being able to pick up and hold your little boy while he's screaming in pain has got to just break her heart. She has such a strong soul!

Please head over to http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/ and vote for their story!

Thanks everyone,
Missie

2011-10-14T17:31:00.002-05:00

The baby totally kicked me in my lady bits today. Twice.

Totally unnecessary.

I almost took a knee. At work. In front of a client.

<-------If I see this.

I'm freaking the eff out.

I mean, kicking is cool and all. Yay for kicking.

But my crotch? For cereal baby?

I love you and all, but knock it off already.

YOU GUYS! Check this out!

2011-10-07T09:15:00.007-05:00

Oh my goodness. Have you ever seen anything so adorable in your entire life?

Check out her etsy shop *here*.

I cannot wait to start buying these for our bebe.

What are your favorite Etsy shops?

Featured Blogger Of The Week: GreenGlassHero

2011-10-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

My blogger of the week this week is also an original May 2011 Knottie. We hit it off right away and have a lot in common. We were married the same month, are both typical Midwestern girls, not to mention we're both having babies at just about the same time. :)

You can find Rachael here, here and here. Yes, the girl finds time to write, publish and update 3 blogs.

Let's start with The Unbride Diary. This one was from wedding planning. When she'd go MIA from the boards, I'd always blogstalk to see how planning was going.

http://unbridediary.blogspot.com/

Green Glass Window & Rachael Getting Better are day-to-day blogs about life, love, babies and health.
http://greenglasswindow.blogspot.com/ & http://rachaelgettingbetter.blogspot.com/

I always enjoy Rach's spin on life. And it's fun to read about someone else going through pregnancy at the same time as I am. She's only a smidge bit ahead of me, so it's great to see what is in store!

Tell her Missie sent you!

Week 18: Sweet Potato

2011-10-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

Every week, The Knot sends me an email with the size of the baby and what the baby has grown this week. I will post every Wednesday the progress and what the baby is doing now. Hopefully you'll get some baby bump pictures as well!

This week, a sweet potato! Or yam, if you roll that way. Let me tell you, it feels like a bowling ball. :-)

Your Baby: Week 18
Your fetus has become amazingly mobile (at least compared to you), passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. And, baby's finally big enough that you'll be able to feel those movements soon.

Tomorrow at 11:00am, we find out the gender of the baby! What do you think it is?

What do you say?

2011-10-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

I'm at work and the Sugarland song "Already Gone" came on our satellite radio.

My mama mapped out the road that she knows
Which hands you shake and which hands you hold
In my hand-me-down Mercury, ready to roll
She knew that I had to go

I started thinking; if we have a little girl, will she be like me? Independent and head-strong? Subborn and full speed ahead? Will I map out the road I've travelled and hope she knows which hands to shake and which hands to hold? Will she be like G; thoughtful and patient?

And hangout, make lots of noise
And lay out late with a boy
Make the mistakes that she made

Can I protect her from heartache? Do I want to protect her from heartache? Isn't that what makes yo stronger? But my little girl...

'Cause she knew all along
I was already gone
I was already gone
I was already gone
Life is a runaway train you can't wait to jump on

Will she one day come to me, with tears in her eyes, both of us knowing she's ready to fly? Knowing I will be there the next time she comes to me with tears in her eyes.

They say the first time won't ever last
But that didn't stop me, the first time he laughed
All my friends tried to warn me the day that we met
Girl don't you lost your heart yet

But do! Lose your heart. Isn't that thrill of jumping the best part of new love? The scared to death feeling of "What have I gotten myself into? Will this be the one?"

But his dark eyes dared me with danger
And sparks fly like flame to a paper
Fire in his touch burning me up
But still I held on.

Remember that first lust? The first time someone made your blood pound through your heart? The craziness of it all? The newness of discovering someone else, inside and out. And learning things about yourself you never knew existed.

'Cause I was already gone
I was already gone
I was already gone
Life is a runaway train you can't wait to jump on

How will I handle my little girl growing up? Becoming a woman?

The last time I saw him, we packed up my things
And he smiled like the first time he told me his name
And we cried with each other
We split the blame for the parts that we couldn't change

Pictures, dishes and socks

It's our whole life down to one box

There he was waving goodbye

On the front porch alone

But I was already gone.

I remember the end of my first real relationship, once I was out of the house and on my own. How that was just about as scary as falling in love in the first place.

Hangout, make lots of noise
And layout late with a boy
Make the mistakes that she made
Life is a runaway train you can't wait to jump on

Life is a runaway train and when I think about this baby and our lives together, I cannot wait to jump on.

Lower... lower... THAT'S THE SPOT!

2011-09-30T13:30:00.000-05:00

According to the American Pregnancy Association, "Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health." (link)

According to me? It's a must. Lately I've had RLP or Round Ligament Pain. Basically "The round ligament supports the uterus and stretches during pregnancy. It connects the front portion of the uterus to the groin. These ligaments contract and relax like muscles, but much more slowly. Any movement (including going from a sitting position to standing position quickly, laughing, or coughing) that stretches these ligaments, by making the ligaments contract quickly, can cause a woman to experience pain. Round ligament pain should only last for a few seconds." (link)

What this means for me is that I've been pretty uncomfortable the past week or so. My legs hurt, like the bones are stretched out, my belly area feels like someone punched me and my lower back is starting to feel the stress of my changing walking/sitting/sleeping patterns.

I decided to schedule a pregnancy/prenatal massage. IT WAS AMAZEBALLS! Have you ever done one? What is your favorite type of massage?

Featured Blogger Of The Week: Mono, The Housewife Who Cooks (Shocking!)

2011-09-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

My fried Jess, or Mono, as we call her in Knottie land, has this awesome blog. She writes about these yummy, easy recipes she makes and I'm always starving after reading her posts.

One in particular has been calling my name - Easy Peezy Cheesey Potato Soup - and I'm actually going to make it and try to blog about it soon.

Doesn't that look AMAZING??? I'll wait while you wipe the drool off your face. (Hey, we've all been there)

I asked Jess to tell me about herself and her blog, here's what she had to say.

Tell me about your blog: Well, it is a food blog. I write about what I cook or bake. I hope to add random crafts. (Hopefully when my toddler learns the meaning of personal space. So about 16 right?)

How did you get into blogging: I am a part of a forum of ladies who were married the same month I was married. We chat about our day and I was always mentioning what I baked/cooked that day. They suggested I write a blog about it. (Missie note: She's an original May 2011 knottie like me!)

How did your blog name come about: It really just came to me when it asked what I wanted to name my blog. I was a housewife who baked. The sarcasm in me was all "How shocking... "

Favorite musical and why: Kiss Me Kate. I have always loved the story of Taming of the Shrew & I loved how this was a play on that. I loved the costuming in the movie! (I am a costuming nerd.) Close second is RENT.

If you were an appliance, what would you be: I have no idea how to answer that question. But, mixer? I am useful but a little mixed up....

Be sure to check Jess out at http://monolayth.blogspot.com/, tell her Missie sent you!

Your baby is the size of a what?

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

This week, the baby is the size of an onion. So we'll call him/her Vidalia this week.

Your Baby: Week 17
Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints.

That's a nice looking onion right there. :)

This week has been pretty easy. Saturday night we went to a birthday party for a friend and Sunday morning, I had G's hangover... bad. But after a few hours I was okay. But Monday and Tuesday have been pretty good. Only one more week and 2 days until we know if the little onion is pink or blue!

Ham & Pickle Sammich, Please?

2011-09-27T15:47:00.003-05:00

Tell me about your pregnancy! What did you crave? What couldn’t you stand? Here's my report card so far.

Cravings & Aversions
Macaroni and Cheese from Panera
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup – I could eat this every single day.
Wendy’s French Fries (Oh my gosh, those are so good!)
Pickles – Bread and Butter!
Wheat Thins – The big ones. Mmmmm…
Bear Creek Rootbeer – Oh my gosh, I’ll drink 2 of these in an hour if you let me.
Deli sandwiches – I have to be careful because although my Dr lets me eat lunch meat, I need to make sure it’s still healthy and not processed.

And for aversions, Macaroni and Cheese from Panera. Yeah, I either love or hate it. Greasy food. I craved this like crazy in my first trimester, but now I can’t run away from it fast enough. Unless it’s Wendy’s fries.

Pet Peeves
Random, I know... and not really pregnancy related, but some things drive me crazy now that never would have before.
I guess I get irritated more easily, though I just grin and bear it.
People in general. Rude people. People who have no friends and make me feel like it’s my job in life to make them feel self-important. People with no self-worth. People with no self-confidence. I know. I hate myself for feeling that way, but that’s what bothers me lately.

Super Powers
Holy sniffer! I can smell what someone is eating in the car ahead of me on the way to work. I can smell every time someone walks by that has smoked in the last 20 years. Smoke and coffee are my big triggers. No more morning sickness, but if you smoke or drink coffee, or God-forbid, both, I am guaranteed to run to the bathroom.

I did order a ham and pickle sandwich the other day. No mayo or cheese, just ham and pickles. G looked at me like I was a little crazy.

I can't wait to hear your stories! Did you or someone you know have a strange craving?

The Story Of Us (With Tags!)

2011-09-26T09:50:00.014-05:00

In making room for Baby M, we've gotten to go through boxes of photos, mementos and the history of what makes us and 'us'. (Read on fellow bloggers, I might have tagged you at the end...)

We went from this:

(taken January 01, 2008 at our friend's cabin on New Years Eve.
We'd been together 2 years at this point)

To this:

(Taken on our wedding day, May 28, 2011)

Come stroll with me along memory lane as I giggle and cringe at Greg and I through the years.

We look so young here! His Parent's Backyard, one of our first pictures together - April 06, 2007 We were all playing Balderdash and it was the first time we met Liz; who was one of the girlfriends who became a fiance and then wife of one of G's boys, Steve. She's now one of my best friends and my 'sister wife'.

These two are from my best friend Katie's wedding.
The first time I got to see his 'moves'.

My niece's birthday party - 2009ish?

I had foot surgery and was on crutches. We decorated them with battery operated Christmas lights. This was at a banquet.

The day we closed on our house. Our home. Best thing we'd done to date. This is where we celebrate our marriage and will raise Baby M.

Nebraska trip to see his 'little' brother, James and his girlfriend, Steph. We had so much fun and every time I see this picture, it makes me miss them even more.

Our engagement! And short hair. :) This was my birthday in 2009.

One year later, on my birthday again, 2010. Our first Door County trip with Steve & Liz! The same Liz we met back in the day playing Balderdash in G's parent's backyard. I am so ghay for that trip, you guys. We drank wine up and down the peninsula and stopped at every roadside stand and attraction along the way.

