ginny

my husband is an ironman

2009-10-27T22:06:00.021-06:00

BJ, the dogs and I left the Springs after work on Wednesday nite, arriving in Amarillo about 1:30am. Then got up (left the dogs w/ my parents) Thursday morning and drove to Austin. We stayed with Mark and Pam Notto, Mark is BJ's buddy from MCI/Verizon that also participated in the Longhorn Ironman 70.3 aka The Flat Zac Classic.

The race wasn't until Sunday so we had Thursday evening, Friday and Saturday to hang out and play. I actually ditched BJ on Friday to go spend some time with my college roommates. Chelsea, who lives in Austin and Laurie (and her 3yr old daughter, Meredith) came over from Houston to visit. I'll spare y'all more play-by-play of the weekend and get to what I'm sure you're most interested in...THE RACE.

It started at 7:30 on Sunday morning at Decker Lake. They started in waves so the pros started first, then it went by age. Notto started about 7:35ish and BJ started at 8:30. I was really glad we were able to find BJ in the throng of people before he started...

[please excuse how awesome I look, humidity makes my hair look great - as does getting ready in the dark at 6:00 am][breakfast of champions]
[slight wardrobe malfunction - w/ Scott, Chelsea's husband][after the 1.2 mile swim - getting chicked (a girl passing him)][1st transition from swim to bike - i just like this pic cuz he looks nekkid]
[starting the 56 mile ride]
[cruising thru the 13.1 mile run]
[the home stretch - where notto's wife was ready to hand each of them a flat zac to carry across the finish line]
[and the long-awaited FINISH LINE!]
[a couple of notto]

[my happy, stud muffin after a shower and dinner post-race]

All said and done, BJ finished in 6hrs and 51min. Initially he was pleased just to have finished but now that he's had some time to digest it all and nitpick himself he's disappointed with his time. I say "who cares?" considering I wouldn't even contimplate attempting a race like that! He was surprisingly spry, cheerful and pain free afterward. It's still up in the air if this was his last race or not.....:)

1st birthday

2009-10-11T22:04:00.005-06:00

Hunter's birthday is tomorrow, the 12th. I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by...I can't imagine how his parents feel! He walks like a champ, has a several tricks that he'll do on command (if he feels like participating, of course). Here are some pics of the festivities:

the "real" party on saturday - lookin' real proud of himself.
i guess 30 adults clapping for him wasn't enough.

dinner tonite at texas roadhouse for big sister, rachel's, b-day.
(22yrs on 10/16)

the cake rachel made for him - don't count the fingers :)warshin' it all down!

Not only did we have a weekend of birthday stuff, but Brandt, Yoyo and Ty all came thru town from a wedding and stayed with us last nite. It was so nice to have a little time catching up with them and to give BJ other people (besides me) to talk football and show off guns.

this little cutie pie...

2009-09-07T21:04:00.001-06:00

...peed on me Friday nite.

oh hail no!

2009-08-11T19:07:00.003-06:00

...that's what my flowers were saying last nite. Actually, it was probably more like "hailp us!"

something more fun

2009-08-07T20:17:00.001-06:00

hindsight

2009-08-06T19:02:00.004-06:00

Maybe I've mentioned before that Zac works at NewSpring so not only is he their chief computer nerd but he's also able to participate in their ministry. This video was shown to a group of middle and high school students that had been challenged to work for today, not someday. They were to write a letter to themselves in the future. Zac wrote a letter to himself in the past...

Just over $2000 for the Flat Zac Classic...spread the word!

flat zac classic

2009-07-30T19:50:00.023-06:00

We really don't want to totally cram this down everyone's throats, but...aw forget it, we do want to cram it down your throats. And considering that the people that read my blog are most likely true friends and family [as compared to all the folks on Facebook], I want to take this [brief] opportunity to be the bragging wife of BJ rather than the supporter of the FZC cause. BJ and his friend, Mark Notto, have signed up to take part in this:

[click pic to visit the website]

...as a fundraiser for our friend, Zac Smith, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Yes, he has a job that provides good medical benefits...but we all know that insurance doesn't cover everything. So BJ and his fellow computer nerdy friends have created this website to spread the word.

Back to the bragging part. I'm SO proud of BJ. Not only for seeing the need and taking the initiative to do something about it and for really working hard to develop a plan and a way to "market" it. But especially for making the commitment to an event that will truly challenge him. Sacrificing time to train, physically taxing his body, being open to the possibility of a bruised ego, etc. all with the hope that it will encourage everyone that knows (or knows of) the Smiths to make a small financial sacrifice.

