Dog sitting has been pretty uneventful.....so far

Chloe and I are just chillin' here in Ballwin, Mo. Not much going on. She has been a good girl for her Auntie Kerri thus far this weekend. I bought her a new doggie toy (I couldn't resist). Chloe loves it. Kerri hates it. It's a stuffed frog that, when Chloe chews on it, says "ribbit", over and over and over and over and over again. I need a beer. Right now, Chloe is sleeping under the computer desk as I type. I have been hard at work updating my iPod (it pretty much kicks ass now). I jogged earlier today. I was all pumped to sit down and watch the Cubs game on Fox this afternoon, they are after all, playing their NL Central rivals the Brew Crew. Well, I have since stopped watching it because the Cubs are losing 9-2. In the 3rd inning. Now, granted, they were down 5-0 yesterday and came back to win 6-5 (thanks to my boy Aramis Ramirez!), but I don't think it's likely to happen two games in a row. Guess it was just too much to expect that the Cubs win eight games in a row. The win streak will stop at seven. That's ok, they can start a new winning streak tomorrow. So, I'm just chillin' the rest of the day. Tagg and I are going to my friend Erin's housewarming party later tonight, I'm sure that'll be a good time. I'm kinda sleepy right now, maybe I'll take a nap. My first wake up call from Chloe was at 3:00am. I managed to ignore her until about 5:00am. Ignored her again and finally got up at 7:00am, walked and fed her and tried to go back to bed-no such luck. I had to suck it up and accept that I was up for the day. I just realized I am kinda rambling and jumping all over the place (what we like to call "tangential" in the mental health world). I think I'll stop typing now and get back to updating my iPod. Later y'all.

Little Jeffy Turner is a BIG BOY!

Jeffy used our clinical word of the week, "alienation" in a sentence all by himself. Here it is: "If the US doesn't regulate it's immigration laws, we will become an alienation".

No, we don't have anything better to do at work today.

Keith Urban was A-MA-ZING!!!

Oh my, that was one of the best concerts I've ever been to, hands down. Keith Urban was awesome y'all!!!! Jealous? OMG, he sounded great live and, more importantly, looked H-O-T. Mike and I got a little angry and bitter when he dedicated a song to his "beautiful wife Nicole", but other than that, it was sooooooo much fun. As soon as I can, I will post some pictures from last night-we got some great shots of Keith (Mike and I especially loved the sweaty ones.....). The Wreckers were the opening act and they were great too-I have always liked Michelle Branch. Mike and I first had dinner at Mangia (awesome!!!!), and after some anxiety provoking moments trying to park (I soooooo needed a Xanax), we finally made it to Scottrade Center. We saw our co-worker Melissa. I talked to Aunt Diane and Jackie on the phone but was never able to see them-are you girls in LOVE??? Aunt Jan-did you faint at the sight of Keith? I mean......seriously. My favorite songs of the night? Either "I Told You So" or "You'll Think of Me". Or "Better Life". Or "Who Wouldn't Want To Be Me". And how could I forget me and Mike's special song, "Stupid Boy". It's the song we like to sing in the office (we're really good). Ok, maybe I loved all of them. I LOVE KEITH URBAN!!!!!!!!!!

So, what is everyone doing this weekend? I am dog/house sitting for Red and Jon this weekend (good luck at your job interview Red!). Tonight I am doing a whole lotta nothing. After two late nights in a row, my ass is SLEEPING tonight! Tomorrow, I am going to my friend Erin's housewarming party-dragging Tagg along (oh boy, meeting the friends!!!!!). That should be fun.

Canada-do you have big plans for Canada Day on Sunday? I would think that the World's Most Handsomest Man would have plans.....:)

You can take my steer, but I'll be damned if you try to take my queer

This is my new motto. Betta re-cog-nize.


So, what have I done so far today, you may ask? A whole lotta nothin' would be the best answer. I've done a whole lot of singing. Amy, Mike and I have sung a montage of songs today, including the Juice Newton classics, "Queen of Hearts" and "Angel of the Morning", as well as "The Gambler" and "Islands in the Stream" and, of course, several Keith Urban numbers. I've done a whole lotta giggling as well. I'm feeling kinda nauseated right now, however. I think I ate too many Hot Tamales. Must cut back. Mikey and I are doing dinner at Mangia prior to the big Keith show. Mike has a plan to push Nicole off the stage tonight if she's there-her skinny ass isn't getting in the way of Mike being serenaded by Keith! HA!

It's Keith Urban Day! It's Keith Urban Day!

It's Kerri and Mike's Day Of Fun! Girl's Nite Out! Woo hoo! I sooooooo can't wait to see Keith Urban tonight! It is gonna be some fun, fun times!

