Thanks for....uhhmmm (HNT)

Today was tough. I had a very long night, little sleep, and I still don't feel all that great. I have no motivation to do HNT either today. I could give you a shot of my red, raw nose, or my cracked, peeling lips. but instead I'll try to find a few things I'm thankful for today instead and go from there.

I'm thankful for my best friend Heather. She's 1800 miles away and on a day like this even a little email from her can set my unrest at ease.

I'm thankful for my coworkers...I have an amazing medical secretary and appointment secretary. They are more like moms than coworkers. My desk staff makes me smile when I have frown, includes me in their parties so I have some woman to hang out with, and help every single day to make the day go better for all of us.

I'm thankful for my ability to communicate with others...if I couldn't connect with my patients in one way or another, my job would be a lot harder. Now, if I could just do that in my personal relationships a bit better.

I'm thankful for a few moments this evening with a new friend here in town....for the time to spend alone with each other just chatting.

For these things I'm thankful. Even if today was a challenge from the get go. Have a great night


EDIT: This was my attempt to make myself feel better...a hot shower, putting on decent make-up and fixing my hair. When I flipped my head back up after blow drying it, I realized I can be thankful for my hair. Sounds cheesy but I'm having a good hair night and if that's the only good part about today, I'm sharing it...Happy HNT

Thanks for...a sense of humor

I had to laugh today. We had a busy clinic, my head feels like it is completely impacted with snot, and those on our list today were some of our more "special" patients. On clinic days I dress nicely...today a pair of slim fit straight leg chocolate dress pants, a button down white shirt from New York and Company and a red suede jacket. Gold jewelry, high heeled brown pointed toe boots. And I was having a very good curly hair day. Didn't think I looked too darn bad considering I felt awful.

The boss sent me into a room to finalize some tests and appointments as well as complete some paperwork on a somewhat uhmmm...difficult patient. My plan to be quick, efficient, no small talk, put in my orders and tell them to have a nice day. Screw that!

I walk in and the first thing out of my patient's mouth with a big excited smile on their face, "OHHHH...are you pregnant!"

I wanted to die. I know my abs are my "issue" but I go to the gym. I work out with a BOSU ball and mat routine for my ab program. I cycle, use the elliptical, and most recently, have taken up running. I'm not "skinny" but I'm not overweight either. My arms are pretty darn strong, my calves look like runner calves, my hips and tummy are on the downslide of in progress. I frickin' wear a size 6, 8, or 10 long pant depending on the brand. BUT MY GOD!!!! I DO NOT LOOK PREGNANT! NOR AM I PREGNANT!

So with a big smile on my face, I said no, "have to have a husband first" and proceeded to enter the patient's tests, follow-up and fill out their paperwork before efficiently whisking them on their way for the day. Then I made sure to quicly ask my all MALE team of docs if I looked pregnant.

Smart group of guys I got...they all said an adament no :) Had to laugh over that one and for that, I'm thankful.

Thanks for...home delivery chicken soup

Monday nights are traditionally Monday Night Football nights at my boyfriend's house. He has a projector instead of a TV so we can watch the games on an 8 foot by 10 foot screen. Yesterday I was home very early from work and put my jammies on right away. I planted myself on the couch with day time TV, the cats, and the Kleenex box. So when it came time for the game around 7 pm, I was not feeling much like going anywhere. Instead, my boyfriend brought me chicken noodle soup from Panera and stayed at my house to watch the game on my much smaller (but still hi-def) 35 inch TV. Thanks babe!

Thanks for...a slow run at work

I work in a high stress job. I love my job though. I was fairly picky about which positions I applied for and then subsequently interviewed. Physician Assistants are trained in a family practice based curriculum, which basically means we cover cardiology, respiratory, and diseases like diabetes and other "common" illnesses quite heavily and sort of get "introduced" to subspecialities along the way. Going into PA school, I knew I wanted to do orthopedic surgery. So when I applied for jobs I applied for orthopedic positions or ER positions. Both high demand, both challenging. That's what I wanted. I was lucky enough to land a sweet job in Orthopedic Trauma.

