Wednesday, January 30, 2008

The Things Kids Say

I've got a couple.

First - a bit of background: This past weekend I was out doing some serious bargain shopping with my mom. I happened upon a 2-foot purple tinsel pre-lit tree that I knew my boss would have loved (the entire basement is done in purple) and it was on clearance, and an additional 50% off, so I snagged it for $2.98! But anyway.....

I bring the tree home and have it sitting where I won't forget it come Monday morning (and yeah, I forgot it anyway).

More background, background: For those that don't know, I was promoted to general manager back in August. It's been mentioned around that house that I'm the 'boss' there now.

So, anyway.....back to this weekend.

There's the tree and my son sees it and says:

"What is this?"

Me: "It's a purple tree. Don't touch; it's for my boss."

He looks at me puzzled and says:

"I thought you were the boss?!"

Ahhh, that's right, son. Both at work and home. (evil laughter)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Then this evening....

My daughter and I get in the shower together. We do this most evenings when I've got a million things to do, and about 2 hours to do it in. Ah, who am I kidding -- even if all I want to do is curl up in a new fuzzy robe and watch American Idol (incidentally, that was exactly tonight's agenda), then that's how we roll.

So we're in the shower and she tells me I have a cute butt. At first I didn't understand 'cute' and thought she was saying 'huge'. I had her repeat it, and I still had to ask to confirm. Perhaps at this point she knew she was on thin ice and decided - Wait! Yes, that's right mom, I said cute! What did you think I said? Huge??? Noooooooo way!!! That's just silly! CUTE! Your. Butt. Is. Cute.

But that's not all.

She notices my boobs....my breasts....my twins.....my ta-ta's.....whatever you call them in your world. Well, it was chilly in the bathroom and the water was hitting them and well.....you know what happens.

So she's poking at my nipples.

"Mommy! Your.....your meatloaf things.....there's soap on them!" (all while she's got her pointer finger straight out and inverting my nipple)

"Meatloaf things????????"

"Yeah......these lumps."

Okay. I truly don't get it. Now I've got a complex. Do my nipples look like pieces of meatloaf? Is that why men like them?! God, if only I could get my ass to look like a potato!!!

(We did have meatloaf for dinner - but I'm still not sure what the similarity is between my nipples and meatloaf?? Not the same color, texture, and I'm sure as hell certain they don't taste like beef and bread crumbs.)

Wishy-Washy

I wish people would just speak their intentions.

Don't tell me one thing, and in the next breath tell me something that contradicts what just came out of your mouth.

I don't have time for games of beat-around-the-bush.

I don't have time for childish antics.

I didn't realize I was managing a daycare center - not of daycare age children, but of grown men that are 10+ years older than me!!!!

Seriously....it's another one of those days that I was wishing I got that flask for Christmas.

To Melissa

My dearest .... I would pay to see your hair like this.

Monday, January 28, 2008

NKOTB

Okay, seriously ...... NKOTB are making a comeback!!!

Be still my heart! LOL Okay, well, I'm not that excited, but I have to admit there is definitely some giddiness in this tasty morsel of information I received this morning.

So yes, I've signed up on the website to receive information. You know, in the old-school I heart NKOTB sort of way.

Now if only I could find all those buttons..........

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Saturday, January 26, 2008

The Dress That's -Cut Down To There-

So you all remember that dress I mentioned that I couldn't stop thinking about?

I finally made it back to the mall today, and decided - if it's still there, I'm gonna buy it. Though, I remember it was the only one in the store, and the price tag read $39.99 (actually a fantastic price for a dress). So, when I tried the dress on that day, when I hung it back up - the tag was gone.

Oh well. I didn't think much of it, but I hoped today that because it was tagless, that it would still be sitting on the rack.

Sure enough - there it was! My mom asks if I'd like her to go up to the counter and ask how much it was. Okay, I say as I scurry off to go look at the shoes.

She comes walking back over to me with this crazy look on her face, and I though, OH NO! They gave her a higher price than I remember!

She hands me the dress, newly tagged and I peer at it. $39.99 ..... but wait ..... what's that? A red line and something handwritten on it as well - a mark down!!!! $14! And .... yes, there's an and! Can you believe that markdowns were an additional 25% off??

Tax and everything, I walked out of there with that dress for $11.34!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

The Things Kids Say

My folks keep those magna doodle type drawing boards in the car for the kids, and my precious 3.5 year old daughter just loves to draw (she is definitely going to be our artsy-fartsy kid between the drama, her loving ballet and drawing just as well as her 6-year old brother).