Ohhhhhh.....I am soooooooo sleepy. Since I was not gonna be able to see Tagg this week due to our schedules, I got the brilliant idea to go see him after work last night (after job #2, mind you). I didn't even get to his apartment until 9:30pm. We just hung out, he decided to teach me how to play backgammon. Ever played? KD was semi-retarded trying to learn it, I'll tell ya that much. Tagg was trying to be nice and blamed it on the fact that I was probably tired after having worked a 12-hour day, but I know the truth-it's because I'm an idiot. I just didn't get it (go figure). He was very patient trying to teach me how to play it. THERE WERE NUMBERS INVOLVED! You can't expect me to understand. So, Tagg, I apologize for my retardedness. I think the fact that I actually won both games we played didn't help-it's no fun winning when you have no idea what just happened or why you won. We decided to just sit and talk after that one.... :) I got home at around 1:00am (yes, on a school night), got to bed around 1:30 and was scuuuuuuurrrred to death when that alarm went off at 6:30am. I am doubling up on the Diet Dr Pepper this morning (and Hot Tamales). So far? I am SLAP HAPPY. I have been giggling non-stop in the 45 minutes I've been at work, Mike and I have already been singing a montage of Keith Urban songs ("stupid boy, you can't fence that in, stupid boy......"). Oh, it's gonna be a long, long, long day. I gotta pee.

Cubbies win 6 in a row for first time since 2005!!!!!!!

It's also the first time they've swept two series in a row since 2003. Wow, is that sad, or what? Sure does put things in perspective.....I still love them. And even if Carlos Zambrano is the craziest mo-fo's on Earth (and he is), I still love him because he is one of the best pitchers in the NL. In case you couldn't tell, I am OBSESSED! GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Ker Bear, do you wanna touch something?"

I was soooooo inappropriately propositioned by Mike this morning.....ok, so he was talking about his hand, but whatever. So, I did touch it and then I said "why is it so hard"? Well, mass giggling ensued, the level of inappropriateness rose a notch. I can't help it. My mind is in the gutter.....almost all the time. At least I wasn't arguing with a nun like Amy was.......

So, how are ya party people? I'm great, thanks for asking. Mikey and I have our special Girl's Nite Out tomorrow night to see Keith Urban. We are coming to work tomorrow dressed like the sassy cowgirls that we are (yeehaw!!!!!). I sooooooo can't wait.

Only two more days until Auntie Kerri comes a callin'-right Chloe? I am dog/house sitting for my sister and brother-in-law while they house hunt in Texas this weekend (boo!). Chloe and I are gonna have a good time. Red has typed up an instruction sheet for me (entitled: Chloe Care 101: Give Me Constant Attention), I think I got it, me and the girl will be ok! What is more complicated is turning on their tv-thanks for the instructions Red!!! :)

Don't get excited, but my Cubbies have won FIVE in a row....too bad those damn freakin' Brewers refuse to lose. I hate them....... :(

pics from the weekend

Tagg's brother sent some pictures from the weekend at their dad and stepmom's farm out in Lonedell.....here ya go!Do you see the rainbow? I didn't realize there was one....must have had too much beer.....the lake-isn't the farm beautiful???here we are, aren't we cute? Note my Miller Lite is empty...here we are about to go on our big boat ride...yes, I have a beer in each hand.....one was his, ok? Geez, people!

I have discovered a new reality show to obsess over.....

Did anyone else watch Age of Love last night? First of all, could the dude BE any hotter? He's some tennis player from Australia, apparently. Makes me wanna take up a new sport.....anyway....moving on. So, the premise is pretty similar to The Bachelor-except on this show, half the women are over 40 and the other half are in their 20's (the dude is 30). The goal is to see if age really does matter. My brother-in-law Jon will love this one-they call the women over 40 the "Cougars" (remind you of your float trip, Baumgart?) and the women in the 20's the "Kittens". So far, I hate the younger women-they all acted dumb and kinda MR/DD. I mean, seriously. The Cougars have my vote-except for the lady who got voted off last night-why was she crying????? She knew the guy for like two days. I have one word for ya lady-THERAPY. Look into it. And could host Mark Consuelos's teeth possibly be any whiter? I mean, seriously people!!!!! This will be the must-see reality show of the summer, mark my words.

I don't like crawdads crawling on my foot-and other true tales from Lonedell, Mo.

I informed Tagg yesterday that I am moving to his parents farm. It is absolutely beautiful, I didn't want to leave.

Let's backtrack and let me catch you up on the latest happenings of KD (I know you have been sitting on the edge of your seat, anxious with anticipation-don't lie). So, Friday was my mommy's birthday. Hope it was a good one, Mom! Friday night Tagg cooked me dinner (how sweet is he?). The dinner was great (gotta love a man that can cook!), we watched a movie and just hung out-poor guy wasn't feeling too well though, so it was a short night (I'm sorry I got everyone around me sick, I really am!) ;) On Saturday, my sister and I drove down to Salem to see mom for her birthday. Miss Chloe went along as well and we informed her that her Auntie Kerri was going to be watching her for the entire weekend this coming weekend. I know she was very, very excited. She told me. Red and I talked the entire drive to Salem (it was the Diet Dr Pepper that did it, I'm sure! That, and we were trying to avoid getting car sick, talking non-stop helped). We took mom to lunch at this new restaurant in Salem called My Place (or as my brother calls it "MySpace"-clever, huh????). It was actually a pretty nice place, impressive for Salem. It was a great day at home-we toured dad's flower gardens, staved off a dog attack when Chloe arrived-Stubby is VERY territorial and was not at all pleased to have the City Dog on her turf. Hank, on the other hand, is in LOVE with Chloe, and kept following her around. He even did a "rain dance" for her that was quite possibly the funniest thing we'd ever seen-he was running circles down the road and through the woods, while it was pouring down rain-we think he was looking for Chloe since she'd just been outside-after his run, he went up on the deck (still raining) and began licking it......yea, I didn't stutter-he was licking the deck. Those country dogs are weird.....Stubby was traumatized (not only by Chloe but also by her near death experience-it was a whole choking incident, not pretty) and wouldn't even come upstairs. We got to see Tim for a bit (always excited to see my precious little brother!). We left Salem around 6pm because we had to go pick up my darling brother-in-law from the river. Uh.....yea. So, Red and I drove down to Steelville and attempted to find the campsite that those drunk boys were at ("just ask the guy in the front where Polster is"-right Red????) :) Oh, we found them alright. A group full of drunk boys is very, very entertaining. We'll leave it at that.