The summer months are chaos, to say the least in Trauma. Fast toys, more road trips, alcohol...all give us in Ortho Trauma a reason to come to work. The "Redneck Triple Crown" runs from Memorial Day Weekend, includes the 4th of July, and caps off with Labor Day Weekend. From the end of May to the beginning of September we are hopping! It isn't uncommon for me to work from 7 am (6:30 am one day a week) until 7 or 8 pm at night during these months. I don't complain though because it's what I chose to do. I enjoy doing it.

But, today I'm thankful for a bit of a slow down at work. As summer transitions into fall, everyone is home from summer vacation, it's getting too cold for motorcycles, the waterskis are hung in the garage, the fast cars are put away BUT there isn't snow yet so no snowmobiles, icy interstates, little old ladies on ice, skiers. So that means we are a bit slow. I will complain occasionally on weeks like this at work but lately it's been nice to have a bit of a break and to get home early. I have used the time to reflect a bit on where I am in life, where I'm going, and just relax doing things like reading, playing with my cats, a little "fall" cleaning, working on my new Stampin' Up business venture, those sorts of things.

So until that drunken snowmobiler rolls into the ER to start off the season, I've got a bit of a lull and I'm enjoying the extra time to myself. And no, these aren't "real" patients of mine but very similar to much of what we see...I snagged these from the web :)

...and football

Since I'm home with my Sudafed head and blanket I might was well be thankful for Sunday Football too! It's my favorite sport to watch on TV and currently my Broncos are winning so I'm doubly happy!

Thanks for...Sudafed

On days like this it is hard to find something to be thankful for. My left ear and frontal sinus feel ready to explode, my eyes are all red and burning. Last night the boy and I went out to celebrate my little accomplishment this week to a nice dinner and a movie. It was a great night. Half way through the night I woke up all stuffy with a bit of a sore throat. By morning, my ear and face hurt. But...you know what, I'm thankful for the dose of Sudafed and Tylenol I'm about to take and for the heating pad I'm going to put upside my head and for the excuse to lay around and read all day.

Thanks for...A bit of a warm up

It's been bitter cold here this week and those who know me well know I love winter. I love the snow, I like to ski, I HATE the heat. But this week between the actual air temperatures and the wind it was really bitter cold and gray. No pretty white stuff to make the streets and trees glisten. It was just cold. Today it started out a bit on the rainy side but that means it was finally above freezing! Now it's a pleasant 50 degrees out and the sun is shining a little bit. I'm thankful for that.

Thanks for....courage

Three years ago I went through a really nasty divorce. I'm thankful I survived, literally. Os and my friend Heather can vouch that that was questionable at times. For the last three years a lot of things have been done by just getting by. I'm working to do more than just get by and without a lot of details, yesterday I took a big step in doing more than getting by. It's a step but it might just make a big difference in the long run. I'm thankful I have had the courage to get through some of the obstacles in my life for the last three years.

Thanks for...The Kahl Girls

We are all showing a little skin in this one...it was 112 degrees out! That's me, my mommy, and my baby sister at a family picnic this July. We are collectively known as The Kahl (pronounced CALL) girls by those in the area. I'm thankful that we were all three able to make this picnic for many reasons...it was a long drive for all three of us, it was super hot, but most importantly because my mom had been in and out of the hospital as recently as three weeks prior to this picture. I'm thankful we all made it and had a great weekend together.

Happy HNT!

Thanks for...My home

As the wind blows at 20 mph and the air temp hovers between 30 and 35 degrees, I am thankful for my own home. With the various "issues" i have had in life, owning my own home didn't seem like much of a possibility. But about a year and a half ago I met with the bank (I HATE banks/bankers/money) but I met with them and was able to get financing to purchase my first home. I sit now with the lights aglow, my feet up on my coffee table and when I'm done posting I'm going to curl up with my big warm sweatshirt and a good book knowing that I have a warm, secure place to call my own. Take a moment to think of those trying to stay warm this winter in much much less.