Engagement photos - we were SO COLD in the outside shots. But this was the first time I felt like a bride and I started to really enjoy the wedding planning process. And our photographer rocked my socks off. (You can check her out here)

Our wedding day. This is my favorite picture from the day because I look at this and know exactly how I felt. The absolute excitement and pure joy.

A couple observations:
1. What is with all the hairstyles? Or lackthereof?
2. Do you have the same smile in all of your pictures too?
3. I love my hubs. And his receding hairline. :)

Thanks for taking the trip with me. Do you have any old photos you can share? Or have you burned those in hopes they would never surface?

Heads up bloggy friends - I'm tagging a few of you!

First up, my girl Jess over at Points Of Interest! Look for her in an up-coming Blogger of the Week.

And then my girl Ashlee over at A Step In The Right Direction (super motivational, check her out!).

What Does This All Mean?

2011-09-23T17:21:00.002-05:00

Lately, I've been kind of melancholy. Do you ever get to a point where you aren't really sure you like yourself right now? Not in the "oh my gosh, I'm a horrible person and want to die" way, but just that "I'm not sure that who I am right at this moment is 100% who I really am".

I have this quote over there ------> by Anthony Robbins. It states:

“Live life fully while you're here. Experience everything. Take care of yourself and your friends. Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Go out and screw up! You're going to anyway, so you might as well enjoy the process. Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: find the cause of your problem and eliminate it. Don't try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human."

Reading it, I was reminded that I haven't been really living in the moment. I've been hiding a lot. I go home and I'm so tired, I either read in bed or watch TV until I fall asleep. I'm tired because all I do is read my Kindle or watch TV.

I miss my friends. I miss making plans and being active. More effort needs to be made on my part to be more actively involved. Not just a phone call here and there, but physically getting in my car and doing things. That's what centers me.

I feel so random most of the time. Like my thoughts aren't connecting in a way that form a complete sentence.

I've let being pregnant become who I am. Like planning a wedding. I was a bride-to-be. Somewhere in there I found a way to still be a friend and family member.

Do you ever feel like if you pulled one thread, everything else would fall into place? Something in my life needs to shift just slightly. I feel so left of center. I need to "find the cause of (my) problem and eliminate it."

Have you been here?

Featured Blogger Of The Week: Mrs. Jess

2011-09-22T09:00:00.002-05:00

Mrs. Jess and I met when she was Ms. Jess. And now that we're old married hags together, I feel like I've known her my whole life.

This girl has a knack for finding random household items and making them look swanky and so put-together. Something I fail miserably at.

She's also got a husband who is crazy about her AND always indulges her IKEA cravings. I'm a little in love with him.

Check Jess out and let her know Missie sent you.

http://mrandmrsoconnell.blogspot.com/

Featured Blogger of The Week: Salamandy

2011-09-15T09:00:00.002-05:00

Starting, well, NOW, I will feature a weekly spotlight on one of my blogger girls. If you'd like to be added to my blog list/blogroll, comment below!

This week, I want to focus on my friend Mandy and her menagerie of pets. Mandy and I met on The Knot - we're both May 2011 girls. (::WOOT:WOOT::)

She's got an absolute plethora of animals and I always enjoy reading about them. Even the slimy ones.

Seriously you guys, she's a "newlywed living in a small apartment with my husband, three frogs, a salamanders, three snakes, two mice, a leopard gecko, and a cat."

That's a LOT of ''things" to fit into an apartment. And she does such an awesome job at somehow making it adorable and interesting.

Check her out - and let her know Missie sent you. :0)

http://salamandersmiles.blogspot.com

Thanks Mandy for being the Featured Blogger of the Week! Or should I say ... CREATURED?

(I seriously crack myself up!)

::Dear Baby M::

2011-09-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking of starting a journal to write to our baby. Something simple but something that will allow me to share my thoughts and feelings throughout this process. Something to give to our son or daughter when she or he is old enough to appreciate and love it. Maybe when they have their first baby on the way.

What do you think?

Flutterby?

2011-09-07T09:30:00.003-05:00

So... the past few days, I've felt this weird feeling in my tummy.

Now, when you're pregnant, your entire body changes and does things it's never done before, so I thought maybe this was just my stomach being upset or gas or something weird like that. But it happens at the strangest times. And on a fully belly and empty stomach.

So I mentioned it to my best friend and she asked if it felt like butterflies.

Me: YES! That's exactly what it feels like. Like something is fluttering in my...

oh... wait...

Is that the baby?

(insert slow creeping smile that took over my face)

So... I can now feel the baby move. :)

It's pretty amazing. And strange. And amazing.

I honestly thought it was WAY too early. But after talking to a few of my friends and co-workers, it sounds like it's the real deal.

How cool is that?

Today is officially 14 weeks. The baby is the size of a lemon today. :) Feels more like a cantaloupe. :0)

That's a pretty big lemon, don't you think?

Can You Help?

2011-09-06T08:28:00.003-05:00

In 2 weeks, I will participate in my second "Light The Night" walk to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

My good friend Andy was just diagnosed with Lymphoma recently and as most of you know, Greg's cousin Ricky (who introduced us) has battled Leukemia & Lymphoma TWICE now in 29 years.

My goal is to raise $320 this year. I am half way to that goal, but need a little more help. Can you donate? Even $ 5 or $10 goes a LONG way.

My personal page with more information is http://pages.lightthenight.org/wi/SEWI11/MMauldin

Thank you guys!!!!!!!!!!
Missie

That's a WHAT!?!?!

2011-08-03T14:34:00.003-05:00

A few weeks back, I went to the doctor because my Endo was flaring up and I thought I was going to have to endure another round of Lupron injections, Provera pills, add-back therapy, anything...

They did some bloodwork and sent me off for ultrasounds. During the transvaginal, the ultrasound tech said "It looks like you have another cyst" so I redied myself for the doctor to tell me we were back for another round of pills, shots and surgeries. When I got back to the exam room, he started telling me about CT scans and MRIs to just make sure we weren't missing anything, since the cyst was hard to see clearly on the ultrasound, but that the Radiologist was reading the scans and would get back to us. Simultainiously the bloodwork and US readings came back. The words that came out of his mouth shocked me out of my seat. (I actually stood up and then sat down, then stood up again)

"Congratulations, you're pregnant".

Wha?

Wait.

What?

Slowly I started grinning.

Hold, on, say that again?

"You're pregnant, about 3 weeks, which is why it looks like a cyst".

Whoa, baby.

So, today I'm officially 9 weeks. The baby is a little bigger than a raspberry.

What to Expect When You're Expecting says "Tiny muscles are beginning to form, so while he might not be ready to pump iron, he's gearing up to move his arms and legs." (link)

How am I? Throwing up non-stop. It's an all-day affair. I get no break. But it's all so very worth it.

How is G? Over the moon. He's already come up with baby names, colors, ideas and has started researching strollers and carriers.

I'm so sick, I'm spending more time in the bathroom and in bed than anything. Soon it will pass and I can start enjoying life and being excited.

But I'm over the moon and love this little peanut so very much.

Four-legged Kids

2011-07-26T16:53:00.004-05:00

Mau showing some tongue -

Max does this every time he purrs hard -

Mau got stuck :)

Mackey giving kisses -

Mau being Mau -

Stella when she was wheally whittle.

Stella older, but still tiny -

Max's Halloween costume -

Mau says "what's up(side-down)?"

Our wedding - if I have any readers left. :)

2011-07-12T16:10:00.005-05:00

Our wedding, in a word, was amazing. Everything we could have hoped for and more. Here are some pictures of our big day!

I only cried when I saw G and when we said the vows we wrote.

Our ringbearer ran down the aisle and then waited patiently for our flower girl.

We are getting married today!

2011-05-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today is one year and 10 months since I was walking around downtown Milwaukee with G, thinking I would wake up the next morning with him still my boyfriend.

Tomorrow, I will wake up and he will be my husband.

Life is good.

See you as a Mrs!

Flower Girl & Jr. Bridesmaids' Dresses

2011-05-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

I have the cutest flower girl and jr. bridesmaids EVER!

Here's one of my JrB's.

Showing how the dress twirls :0)

Her fabulous shoes!

And the dress up close:

What do your little girl's dresses look like?

Little Touches - What Are Yours?

2011-05-24T09:30:00.004-05:00

We've worked really hard to have little touches throughout the wedding day celebrations.
Here are a few that are my favorites!

1. We have 2 favors. Jordan Almonds, which our entire family got together, ate dinner and then assmebled. It's one of my favorite memories of wedding planning. I hate these things. But I love the signs we made! (My FMIL and I made them together!) The sticky dots were sticking to EVERYTHING.

2. Tears of Joy packets - my Future Mother In Law and I put these together. I think that is half the fun of it, spending time together. You always need Kleenex at a wedding, otherwise you're the slobbering guest who is wiping their snot on your neighbor's shoulder... (wait, am I the only one?)

And last but not least... my favorite part so far...

3. We're having a photobooth!

This is not me, obviously, because I'm not married yet. And I don't look like that. But here is a bride who used the same exact company we are using. She looks very happy. And very tired.

Everyone goes into this booth (isn't that HUGE?!):

And you get these strips:

Two copies print out, the guests get one and one goes in our book!

And then we get this photo-guest book:

Our guests sign next to their pictures.

HOW FUN IS THAT?!?!??!

My Dress Is Ready To Go!

2011-05-23T08:38:00.000-05:00

I got a text message from my MOH letting me know that my dress is at her house and ready to go! I can't wait!!!!!!!

My Bachelorette Bash!

2011-05-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

I was that girl. And it was amazing.

We partied all night long and I paid for it the next day, but it was amazing!

1st - a bunch of us girls went and got out nails done - manis and pedis. Then we went back to my bridesmaid's house and got ready together. Then off to the shower! We were at a local mansion where we had the entire downstairs. My girls made all my favorite foods and we had a champagne punch. They had clotheslines strung up with lingerie and had a desert buffet as well.

It was amazing. Absolutely amazing. There were about 30 people there and we played games and opened presents while we played games. It blew my mind. I got a TON of lingerie and fun stuff! Then I got my survival kit which included a white boa, bachelorette sash, blinking bling bling ring and my veil. They all made me feel so beautiful and special!

Then we got on the bus which was decorated with streamers and they had an iPod docking station with dance music playing. Everyone who rode the bus got a purple boa. And we had jello shots, cosmos and a ton of other things to drink. It was so cool. Everyone got a survival kit with mouth wash, Purell, mints, kleenex and wet wipes. There was also Cheetos in the bag which is my go-to food when I drink.

Then we went to Whiskey Bar where were had our own private lounge. That was awesome. Then we went to Coyote Ugly and I danced on the bar for the entire time we were there! (I'll have better pictures soon, this is the only one I have right now) I did a body shot off the bartender. That was yummy. ;)

Every time I turned around there were shots or drinks being put in my hands. Oh, and everyone had a disposable camera so I'll get those photos soon too! Whoo hoo!