Yesterday, I had brunch with my friends Sue and Renee (and Miss Kyra!), which was fun. It was a bit of an eat and run situation, because I was meeting up with Tagg to go to his parents farm that afternoon. Just as we were about to leave his apartment, it began pouring outside-like you can't see two feet in front of you pouring. I was concerned my hair was going to get big (seriously, these are the things that stress me out). It didn't rain for long, my hair didn't get big, so soon we were off to Lonedell. First of all, it is gorgeous down there (Aunt Cheryl knows, she's been there!). His parents "farm", is awesome-beautiful house, a lake, a creek (where I was totally cool until the leeches appeared.....), all kinds of fun stuff. Tagg's brother and his fiancee and some of their friends were out there too, it was a fun day. I may have had a couple too many beers (I think Tagg was thrilled at the prospect of seeing me drunk.....), he kicked my ass in ping-pong (I won the first game but I'm sure it was beginner's luck), dinner was great. It was just an awesome day all around. Long, but awesome. Funniest moment? Tagg and I were sitting on the couch, I guess he was trying to be snuggly and sweet or something. It was really quiet, then all of a sudden he says "are watching SportsCenter????". Uh, yes, yes I was. HEY! I needed to know the Cubs score, alright????? :) I apologized for not focusing on him-I guess he now knows nothing comes between me and my love for my Cubbies!!!! :) We got back to St. Louis around 11pm (told ya it was a long day), I may have fallen asleep for a bit on the drive back to STL (I was told I looked "cute"-uh, yea- if cute is drooling on yourself....). Hey, I was tired, and I had had a lot of beer throughout the day, give me a break! :)

So, now its another week. Tonight is the only night this week that I don't have plans-I will fully take advantage of this by sitting on my couch and doing NOTHING. I'm working the next two nights at the crisis line and then Thursday is......................KEITH URBAN. It is Girl's Nite Out for me and Mikey and I can't wait!!!!!

Happy Last Week of June, y'all!

I'm gonna miss my stomach bug...

I really am. Me and the Stomach Bug became good friends this week, I mean, after all, we were together for like five whole days. Stomach Bug enabled me to lose a couple of pounds (which is always fun), I was totally able to get into my jeans today that I accidentally dried in the dryer-they wern't tight at all! :) While I will miss Stomach Bug for it's weight loss capabilities, I do not wish it back anytime soon. I'd rather have the worlds worst sinus infection rather than Stomach Bug. I mean, seriously.

I think Tagg is cooking for me tonight. Gotta love a boy that cooks (especially when I don't so much. He has been informed of this fact-KD doesn't dig cooking)! Isn't that sweet? Red and I are heading to Salem tomorrow to see mom for her birthday (the cat is already out of the bag...). I am doing brunch with friends on Sunday morning and then I think Tagg and I are going out to his parents farm for a little hang out with his brother and his fiancee. Sounds like a fun weekend, doesn't it?

In case anyone didn't know, the Cubs S-U-C-K. They lost 2 of 3 to the worst team in baseball. Yikes. And they are playing the Southside Punks, I mean White Sox, this weekend. Should be fun. I'm sure I'll still watch because even when the suck (which, let's face it, is most of the time), I still love them!

Have a good weekend everyone! Don't do anything I wouldn't do. ;)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!!!

Happy Birthday today to my mom! I hope you have a WONDERFUL birthday Mommy! I love you much, and, as you know, Red and I are coming to Salem tomorrow to "surprise" you! We are sooooooo getting the Daughters of the Year award......See you tomorrow mom!

My co-worker Michelle shares my mom's birthday, so Happy Birthday shout outs to Michelle as well!

And Mikey-you look H-O-T with the new hair cut. Luv it when you get your hair did....think I'd look good with that cut? It is summer now, and awful hot outside.....

People, I am feeling soooooo much better, thanks for asking. I was able to eat actual food last night and keep it down. Things are definitely looking up. :)

I so sorry

I didn't mean to get everyone sick, I swear I didn't! Now, all my co-workers are reporting similar symptoms, or as my dear friend Amy so eloquently puts it-"everyone has the shits". Add insult to injury, Tagg just emailed me and told me that he wasn't feeling well either today. Ooooooooops......my bad. I'm sorry people, ok? Geez!!!!! Blame the rotovirus, not me! If it makes you feel any better, I still feel like crap on a stick, so it's not like I'm just livin' it up over here! :) All I've eaten today is a handful of Cheerios-trying to calm the kung-fu fighting going on in my belly. This blows. Literally. Was that TMI? Toodles!