So, she's doodling on her board today and says "Grandpa, you're Mr. Potato" He glances at the picture and tells her that she didn't give him any arms.

Her reply? "Potatoes don't have arms!"

When my mom got her out of the car, she had to show Grandma her artwork.

"Look Grandma! I put gravy on Grandpa!"

Because you see, apparently potato people do not have arms, but wear gravy on a regular basis.

Brighten Life

I just booked my next appointment (March 19) to donate blood, and I joined the Brighten Life program, committing myself to donating once a quarter.

Really - it was that easy. Be brave, save a life ... donate blood! You'll be amazed at how warm and cozy it makes you feel inside.

I've got person-al-ity!

Your Personality Profile

You are dreamy, peaceful, and young at heart.
Optimistic and caring, you tend to see the best in people.
You tend to be always smiling - and making others smile.

You are shy and intelligent... and a very hard worker.
You're also funny, but many people don't see your funny side.
Your subtle dry humor leaves your close friends in stitches.

The Kind Without A Hole

You Are a Boston Creme Donut

You have a tough exterior. No one wants to mess with you.
But on the inside, you're a total pushover and completely soft.
You're a traditionalist, and you don't change easily.
You're likely to eat the same doughnut every morning, and pout if it's sold out.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Announcing....

Nicole Alisa
born Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 2:28am
weighing 5 pounds and 18 inches long

Congrats Denise, Dan and Big Brother Nathan!

Pint Lighter

I donated blood! And I'm still alive! A pint lighter, but alive nonetheless. I donated once before in my life, and that was 10 years ago. And this time I didn't pass out either!

A couple fellow bloggers are bribing readers with prizes, so I decided - what the heck? It's not all about the free food, or cold hard cash -- but you gotta admit -- that helps!

So, I conned my boss into going along with me (being the chicken shit that I am!) and we get there, fill out the paperwork, go back to get the vitals done and come to find out, her iron level is .4 under what they need.

I just squeeze by myself, seeing as how I'm feeling fine but am running a low grade fever of 99.4 (the cut off - 99.5 and I would have been S-O-L).

So, I'm alone in this, but my boss comes back with me to keep me company, and capture a photo of me giving away my precious life juice.

It was the fastest and easiest thing ever - honestly - I'm not sure why more people wouldn't do it. I may just go back in 8 weeks and do it all over again!

It took a whopping 7 minutes to fill up that bag.....fast enough that the woman says to me "It's still really warm!"

Gee, thanks!

What happens when you fall asleep by 9:30pm?

You wake up at all hours during the night because you're body has had enough rest already. After 3 hours, my daughter came in to use the bathroom. I had trouble getting back to sleep, but found myself awake at 3am, 4:58am, and then again at 6:14am when I got up for the day.

I was out the door well before 7am, and was treated with the most gorgeous sunrise ever.

The sky was on fire, and there was this vertical beam of pink light rising up to the Heavens....it was gorgeous and I wished I had my camera with. I captured it with my cell phone - though it just doesn't do it justice at all....



So, here it is 10:30 and most of my day's work is already done.

I'll be doing a good deed later, though, and donating blood. I'm dragging my boss along too since her blood is gold (O-) and because - well - I'm chicken shit and would probably turn around and go the other direction from the blood bank.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

100 Things About Me - Part 7

61. I am horrible at balancing my checkbook on a timely basis. Most times I have to balance 2-3 months worth at a time.

62. I have never used a debit card. It's cash or credit. I'd never be able to remember to jot down debit purchases to keep track, and I think I'd seriously end up with some f'd up finances.

63. I'm having a really hard time remembering my first 60 'about me's' and feel like I'm repeating myself.

64. I love American Idol. I have watched nearly every episode of every season. I think of all the winners; Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are the best and have really done exceptionally well with stardom.

65. I hate foods with certain textures/lumps. I will not eat cottage cheese and do not like orange juice with pulp, just as examples.

66. I hate tomatoes, but love things like pasta/pizza sauce and salsa!

67. I am shy. I used to be extremely shy, but have come out of my shell quite a bit as I got older. (Seriously, am I repeating myself?)

68. I think hearing my son read is one of the sweetest sounds ever.

69. My daughter is destined to go to boarding school. She is 3.5 with the attitude of a 13 year old. So help me when she is that old.