What, no stripper pole?

2011-05-20T09:30:00.000-05:00

We booked our ride to the weddin'. And when I say ride, I mean it like "Where's your ride?"

We got the '24 Passenger Land Yacht Limo Bus'

The sweet little lady at the limo shop is going through all of the amenities included:
44 Inch Inch Flat Screen Color TV ::SWEET!::
DVD Player ::Well, not sure what we'll need that for, but okay...::
AM/FM Stereo w/CD & Surround Sound ::OKAY, this is what I'm talking about::
Fiber optic Lighting, Laser Light, Strobe Light, Overhead Fiber optic Lights, Luminescent Bar Lights ::wow, lots of lights::
Mirrored Ceiling ::note to self, watch cleavage::
Champagne Glasses & 3 Bars ::booze is good::

And then she gets to the optional stripper pole.

Wait... BACK THAT BUS UP! Did I hear you correctly? Optional stripper pole?

After thoughts of me and my girls spinning around like the sex goddesses we are on the pole, I quickly decided this was just not right.

Cause you know, this just screams 'class'...

So, all in all, we ended up with a sweet ride. Here's what it will look like, sans the pole.

I just couldn't justify how I would show my 78 year old grandmother photos of me in my dress, on the pole.

Flowers - do we need them?

2011-05-18T09:30:00.001-05:00

My floral fight was, well, a mixed bouquet. I didn't really think I wanted flowers. I know, right?! I'm crazy. Well, I WAS crazy(er). I was all sorts of "let's only do what is absolutely necessary because I don't want to spend a lot of money on flowers that were just going to die." And "I'll just carry something other than flowers"

Like this? This could be neat if done right. It's a brooch bouquet.

Or this? (Looks like a bunched up wedding dress)

Try this beauty on for size. And then wash, no, burn your eyes out with acid because it's just that ugly.

I don't even know WHAT this is...

Or this? (Looks like a funeral, not a wedding, but then again, G will tell you weddings really are the beginning of the end)

I even thought of having each girl write out a letter to us with wedding advice and they would carry them down and place them in a basket. (yeah, that was not a good idea)

I met with florist after florist and no one got my vision. One even sent me a letter telling me she couldn't do our wedding because it was just 'too organic and too modern'. Wha?

Enter the floral man of my dreams, Joe. Joe GOT my vision. AND he came in $200 UNDER BUDGET. Wait, what did you say? The UB? THE UB? Be still my heart. (For those of you who have planned a wedding before, under budget is not a phrase to be taken lightly.)

I resisted the urge to tear off my panties and throw them at him. (He doesn't like girls anyway) And then I hugged him. A big, ol' Missie hug.

After many calls, emails with millions of pictures, blahblitty blah blah, we met. He sat down, grabbed some flowers, grabbed some water and a bowl and took what was inside my head and make it tangible. I could reach out and touch it. It did exist!

So my bouquet will look something like this:

And G's bouts will look like this: (minus the purple wire and ribbon)

Centerpieces will look like a combination of this:

and these:

and the other half of the tables will look like this:

Bar Decorations - DIY

2011-05-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

This was, by far, the easiest DIY project. I went to the Dollar Store and bought 7 cylinder vases. I also found the potpourri at K-mart, by Martha Stewart. All in all, the entire project was $15.00.

This one was really easy - I mixed all the different fillers in a big bowl and then started layering each cylinder. Easy-peasy mac and cheesey. These will have tea light candles in glass holders circling them on the bar tables and the bar itself.

Something simple to go that extra step and make the decor 'full' and not just set there. Thoughts?

What will the bride wear?

2011-05-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

Evolution of my dress -
Trying the dress on right after I got it! @ Katie's house

The Dress Fits! (Fitting #1) I had my first dress fitting and it went really well! I'm adding a corset back to the dress to make it a little more fancy-pants. (So please excuse how goofy the back of my dress looks. ;) They are also fixing the tummy part to not make me look preggers - it's way too baggy. :) Best news was that the sides have to be taken in because they are too big! We are adding a French bustle too.

Fitting #2 w/corset back Can't wait to wear this all day long. :) The bow will be tucked in to the bottom of my tie, so you won't see it.

Wanna hear about wedding planning?

2011-05-11T10:32:00.003-05:00

Okay! So we're 1 year and 9 months into wedding planning and I don't think I've shared anything with you guys! Bad bride-to-be! BAD.

So, over the next few weeks, I'll post all about wedding planning, fun DIY stuff we did, what I loved, what I didn't.

And then... in 17 days, you'll have pictures of us on our wedding day!

I hope some of you are still out there and haven't forgotten about me. I still read your blogs, I haven't completely been abducted by the wedding aliens. (They totally exist!)

(Just an FYI - I already have THREE blog posts in my hopper, all scheduled to go!) So there's no lying up there. I swear this time!

I'm Baaaaaack!

2010-10-13T22:52:00.002-05:00

Testing...

Testing...

Can anyone hear me?

Are you still out there?

Is anyone still reading this thing other than spambots?

Well, I'm baaaaaacccckkkk!

*crickets* *crickets*

Anywho - life has been really hectic lately. Let me sum it up in a paragraph:

Well, here's the biggies: I got a new job! I'm a banker now for a pretty large bank and I LOVE IT. Getting settled in, still going through some training, but loving my job for once in my life. Okay, what's next? Ok... I got engaged!!! I mentioned that before, but that's a biggie! We're getting married May 28th next year. Wedding planning is going well. I'd like to fall asleep and wake up when it's May though. In May of this year, I was having a TON of pain in the lower right side of my stomach followed by a TON of bleeding. I went in on a Tuesday to the walk-in clinic and by Friday I was having emergency surgery to remove a tumor that had completely wrapped itself around my right ovary which was also twisted. The tumor is gone now, but I was diagnosed with Endometriosis. Enter IUD, problems mostly solved. A few months later, I'm having horrible pain again, but this time it's in my stomach and right where my gall bladder is. Enter GI doctors for scopes up and down places they should never go. Diagnosed with too much acid in my stomach. Enter pills taken every day, problems mostly solved.

So that's my recap in a paragraph.

Anyone still reading? :-)

Thanks for staying with me and not un-following me while I fell off the face of the earth. No promises that I'll post regularly, but I promise I'll miss you guys when I'm not around, which I do!

Talk to everyone soon!!!!!!

Missie

Hi! Remember me?

2010-02-16T07:25:00.003-06:00

I'm alive! Got a new job which is keeping me really busy!

Can't wait to update you all on the wedding plans!!!

Here are some new pictures of what we've been up to the past few months...

Can You Help? Taking The Plunge!!

2010-01-15T08:27:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone! I know I'm crazy, but I'm going to be participating in the 2010 Polar Plunge on February 27th at Lake Andrea.

I could really use your help in raising money. My goal is to raise at least $150.00 for the Special Olympics.

If everyone pledges $10-$15, I can reach my goal!

Can you help me?

My personal Polar Plunge Page is https://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/pp10/pledge.asp?id_p=2775.

Thanks so much in advance!

Love you guys!
Missie

Glad Tidings to Thee

2009-12-25T12:01:00.000-06:00

"And there were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night, and lo the angel of the lord came upon them and the glory of the lord shone round about hem, and they were sore afraid, and the angel said unto them, fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior who is Christ the Lord. And suddenly there was with the angels a multitude of the heavenly hosts, praising God and saying, Glory to God in highest heaven and peace on earth god will to men."

A very Merry Christmas to you and your families this holiday season.

May God Bless You and Keep You!

~Missie~

And so this is Christmas...

2009-12-22T21:33:00.004-06:00

"So this is Christmas,
and what have you done?
Another year over,
and a new one just begun."
~ John Lennon "Happy Christmas"

And so this is Christmas... and what have I done? I've learned that asking for help and relying on someone else does not make you weak, rather it makes you stronger. I've learned how important it is to dot your i's and cross your t's. I've learned to be open and put myself out there, to show my weaknesses. I've learned to embrace my flaws and make the best of what I have, because when you think you have it all, you have nothing. When you think you have nothing, you have it all.

I've learned to pray again, to rely on my faith in God, human kindness and Love. I've learned that family is not always something you are born into, but rather the people that stay when the going gets tough.

I've learned to be kinder than necessary, to find the joy in my heart, even on the blackest of days. To find laughter in the despair and dark skies.

And so this is Christmas... and what have I done? By falling down, struggling and fighting back, I have rediscovered the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Of Family. Of Love, Life and Happiness.

I have rediscovered myself and have found inner strength, peace and confidence. I've found sincerity, kindness and thoughtlessness.

I am blessed beyond measure and would like to thank each and every one of you for sticking in with me these past few months as I struggled through life. I have an amazing group of friends and family who have surrounded me with love, strength and strong shoulders to carry me through. I am blessed.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Want s'more???

2009-11-02T06:19:00.002-06:00

Guess who won best Halloween Costume this year? THIS GIRL!

My $8.00 costume pulled it off! :)

Here's Lorie and I in the beginning of the evening.

Maybe Greg and I should use this one for our engagement shot for the newspapers?

Let's all go to the lo-bby!

Our awesome designer at work figured out how to make it so that I could sit down.

Logistically, this costume was a lot of work - turning sideways to go through doors - trying to drink when I couldn't get my fingers to touch. But it was a TON of fun! All it took was one amazing structural designer, some batting, brown paint and elbow grease. Voila!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween! Did you go to a party? If so, what did you dress up as?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-30T08:16:00.001-05:00

At the doctor's office...

I'm at the doctors office again today. Blood tests all came back normal. Xray came back normal. So why have I lost so much weight? Why am I so tired?

Today, hopefully, we will find out. :)

Wedding Planning and The Like

2009-10-26T12:27:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! Again, it's been a while. Work is super busy, home is busier.

I was in a pretty bad accident 2 weeks ago - bad all around. I'm okay, but it's a big mess. I'll share more soon.

Just wanted to say hi to everyone and let you know I'll be blogging about wedding planning soon and looking for advice and help from you all!

Here's a photo to tide you over:

Miss you and {heart} you all!
Missie

Dear Today...

2009-09-29T16:17:00.003-05:00

Dear Monday,

You sucked ass. Thank you. And by Thank You, I really mean FUCK YOU.

Thank you for riding my ass every second of the day. You're lucky I have such awesome friends who were there for me and a wonderful fiance who took me out to dinner and change my day from craptastic to really not so bad.

Think about it the next time you roll around. You might want to change your attitude because I've just about had enough of you.

Regards,
Missie

---

Dear Tuesday,

You started out great! What happened? Seriously. Did you have to take a shit about 2 hours into my work day? Honestly? Did you mean to be so damn tiring and hard?

I had such high hopes for you, my dear. Way to fail me.