Ugh...the hurlin' has returned

What is the freakin' problem? I have been nauseated since Sunday now (if you're counting that's going on FIVE days now). Yesterday I was still feeling a little unsettled but managed to keep my soup and crackers down, so I figured I was on the road to recovery. Enter this morning. Woke up feeling like crap, threw up before work, wanted to on the way to work (didn't), threw up after I got to work. My eyes are all glassy and I'm pretty sure I look like hell. And, no, for the MILLIONTH time, I am not pregnant, so stop asking. All you medical people out there-any explanations for my icky symptoms? Would a virus stick around this long? I am soooooo completely over this.......

I think I'm a' done hurlin'.........for now

Ok, so I went home from work yesterday and proceeded to throw up the rest of the night. Yes, I probably should not have gone to work yesterday, but I did. Anyway, I managed to keep about a half a can of soup down last night finally, I was in/out of sleep by 8:00pm. It pretty much sucked. The good news? This morning I woke up and actually felt hungry for the first time since Sunday. I'm still sporting the Gatorade and crackers for safe measure. I have a horrid headache that I'm sure is because I haven't had my beloved Diet Coke in DAYS. Crazy talk, I know. I think I'm on the road to recovery. The good thing about hurlin' and not eating for three days is that you drop a couple of LB's. And I can be completely down with that anytime. Although I don't know how bulemics do it-I can't imagine choosing to throw up. It's not at all pleasant.

Mikey and I are going to see Keith Urban a week from tomorrow. Aren't you excited for us? Thanks. Aunt Jan is going too. WE LOVE KEITH! Hey mom, remember when we were driving through Nashville last summer and we decided to make up a story about how we hung out with Keith and Nicole? Yea....that was fun.

Thank you, Dr. Red

My sister has examined my symptoms and has concluded that I most likely have succumbed to the norovirus. Very common, very icky, I should be better soon as long as I keep up my fluid intake, since dehydration is a very real possibility. It's great to have the Health Department on your side! :) It will also be great to no longer feel nauseated-I'm at work today but really, have contemplated running to the bathroom about 1,000 times...I know you wanted to know that. I hate the norovirus.

I am horrified

Ok, so I am back at work today, although still feeling a bit nauseated (even the bland Cheerios and Sprite are not settling my stomach). I don't know if I had food poisoning or some type of flu bug, but whatever it was, it sure wasn't pretty (my boss seems to think it was more a bug since food poisoning doesn't typically cause a 102 fever). Whatever the case, it was icky. Why am I horrified, you may ask? Because I was talking to my boss today about the nausea and asking what else I could do to try to combat it. Her response? "Well, you know those symptoms will most likely go away after the first trimester". I AM NOT PREGNANT! There is absolutely 0.000000000000000% chance of that being possible-I swear. Unless it's another immaculate conception, and really, I seriously doubt God has chosen me for such a task..........

In exciting news, the Ex finally got all of his shit out of my apartment (pardon my french). Good riddance is all I have to say about that one. Oh and, I hope he burns in hell. Ooops, sorry, was that bitchy? Sorry if it was, but I'm not taking it back.... :)

Everyone at work is teasing me about having a boyfriend. Now, it's true that Tagg and I are getting along like peas and carrots, we have a lot of fun, blah, blah, blah. I don't like to lable things, however, and it has only been like a month, so I have asked them all to stop using the "B" word. They refuse. I so love my co-workers.

Mom and dad bought a new car, a Mercury Mariner-nice work guys! Even better (and even more hilarious)? They will have their picture in the Rolla Daily-News because, apparently, their new vehicle was the 5,000th vehicle sold for their salesman, meaning that of course, the newspaper must come out and capture this very exciting moment. And you thought all you'd get was a free ice scraper, huh mom????

Black and blue

I am literally black and blue today. Yes, Tagg and I went to the City Museum last night and climbed on stuff. We had so much fun! I have bruises on my elbows and knees and am a bit sore today, I won't lie. But it was so much fun. I, of course, enjoyed the slides the most. It is so much fun being a big kid. I'd say we totally bonded last night given it was like 95 degrees outside, and you're climbing on stuff and sweating like pigs. If you can tolerate someone after that, I'd say the bond is cemented. After the City Museum, we went to my favorite place, Gitto's, where I proceeded to drink like 3 Miller Lite's in a very short period of time. Hey, I wasn't driving. I'm sure Tagg was entertained by me. Before we went to the City Museum, we went by Wash U and I met his brother and his fiancee. Very nice, his brother had me look at fruit flies under his microscope (he is getting his PhD in Genetics). It was a fun, fun night overall.

I am at work now and am sore, kinda hungover and tired, but that's alright. We have been crazy busy-I've opened 37 cases in 3 hours. That's A LOT!

I am bored out of my mind

It's 2:00pm and I am done with all my work (because I rock) and I am B-O-R-E-D. It is totally killing my Mountain Dew buzz................