Thanks for my home.

Don't forget to be Thankful

It's Halloween night and if you broke yourself away from the little kiddies in their costomes at your door to head to Walmart, Target or any major department store you will likely already find yourself immersed in sparkles of red and green with Christmas tunes overhead.

I'm not a scrooge. I enjoy Christmas. I like spending time with my family, the anticipation still associated with Christmas morning, the smell of a holiday meal cooking . BUT...I despise the ever earlier and earlier hoopla prior to the Christmas season.

So, in protest of Christmas in November, I'm going to post everyday of the month from tomorrow until Thanksgiving something to be thankful for and I challenge the rest of you to do the same. It might be something simple like hitting all green lights on your way to work (I did this morning!) or more profound like being grateful my mom is still alive (I am, there has been more than once in the past year where she severely ill). Whatever the case may be, don't forget Thanksgiving this upcoming month before getting yourself all wrapped up in Christmas!

Good night!

Kitty Litter Cake Recipe

Per request...here is the recipe for the frightful masterpiece of a cake for all your Halloween party needs :)

1 german chocolate cake mix baked per box instructions
1 white cake mix baked per box instructions
1 large package instant vanilla pudding made per box instructions
1 package vanilla sandwich cookies, crushed
Sat aside one cup of crushed cookies and color with green food coloring
12-15 tootsie rolls

After baking each of the two cakes, allow to cool to room temperature. Pudding should be chilled and set up. Once cakes are cool, crumble together into a large bowl. Add in pudding and mix well to make the entire mixture moist. Add half of the white cookies to the mix as well. Place mixture into a NEW kitty litter box. Microwave 8 to 10 tootsie rolls just long enough to make "moldable". Roll and blunt ends to resemble poop :) Hide in the litter box. Then sprinkle the remainder of the white crumbles and all the green crumbles onto the top of the mixture. Microwave remaining tootsie rolls and drop on top and along edges of box. Serve with a NEW kitty litter scoop. Place on top of a newspaper to make "misses" an easy clean-up.

Happy Halloween!

Whirlwind Weekend

It's finally Sunday night and I have had a whirlwind of a weekend. I ran from one event to the next starting Friday night and ending about 20 minutes ago when i got home from the last meeting. But as promised here is a picture of the kitty litter cake I made. It was a big success...one gal was so convinced that she managed to eat the cake but couldn't get her tootsie roll down :)


I had to "smuggle" some hospital supplies out as well to help the boy get dressed for a Halloween themed Ultimate Frisbee tournament yesterday morning before I had to head to an early morning baby shower. He's my Jamician Doctor! Isn't he sexy?


I had to take a card to swap for my Stampin' Up meeting today but what I didn't know was that it could be 10 of the same card. So here are the 10 cards I took with me to the meeting. It was fun to see everyone else's ideas and pick up some tricks. I'll have some time this week to make a few new things. I'll see what I can come up with.

















Have a great week everyone!

Old Halloween HNT

This photo is from a couple Halloween's ago but after cooking all week, then just finishing up cleaning up after everyone let an hour ago, I'm beat so I'm recycling. Yes, that's a wine stain, uhm...there...on the right. It was a GREAT party :)

I'm off to bed...Happy HNT!

Half done

The chicken club melt turned out okay on Monday night. My cheese melted too much and spread out but it still tasted awful good.

Now I have the meatballs baked and in the crock pot so tomorrow all I have to do is add the sauce when I get home from work. The artichoke crab dip is mixed and in it's baker so it can go in the oven about a half hour before everyone gets here. The pumpkin cream cheese bars are in the oven and should be done in about 20 minutes. That leaves the wassel and warm wine for tomorrow plus assembling the various cheese trays. Not bad.