Without Love,
Missie

---

Dearest Wednesday,

You are usually my favorite day of the week. Please don't suck.

I'll owe you one,
Missie

Have You Missed Me? The Only Possible Answer Is Yes.

2009-09-24T15:29:00.006-05:00

I have been a hall-searching, dress trying-on, flower smelling, cake tasting fool the past month.

But I'm not here to talk about weddings, oh no. I'm here to talk about carpet. And how ours is now missing from the living room.

Hello original to the house hardwood floors! Goodbye nasty, smelly, infested carpet. (Okay, it wasn't that bad, but I can't look at carpet without thinking about all the crap that must live in there).

Before:

Greg pulling up the first strip:

See the path we walk?

The pile on our front porch:

After!

Now, the room isn't put back together, there's still stuff in the kitchen and spare bedroom that belongs in the living room, but you get the jist.

I feel so accomplished! It was our first real project (other than painting and landscaping) together. And the floors are so nice, we don't have to refinish them right away.

I LOVES IT!

Now on to rug shopping!

{Love, Missie}

I {heart} wedding planning!

2009-08-26T06:35:00.004-05:00

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a planner. I make lists in my head of what needs to be done and how to accomplish everything in the most effective manner. Most people look at a long list of to-dos and run screaming and crying in the other direction. Some of you curl up into a little ball and rock while singing "I'm A Little Teapot". Me? I ENJOY crossing things off lists, mental or physical. Are you that way?

The downside? Sometimes I'm so caught up in crossing one thing off and moving on to the next that I forget to enjoy the process and what my ultimate goal is. The other downside? I have a tendency to stress out, bug out and snap. And I mean SNAP.

When we first bought our house I was under so much stress - Greg was marching Drum Corps which took up almost all his time. When he wasn't marching, he was at work. I was working full time at a brand new job and spending every waking moment trying to make our house a home.

One weekend we had friends over to celebrate the 4th of July. After putting the party together by myself and not having one minute to breath, someone pulled a stupid prank and I LOST IT. If I had pea soup in my body it would have come spewing from my ear, nose and mouth. It was over dramatic and totally embarrassing. Well, embarrassing to anyone who hadn't owned a home before or didn't know how much I was carrying alone.

After that happened, I sat down and told myself I wasn't going to lose sight of why I planned things - you plan a party to enjoy everyone's company and have a good time. And you know what? Every party we've had since has been a blast. I still feel as though everyone is watching me out of the corner of their eye to see if I'll snap again, but I've learned my lesson.

So planning a wedding, as huge of an undertaking it is? I'm loving it! I love getting together with my bridesmaids to talk about colors and dresses. The thought of sitting around a table with my family, friends and Greg's family to make our Save the Date cards and Table Numbers almost brings me to tears. The experiences I have had and will continue to have are so amazing and will form lasting memories for years and years to come.

One huge surprise in this whole thing? Greg is just as in to wedding planning as I am! No lie. He's constantly sending me wedding ideas and thoughts. He's let me bounce ideas off him and had valuable input as to the direction we're going.

I'm blessed to have been born with the ability to plan and now smart enough to not let it take over my whole being.

I'm sure the day will come when I cry or hide or want to give up planning a wedding at all. For now, I'm enjoying the wedding bliss.

~How He Proposed~

2009-08-22T09:38:00.002-05:00

~How He Proposed~

Greg was really romantic – He told me about 3 weeks before my birthday that we were going somewhere and that I needed to pack 3 things:

A nice dress.
Comfy clothes.
Pajamas.

The morning of my birthday, I had no idea where were going. I figured we were going to Milwaukee when we got on the interstate, but I still wasn’t sure.

Our first stop was the Historic 3^rd Ward where we walked around, shopped at the stores and open market and ate a really yummy lunch.

It was pouring the whole day, but it was a warm rain. And anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE rain.

Next, we then went to the Mitchell Park Domes and walked around for a while. http://www.county.milwaukee.gov/MitchellParkConserva10116.htm There were these little orange birds flying around that would get really close to you if you let them. We sat for quite some time watching them walk around.

After leaving the Domes I wasn’t sure where we would end up. Unbeknownst to me, he’d gotten us a room at the Hotel Metro - http://www.hotelmetro.com/. It is such an awesome hotel. We had a hot tub and fireplace in our room. We went downstairs to the lounge and had drinks and snacks – I had my first crème Brule martini and it was fabulous!

We got back up to the room and Greg was being really romantic and sweet. I still thought at this point that it was all just because it was my birthday.

When Greg asked me, I didn’t even realize he was asking me to marry him– he said “I know it’s your birthday, but would you do something for me?” I thought maybe, because he’d been sick with a cold, that he wanted me to rub his back or something.

He said “Would you spend the rest of your life with me?” I looked at him and said “What do you mean?” with a confused look on my face. I had no idea he was asking me!

He said “Will you be my wife? Will you marry me?” I started screaming and crying and hugging and kissing him. He pulled me away, looked me in the eyes and said “Will you please stop crying and say yes?!?!” I laughed, said “YES” and immediately got on the phone and called my family and friends, still screaming and crying. It was the perfect proposal.

Little did I know that there was more fun planned! We got all dressed up for dinner and headed out to catch our cab. The cab we rode in was an old mob car retrofitted like a taxi.

We went to the Capital Grille (http://www.thecapitalgrille.com) for dinner. Waiting for us were glasses of champagne with blackberries floating in them. Our server, the manager, other servers and hostesses came by to say congrats and asked to see my ring. They also brought out a special desert with “Congratulations Melissa and Greg” written in chocolate for desert.

When we got back to the hotel, there was another bottle of champagne in a bucket with glasses. It was so perfect!

I still find it hard to believe that Greg is no longer my boyfriend, but my fiancé, and that one day soon, he will be my husband.

All because two people fell in love...

He asked, I said YES! I'm engaged!

2009-08-08T13:37:00.003-05:00

On my birthday, which was Friday, Greg took me away for what I thought was my birthday weekend. It turned out to be that and so much more! We went to the Historic 3rd Ward, went shopping, browsed the gardens at the Michell Park Observatory, had a romantic room with a fireplace and hot tub at the Hotel Metro, got to ride in a fancy car and had one of the best dinners ever at the Capitol Grille.

It was super romantic and amazing! More pictures and details to come. Now I have something to blog about until the cows come home!

I Have a Blogging Problem

2009-08-06T11:10:00.007-05:00

Hello, my name is Missie Jean and it’s been over a month since I last blogged.

*clap*clap*clap*

Where have I been?

Oh, a little of this:

A little of that:

Some more of this:

And well, I’ve been busy!

The months of June, July and August are ridiculously busy at work. We work our butts off from clock in to clock out. My nights? Softball Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. In between? Try to pay attention to our attention deprived cats, clean the house, do laundry, grocery shop, see my girlfriends, spend time with family.

It’s a crazy life, but it’s my life. J

My birthday is tomorrow. The big 2-7. Greg has a fun overnight trip planned that all I know is what to pack. No idea what we’re doing or where we’re going. I’m really excited!

My birthday this year has lasted a week. Tonight my awesome friends have planned a night of sushi and fun! I’m counting down the hours until I can see my girls.

Friday – Saturday, the aforementioned trip.

Sunday – huge cookout at our house to celebrate the life of yours truly.

Monday – recovery.

Well, just stopping by to let you all know I’m alive. Life is slowly starting to settle down and I’ll be back talking about everything and nothing before you know it!

Love you all for hanging in there!
~ Missie

Memorial Day Madness

2009-06-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Well, we made it a year! We have officially been in our house for one year (well, a year and a few weeks now that I've taken so long to post this)

To celebrate 1 year of home ownership, we invited 50 of our closest friends over for a cookout.

Here's a few friends... The curly haired one is Nicole over at Random Ramblings.

And here's Matt of Evil Stick Man fame, his awesome wife Mindi, Laura from Holler at Your Mom is hiding behind Mindi, my gooderest friend Kate and her sister Lindsay.

And the best part? We had a TREE TRIMMER at our party. Also known as our friend Ryan. He brought his loverly girlfriend Sarah down and was kind enough to trim the ugly pine tree away from my beautiful flowering crap apple *which didn't flower this year*...

Here's Ryan beforehand...

And climbing the tree...

He's pretty high up!

The captive audience...

Happy Ending :)

It's been a crazy year, but a wonderful one. Owning a home is all that AND a bag of chips. A very expensive bag of chips.

I Am Alive... I Think...

2009-06-17T21:15:00.001-05:00

I'm the most horrible blogger on the planet! I'm sorry I've been MIA for so long and the few and far between posts you have been given have been mobile bloggery posts and thoughtless, mindless, ramblings. Oh, wait, my whole blog is like that... LOL!

There's a lot going on lately and with Hard Drive A completely full and unable to process the simplest task, my computer was on hiatus for a while. When Hard Drive B was installed and angels sang, I was too worn out to do much blogging.

But I'm back, from outer space, I just walked in...

Sorry, got carried away...

Anywho, where was I? Oh, yeah, I'm back. Back in BLACK. WHOOOOOOO....

Where is my mind today? LOL

Well, I'm back. And I promise there are new posts coming. My goal is to post once a week and improve on that as time allows.

Thanks for hanging with me! I've got pictures and stories galore coming your way.

Lots of Love,
Missie

I've Started Feeling Old

2009-06-03T22:01:00.002-05:00

I've started feeling old lately...

I think sometimes you can get caught up in how 'cool' a younger person is that you forget how old you actually are.

On one hand, I see teenagers and cringe. On the other hand, I see people in their early 20's and think "Man, that's when we had it all, freedom, no mortage, cheap car, a few bills to pay, no money and yet somehow we figured out how to make it work and have money left over for some pizza and beer."

On another hand, I look at kids in their early 20's and think "I am so glad I'm not living paycheck to paycheck, jumping from boyfriend to boyfriend, trying to figure out who I am, what I want, what and who I should be when I 'grow up'."

We have a few friends/aquaintences who are in their early 20's and I see how others tend to flock to them. Who wouldn't? They're young, hip, cool, down with the sickness and whatnot. For some reason, I just can't handle being around them for more than a 'hi, how are you?'.

I am not sure why I have a hard time around people who are younger than me. There are a few, like my friend Amanda, who I forget is younger because I swear, she's so much more mature than I am. And I'm sure there are a few people who are going to be awesome people, when they get over the 'Let's Party!' and that annoyingly immature 'I'm about as deep as a puddle' stage.

I'm sure I'm missing out on getting to know someone who might very well be awesome and fun, but there's that part of my brain that says 'Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt' and puts the kibash on it.

I've started feeling old lately and maybe this is part of growing up. What do you think?

2009-05-16T08:42:00.001-05:00

I've had this urge lately to reconnect with my family. Its strange. I have this deep-seeded desire to share the same space as my flesh and blood.