I caused a scene in the cafeteria today

I didn't mean to, but dammit, they were out of Diet Dr Pepper AND Diet Coke. This is just completely unacceptable. I was forced, forced I tell you, to take matters into my own hands....and get a Diet Mountain Dew. Now, I am not responsible for my actions on said Diet Mountain Dew. If I get uncontrollably hyper and sing "Borderline" by Madonna in the hallways at work, IT IS NOT MY FAULT. I almost got to see Mike and Ywinta throw down in the cafeteria today, it was pretty funny. My money is on Ywinta-sorry Mikey!

Yes, I am already a little hyper today. I got a full night's sleep last night, I think that helped. Tonight will be very low-key as Race for the Cure is tomorrow bright and early in the AM! I am going to my friend Sally's house for some scrapbooking fun (dorky, maybe. Fun, yes). I hope Declan is there-I haven't met him yet! Tomorrow night, Tagg and I are going to the city museum (we've been saying for a couple of weeks now that we are going there, but this time, I think we actually are), we'll be going with his brother and his fiancee (oh boy, meeting family members!!!!!). It should be fun, good times had by all. Normally, I'd be all whiney and tired from doing a 5k earlier in the day. This year is different however, since I am in semi-decent shape and am used to jogging 4x a week now. The 5K tomorrow should be a piece of cake!

OMG, Mike and I are the same

We really are two peas in a pod, it's scary sometimes. Why are we the same? Because we both listened to Keith Urban on the way to work this morning, that's why. We are preparing for our concert on June 28 (two weeks from today, yay!). I sooooo can't wait!!!!

It takes all kinds

I know, it takes all kinds of people to make up this world. Nothing illustrates this more than visiting the 7-11 on McCausland. There, you will encounter all walks of life, especially first thing in the morning. I must say, everyone is always very nice, the gentlemanly construction workers always let me in front of them in line (think they are looking at my ass? I am having a good jeans day today....), the balding lady that works there almost makes eye contact with me and the Miller Lite guy is there every Friday morning with a smile on his face (I'm gonna hijack that truck one of these days, mark my words...that, and the Red Bull truck for T). It's my new morning hangout, the Super Big Gulp calling my name....it's the only way I can be awake enough to focus on my nearly hour long commute to work.

So, I finally got some sleep last night. I got home from the crisis line around 9:30, I'm pretty sure I was asleep by 10:30. I was having some weird dreams last night, I don't remember any of them now, but I'm pretty sure they were weird. Plans for tonight? The main one is to get a jog in. Due to my increasingly busy schedule, I have not been able to jog since Sunday. I've gotten to the point that I feel like there is something missing from my day if I don't go (Red gets that, don't you Red?).

Well, I have a bit of a busy day ahead of me at work, so I must keep it short. Hope everyone is doing well, hope everyone is doing Race for the Cure this weekend-if you're not, you should be (unless you have to work, otherwise, no excuse!!!). Happy Thursday everyone!

KEITH URBAN here we come!!!!

YAY! Mikey and I are going to see Keith Urban in a couple of weeks (June 28). We have both been wanting to go, but were being big babies about the cost, but decided to suck it up and go. Yay-it's Girls Nite Out! What could be bette than me, Mike, Keith, happy hour.....I think nothing!

I'm sure in some parts of the world, sleep deprivation is considered a good thing

Yes, I'm a bit sleepy today. It's for a good cause though, so I'm not complaining. I couldn't sleep for some reason last night....T says it's because I lie awake at night thinking about him....that might be true, I'll neither confirm or deny that! :)

Anyway, T and I went out to dinner last night. This was after we watched the first couple of innings of the Cardinals game (I think they were down like 7-0 to the ROYALS, never good) and watched this lady give birth to quints on the Discovery Health Channel (I love that channel!!!!). I was a big girl last night and tried fois gras for the first time (I really don't want to think about what it actually is-goose liver-gross right?). It was actually good, I can mark it down on my list of things tried. We had a good time last night, especially when making observations about the people around us (loved the guy trying to impress his girl by speaking German...uh, ok). Always fun with T. We are just getting along like peas and carrots.... :) Poor guy, I can't believe he can put up with me and be seemingly entertained.....what a sucker! ;)

So, I have a long day ahead of me. Working both jobs today. My Big Gulp is nearly gone (time check-it's 8:47am). Luckily, my caseload isn't too horrendous today. I'm looking forward to the weekend. Friday night is scrapbooking night. I am gonna make a short appearance, gonna make it an early night since we are meeting at Aunt Cheryl's house at 6:30am on Saturday for the Race for the Cure-can't wait for that!

Ok, enough rambling. I'm gonna go pretend to do some work now and work on keeping myself awake. If you hear any snoring coming from my cube, please just ignore it and go on about your day.....thanks!

P.S. For the record, Mikey-you have the PATIENCE OF A SAINT! You are showing much restraint today and, yes, I am laughing at you just a little....I laugh because I love.... :)

I am the worst friend in the history of the world

HAPPY 3OTH BIRTHDAY HEIDI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe I forgot my friend Heidi's birthday. She turned the big 3-0 on Friday the 8th. I figured a public acknowledgement of my retardedness would be apology enough. I suck. Anyway, Heidi, sweetie, I hope you had a GREAT birthday. I'm sure you were plenty busy, given you have a newborn and all. I love ya and miss ya much-can't wait until you are back in the STL so I can see you and John....and meet the little man!!!!!