I also got myself four new tires today. Now I'm ready for the snow to fly, and ice too. I sure do miss being able to put on studded tires but Minnesota says they damage the roads. Out West we put them to work, climbing a windy icy pass on I-90 feels a lot better with metal studs in your tires than not.

A friend's mom is nearing the end of her fight with cancer. Please keep her in your prayers. I'll be there one day soon probably too so my heart goes out to her.

Well, the week's half over and I still have a lot to do. Hope all is well!

A week in the kitchen...

It's going to be a long week. Not so bad at work. We are only on call tomorrow so it shouldn't be too bad. Thank goodness...I have a ton of cooking to do this week. Oh yeah, and tomorrow I will be outside at the high school football game b/c the team i have been with all season won last week...it's currently 37 degrees out, WITHOUT the windchill calculated in yet. Could be a chilly time.

So, what's on the menu?

Tonight...Chicken Club Wreath

Thursday Bunco Night...Hot Artichoke and Crab Dip with Pita Chips, Aunt Lorie's Meatballs (hamburger, carrot, potato, onion soup mix bathed in a mixture of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup), Pumpkin Cream Cheese Squares, Wassail, Bisschopswijn (a hot sweet spiced wine mixture), Cheese and Cracker Tray, Baked Brie and Green Apples

Saturday Women's Ministry Movie Night...Kitty Litter Cake (I'll have a picture for you when it's all done)

God love HyVee! Fridge is stocked, order of preparation is planned. Now I'm off to start dinner.

Have a great week everyone!

HNT...The eyes have it

It was time to ditch the contacts and give the eyes a breather this week. I use to wear my glasses a great deal...I get up pretty early most mornings of the week and getting my eyes open far enough to get my contacts in was always a pain. Then i switched to lenses I could wear 24/7 for 30 days in a row and I was a changed woman! This month I went about four weeks past my usual lense schedule (yup, I wore them for two months). This past weekend I ordered new boxes and once I got the shipping confirmation I tossed the current pair and have worn a different pair of glasses every day this week. I have fun with glasses, I would like to get a few more frames without prescription lenses so I can wear them more often. So here you have three of my sets of frames. I love my Irish eyes!

have a great weekend. Happy HNT!

Catchin' Up

Man, one long week of work, meetings, and workshops and it is taking me three days to catch up. Now I have a headache that won't seem to budge. Last week I put in some seriously long hours and it didn't end on Friday. I had a Stampin' Up Workshop at my house on Saturday (oh yeah, I have added being a Stampin' Up demonstrator to my list of "things I do") so I spent all morning getting ready for it and afterwards cleaning up.

Sunday I slept nearly the entire day. Don't know what my hang up was. Ate breakfast late, took a two hour nap after breakfast, another 45 minute nap that afternoon and fell asleep half way through my Broncos victory over the Raiders. At least I didn't much in the second half!

Yesterday was another long day at work and today I was home before noon! What have I accomplished? Not a hell of a lot. I cleaned out my work bag, took two naps, switched a load of laundry, watched three episodes of Oprah. Now, my head hurts like crazy. Ugh...I must be getting old or something.

Friday Night Football

35 degree windchill with 15 mph winds, snow flurries, long underwear, smashing helmets...It's Friday Night Football in Minnesota, folks!

That's right, I got out my long underwear, insulated Russell's, cuddleduds, hoodie, Columbia coat, and a big down vest from Cabela's along with my wool socks and hiking boots. The best part of the game? Getting to run around the end zone to get to the other side line to take care of a player and then getting to run from the side line to the middle of the field to get a cramping player off the field. At least I got my heart rate to beat faster than 60 bpm for about 30 seconds.

The worst part? The home team ran over the opponent yet again and continues to improve their record so they will likely be hosting playoff games in November! Doesn't that sound like fun.

Have a great weekend!