70. I hate politics.

Camaros: Not For January Driving

It took me TWO. HOURS. to get to work this morning. My normal 40-45 minute morning commute took me TWO. FLIPPING. TIRESOME. STRESSFUL. HEARTBREAKING. HOURS.

And for a good hour of that commute I was behind someone that clearly hasn't lived in the Chicagoland area long enough to realize that a Camaro is not the type of vehicle to drive in winter months.

He fishtailed and slid every, single, flippin' time he even thought about putting his foot on the gas. It got to the point that I contemplated shoving my bumper against his and just pushing him along the rest of the way.

So, the moral of the story; if you really feel the need to own a sports car, by all means (I wouldn't mind a Mustang, myself!)....but you really should think about owning a second vehicle for days that there's a few inches of snow on the ground. That's why clunkers are a fashion statement in the middle of January in Chicago.

Monday, January 21, 2008

This is what happens when you apparently lose your marbles

I'm just not into it. Into what, you ask? Um, I dunno....life, maybe.

This weekend was cold. Frigid cold. But I beared the temps on Saturday and went out shopping for a few hours with my mom. Nothing an additional 30% off Kohl's coupon can't cure. Plus, got to try on some dresses for my cousin's wedding that is in March. The one I liked best was the only one not marked down. I passed on it, since it was the first time dress shopping. Though, I'm thinking about that dress often and wondering if I shouldn't go back and just buy it. Except it's one of those -cut down to here- kinds of dresses that you see the stars wearing at the awards shows. Still, it was sexy and extremely flattering and I think I could have pulled it off quite nicely. Sunday was spent in my pajamas. All. Day.

And my funk has seemed to have gotten the better of me and my eating. I gave in to my craving for a Big Mac on Saturday and probably indulged in a few too many of my mom's stuffed shells. And then there's the exercise. Or lack there of. Yeah, it's been a week since I've worked out. Whoops.

So I'm currently at work, and I'm hungry. There's Lean Cuisine in the freezer here, but do I want that? No. My cell phone battery is dead, and I'd prefer to charge it in the car for a few minutes while I ran out to pick up some totally unhealthy-fat-making food. But you see, that requires me to gather up my things, put on my coat and walk outside -- and that's a bit too much like work. So, here I stay.

Lots of inner-conflicts going on. SHUT. UP. HEAD. Just SHUT. UP.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Connecting Souls

Recently a friend and I were discussing soulmates and whether or not you have just one, or many.

It has been on my mind, and I've come to the conclusion that yes, I believe there are many soulmates out there for each individual. I'm not talking purely romantic here (though I do believe that it's possible there is not just one "right" person out there for you to find and settle down and share your life with).

I'm talking about people that come into your life and have a true connection to you. The ones that lend a helping hand, give the perfect advice, tell a funny joke to get you through a moment, or perhaps come into your life negatively.

By negatively, I don't mean the person themselves, but instead the effect said person has on your life. Perhaps intervening on your life and thus changing your relationship with someone else.

I believe that everything happens for a reason, and that our actions, the choices, even the mistakes we make all help to mold us as the person we are. I think with each passing day, we change. Perhaps not monumental changes, but subtle changes that may lead up to more monumental changes.

I'm an entirely different person than I was 10 years ago. Heck, I'm even an entirely different person than I was 3 years ago.

As I've gotten older, I've changed. I have developed friendships with people that I never would have thought I'd have a connection with. I've gotten a listening ear from those I least expected. As I've grown, I've matured more and learned more and experienced more.

The past couple years I have felt myself grow apart from my husband. On two separate occassions, I have spoken the word divorce. When I married him, I was 20 years old and thought I had all the answers. We have both grown and changed alot over the years.

It scares me, and hurts me to know that I'm going to be the one to wound him. I care about him, and love him, for he's the father of my children. He's the one that has been the one in my life for almost 9 years. I just can't look at him and feel what I did back when I married him. I've tried, hopeful to turn things around, scared all the while to admit failure (Lord knows how many times I heard "You're too young to get married!" - I swore to myself I'd prove them wrong, and look at me now).

I haven't had a good sit down with my husband, in fear that it was going to escalate to a war and I just don't want to do that. We have two children to look out for, and living arrangements that - at the moment - cannot be changed. When he reads this - it will be the first he's really gotten a good glimpse into what is going on in my head and my heart.