There is a fungus among us.....again

Well, my summer skin fungus has resurfaced. The same one that Tim gets-I used to tease him and call it his "Michael Jackson disease". That is, until I got it last summer. It is now not a laughing matter. Gross. There is nothing less fun than having a fungus. I got some medication for it last summer that worked like a charm. I was also told that Selsun Blue works (yes, the dandruff shampoo), so this time, I decided to give the Selsun Blue a whirl. First of all, I was a little embarrassed to be buying dandruff shampoo. I wanted to yell "it's for my fungus, I don't have dandruff", but realized having a fungus may be as equally embarrassing. So, I just discreetly purchased my Selsun Blue and moved on with life. I wasn't sure about the application-do you just dump it on your skin and hope for the best? I tried it for the first time today. First of all, the Selsun Blue is green and smells like Ben-Gay. Gee, I couldn't wait to put it on my skin. I slathered some on and went on about my shower. I'm not sure how many applications it will take to rid myself of this fungus. Or the smell. If you are walking by today and think you smell the faint aroma of Ben-Gay, it's not your imagination folks-it's me. Sorry.

This is what I have-do not make fun of me because of my disability because I will sue your ass....sorry, that was the Diet Dr. Pepper talking...or maybe the Selsun Blue has seeped into my pores.....
Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is caused by a yeast type of skin fungus, which is present on normal skin. If the skin is oily enough, warm enough and moist enough, it starts to grow into small "colonies" on the surface of the skin. In these colonies the yeast grows like crazy and leaks out an acidic bleach. This changes the skin color. The patches are lightly reddish brown on very pale skin but they don't tan. Because of lack of any tanning, they look like white spots on darker or tanned skin. This is most often seen on the neck, upper chest, upper arms and back. There may be a fine, dry scale on it.Usually the infection produces few symptoms, but some people get itching, especially when sweating. The warmer the weather, the worse this condition gets. The infection is treated with either topical or oral medications. In very mild cases, non-prescription antifungal creams will work. Prescription antifungal lotions and sprays may work better. The most economical effective treatment is to apply an antifungal shampoo (Nizoral, Loprox, Selsun Blue) to the body as if it were soap, but leave it on for some minutes before rinsing.For severe, extensive or recurrent cases, a few tablets of Nizoral pills will clear things up. A newer pill, Sporonox, may replace Nizoral for this problem. These will eliminate the fungus and relive any itch and scale. The uneven color of the skin will remain several months, perhaps until one gets a tan again in the next summer.Remember, since we all have some of this fungus, no treatment can prevent one from picking it up again. In many people, the rash reappears for the next few years. To prevent recurrence, preventative re-treatment with the same medication may be advised. This condition is not seen beyond mid-life, so rest assured it won't keep coming back forever.

So, I introduced my co-workers to the fascinating world of Chief Wana Dubie today. Chief Wana Dubie is a man from my hometown of Salem, Mo who, well, has a prominently displayed marijuna leaf tattooed on his forehead. Chief Wana Dubie just got married (and I can't find love????) and their picture was recently in the Salem News. I was telling the tale of Chief Wana Dubie and no one believed that it was real, so I had to bring the picture in to the office as proof. If you'd like to know more about Chief Wana Dubie, you can go to his web site at www.chiefwanadubie.com, it's, um......fascinating.

wedding pix-in totally random order because I'm lazy

Best Man Clint and flower girl Kira
my sister
the Baumgartner clan-Jackie, Aunt Diane, Uncle Jimmy and Grant
that f'ing bird kept trying to dive bomb us during lunch. I think I screamed like three times.....

me and my sis
the new Mr and Mrs Battocletti
better put that ring on boy!
Uncle Jimmy providing the music
Best Man Clint with Maid-of-Honor, Ashlee's sister Lynssey

Grandpa in his pimp suit!
nervous, Ben?
Timbo escorting the mother of the groom, Aunt Mary (Uncle Ron is hiding behind her)
is she trying not to cry? Ashlee with her daddy as she prepared to walk down the aisle

what a great weekend!

The highlight of the weekend was obviously Ben and Ashlee's wedding (above is the gorgeous bride and groom). What a great wedding! The ceremony at the Conservatory was beautiful and the reception at Maggiano's was SO much fun! (more on that later!).

The weekend started with me meeting up with my mom and my sister for some quality girl time getting mani's and pedi's. LOVE being pampered!!! That was a lot of fun just sitting and giggling with my girls (and you know those little Vietnamese ladies were talking about us!). After I dropped mom off at Grandpa's, I headed home to get ready for my date with T. We had a nice dinner at Rigazzi's (home of the fishbowl of beer. No, I did not have one). After that we went and played some darts (I suck, but it's the effort that counts, I guess). We had a really good time (as usual). I knew I'd be dragging Saturday though since I didn't get to bed until around 1:30am. All I know is 7:00am came too quickly. After the wedding, some of us went to Winery of the Little Hills for some lunch. Then mom and I headed out to our mecca-Bath and Body Works for their Semi-Annual sale. It was a MUST. OMG, I was sublimely happy being in that store. I am now stocked up on lotion, shower gel and body spray.....at least until the next Semi-Annual sale in December....