Another year...

Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes. Os did hi-jack my site...I think that is why he has had so many computer problems--it's his punishment for his internet piracy :)

I am a year older but I'm a year shy of 30 yet. Not sure where I want to be at in my life, hopefully a bit closer to having it "all put together". This weekend was a big step towards that, or at least I think it was. From a standpoint of my birthday it wasn't all that special. I got the usual cards, gifts and well wishes. The bigger news was my "presentation", which I had previously mentioned.

That's right...this weekend I was "presented" to "the parents". I'm happy to report it went far better than poor Gaylord Focker's experience. I did meet a cat but there were no spilled ashes, there were beautiful fall leaves to be seen but no burning gazebos. I did take a carry on suitcase but nobody searched through it. His parents knew what I do for a living and they didn't call me a nurse. Oh yeah, and the old sweet guy in the choir called me pretty, gave me a hug, and showed me the wrapped gash on his leg which he put there with his chain saw. All in all, a big step and survived by all.

It was a beautiful 70 degree weekend with fall colors in all their glory. It was a bit of a roadtrip but the anticipation of meeting the family kept me awake. I think the next big adventure will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the gang. At least I've done that before and even been known to get a few compliments on my turkey making skills.

Have a great week!

IT'S HER BIRTHDAY!!

Os, here. I've hijacked Moose's blog since she's not the type to toot her own horn. And since that's sort of what I do on a daily basis, I'll do it for her! Today is her birthday! All I'll say here is that she's not turning 30--she's still a pup. Happy Birthday, babe!! Love ya!

"Presented"

Tomorrow I'm attending a wedding with the boy. Last night he asked "Are you going to dress nice so I can present you?" I asked who to and he just grinned and said "I don't know who is going to be there." Guess I better clean myself up. I'm a bit nervous

HNT...A nice relaxing bath

I haven't taken the time to soak in a hot bubble bath for months. Last night I was tired, I'm sick (i have a head cold) and I was nearly done with my book so I decided to pour myself a bath, add a little gardenia lily bubble bath and breathe in the heavy steam while finishing my book. Felt great to relax a bit. Then to bed in my nice flannel sheets. A girl's dream! Happy HNT

I must expect too much

I only say this because lately I seem to be let down by a lot of things. Maybe it's because I am expecting too much. In my own life, I have always strived to do better, be the best, work hard, keep learning, be polite, stand up for myself. Is that too much to ask of other people?

For example...you visit the bank to establish a new account. You already have two other accounts with this same bank. You want to open a new checking account with a debit card and electronic funds transferring capabilities. No need for paper checks. Simple enough. You already have a standard account number with the bank and according to the banker sitting across from you, you will only need to add a simple four digit number to the end of this previously existing account number. So you do that.

You then begin using said account for your new small at home business. You place your first order from this business. Order ships without a problem. The weekend comes and goes and you get a call first thing Monday morning from said business stating they did not receive payment because the bank told them your previously mentioned new account doesn't exist. Now how can that be? You had used the debit card you were assigned, it worked. You had made deposits in person at the bank, those worked.

You call said bank. You ask for checking account number. The teller tells you the account number. Remember those 4 digits you were told...yeah, the banker told you them BACKWARDS. What the hell! Talk about embarrassing.

So I fix bones. Luckily, a higher power gave us a mirror image set of almost every bone in the body for those of us visual learners that need to look at things to study them. I can look at the left AND the right to see where things are wrong. Imagine if I made a similar mistake to what my banker did to me...you know what happens? I operate on, cut off, screw, or rod THE WRONG ANKLE/ARM/HIP/KNEE/SHOULDER and I GET SUED.

What happened when the banker gave me the new addition to my account number backwards? A scolding from a teller that tripped over herself apologizing to me after she gave me the correct order of numbers. Me, I called my new business back and made the correction all while my face was cherry red with embarrassment and frustration.

People, pay attention to the details of your job. They really ARE important.