Zac, Mandy, Lizzy, Jake and Luke Smith

* * *

I know BJ will NOT like that I've said all these things about him because he doesn't want that type of recognition, but I don't get the opportunity to sing his praises very often since he generally sucks. KIDDING!

baby love

2009-07-18T22:38:00.002-06:00

...couldn't be prouder!

2009-07-09T20:31:00.003-06:00

(click to enlarge)

when the lights go down in the city

2009-06-15T23:08:00.002-06:00

After BJ and I spent all weekend shoveling and spreading 13 tons of topsoil, the sod guys showed up today and laid all 1300 sq ft of sod in about 15 minutes! No pics of the actual lawns, we're just really diggin' the new lights.

check, check, check it out

2009-03-27T23:44:00.003-06:00

When you've got some free time, watch some {or all} of the videos on this site.

The mushroom one is awesome. Warning: it's somewhat phallic so you might feel a little naughty watching it at first but you won't be able to deny that it's cool. And the butterfly one too...not too as in perverse, but too as in cool. And the apple. And the thunderstorm. And maybe I'm a nerd...

kiss me...i'm irish!

2009-02-24T20:57:00.004-07:00

...and a slobbery, messy boy

...but I'm really happy about it!

my valentine

2009-02-13T22:37:00.011-07:00

I married this boy {click on the green, mom} and I'm not sure if I should be:

A) embarrassed that I took this picture (on our honeymoon)
B) more embarrassed that he posted it online
C) impressed that he's participating in this vigorous endeavor
D) proud that he's raising money for charity

He's a silly boy. But he's my silly boy.

{y'all feel free to contribute but no pressure at all}

midazolam

2009-02-09T21:37:00.003-07:00

Mom and Dad, what time is it?

Now rock out to the remix...

this is long and some say it's staged but i don't care...it's funny!

2009-02-06T21:28:00.004-07:00

in sickness and in health

2009-01-29T19:34:00.004-07:00

The past 24 hours have probably been the most enlightening for my husband. He wasn't around for the last go 'round. So bless his heart, he got to experience the 24 hour clear liquids diet, the cleanse, the {new for me too} puking, the Ginny on sedatives, the photos, etc.

OK, forget the "bless his heart" BLESS MINE!

First of all, I eat. I need to eat. People around me need me to eat. I get crabby.

2nd, the prep. Last time I drank 8oz of mag citrate, followed by the GALLON of thick salt water. Awful. So, imagine my delight when my doctor prescribed tablets that have the same effect!! No biggie, 4 tablets every 15 minutes with at least 8oz of water then again this morning. Too bad I puked up all the tablets. OK, not all the tablets...I guess I got enough to do the trick. Liquids coming out both ends makes me crabby too.

Sedatives, great. Versed is my f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e! This time was a little different. I do remember what happened. I do remember watching my innards on the TV screen and talking to the nice ladies during the procedure. Que sera, I guess. The drugs were good enough that I didn't really care. Oh, I also got to wear my watch the whole time so I didn't come out asking what time it was like 800 times. {that's for mom and dad}

Anyway, today was essentially just for fun. I'm fine, my new doctor wanted to do a routine screening while I'm healthy since it's been a long time since my last one...so she could have a baseline to reference.

BJ called me Benjamin Button after he noticed we were by far the youngest people in the waiting room. After, he took me to get a breakfast burrito. Bless his heart.

wooly willy

2008-12-28T22:28:00.008-07:00

Back from Amarillo's Christmas festivities, BJ and I had a little fun with facial hair...

before: my personal preference

tough guy handlebars the porn star 'stachethe chaplin/hitler

after: standard bj (no pic, bj was tired of posing)

merry christmas from the fam-o-lee

2008-12-22T22:14:00.005-07:00

Since most of our friends and family won't be making a trip to Colorado to see it, how 'bout a few photos of our home in full Christmas regalia...

Aside from the general bah humbug attitude that BJ and I so readily display, I suppose that last picture is a giveaway since we don't drive a van!

hunter in the house

2008-12-18T21:24:00.005-07:00

Mommy and Daddy had a Christmas thing to attend sans-baby. Mommy actually had the nerve to consider hiring a babysitter for the evening!! Gin set Mommy straight and informed her that was the most ridiculous idea ever! So, Ginny and BJ have been playing with HDG all night all the while reassuring Ruby and Wrigley that they're just as loved. BJ is currently trying to rouse him from his snooze so his Mommy and Daddy can go home with the false sense of security that he'll sleep through the night. Hunter is getting annoyed with BJ.

bring the politics back!