I've thought about extending an olive branch to a family member I haven't spoken to in quite some time.

There are more cons than pros. And I'm not quite sure if the pros are worth it.

There's only one way to find out, right?

What do you think?

Mother's Day - Updated

2009-05-13T13:00:00.000-05:00

Mothers Day is always a day in which I wake up wondering how the day will pan out. Some years it's the easiest thing, just another day. Most years, I want to crawl into bed and wake up when its over.

This year started out just like any year. I woke up, sent a silent wish to my mom for a Happy Mothers Day and got out of bed. About 1/2 way to the kitchen, I turned around and when straight back to bed.

About an hour and a half later, 20 minutes before we were to meet with Greg's parents and Grandmother for breakfast, I made my second attempt at getting up.

Back in bed after feeding the cats, I woke Greg up and told him he needed to get in the shower. Still in bed, I took a deep breath, cleared my mind and headed for the closet. I threw on the first shirt I could find, the jeans I wore yesterday and grabbed my black heels.

We made it through breakfast okay, but once we walked in the door to our house, the tears came. The grief sneaks in without a sound. Suddenly I'm gripped with the loss of my mother. The knowledge that no matter how many amazing women I'm celebrating today, the one who brought me into this world, the one whom with I share a strong bond, will not be physically here to celebrate the day that was made for us.

We have spent the day with Greg's parents and what started out as an anxiety riddled morning, has evolved into a numb, yet manageable day. This evening we have a softball game and then a dinner party with Greg's grandma. I had a wonderful phone conversation with my grandma and that may have been the saving grace of my day.

I wish all the mothers out there a wonderful day. And if you can read blogs from heaven, Happy Mothers Day Mom.

3 Random Things You Didn't Know About Me

2009-05-03T09:25:00.000-05:00

1. I once woke up in the middle of surgery. I was 6 and was getting my tonsils and adenoids taken out and tubes put in my ear. Ever since then, I'm terrified of being put under.

2. I LOVE sloppy Joe's. I could eat them every day of the year. When Greg's out of town, I'll make them and eat them all week. I only eat them over cheap buns with ruffles potato chips.

3. I wanted to be Jewish. A friend once told me that Jewish people got to put candles in all of their windows at the holidays and I wanted to do it too. Somehow I justified that I should convert to Judaism so that I could put candles in the windows of the house I had in my head.

Have you ever woken up during surgery? Tell me about it!
Do you love or hate sloppy Joe's? Want to share?
Are you Jewish? If so, can we hang out? :)

THINKING OUT LOUD THURSDAY

2009-04-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

Forgiveness - what is it really? Do you have to move on to forgive? How do you forgive if you can't forget? Is it harder to forgive someone you love or someone you dislike?

Do you forgive for them or for yourself? Does it get easier with time?

What do you think?

Monday Must-Haves

2009-04-27T10:00:00.002-05:00

2009-04-26T11:46:00.001-05:00

The Bird In The Window.
A bird flew into pur picture window this morning. I ran outside sobbing and picked it up in a towel. Sitting on the porch, in the rain, in my pajamas, holding the little finch in my arms while it took its last breath.

I'm so devistated over this little lost life. I know how silly that is. Now that it is a few hours later and I'm better, the tears are dry. But I'm changed today.

Let The Sun Shine In!

2009-04-24T12:58:00.003-05:00

Today is beautiful! I have Matt and Mindi coming over for dinner and they're staying with us the whole weekend! Well, some of the weekend, the rest they'll be at Kiltie rehearsal. But still, they'll be here! I get Mindi all to myself tonight while Matt is at a staff meeting. Neener, neener, neener...

I made a roast, but had no carrots. So I'm leaving work early today and rushing home to peel the carrots and get them in the slow cooker before anyone notices. :)

Let's keep that between you and I, shall we?

Thanks, I knew I could count on you!

Oh, did you miss that? I get to leave work at 3:00 today! Having a bagillion hours of overtime will do that to a girl. And man, do I love when it's done to me.

Wait, what were we talking about?

Anyway, I'm off to finish up the last bit of stuff that needs to be finished before I burst forward from the doors of this building and race home to open all the windows in our house and enjoy this beautiful day that has been so generously given to us to enjoy.

Do me a favor...? When you get in your car to drive home this afternoon, open up all those windows and enjoy every single drop of beautiful weather we have. Before you know it, it'll be gone and we'll be freezing our hineys off again.

It doesn't get much better than this!

Love you all,
Missie

That's Who I Am, But Who Am I?

2009-04-23T09:25:00.000-05:00

I was born almost 3 months early and weighed 2 pounds, eleven ounces. They were told I had a 60% survival rate being that premature.

At 2, my parents went through a nasty divorce which spilled over into almost all of my childhood and still affects my adulthood.

When I was 8, my mother died of colorectal cancer. She had a 44% chance of surviving if it was caught in time. She was stage 4 before it was caught. Now, you have a 90% survival rate.

At 17, my father was thrown in prison and sentenced to 12 years. I will be almost 30 when he is released. He had been incarcerated so many times prior that I have lost count.

By 18 I had lived in a household for 10 years in which I was both mentally and physically abused on a daily basis. I moved out before my 18th birthday and never looked back. I have only been 'home' a handful of times since; none within the last 2 years.

I was a 19 year old woman selling half a million dollar equipment to an industry almost fully comprised of old men. Somehow, I thrived. That position opened so many doors to me and I will forever be grateful for that.

Without my Grandma and a handful of selfless, wonderful friends, I would never have survived myself.

These are things that most no one knows about me. I have a handful of good friends who do and I tend to think that they have already forgotten that I've told them this.

Why? Because at times I feel that it has no bearing on whom I am. But other times, I feel as though by denying it, I'm lying to myself.

I live two lives. Most of the time, I'm the girl whose life started at 22. Some of the time, I'm everything I've been through.

When I think of where I've been and what I've been through, I start to feel as though it's worth other's pity. And pity is not what I want in my life or need.

Other times I feel a desire to say these things out loud because in doing so may garner the last bit of respect I'm looking for from someone.

Lately, I've struggled with how my past will affect my future. Do I need to rise above or do I need to embrace it? Rising above has worked so far; along with many helping hands holding me up when I wasn't able.

Is keeping much of this a 'secret' giving it the power it does not deserve? Or is it just being human and having secrets?

Just some random thoughts for you all.

I'm Back In The Saddle Again

2009-04-21T12:43:00.002-05:00

I've learned something new - how to mobile blog! Now, saying that I've learned how to do it does not mean that I can actually do it. But hopefully this will help me blog more.

My computer has revolted against me. Apparently I have too much music and too many photos stored on my main hard drive and need a new/additional one. Working on it. What that means to y'all is that I cannot really post much of anything photo related unless I upload them at work, and well, I'm not in to that.

We just got back from Minnesota's NCAA Gymnastic Competition. Jamers, Greg's little brother, is a senior this year at Nebraska and that was his last meet. I apparently was sitting behind John Rothelesberger (or however the eff you spell it) and didn't know it. He's a 4-time Olympian I hear. I thought he was gay and was trying to figure out if the dude sitting next to him was his boyfriend or just a friend. What do I know?

Let's see? Lots to write about, but a lot of it is stuff I don't want posted all over the internets, ya know?

Maureen "yelled" at me to post something because she's out posted me about 4 to one these past few months.

I promise that there are big, exciting things coming.

Matt and Mindi are coming up to spend the weekend with us. Of course, we have to share them with the Kilties, but Friday night, Mindi is all mine while Matt goes to a staff meeting. I hope. Maybe they have different plans. I'm just excited to see them! Matt and Mindi are good peeps.

What else? Easter was good. Long day, I was tired and my rotator cuff had been acting up. But it was nice to spend the day with the family.

I promise to get writing and get you guys some new material soon.

Love ya and miss ya!
Missie

I am alive

2009-04-13T14:15:00.000-05:00

I'm alive, I promise. Just not much in a mood to do much of anything except crawl in bed and survive right now.

Just in a funk. But worry none, the clouds will part and happy-go-lucky me will be back soon.

Promise.

Monday Must Haves

2009-03-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

This weeks Monday Must Haves are the following:

How about you?

I Have A Stalker

2009-03-20T08:00:00.002-05:00

Really, I do.

About the time we moved in to our house, our cats started hissing; no, BELLOWING, at about 2:30 the morning on random Tuesdays and Thursdays.

We figured it was another cat and did what we could to keep the natives from getting too restless.

I'll tell you all about a specific incident, only to stress how much this was affecting our currently residing feline members of this family. It is not to be shared among anyone else but us, got it?

Picture this:

It's abotu 3:00 in the morning and I've been deep asleep for about 5 hours now. I'm snuggled warm in bed, my boyfriend's warm body beside me. Mmmm... warm boyfriend. Bed...
I digress.

Where was I? Oh, deep sleep.

I'm sleeping deeply when all of a sudden, the most horrendous noise known to man fills our house, jolting me from my dreams about peaches, tulips and whether I should marry Reggie Miller and have his love child.

To demonstrate, I have pulled this YouTube video for reference:

Angriest Cat Ever

I cannot embed it because I'm using IE and IE is friggen retarded.

I wake up to THAT noise, only louder because it is 3 cats, in harmony. Only this isn't the kind of music I download on iTunes.

I jolt upright screaming "What happened?!"What's going on?!"GREG!" - My eyeballs have literally popped out of my head, my heart has stopped and without knowing it, I'm throwing back the covers and grabbing, of all things, my pillow, so that whatever's out there, I can throw my deadly pillow at it.

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

I get out to the living room and this is what I see:

We have a peeping Tom(cat)!

Who STARES at our cats. Without fear.

Because, ya know, he's on the OUTSIDE of the glass and not stuck in a house.

Look at me, I'm a dirty cat.

What are you lookin' at, eh?

I made "Is This Your Cat" Posters, printed them and the damn cat never came back. Last week, I saw a dead cat and almost had a heart attack because I thought it was him. But it wasn't.

Smelly cat, smelly cat, where have you gone?

Has It Been A While?

2009-03-18T20:03:00.003-05:00

Shore 'nuff, last time I posted something of actual relavance... oh wait, I haven't yet done so... Okay, well, the last time I posted something other than a "Tag, you're it!" or Contest (thanks to you, you, you, you and you! who entered and won!) was well, it was almost 2 haircuts and an orthodontist ago.

Oh, and a stalker cat to boot. (We'll get to that later)(maybe tomorrow?)

Life is good - busy, as you can probably tell by my lack of posting, but wonderfully good. Work is busy, the house is in one piece, we got some awesome snowboarding in before spring brought her wonderfully warm weather to our doorstep. All in all, life is grand.

There's the usual, bills, cleaning, laundry that never ends, but all in all, life has been fantastic.