I am reconsidering this post, but know that sooner or later I just have to swallow my pride, realize there's something holding us both back from complete happiness, and stop being so damn selfish. So I will continue and click that publish button, and there will be no turning back.

I'm emotional. Scared. Sick to my stomach. But also a bit relieved, hopeful and anxious.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Her World Almost Crashed

My good friend is going through a tough time right now. She lost her father last October, and has been trying to make her way through married life with 2 kids. Without going into too much detail, it's been a tough road.

I get a text messages from her this morning telling me that she kicked her husband out last night (they are now living with her widowed mother) and that he threatened suicide, he didn't show up to work today, his cell phone is off, and authorities were pulling a car out of a river just a few minutes from his mother's house.

Just like the morning she sent me the text that her dad had passed away, my stomach dropped and I'm sure all the color drained from my face.

Coincidentally, I have plans for after work with her, and I couldn't help but think -- God, I could be going over there to console her on the death of the father of her two children.

Thankfully within a few minutes, the news reported the time the car went in, and she knew it wasn't him since he was still at home at that time. I breathed a sigh of relief for her.

Yes, even if their marriage is rocky and even if it doesn't last, he still has two children in his life and those kids don't deserve to lose either of their parents.

It was an emotional morning for me, so I can imagine how she's feeling. In just a little bit, I'll get to see my friend and spend some time with her. Because one thing is true - I'll be there for her, no matter what happens.

Monday, January 14, 2008

100 Things About Me - Part 6

51. When I turn 30, I hope someone throws me a surprise party.

52. Each and every porno we own, I bought myself.

53. My everyday handwriting is a mix between printing and cursive.

54. I lost my virginity at 15 years old, on a couch, while Jerry Springer was on the tv in the background.

55. I have a serious love for shoes. I own many, and almost never not look in the shoe department when at a store.

56. I pick my nose. Sometimes you just have to get those critters out and that's the easiest way.

57. I hate the dentist. Many things regarding teeth (including wiggly teeth) make me squeamish and queasy.

58. I love my bosses. Seriously. They are terrific people to work for, and for the most part, going to work each day is really not that bad.

59. I think the guys (Wayne Brady, Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles) on Whose Line Is It Anyway? are hilarious.

60. I hate bugs.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

I'm looking for a new me

Throughout my weight loss in 2006, I documented it with some photos. I took four sets of photos during that time, and I just took my first set this year.

Check them out!

I think I just found Heaven on Earth

And it comes in the form of a 'diet' dessert!

Seriously.

Meijer has a sale on SmartOnes right now (1/2 price, can't beat that!), so I went and picked out a few meals to keep at the office, and I saw a dessert one in the ad, too. I was curious about dessert. I mean, what woman wouldn't be? I love desserts (which, coincidentally, is stressed backwards).

For lunch today I had the SmartOnes traditional meat lasagna (yum!) and this little piece of Heaven:



It is seriously delicious ..... and you can't beat an ice cream/cookie dough treat for only 170 calories!

My lunch was great, and I'm full!!! I had a raspberry water (0 calories), the SmartOnes lasagna (300 calories) and dessert (170 calories) .... a total of 470 calories. Add that to my 200 calories at breakfast (100 calorie cereal pack, dry and small orange pineapple banana juice (100 calories)) and I'm at a whopping 670 calories for the entire day.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Ready to sell her to the gypsies

My 3.5 year old daughter is going to be the death of me. I'm not sure how much more I can handle of her not listening, drama queen, temper tantrum, attitude that she's got going on.

Every single day, she is up no more than 5 minutes and she's already looking for trouble. It doesn't matter what you do, don't do, or say....she keeps that shit up.

She's even got this attitude head/neck roll .... you know the one. As if she was saying "Oh no you didn't"

How early before you can send your child away to boarding school? You think I'm kidding.

I'm at my wits end.

I need a drink. Anyone looking to go out and par-tay tonight?

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

I am a nightowl. I like to stay up late, after the kids are in bed, and revel in the peace and quiet. Lately, my 'late nights' are a bit earlier, but what can I say? I'm getting older.

So, getting up early - before the sun is even up - is like pulling teeth. I just don't like it. The earlier I get up, the more queasy my stomach feels (does this happen to anyone else? I just don't feel "right" first thing) and the more I'd just rather stay under the covers.

This morning the cars needed to be moved around so that my dad could get out of the garage and get to an appointment. I knew we needed to be up early, and I knew that I should really get myself more into a schedule and try to make sure my ass is at work at 8am sharp like it should be.