She's getting married!

On Friday night I took off from Rochester with a secret! I was driving to South Dakota to surprise my best friend from grade school at her bridal shower and bacherolette party. Her parents, two sisters, brother, sibling's significant others...they all knew but she didn't have a clue. I walked into the house and she was literally speechless and even shed a few tears. A perfect success.

This wonderfully intelligent, beautiful, strong woman is getting married in 6 weeks and I wasn't going to miss all of this in the world. I 'm reading at the wedding but I had to make the "pre-party" functions. The weekend flew by and I'm home now but it was so great to see her. We live a long ways apart and don't get to see each other very often so this was special.

HNT...Take Me Away

It's been one of those weeks! At least I have two of my favorite things to make me feel better...Kokanee beer and fresh from the orchard apple cider. The OJ...it expired on Sept 9th and has never been open. There's a veggie tray there, it's edible, no E. Coli. The corn shells work for a cheese quisadilla in a pinch. The salad dressing, very good but no spinach to eat it with :( Guess I'll have to settle for a beer and I'm off to bed. Happy HNT

HNT...will they ever look better?

Don't even start with the smart ass comments. My knees are never ever going to be lady like. They have scars (one from an eighth grade teeter totter accident, eighth graders are too tall to play safely on a teeter totter), recurrent roadrash on the right one, bruises from playing v-ball without knee pads, kneeling on concrete floors at work to put on splints. Thank god just below the knee skirts are now "in". These current raspberries are two weeks old and I think they are just staying.

Favorite time of year...

The air is crisp, the temps cooler, the mornings have a chill, the sun sets sooner...fall is upon us.

I love this time of year. There is something about it that makes me feel alive. I enjoy working around the house on a fall weekend with the windows open, a mcintosh apple or pumpkin spice candle burning. My "backyard" isn't a yard at all but a very steep hill filled with trees that are all starting to turn to shades of rust, red, and yellow. In the morning, when I step out of the house I can smell the colors turning.

Could fall last forever?

Getting there...

Isn't he adorable? i've been working in my office all day and the cats had a blast playing at my feet the whole time. just an hour before this Romeo was playing football in the kitchen while I finished up a few things. I caught him napping just now before we head upstairs to go to bed. I couldn't resist this precious shot. I'm off now with my cup of tea and book to call it a night myself. Have a great week!

Observations for a busy week...

It's Friday? Really? Are you sure?

1. When agreeing to do a presentation...don't agree to do one on two different days back to back
2. When agreeing to do a presentation in April...realize September is only 5 months away
3. When giving said presentation...where a lot of deodorant
4. I'm not proud of it but...I went "Miranda Priestly" on an office assistant this week
5. When you are an office assistant...just do what you are asked, those smarter than you have already put things together to make it as simple as possible, just follow directions
6. When lifting a box, be prepared for it to be heavier than you think....screen doors when slamming on leg will leave a straight 6 inch by 1 inch bruise to match the edge
7. Those that love us, really do love us...trust that
8. When you have serious trust issues from the past AND become stressed...little things can send you over the edge
9. Nearing thirty...since when do I get heartburn!?
10. Friends are busy...Os, I miss you.
11. Friends are lonely...guys, feel free to use my shoulder
12. September means fall weather...putting that first warm cable sweater on for the season feels like heaven
13. Putting that warm sweater on to go to a high school football game...again, feels like heaven
14. Falling asleep in the arms of someone you love when stressed to the max...feels like heaven
15. When winning a volleyball game through hard work and team work...you don't notice you forgot our knee pads until the shower afterwards
16. There are some really really KIND people in this world...I'm glad I know a few

Just some random thoughts...now one more "job" to do yet tonight and then...THE WEEKEND!

I'm in a funk...

I don't know what my problem is. My head is up my ass.