Do you ever have those weeks where everything goes well? Sure, you have the normal snafus, but life, in general, is sunshine and roses? You have moments of clarity where you suddenly remember what life is all about, what and who are important. I have had that kind of week.

Maybe it's the weather - opening the windows and digging out my capris that, thank the clothing gods, still fit like a glove. Maybe even a loose glove...

Maybe part of it is being surrounded by wonderful friends and family. Knowing that the people who surround me are (finally) the people I know are going to support and love me, no matter what.

Maybe it's that work is better. I'm getting a grip on what needs to be done, how to do it and how to excel at it. I've made some rookie mistakes, but my uphill battle to be one of the gang is not as steep as it once was.

Maybe it's the out with the old and in with the new. Cleaning the house and packing away of all the wintery items we no longer need.

I have all of this energy to accomplish things and tackle the piles and piles of things that somehow, well, piled up over the colder months.

Whatever it is, I'm grabbing on to it with both hands and my feet (for good measure).

Because I Am The Most (least?) Creative Type You'll Ever Meet. :)

2009-03-10T12:07:00.001-05:00

(Stolen from my Friend Jessie; I even stole it word for word for word for word! :D)

It's kind of a game for us "blogger" types.

Here's how it works: the first FIVE people to respond to this post will get something made by me personally. What I make is my choice, but it will be made JUST FOR YOU! My choice. For you.

However, like all things that sound too good to be true, this offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- There is no guarantee that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you personally.
3- It will be completed sometime this year.
4- You will receive no clues as to what it's going to be.
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange if I so desire... it may blow your mind! Or it may not. It may be very simple and predictable... but hopefully you will benefit from it!
6- You must re-post this on your blog and offer the same deal to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog.

Not too bad, huh? In fact, I think it'll be a lot of fun!!

So-- on your mark, get set, GO! The first 5 people to leave a comment telling me they posted this on their blog and want to win a free, FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift from me will receive just that!!! (I will email you and ask for your address)

**Remember: You have to post this on your blog before you can be guaranteed one of the five slots!**

Because My Mind Works This Way, Y'all

2009-02-27T12:55:00.004-06:00

My work week in a nutshell:

Our shipping department was supposed to have sent 6 skids of boxes to a customer (cause, you know, we make boxes) and we sent a chair instead. On a skid. Wrapped in bubble wrap.

We also sent 35,000 pizza boxes to a brotherly love type pizza maker in Milwaukee. Usually you wrap the skid in leftover cartons to protect it in shipment. Our shipping department wrapped these in Raid boxes. You know, the roach killer? Luckily for us, we make those boxes and they hadn't touched any product. But the customer just about had a heart attack when they received them.

I also got this email today from shipping:

FYI

We have a package by Shipping for “ Rey Manabat “?

Would Rey Manabat please contact the Shipping Office?

We don't have a Rey Manabat at our company. So of course, we replied back with the likes of:

I think I just saw him going into the bathroom...

I think he's outside having a smoke...

“Rey! Man da bat!” (It’s a lesser known baseball saying.)

and

Did you try paging him? :)

Lots of laughter today in the office. Some of it so hard we were crying. It's one of those weeks that if you don't laugh, you will cry, and they won't be tears of joy.

Needless to say, the customer rejected the chair.

Avoidance Techniques?

2009-02-26T06:49:00.000-06:00

Well, you all know I've been MIA. Between ebola, Buck's games, photog, ski trips, work and home, life has just gotten in the way of blogging! *damn life!*

Here is a photo montage of what I've been doing to keep myself busy -

Ski trip - just before going out on the first run of the weekend. What a blast!

My V-day flowers! 2 dozen roses, well played Mr. Greg, well played. :-)

My goddaughter at her 5th birthday party - she wanted to go to Monkey Joes which is a huge warehouse filled with jumpy house thingamajigs. Lots of fun!

Trying not to show my braces off, but show off the new hair cut! And getting stabbed in the process.

Me and Jeni at the game! I was so sick that night!!

And we'll end with a video - Greg is marching the Milwaukee Buck's Drumline this season and we went to see the games. Obviously $10.00 tickets didn't get us too close to the action. Fortunately, we're MUCH closer this Saturday and I'll have better pictures to post.

Boobie Snicklehump is back!

2009-02-25T06:45:00.003-06:00

I know I've been MIA - I'm a horrible excuse for a blogger, friends. I have a few fun things in store, I promise they are coming!

Christie Kern, my acupuncturist, passed this on to me and I had to share it. I was laughing so hard in the car last night with Jeni I had tears in my eyes.

The following is excerpted from a children's book, Captain Underpants And the Perilous Plot Professor Poopypants, by Dave Pilkey, in which the evil Professor forces everyone to assume new names...

So:-

1. Use the third letter of your first name to
determine your New first name:

a = snickle
b = doombah
c = goober
d = cheesey
e = crusty
f = greasy
g = dumbo
h = farcus
i = dorky
j = doofus
k = funky
l = boobie
m = sleezy
n = sloopy
o = fluffy
p = stinky
q = slimy
r = dorfus
s = snooty
t = tootsie
u = dipsy
v = sneezy
w = liver
x = skippy
y = dink y
z = zippy

2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:

a = dippin
b = feather
c = br atty
d = burger
e = chicken
f = barffy
g = lizard
h = waffle
i = farkle
j = monkey
k = flippin
l = fricken
m = bubble
n = rhino
o = potty
p = hamster
q = buckle
r = gizzard
s = lickin
t = snickle
u = chuckle
v = pickle
w = hubble
x = dingle
y = gorilla
z = girdle

3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
a = butt
b = boob
c = face
d = nose
e = hump
f = breath
g = pants
h = shorts
i = lips
j = honker
k = head
l = tush
m = chunks
n = dunkin
o = brains
p = biscui ts
q = toes
r = doodle
s = fanny
t = sniffer
u = sprinkles
v = frack
w = squirt
x = humperdinck
y = hiney
z = juice

Thus, for example, George W. Bush's new name is: Fluffy Chucklefanny.

Remember that children laugh an average of 146 times a day; adults laugh an average of 4 times a day.

What is your new name?

What's In A Wordle?

2009-02-18T08:00:00.001-06:00

As I have done on more occasions than I care to count, I totally stole this idea from Calicobebop. Because she's so awesome, she never hunts me down to tar and feather me. Go visit her and say hi and help me make up for stealing her stollen idea. :)

This is my Wordle. It's a decoupage, if you will, of the words and phrases I use most in my blog. I figured that Greg, Blog, Martini and Snowboarding would be front and center.

I was way off...

And here is my wordle, with more words, ahem, I mean, COMMENTS.

Click on the pics to get an up close and personal view of them. Or squint. Whatever floats your boat. ;)

You can get your own Wordle here.

Be sure to send me a link in the comments section so I can check you out!

Red Sauce a la Missie

2009-02-10T12:01:00.000-06:00

I made pasta sauce before the ski trip and again this past weekend while Greg and I were holed up in the house with ebola. (Also known as strep throat and bronchitis)(Him, not me)

Now, keep in mind that I'm no Pioneer Woman Cooks. I don't even get to basque in the shadow of her spatula. But I made some kick ass sauce y'all!

Yeah, yeah, yeah... I didn't get any pictures of the prep. And I always clean up my cooking mess AS I COOK, because anyone who knows me, knows I'm the girl that will have all the cooking schuffs cleaned up, in the dishwasher, and the counters wiped down before I sit down to eat.

Cause that's just how I roll.

Here's what you'll need:

2 cans of pasta sauce - plain - no spices or anything
3 bell peppers - red, yellow, orange
oregano
parsley
basil
marjoram
sugar

Beef, pork or chicken of some sort. I used Jimmy Dean's Pork Sausage (It was on sale, 2 for $6)

So the red sauce:

I started with 2 cans of Hunts Pasta Sauce - the plain Jane version.

You can use tomatoes and stew them, but I didn't have time. Or the energy. I just wanted some yummy pasta sauce, dammit!

In a large sauce pot, I warmed the pasta sauce up for about 10 minutes.

I then added fresh Basil, Parsley and Oregano. (when I made this on Sunday, I used Marjoram and Cilantro too) Oh, and celery leaf!

You can totally use the jarred stuff, I just wanted to be fancy.

*Don't forget to taste your work as you go along!*

Let that simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a separate pot:

Brown your meat SLOWLY, letting all the flavors come out. I don't add any seasonings to the meat at all.

Back to your sauce:

It's starting to smell good and look REALLY yummy right about now. But we've got some more to go.

Then add in 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of dried parmesean cheese (from the shaker)

Then I added in about 1/2 a ball of fresh mozzerlla cheese. (Cut into chunks)

You can see it all gooey and melty here:

Again, *Don't forget to taste your work as you go along!*

Then I added red, yellow and orange bell peppers. Chopped as big or small as you like them.

The secret is to add in the sugar. And also let it cook for a while.

Then add in the beef and turn the stove down to a very low simmer. Go do some housework or watch some TiVo. Remember to stir it every so often. Or do what I did and run errands, reminding your boy to stir it every once in a while until you get home to stir it some more.

Oh yeah, and this last time, I cut up zucchini into leetle pieces and threw that in there right away. I love zucchini, and you may not. But it added a really garden-esque element to the sauce. Yummers!

Eat or Freeze. I use the Ziplock twist and seal containers because you can freeze a twofer or a family sized portion. And I get them free from Jeni. :)

Did I mention? *Don't forget to taste your work as you go along!*

Enjoy! I didn't hear any complaints on the ski trip and Greg seems to like it, so it's all good! Let me know if you make it and what you change. I'm always looking for ways to spice it up a bit!

Makes a bunch, feeds a ton.