I was awake at 6:30, but layed in the bed until 6:40 before I decided I should just get up and go. Left the house at 7, and imagine my surprise when I rolled up to work a bit earlier than 8.

And imagine my surprise even more that I'm actually in a better mood and just feel better in general than I do most days. Like I'm rejuvenated. Or maybe it's just because we're at the back of the hump and approaching the weekend?

At any rate - perhaps I need to make this a habit. Actually setting an alarm (gasp!) and getting up and leaving for work on time (even bigger gasp!).

OH! And - the BESTEST. NEWS. OF. ALL. My weight loss endevour for this year.....I got good news this morning, but you'll have to read about it at my weight loss blog.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

The Great Big List of Books I Read in 2008 (updated 1/6/09)

In 2007, I hammered out at least 22 books (I didn't keep track, and that is just looking back through my bookshelves trying to recall those I read. And yeah, I know several of you over-achievers out there are rolling your eyes at my bleak number....well, pfffffffffffttt at you!!!!!)

I'd like to read at least 30 this year. Hopefully more like 50. We'll see.

1. As Seen On TV by Sarah Mlynowski

2. The Thin Pink Line by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

3. Lying in Bed by M.J. Rose

4. Full House by Janet Evanovich

5. Target Underwear and a Vera Wang Gown: Notes From a Single Girl's Closet by Adena Halpern

6. Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger

7. Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster

8. Been There, Done That by Carol Snow

9. Passion by P.F. Kozak

10. Getting Warmer by Carol Snow

11. Baby Proof by Emily Giffin

12. Jemima J by Jane Green

13. Wicked Ties by Shayla Black

14. Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich

15. Made in the U.S.A. by Billie Letts

16. Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella

17. Back to the Bedroom by Janet Evanovich

18. The Rocky Road to Romance by Janet Evanovich

19. Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich

20. Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

21. Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty

22. I Never Promised You A Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg (reading in progress)

23. Love Overboard by Janet Evanovich

Total Books Read in 2008 = 22.5 (one book is still awaiting me to finish it)

Where's the sun?

It's rainy and dreary, and I'm finding myself sleepy and lazy.

The phone hasn't rang in quite awhile, so it's been relatively quiet around here aside from the radio in the background, playing quite a mixture of music to get us through the day. So, I'm losing focus and staring at the wall in my office.

I think to myself, I should put a picture there. One that I took! Maybe of flowers. Or fruit. A peach! Millions of peaches! Movin' to the country....I'm gonna eat a lot of peaches. I remember singing that song while we had free swim in gym class. Man, I hated those bathing suits they made us wear! And how our hair would be messed up for the remainder of the day. That part of high school sucked. Why didn't I take photography classes then? That would have been cool. Yeah. I definitely should add some of my own photographic art to this office.

And then the phone rang, and I got to talk to a man with a sexy voice. I needed some information on some advertising, and he offered to bring the information by, or mail it. I tell him to mail it. Doh! Hello? I could have had the opportunity to see this sexy voice in person to break up the monotony of the day.

Instead I fear I'm going to end up with drool on my keyboard! 4:30, come quickly, please! I've got hot wax and nail files waiting for me! Eyebrows be gone (or at least smaller) and my very first manicure ever is scheduled for after work! Woohoooo!!!!

Monday, January 07, 2008

100 Things About Me - Part 5

41. In my freshman year of high school, I went through a phase where I really enjoyed rap music and wore long tshirts and baggy jeans. In fact, I got men's jeans to achieve the look.

42. One of my favorite songs, that will always be one of my favorites, is Lady in Red by Chris DeBurgh.

43. I think Matthew McConaughey is HOT! Totally dream and drool worthy.

44. I am a Chicago Cubs fan through and through. No matter how much they break my heart, year after year, I still keep coming back for more.

45. I suffer from allergies that generally flare up in the spring, and then again in the fall.

46. I have 2 siblings. They are only 1/2 related; we share the same mother. Otherwise I am an 'only' child between my folks.

47. My cousins are all female. The 4 of us were all pretty close growing up. Now 2 of us still reside in Illinois (me in the burbs, the other near the city), 1 resides in Arizona, and the other in Connecticut.

48. One place I love to shoot photos, and don't get down there nearly enough is downtown Chicago. While down there, I love to pick up Garrett's caramel pocorn.

49. I tend to drive slightly over the speed limit, so when someone in a fancy car rides my ass and then passes me, it really pisses me off.