Ben and Ashlee's reception was some GOOD TIMES!!!!! The Baumgartner clan was some dancin' fools. I can now officially die happy because I got to see my Grandpa do the chicken dance in the middle of the dance floor. I only regret I didn't have my camera to capture that moment because it was PRICELESS!!! Ben and his groomsmen were gonna have a dance off, not sure if it ever occurred, however, Ben and his friend Jon's performance of *NSync's "Tearin Up My Heart" was quite possibly the greatest thing I have ever seen.....Red and I got the party rollin' with our request for "Pour Some Sugar On Me" (who doesn't like that song?). And who could forget Uncle Jimmy singing "Kiss" by Prince or my personal favorite-when I got all the girls out for some "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk". We were all out there on the dance floor the whole night-SO much fun!!!!!

Tim and Clint tried to get me to go out with them last night, but my old ass is just too, well....old. I'm home now with about seven loads of laundry in my future and all I really wanna do is take a nap. A long one. Can't wait for the next fam event! I always have so much fun with my family! I'll post more pics when I'm less lazy!

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY today to Little Miss Kira, my cousin Clint's little girl. She was an excellent flower girl yesterday! I can't believe she is five already! Where does the time go?

Headline from my home town

"Dent County is site for steer and heifer classic"

In a much better mood today

Thank God I am in a better mood today. I was getting tired of being around my crabby self yesterday. Amazing what a full night's sleep and a Cubs win will do for you. Heidi-I thought of you yesterday. Guess what the cafeteria at work was serving? Yep, that's right....WAFFLE FRIES!!!! It was surely a sign from God. I, of course, could not just walk away from them, that would be crazy talk! When you are back in St. Louis, we might just have to have a Biggie's night-John can handle the baby on his own for a night, right????? :)

Ugh, so last night at the crisis line I had to call the cops THREE times. I was really getting kinda irritated by it-especially since two of the times involved the St. Louis City PD-not the most, um, efficient, police force I've ever dealt with. Luckily, all three calls came near the end of my shift, so once the call was made, I was pretty much done. I have that 911 number down......I am back at the crisis line again tonight, a glutton for punishment, I guess. Hell, it pays the bills.

Tomorrow is mani's and pedi's with my mom and sister (yay!), mom is getting herself some three inch nails complete with crystals and leopard prints. It's gonna be hot! I think T and I are going to the city museum tomorrow night. Always a good time there-how can you go wrong with climbing on things and getting to go down a big slide????

I'm so glad my Mikey is back at work today. I wasn't sure I could go on another day without him. It was pure torture, I tell you!

Why is it that.....

strangers feel the need to talk to you on the elevator? Especially first thing in the morning? Do I look friendly? Do I look like I want to speak to you after I've just rolled out of bed and sat in traffic for nearly an hour? Do I? Yes, in case you couldn't tell, I'm a little cranky today. I don't know why. Blame the Advil PM hangover. Blame the fact that my Mikey and my Amy are not at work today leaving me to just sit in my cube and be anti-social. Blame it on the fact that I stayed up until nearly 11:00pm watching my Cubs play the Brew-Crew in the crazy hope that they were actually gonna come back from a five run deficit. They nearly did it, thanks to some stellar play by Soriano, Floyd and my boy Ramirez, however, they fell short and lost 7-5 (where was D Lee? Apparently he was a big fan of striking out last night, but whatever....). Blame the tides, moon, planets or Paris Hilton. I don't care. I know once my Diet Dr. Pepper kicks in, I will feel much, much better (I have temporarily switched my beverage of choice ever since Heidi sent me that article that said Diet Coke would kill me....thanks Heidi!).

In good new, my cousin Ben's wedding is this weekend, which means lots of fine family fun! I will have you all know that my dress is a SIZE FOUR, thank you very much. I did have to go in search of one very important item of clothing to go with said dress: the suck-in-your-fat-undies. You ladies know what I'm talking about. Brands like Spanxx (endorsed by Oprah and Beyonce, dontcha know) are there to, um, help even out your little problem areas so that you look HOT (ok, that may be a small exaggeration). Well, I can't really afford Spanxx (they are seriously like $80), but I found a suitable alternative at Target. I tried them on (not so much sexy, not that anyone will be looking at them, mind you) with my dress and-voila! Magic happened before my very eyes. My tummy was perfectly flat (the 4x a week jogging habit I've picked up may also have something to do with that), my ass was where it should be (I ain't gettin' any younger-things start sagging when you're my age, it's sad but true). I actually felt pretty good about myself. Now if only I can have a good hair day on Saturday....(always questionable this time of year given the Missouri Humidity). My mom and I are getting mani's and pedi's on Friday (Red, what time do you get off work? Come join us!!!!). I am going out with T Friday night as I haven't seen him since Sunday, both our weeks are rather busy, but I've penciled him in for Friday night! I don't know what we are doing-I am being told it is a surprise. Surprises make me nervous.....