46 Things You Never Wanted to Know About Me

2009-02-09T11:55:00.001-06:00

(Random and In No Particular Order)(101 was just too much crap)(As if 45 isn't either)
(No pictures this time, sorry)

1. My middle name is Jean. It was chosen after my grandmothers and my mom.
2. My first real kiss was in 8th grade with a boy named Bryan Javier. I hated kissing and thought I'd never want to do it again. Even though he was a good kisser. I just thought it was gross.
3. In my life, I have been love 3 times. My first, my hardest and my real, true love.
4. Tom Cat was the name of my first pet - he was a huge tom-cat, hence the name.
5. I am probably the clumsiest person you will ever meet.
6. It is hard for me to understand why people can't stand up for what they believe and I tend to have little tolerance for it.
7. My favorite color is a tie between brown and orange.
8. I take pictures of everything. All the time. I am a visual person, so I love to have a lot of photos of a great time.
9. Autumn is my favorite season, which I always call Fall.
10. I secretly love the Beatles, but don't tell anyone because it's so cliché.
11. I will probably piss at least one person off each blog. It's not intentional, but people tend to take what I say too personally, when it is directed at no one, EVER.
12. I am an only child, but I do have a brother. Ask me about this if you want to know.
13. I don’t know much about anything. Nor do I try to, unless something fascinates me, then I immerse myself in it.
14. People think I'm about an inch deep, when I have so much more inside of me, but do not like to share it with anyone.
15. I think by verbalizing everything. Some people cannot handle this and tend to think I'm gossiping, when really, I'm just thinking out loud.
16. I can be persistent about what I seek. I might not be consistent about what I seek though. Or considerate.
17. I tend to keep people in my life who are not afraid to tell me how it is.
18. I don't understand people who can't disagree with someone without thinking it's an argument or that they should get defensive about it.
19. I once had 4 mice that were supposedly all female. One of them ended up being a male and got the rest of them pregnant. I then had almost 30 mice in a 10-gallon fish tank. I let them go in the local park because I didn't want them being fed to someone's snake.
20. Dirty houses make me anxious and I do judge people who have a messy house.
21. I am a firm believer that when you make the right choices in life, everything will fall into place.
22. Twenty-two is my lucky number.
23. I had almost a perfect score on my ACTs, but never took the SATs. I wish I had though.
24. Laughter is one of my favorite things to do.
25. You may find that I am one of the loudest people you have ever met. I tend to be loud because my hearing sucks, so I think that I'm being quite, when really I'm speaking at a normal level.
26. My grandma is my hero.
27. I think I'm mildly OCD, but do not care to be tested.
28. I had to take a series of tests for my current job regarding reading, math, communication and personality. I scored "exceptionally high and in the upper-most percentile" on every test.
29. I tend to ruin moments by saying what is in my head without thinking. Especially when I'm giving someone a gift, because I get more excited about it than the person getting the gift.
30. It's a tie between Halloween and Christmas as my favorite holiday.
31. I can't tell a joke or a story. I'm horrible and my laughs come from how horrible I am telling the joke.
32. Most often, when I do something rude or hurtful, it was in no way intentional. I get sick to my stomach when I am hurtful or mean, so I just don't do it. I do everything with a kind heart.
33. I find people who are 'ghetto' to be boring and stupid.
34. I wish I had more compassion for boring and stupid people.
35. I always wanted to be named Samantha. Then my brother named his daughter Samantha and all was right in the world.
36. I think very few people care enough to prove someone wrong.
37. It really bothers me that so many of these lines start with "I".
38. Although I judge, I really don't care. I may form an opinion, but it doesn't make me think less of anyone. It's just a thought. And it can be changed. Really, it probably WILL be changed.
39. I talk a lot (see #15) because I have so many thoughts circling in my head and it makes me anxious that something brilliant or important will disappear because I wasn't able to verbalize it.
40. I always wear clean underwear and socks. If I take my socks off, I will put clean ones back on.
41. I am not as self-important as you think I am.
42. I am unlike anyone you will ever meet though.
43. I wish everyone could see the good side of me but feel that many don't because I can be standoffish and distant when I am uncomfortable or tired.
44. If I have not eaten, I get very crabby.
45. I am usually very in touch with my emotions.
46. I was named after the Allman Brothers Band song "Melissa".

Well, now ya know!

Ski Trip 2009!

2009-02-02T20:41:00.005-06:00

A Success!

Minus this injury I sustained whilst riding the T-Bar lift going up a double black diamond. Yes, you read that correctly. A DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND. And hells no, I did not go down that thing. I was trying to go UP it. And fell. Off the damn T-bar.

Want proof?

How do you like THEM apples?

That's my thigh by the way.

Lovely, aint it? Dead sexy if you ask me. :)

Other than that, the trip was a ton of fun. I'll post many pictures tomorrow or the day after. Tonight, my butt is hitting the hay. At 8:45 PM.

'night y'all.

10 True Things About Me, Honest.

2009-01-25T19:29:00.007-06:00

That's me. My first Christmas with Greg's family. Look at the hair! Just thought I'd share that with you all today.

I was informally tagged to do a MEME by both Ree at The Hotfessional and Calicobebop. Check 'em, Honestly. You'll giggle. But be sure to come back though.

Please?

I'm supposed to tell you all 10 honest things about me. (Like there isn't enough you already never wanted to know or hear from me).

1 - I always told people I hated peppers and zucchini. It wasn't until I was in my 20's that I actually TRIED them and realized they are some of the best veggies EVER.

2 - I don't always answer the phone when you call. Sometimes I see it, but I choose to stare at it until I miss the call and then I'm all "Oops, I missed a call!"

3 - Which is kind of a continuation of #2. I love to talk, but really, not really. I love to talk to my friends, but I'm not all that interested in talking to people I'm not madly wild about. I think it's this "I'm not sharing with you because I don't know you from Adam" syndrome. I'm not that into sharing, which involves trust. And I don't have a whole lot of that to go around any more.

4 - I worry some times that I will come home to find a cat who died while I was at work and I'm not so sure that I won't run screaming from the house all the way to Greg's office, bursting through the doors screaming "He's DEAD!" and bawling my eyes out. It's a seriously honest fear I have. What the HELL would I do if one of them died while Greg was out of town? I'd call someone and leave the house. After throwing a blanket over said cat first, of course.

5 - I'm not all that into people who swear they know everything and everything about rock music. And tell you about it. Or talk about the members of every band ever formed. I tend to mistrust them because in my experience, these people have turned out to be douche bags. (No lie.)

6 - Holy crap, only at #6. Only 4 more to go, I suppose. -
I put lotion on in the shower after every shower. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing or Kiss My Face. And I still have dry skin. It makes no sense.

7 - I wear the same sized pants as my boyfriend. He wears a 30-32 and I wear an 8. I can wear his jeans. But he won't let me. Bastard.

8 - I once thought I had killed my friend's dog while driving past her house in a snow storm. I was driving home from work and it was a white out. I thought I'd hit something, like a pothole, but didn't see anything when I stopped. A week later I heard someone hit their dog. I thought it was me for the LONGEST time until I talked to her sister and the dog had died a different night than I'd been driving by. (Phew!)

9 - I went tanning because for 4 days I was soaking in a hot tub. And I didn't need my white ass on parade for the world to see. There was enough of that at Halloween. :)

and last but certainly not least...

10 - I Love Sloppy Joes! If I had to eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would be sloppy joes. I'm actually eating one for lunch right now and it's just plain scrumptious.

And on to my tags -

Nicole
Jessie to the Lo
and
Maureen!

And tomorrow I'll update with some ski trip pictures! And one of the gnarly bruise I was given while 'riding' the T-bar. Sweetness!

Are you a who-ore?

2009-01-25T19:25:00.006-06:00

There's this test. Over here. It's a test to see how you compare to other women or men in your area. How so? Well, check it out and let me know your results.

And I'm taking the test... now...

HOLY HELL! I'm a slut.

5 more than average for my hometown.

I'm re-taking it again to see how I compare to my current town.

Yeah, I'm still a slut.

Jeebus.

That test is RIGGED I tell ya!

Rigged!

(I hope)

Well, that's all I'll have for you until I return from the ski trip! I bet everyone will enjoy the silence. :)

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.

2009-01-25T09:29:00.004-06:00

Don't forget - Click "Follow Me" and, well, follow me. Or drop me a comment! This helps me get a sense of how many readers I have and who's interested in what I have to say. This helps in determining how I will market my blog. :) Thanks!

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
- John Lennon, "Beautiful Boy"

I read this blog today, reading everything I could get my mouse to click on about her nephew Tanner. I'm sitting here, in my office, with a cat on my lap, crying into my bathrobe sleeve.

Grab your Kleenex and go read about Tanner. When you're done, come back so we can talk some more.

........................................................

I wonder; why am I now, in my late twenties, a planner, saver and thinker-aheader, when I never was growing up?

I was the girl who opened the gates and seized the day. (ten bucks to the first person who can tell me what I'm quoting from) I was the gal who made no plans other than I'll be there when I'm there. Last minute movie, shopping trip, trip to Chicago? I'm your girl.

Is it maturity or anxiety? Planning definitely causes me more anxiety, but actually having plans causes my anxieties to disappear. Do I plan ahead because I'm being fiscally responsible or because I'm afraid I only have so much time to get it all done in and don't want to miss out on anything because of poor planning?

This is something I've struggled with recently - the "I will not die when I'm 36" syndrome. I do believe that the way I confronted plans and planning a year ago has changed dramatically. I'm much more laid back now than I was. I'm also a lot happier with myself today than I was a year ago. I was still a good person, I just had some kinks to work out.

Back to my point - am I planning, planning, planning because I'm terrified that I am going to miss out on some of life's biggest moments? Or am I planning, planning, planning because I'm actually an adult who has to plan things?

I'd like to think it's a little bit of both. And I know that I am so very blessed because unlike Tanner and his mom, I do not have a looming deadline ahead of me.

This week has brought up a lot of old memories. We're leaving Thursday for a ski trip that, last year, was a life changer. There's still some unfinished business with a few of the ski trip attendees, even after an entire year has passed. I think we're close to being back on track, but there are times when I wish they'd move to Alaska and just go away already. But most of the time I wish they'd just be friendly and stop being so damn uncomfortable and awkward around me. I don't bite! I'm not going to jump down your throat or make you squirm. Sit down next to me, have a conversation and stop tip-toeing around the issue. We had a huge fight. It's a fact. Stop acting like it didn't happen. Apologize and let's move on. I've apologized. I've made a huge effort, more than what was required of me. Say you're sorry and let's end these silly encounters. I'm so over all this and want to be able to meet in a group without having to worry about how the two of you are going to be that day. I want to stop feeling as though you both are above everything - that you feel you have gotten away with being less than decent people (at that time, not now) and that you feel you do not owe me an apology. Two simple words would make this entire deal disappear. We could, with a clear mind, move forward.

Obviously this "taking our time" and "pretending everything is okay" is not working. I've owned up for my actions, please own up for yours so we can move on already. No "waiting for the day when we're not uncomfortable" or "giving it more time" because that's not going to work. We need to stop right here, face the music, talk for all of 10 minutes about it, clear the air and move on.

God do I want that more than anything right now.

More than I want to be on the ski hill, 25 degrees, my new board, my iTunes blaring and flying down that bunny hill. :)

The Brutally Honest Personality Test

2009-01-25T08:45:00.006-06:00

I took this test today. It's called "The Brutally Honest Personality Test" and I had to laugh. It's made to be insulting, but it's almost spot on in some ways. Here are my results:

You manipulative busybody! You're what some might call the "backseat driver" of life. (right on!) You know, the one who knows exactly what everyone else is doing wrong and how they should go about fixing it. You're always trying to change everyone else.

The strange thing is, you can generally get whoever you want, to do whatever you want. (this is true, although I'm not trying to manipulate people) What's that? You want me to stop insulting you...well, alright...but only because you asked so nic...WAIT A MINUTE!