I'm just not "on". I feel edgy. i'm on the verge of tears over nothingness. My stomach has a mind of it's own. I'm acting jealous, freaking out on trust issues that I have been repeatedly told aren't an issue, and nearing paranoia. Don't know where this groove got stuck but it's stuck and it's starting to piss me off but my body seems to react to it in the negative (you know...waves of "oh my God I'm going to hurl", hot sweaty palms, chest pounding) in spite of my very logical brain telling myself to knock it off.

Some of you "know". Why is it such a problem all of a sudden again? I thought I was over it.

Doing Better...

Day two I'm feeling much better now. I felt fine yesterday morning for the first few hours. Then it all seemed to hit me after a 40 minute windy car drive. Ugh. Oh well...I lived. I was able to keep lunch and dinner down yesterday so not too bad.

Now I need to be productive. I'm giving two presentations this week (Friday and Saturday) and I have neither one done. Guess I know what I'm doing today. Now for coffee...

A friend of mine...

Jose' Cuervo you are a friend of mine,
I like to drink you with a little salt and lime.

Yeah...long night last night. I was home before midnight but after several beers and then letting a friend buy me a shot, "any shot, whatever", I slept propped upright on the couch. What a night!

Ugh...HNT

I dislike grumpy people, mean people, people lacking common sense. I dislike being excluded, ignored, cut short, not trusted. I dislike that I get grumpy, that I get tired, that I can't trust others. I dislike waiting, I dislike that I'm not patient. If I could just punch something inanimate and really hard I think I would feel better...Instead I'm saying screw it and going to bed before 9 pm because I'm too tired.

Labor Day Drive

So Os said we had to post about our drive to work...unfortunately mine takes only about 10 minutes and isn't exciting in any way. So not much to say but this is how I got to work this morning at 6:45 am!!!

See that! The leaves are starting to change colors!! I love this time of year.

I take a short cut to my parking lot so I get to the hospital one exit early :)

It is serious privilege to have parking in this elite structure! I have privilege :)

It's over??

Are you sure tomorrow's Tuesday? I need another three day weekend. I got so much done this weekend that I want to keep going. The first coat on all the edges is done and as you can see the last touch up needs to be completed but at least the first coat is on. Any suggestions on what to do with that darn white window? I love the hardwood as is, but the white window is a little much.

To Do: MOSTLY DONE...Not too shabby for three days without work or the boy around :)
1. Spackle holes left by previous owner on third floor DONE
2. Prime with charcoal colored primer DONE
3. Paint in cocoa puff and maple leaf DONE
4. Mount wall shelves for stamping stuff Think I need an IKEA trip to find these
5. Install other buildings storm door DONE
6. Pick up and install four new mailboxes for the townhome association
7. Take Labor Day "trip to work" pictures IN PROGRESS
8. Meet a blogger world friend for lunch DONE
9. Write out retreat for the 16th Will work on tomorrow when I get home from work
10. Work on ACL paper Found ALL my notes on this topic and put them in ONE spot
11. Paint my toenails DONE
12. Cut out all my uncut stamp sets DONE
13. Play with the cats DONE...sat on Regg's tail for 2 minutes before I figured out why he was meowing up a storm :(

Croc Hunter Killed

This is how I want to go out of this world. Not necessarily stung by a sting ray but doing what I love. The Great Croc Hunter leaves behind two adorable childern that at their young age have had more adventures than most 70 year olds. The guy was bit on the annoyoing side but wow, he lived a life.

SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- Steve Irwin, the TV presenter known as the "Crocodile Hunter," has died after being stung by a stingray in a marine accident off Australia's north coast.

Media reports say Irwin was diving in waters off Port Douglas, north of Cairns, when the incident happened on Monday morning.

Irwin, 44 was killed by a stingray barb that went through his chest, according to Cairns police sources. Irwin was filming an underwater documentary at the time.