I hear some of my fam is going to Humphrey's tonight to see Ivory Tiger. Don't know if I'm gonna make it-I am working both jobs today-twelve hours of F-U-N. If I'm cranky now and it's only 9:00am, how well do you think I'll be doing come 9:00pm???? Probably not well, would be my guess.

Wow, for being cranky I sure had a lot to say today. Who knew? If I come up with any other enlightening comments today, I will be sure to inform you all. Otherwise, have a great Wednesday and continue to ask yourself-is it Friday yet????

Yeth?

Tho, Mike and I have been thinking ith's funny to talk with a lisp. And whoth idea wath it to put an "s" in the word "lisp" anyway? I mean, theriouthly. Today, we had thoup and thalad for lunth. Thound yummy? It wath. Tho, Mike invited me to Show Tuneth Thuethday, unfortunately, My Cubth are on TV tonight and I will be unable to partake in the thow tune fethtivitieth. Have fun though, Mikey!

Ok, enough lithping. It'th making my head hurt.

So much has happened in the last three days.....

To my faithful readers, I am so sorry there has been no posting since Friday. I spent the majority of my weekend in Salem where the internet runs as slow as molasses, thus, why I am just now posting. Get over it.

Well, Friday's big news was that Jeff and Jessica finally had their baby-little Taylor Ann was born Friday afternoon! Isn't she precious? We are so excited-it's been awhile since we've had a baby in the family. Here is a picture of the proud parents with their new little girl (Baby Jeffy as a daddy-of a little girl-LOVE it!). And here is a picture of Grandpa with his new great-granddaughter (he also has little Miss Kira). I can't wait to meet Taylor. Congratulations Jeff and Jessica. I know she will be a very loved little girl-your families will make sure of that!!!! :)

After a quick stop at my sister's on Friday (and a nice little chat with my brother-in-law and getting attacked by my four legged niece), I headed to Salem. Oh the things I observed on my way down there. First, there was the giant buffalo statue....with wings. Yep, I kid you not. I almost drove off the road because I was looking at it. Then, I saw a truck go by that was in the shape of three Hershey's kisses (what the???). Weird stuff. I finally made it to Salem and just chilled Friday night since we were getting up at the crack of dawn to do a 5K on Saturday (literally, the 5K started at 8:00am). The course for the 5K was actually kinda rough-lots of hills, made me rethink my entire jogging course as I have been jogging on completely flat land....I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up with my parents, but was bound and determined to do so (nevermind Tim's issues he was having). After the 5K, we went to breakfast at the Main Street Cafe (it's on Main Street), where my dad knew every old man that walked through the door (this happened at Wal-Mart as well. Who knew dad was such a social butterfly???). We had a bit of an incident at Wal-Mart in the photo department-mom got her memory card stuck in the machine-the photo developer person had to pry it out with a nail file and some tweezers. It was great.

Sunday, I cruised on back to the STL and T and I went to the zoo. OMG-the zoo is so much fun (guess it's even more fun when you're in good company...). I think I walked another 5K-we were there for like four hours....I have warned him that if he reads this blog, I talk about EVERYTHING that is going on in my life.....it's the risk you take if you are hanging out with me!!! I will try to put some zoo pics up in the next couple of days-I was too tired last night. I was so excited about the baby elephant-too cute. And I only freaked out a couple of times in the snake house (it has a real name, but I refuse to learn it). T likes snakes and other creepy crawly things. I wasn't too much of a girl about it, but really, I don't dig the 20 foot long python, I just don't, I'm sorry. We watched the sea lion show and found a Ben and Jerry's stand where I confessed my love for Cherry Garcia (could there be a more perfect food?). After the zoo, we went to dinner, sat outside and just hung out for hours. When it was all said and done, we were together for ten hours. How is that boy not sick of me???? I don't get it....Anyway, I'm a little sleepy today-not complaining, just stating the facts. It's nothing my Big Gulp of Diet Coke can't fix.

Ok, I guess I should do some actual work now. They kinda like it when I do something productive. Happy Monday y'all.

Happy Full Moon Friday!

It's Friday! It's Friday! Yay! Not sure why I'm excited since Friday's are usually really busy at work, but whatever. It's the full moon and I am thanking my lucky stars that I am not working at the crisis line tonight (sorry Amy)! I am heading down to the big town of Salem tonight. Mom, Tim and I are doing the Relay for Life in the morning-always fun, good times! I'll be coming back to the STL early on Sunday morning because T and I are going to the zoo. How fun is that? I'm excited...

So, no baby yet-what is the deal? I have been anxiously awaiting an email or blog post from Aunt Cheryl telling us that Baby Twyman has arrived......but nothing. Hope all is well Jessica!!!

Red, have you ever noticed that fellow joggers (and dog walkers) all acknowledge each other when you run by? It's like a special club, or something. A sister (or brother) hood. A bonding moment.

I had a great time at dinner with Tina last night. That girl talks more than I do! (and I say this with love!). We chatted up a storm and ate from all the basic food groups-grease, salt and melted cheese. LOVED it! Have you ever had the onion rings at Trailhead? I swear, they are as big as your head. I didn't know onions came that big, but they do. FYI.