Stop sticking your cumbersome nose where it aint't wanted. You're like an oversized sniffer dog, trained to sniff out everyone else's problems, yet oblivious to your own.

For one you worry excessively. The fact that you're also incredibly sensitive to criticism probably has you on the verge of tears right now. Get a grip. (Definitely not on the edge of tears, but I was worried I wasn't going to like the results of this test. And I do worry about everyone being okay and safe and clothed and fed and...)

You have powers of manipulation unlike any other. You know all the gossip and you know how to ultimately use it as blackmailing material. (I do gossip with my girls, but I don't blackmail. I think that's an unforgivable personality flaw if you blackmail someone)

You could potentially be the ultimate evil villain... if not for the fact you choose to use all of your powers for good, rather than evil. How honourable. How admirable and praiseworthy. How pathetic. While you're helping others out and pushing them into the limelight, you're left in the background to inhale the dirty smoke of their success. Nice one.

How fun! I think all women have the power to be manipulative bitches if we so choose. I'd say about 70% of us are good, caring, honest people and use our personality traits to help, not hurt. But there is something to be said about always getting your way. :)

What do you think?

What An Amazing Time to Be Alive

2009-01-20T15:54:00.002-06:00

In my opinion, it is pretty cliche to blog about politics and I do not intend to push my views on you this afternoon. I am not here today to delve deep into what goes on in Washington and I'm hoping that I do not cross the line between simple conversation and confrontation.

In my heart of hearts, I believe that today is a great day to be alive. In all honesty, I think about 364 days a year are great days to be alive. Today is an exceptional day to be living and experiencing the change that is upon us.

Change, recently, comes in many forms. The proverbial changing of the guards; Out with the old, in with the new. Flipping the calendar from 2008 to 2009. Coupled with the belief that Americans again have HOPE, the change upon us is a wonderful thing.

I myself am not usually a fan of change. Changes mean that things will be different. In my life, different always meant that things were going to get worse. Part of me says that things could not get much worse, though we all know that they will, before they get better.

Today, change brings hope, optimism, a strengthened faith in our nation. I feel as though I finally have a President who is of the People, for the People. Maybe it is that I am 26 years old, older than my last votes at 18 and 22. Though maybe, just maybe, the man sworn in today truly cares for the middle class, the twenty-somethings, those of us labeled Generation X. Could this be true?

How strange that I feel as though I could call the White House, have Mr. Obama answer the phone and ask "What can I do for you today, Melissa?".

Now, in all realism, there's a better chance of my mother coming back from the dead than that actually happening. I'm not an idealist. Though I am hopeful that the man we have elected will start this country on the path to financial stability, ecological accountability and most of all, Peace.

Thank you for listening to me today and always. I appreciate you allowing me to share my thoughts and feelings with you on this momentous day in history.

The Story of My Office

2009-01-19T07:00:00.006-06:00

This was my office the day we purchased our home. Let me tell you, this wallpaper only stayed up about 10 minutes before being ripped down.

We then painted the room pink. Yes, pink. I fought Greg tooth and nail for this color.
I have never been more wrong in my life!

See below for the embarrassing decision I made:

Well, maybe if we get some furniature moved in, it'll look better....

Maybe if we get some decorations up?

Okay, so let's do something dramatic - let's create a focal wall!

Let me tell you, I hated that wall with everything I had. Not only was the base color still pink, it was only accentuating the Pepto feel you got while sitting at my desk. And instead of feeling better, I was making me nauseous.

Enter Target, Hobby Lobby and a few pieces I've picked up along my journeys. I repainted 3 of the walls a taupe color and the other wall is a pale turquoise blue. The books on the shelves will go soon, but I haven't figured out what to put up there yet. Thoughts?

Ta da! What do you think?

Photo Tag Part Twosies

2009-01-15T20:08:00.005-06:00

I said I would do this from both my work computer and my home computer - Here's the home computer version. If you didn't catch it, check out the work computer version. It's worth the look!

Just a reminder - Got this from Jessie over at Jessie To The Lo, who I have been friends with for years and years and grew up with in Somers, WI.

· go to your documents
· go to your pictures
· go to your 6th file
· go to your 6th Album
· go to your 6th picture.
o no changes here… sorry
· blog about it
o …or here either
· Tag 6 friends to do the same.

Here's my photo -

This is my goddaughter Samantha. Her conception, birth and life have been momentous in influencing who I am as a person. It was at the hospital, hours after her birth that I realized I was NOT READY TO HAVE BABIES ANY TIME SOON. It was also the moment I realized that you could love something, someone so unconditionally that you had only met for a moment. Love her enough that even then, you'd die for that child.

She is the most spoiled child I know. And I can't get enough of her. This shot was taken down at North Beach in Racine. I love that place - clean beaches, the music at the bar, the BAR. It's safe, fun and there's plenty of room for everyone.

We spent the day reading, lounging and being buried alive by Samantha. It's one of my favorite memories with her and I can't wait to do it again.

Samantha and her family came down to our house a few weeks back to open the Christmas presents Santa had left at our house for her. Her mom, Sharon, was telling me that when Samantha came out to show her what she'd put on that day, she lifted her shirt to reveal her Dora the Explorer bathing suit. She'd remembered that we'd gone swimming and figured we were going to go swimming again. Even though there were 8 inches of snow on the ground at it was about 15 degrees outside!

Well, that's my story!

And here are my tags -

Nicole over at Random Ramblings Nicole just started up her blog and I wish she'd post every day because I love her bluntness and honesty.

Elke - this would make a great first post on your blog! (I'm trying to lure her to the dark side. Mwahhh ha ha)

Matty Matt Matt who is also Evil Stick Man and also over at Clearing The Ledger, which I couldn't stop reading.

Maureen - she also just started her blog and when I can find my dictionary to look up all the large words she uses, I check her out at Tri-Coastalism.

Molly - who may not do this, but whom I think would have the most interesting story behind her picture, seeing as though she's the brainchild behind M3 Photography.

Calicobebop who always has the cutest headers and makes me jealous.

Anyone else interested? Just leave a link in my comments section so I can come look at your random photo!

From one friend to another...

2009-01-15T15:58:00.006-06:00

I will do this from both my work computer and my home computer -

Got this from Jessie over at Jessie To The Lo, who I have been friends with for years and years and grew up with in Somers, WI.

· go to your documents

· go to your picture

· go to your 6th file

· go to your 6th Album

· go to your 6th picture.

o no changes here… sorry

· blog about it

o …or here either

· Tag 6 friends to do the same.

o I have opted not to do this step.

Here's my photo from my work computer -

The gal above is my sister from the same mother. Her parents have adopted me and call me their favorite daughter. She is one of my oldest and dearest friends in the entire world. Born Kate Elizabeth, but renamed in the 10th grade to Katherine Anne. (I started calling her that one day when I decided that Kate had to be short for SOMETHING and thought Elizabeth was too long of a middle name)

She is the friend who makes me laugh when I don't think I'll ever laugh again. She's been a rock in my foundation and a soft shoulder to land on when I needed shelter.

She's seen all that is beautiful about me as well as all that is ugly. She's saved me from myself more than once, yet has always let me make the mistakes I needed to make.

When I think of Kate, I think of driving home in the middle of the night after watching the Blair Witch Project at the theater - it's dark and foggy and living in the county meant taking back roads home. About a mile from my house is a road that is surrounded on all sides by fields as far as you can see. Turning on to this road, we see a woman standing on the side of the road with a walking stick. Scared the bejezus out of both of us. I started crying and she started laughing.

A few years later, I sang my own Ricky Martin song renditions at the top of my lungs while driving down Hwy 50 in Kenosha (a very busy road) only to realize about 1/2 way through "I'm an enchilada, coming through your window" that my windows were in fact down and we were stopped at a red light. I was serenading the entire intersection. I still laugh out loud when I think of that night.

When my grandpa died and I locked myself in the house for a week, she was the one who came over and sat at my kitchen table, not saying a thing until I was ready to talk.

Kate is kind and thoughtful. Two of my most favorite attributes. She's beautiful and smart. And loyal as a friend can be.

Using one of her favorite words: I’m “ubber” blessed to have a fun friend like her.

A Post That Should Be About Braces

2009-01-10T16:05:00.007-06:00

Should be. But I have had it up to *here* with these braces. Let.Me.Tell.You. And I'm only on day 2.

I'll talk about them when they aren't ripping apart the inside of my mouth and causing me all sorts of discomfort and pain.

Worth it?
Yes.

Fun?
Not at the moment.

I'm sitting here in my office with a cup of organic Chai tea that reads "Shh, I'm reading..." with a cat sleeping on my toes, keeping them nice and toasty. This is one of my favorite things in the world to do. There's not a whole lot better than a warm cat. I'm also in the process of removing a plethora of old, outdated programs on my computer which I have never used, such as Foxy Tunes for Firefox. Oh, and PhotoShow from RoadRunner that is 105MB and worthless.

I'm also trying to take a picture of me smiling with my braces, but what happens is a smile that will scare small children and animals.

Greg has told me numerous times that I'm beautiful and he thinks the braces make me look really cute. Now if I could just convince myself of that.

This is how I feel. Not Amused.

Maybe I can hide behind Max...

Okay, I'll show you...

Ta Da!

I promise a better picture is coming. I need someone else to take it though and Greg is asleep on the couch, so unless the kitties have working thumbs and can take a good photo, we'll just have to wait. :)

We have a birthday party tonight for a gal who I can't seem to get enough of. I'm really looking forward to seeing her and everyone else tonight. I should have some wonderful pictures to share with everyone. I'm taking a bottle of wine with and I just may not share it. I may self-medicate. We'll see. The night may be really interesting.

Today's The Day

2009-01-09T07:01:00.004-06:00

In an hour, I'll be sitting in a dentist's (ahem, orthodontist's) chair with my mouth wide open, numerous people standing around, commenting on my large mouth, ugly teeth and the monstrous zit I got yesterday. Oh, and I'm sure they'll find a chin hair in there somewhere. I swear I got them all, but any German women out there know that they're all gone and when you turn around, there are eight more.

Okay, enough about my abundance of body hair...

Back to talking about my teeth.

I'm nervous as all get out. I shouldn't be, but I am. What if I look in the mirror and hate the way they look? For over 5 grand, I better keep these suckers on.

I keep reminding myself - when I walk down that aisle on my wedding day, I'll be able to smile without even thinking about how to smile. I can show the world my real, genuine smile and not have to close my mouth super quick once I've done so. I can laugh without holding back.

Stick with me on my journey - a twenty-something adult (ahem) with braces.

This is me now:

Bad pictures, but they're going to be so much better.

Thanks for hanging in there while I freaked out. Stay tuned for pictures of metal mouth, coming soon...