Ambulance officers confirmed they attended a reef fatality Monday morning off Port Douglas, according to Australian media. (Watch scenes of Irwin, known for his his enthusiasm and support for conservation -- 2:49)

Queensland Police Services also confirmed Irwin's death and said his family had been notified. Irwin was director of the Australian Zoo in Queensland.

He is survived by his American-born wife Terri and their two children, Bindi Sue, born 1998, and Robert (Bob), born December 2003.

"The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet," his friend and producer John Stainton told reporters in Cairns, according to The Associated Press. "He died doing what he loved best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, 'Crocs Rule!' "

Australia Prime Minister John Howard said he was "shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin's sudden, untimely and freakish death," according to the AP.

Irwin became a popular figure on Australian and international television through Irwin's close handling of wildlife, most notably the capture and relocation of crocodiles.

Irwin's enthusiastic approach to nature conservation and the environment won him a global following. He was known for his exuberance and use of the catch phrase "Crikey!"

But his image suffered a setback in January 2004 when he held his then 1-month-old baby Bob while feeding a crocodile at his Australian zoo. (Full story)

In a statement released to Australian media, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer expressed his sorrow and said that he was fond of Irwin and was very appreciative of all the work he had done in promoting Australia overseas.

In 2003, Irwin spoke to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.'s "Australian Story" television program about how he was perceived in his home country.

"When I see what's happened all over the world, they're looking at me as this very popular, wildlife warrior Australian bloke," he said, the ABC reported.

"And yet back here in my own country, some people find me a little bit embarrassing. "You know, there's this... they kind of cringe, you know, 'cause I'm coming out with 'Crikey' and 'Look at this beauty.' "

Blogger Lunch

Sandi and I had lunch today. A few months ago she asked what she could do this summer and we had figured out we worked in the same town and lived only 20 miles apart. We decided to meet for lunch. School hasn't started here yet so it still officially counts as summer and we met up for brunch this morning.

We managed to chat away almost 2 hours of our day. It's like sitting down with a friend you have known for a long time but never seen before. There's an occasional lull in the coversation but it's quickly filled. It was nice to meet in person. We snagged a random waiter and have him snap a picture of us. Don't know what the weird computer screen/kid game thing was at our table but oh, well. We had a good time with good conversation and that's all that matters.

Look-alike? Yeah, maybe

A few other's have tried this so I thought what the heck. The boy always tells me I look like Hillary Duff. That one didn't come up but I thought Alicia Silverstone was a pretty good match. Wonder what she would look like with paint in her hair and dust and paint all over her feet?

Getting there...

To Do:
1. Spackle holes left by previous owner on third floor DONE
2. Prime with charcoal colored primer DONE
3. Paint in cocoa puff and maple leaf HALF DONE (maple leaf done)
4. Mount wall shelves for stamping stuff
5. Install other buildings storm door
6. Pick up and install four new mailboxes for the townhome association
7. Take Labor Day "trip to work" pictures IN PROGRESS
8. Meet a blogger world friend for lunch
9. Write out retreat for the 16th
10. Work on ACL paper
11. Paint my toenails
12. Cut out all my uncut stamp sets
13. Play with the cats DONE...sat on Regg's tail for 2 minutes before I figured out why he was meowing up a storm :(

It's the weekend!

I have so much time! Three whole days without work to spend in my own home. Three days to sleep in. Three days to do home improvements. I'm so excited!

To Do:
1. Spackle holes left by previous owner on third floor
2. Prime with charcoal colored primer
3. Paint in cocoa puff and maple leaf
4. Mount wall shelves for stamping stuff
5. Install other buildings storm door
6. Pick up and install four new mailboxes for the townhome association
7. Take Labor Day "trip to work" pictures
8. Meet a blogger world friend for lunch
9. Write out retreat for the 16th
10. Work on ACL paper
11. Paint my toenails
12. Cut out all my uncut stamp sets
13. Play with the cats

And the list could go on and on. It almost feels like a Monday, all this potential, all the possibility. Let's see what I can really accomplish.