2008-11-05T20:44:00.005-07:00

Just kidding.
But should I really be hearing Christmas Carols on TV already?!

halloween

2008-11-03T20:25:00.006-07:00

How great were our costumes?!Just kidding! I spent the day at the zoo with our friends, Allison and Eli. It was the most perfect day! Note to self: go to the zoo when the weather is cooler so the animals are out playing around instead of hiding in the shade.I think Al and I were most impressed when Eli spotted this guy... ...just milling around checking things out. This deer wasn't part of an exhibit or anything, just hanging out and Eli apparently has a keen eye that would make his hunting Papa proud!As far as traditional Halloween plans go...we punked out. No particular reason to be scrooges but we still sat in the dark, hiding from all the kiddies that wanted candy!

politicked

2008-10-22T21:16:00.001-06:00

I cannot eloquently convey how sick and tired I am of this election. I am fed up with all the commercials, bumper stickers, fliers and news commentaries touting one candidate as our savior and the other as the devil incarnate. Part of my rationale lies in the fact that I’m sick of it being so “in your face” but even more because it’s such a waste of money and resources. Are any of our candidates really that concerned with saving a freakin’ tree? Stop sending junk in the mail. Are any of our candidates really that concerned with the economy? Make better use of your campaign contributions. Are any of our candidates really that concerned with gas/oil prices, supply, sources, etc.? Stop flying to a different state three times a day. I can go on and on…

Even more than all the nationwide propaganda, I am becoming infuriated with all the unsolicited e-mails I receive from people that I know that assume I want my inbox flooded with crap. It saddens me that people go to so much trouble to vilify and malign their opposition. It saddens me that people can be so intolerant of different viewpoints that they become fanatical and bombard others with their “truths.”

Yes, I am a Christian and oppose abortion. Does that necessarily mean I’ll vote for McCain? No.

Yes, I am a woman. Does that necessarily mean I’ll vote for McCain/Palin? No.

Yes, I am young and like cool t-shirts. Does that mean I’ll vote for Obama? No.

Yes, I want “change” for our country. Does that mean I’ll vote for Obama? No.

Yes, I am anti-big business and corporate greed. Does that mean I’ll vote for Obama? No.

Yes, I think our nation is in a crisis. Does that mean I think either McCain or Obama will fix it? No.

I have faith that our system of checks and balances will prevail, so that no one person or group can dictate our country into the ground. But even more than that faith, I believe that the Lord is in control and He surely will take care of us.

So stop sending me junk e-mail for these last few weeks of the campaign! And don’t even start sending me the “wailing and gnashing of teeth” commentaries when your candidate doesn’t win!

seriously??

2008-10-21T23:04:00.015-06:00

Is Mother Nature sure it's not too soon for this?!

he's heeere!

2008-10-12T21:54:00.005-06:00

Hunter Duncan - 7lb 9oz - 20in

with Daddy, Mark

with Mommy, Barb

with BJ

and Gin

Our Godson, Hunter was born this afternoon. We thought it was going to be a loooong process, but Barb ended up having an emergency c-section. All is well now. So far, he's been really alert and peaceful. Mommy is fine too...I think she's somewhat anxious about the pain to come.

I'm really glad to be a state employee...I have tomorrow, Columbus Day, off so I can (hopefully) have a little more quality time w/ them!

dads and daughters

2008-09-14T21:34:00.006-06:00

I recently stumbled across this commercial again...

For the specific reason of protecting my dad's privacy and/or ego, I won't go into great detail about why this resonates so deeply in my heart. However, I am still baffled at the fact that this guy
is (or was circa 1992) able to do this so well.Like I said, I won't give specifics as to why that commercial is so special and brings back such fond memories to me. I guess y'all will just have to assume that it's simply because it's cute and because it reminds me that my Daddy and I have a really special relationship.

whiney butts

2008-09-11T21:04:00.006-06:00

I've received several complaints from various people about my lack of blogging. I'll keep telling myself it's because I'm such an eloquent writer with astoundingly interesting things to tell all my faithful readers.