50. I'm a multi-tasker. I usually have about 20 things going on at once. Hence why I started this at 2:40 and am just finishing up at 4:53pm.

Saturday, January 05, 2008

100 Things About Me - Part 4

31. I love Christmas time, and decorating for it -- but I hate taking everything down when it's all over.

32. I love the smell of coffee, but don't drink it.

33. When I was a child, I had a pet goldfish named Norman.

34. I have only flown 3 (well, I guess 6 flights) times in my life. Once when I was 11 and I went to Disney World with family. In 2000, when we went on our honeymoon to Jamaica. And lastly, in 2006 when we went to Disney World.

35. As above; my first trip to Disney World was with my aunts, uncle and cousins. No folks (mom won't fly). The second trip was our first as a family; me, the hubby and our two kiddos (which, the trip I won through a local radio station (score!!!)). The plan is to visit WDW again, this fall, this time with my folks (we're driving).

36. Back to planes; the most recent flying experience was a bad one. Tail end of a hurricane over Florida didn't allow immediate landing .... we circled for so long we had to go to Jacksonville to refuel. On the landing into Jax, I used an airsick bag for the first time in my life (thank goodness my stomach was pretty much empty).

37. I've only been out of the country twice. To Canada and to Jamaica.

38. My favorite item of makeup is eyeshadow. Love that there are so many shades of color out there!

39. Fall is my favorite season. I love the changing leaves/colors and that the air is a bit cooler and crisp.

40. Even with fall being my favorite season, I do love summer quite a bit. BBQs, outdoor activities, and it seems like everyone is happier when the sun is shining and the weather is beautiful.

Friday, January 04, 2008

Happy Friday ..... NOT!

I woke up this morning to Mike fumbling around and trying not to moan. I could hear that he was holding his breath a lot, which I know for me is a sure fire sign that there is awful pain.

He had been complaining of leg cramps and pain in his foot, which progressed this morning to him not being able to put any weight on his left ankle.

I felt bad that he needed to take himself over to the urgent care, but I had no choice; I had to be to work.

While I'm worrying about his situation and waiting for his call, I get to work and find my nightmare has come true. The new driver that we just hired, and was just set to start, did not show up last night. I've been worrying myself to a great extent about finding a good, reliable driver - I told one of the current drivers yesterday that when I end up hospitalized for ulcers, they better come visit me.

I get a call from Mike, and he's got tendinitis. He's got a doctor's note for work, orders on how to care for it, and a script for 800mg Ibuprofen.

In the meantime, I'm having a hard time focusing on my work, wanting to be home, and worrying about the 8 million Christmas lights that are outside and on the house that all need to come down tomorrow. I just want to crawl in bed and not come out.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

100 Things About Me - Part 3

21. Back in the day, I was HUGE New Kids on the Block fan. LOVED them! Joey was my favorite. ;) I had all the paraphernalia that came along with it; clock, bed sheets, dolls, buttons, posters, etc. And saw them in concert!

22. I was diagnosed with a degenerative disc in early 2002. To this day I suffer from back pain quite a bit.

23. I used to want a family of 6 kids. Then I got married and had a boy. Then I had a girl. Now two is plenty, thank you.

24. I dated one guy from November 1995 until the fall of 1998. Looking back, that is one thing I would have changed in my life. Not having to do with anything about him; just that I was 'tied-down' throughout high school.

25. My feet are always cold. Like icicles, really. Maybe toe-sicles. :) They don't "thaw out" until about July, and then come, say October or November and they start into their frozen-like state again.

26. I have never, ever, ever tried pot. Or any other kind of drug for that matter. Honestly, not one puff of pot. No desire to try, and I'm still not curious about it. I think it smells like something my cat left in the litter box.

27. I am a cat person through and through. I talk to them, talk for them, buy them Christmas presents, and wish them a happy birthday. They are allowed to sleep with me, next to me, on me or wrapped around my head. I understand their looks and when they 'roll' their eyes at me. At one time, growing up, we had 4 cats in the house. Now, we've just got my 'baby', Cosmo, who is 11 years old. God help me when he's gone. :(

28. My first car was a 1988 Toyota Celica GT. I had it for 3 years before I bought my first brand new car, a 1999 Hyundai Accent.

29. I am addicted to garlic & herb pita chips.

30. I am a clearance shopper. Love to hit all the clearance sections in stores. I love to shop, and saving money is great, too!