Labor Day Weekend, BJ's parents came to visit. Oddly enough we took them to the zoo. Even more odd was that it was A-W-E-S-O-M-E (like to-tally)! [that's a little cheer we did in elementary school] But seriously, it was a very cool zoo...they built it into Cheyenne Mountain and had tons of animals, not like just 2-3 of each kind. I never remember to take a camera, luckily Rita brought hers...but it would seem that she forgot to actually use it!

the obligatory forced pose w/ a giant bear

the payback photo forcing our photographer to actually be in a picture
[i cropped myself out :)]

The Tuesday after Labor Day, BJ started his new job. [cough, sputter, choke] Sorry, I can't even type that with a straight face. I guess his new place of employment has never had a new hire before?? I dunno...maybe they just didn't think he'd actually need a laptop to work?? He's all up and running now (aside from the fact that his boss is on vacation this week).

Last weekend was a quick trip to Amarillo. Most of our trip was spent running around like crazy, trying to see all the people we love and miss. It's always nice to be there...but I'm looking forward to a trip down there when we have a little more time.

THIS, this lack of excitement and photos and detail is why I haven't blogged in such a long time! I need more stimulation and reminders to get the camera out for even the most mundane events in our lives! I need more people to come visit us...we'll take ya to the zoo [wink, wink]!

change will do you good

2008-08-18T22:13:00.004-06:00

For those of my faithful readers that aren't familiar with BJ's tendency to appreciate change more than most, here's a quick update.

First, he's headed back to...

He'll start September 2nd, pending he passes the background check. This time, the job comes with totally different circumstances and everything has really fallen into place. So, as ironic as it sounds, we both truly believe it's a good thing.

And 2nd, he's held out for just over a year with his truck (which may very well be the longest stretch for him with a single vehicle). We just picked up this fun little toy in Denver...
As much as I love my 4Runner...I'm finding myself very envious of this bad boy! I think the 3rd change might be from his/hers vehicles to whoever sneaks out of the garage first!

happy anniversary springs!

2008-07-06T20:47:00.011-06:00

'Twas this very day/night last year that we closed on our house in Amarillo and hit the road to Colorado Springs.
Perhaps this occasion isn't one that all our friends and family are likely to celebrate...but let us rejoice when we consider that TJ, Robin and Ginny are all still alive, breathing and functioning in spite of the distance!And while we (desperately) miss being close to our families, I am so grateful for the friends, opportunities and "growth" BJ and I have encountered and experienced this past year. C'mon... ya can't blame us for loving it here!

parenting

2008-06-16T18:31:00.004-06:00

Our friends, Mark and Barb asked that BJ and I be their new baby's godparents. As of right now, this unborn baby is a boy named Hunter...I dunno if I'll fully commit to that until he meet "him" in October or thereabouts. At any rate, we're both more than honored to assume this role for our friends. We love them dearly and I love Hunter so much already. However, being raised in the Church of Christ (or generally non-denominational for those of you not in the Bible belt) I thought I'd better check around to see exactly what our responsibilities come with this title. And yes, I get all my info from Wikipedia.

Traditionally, the godparents were counted informally responsible for ensuring that the child's religious education was carried out and for caring for the child should he/she be orphaned.

Yikes! I was prepared (or as much as one can be, wishfully thinking that Mark and Barb will live forever) for the orphan part. But we're responsible for Hunter's religious education? That's a lot of pressure. Not that we aren't willing...we've just got some studying to do, I guess.

Ah, but keep reading...

The modern view of a godparent tends to be an individual chosen by the parents to take a vested interest in the child's upbringing and personal development.

...this I can absolutely handle.

I (we, but mostly me) am blessed to have so many babies of friends that I love like my own. Granted, none of their parents have asked me to be their children's religious educator. I'm going to assume it's only because they have actual blood-related ties to equally appropriate "candidates" rather than the fact that they don't trust me with their kids' safety and/or salvation. Regardless of any official title, I love my Keaghan (not a baby anymore), Jaxen, Meredith, Henry, Edie, Ryan, Anna Lee, Delton, Clare, Jane, Sydney, Eli and Hunter, not to mention our (so not babies) niece and nephews. I love them so much, I'm gonna refill my birth control again!

newest expense

2008-06-11T20:06:00.013-06:00

Lookie what we got!! Air conditioning! And boy, it could not have come sooner...it was a blistering 70 degrees today...Since I'm lame enough to document this newest addition/luxury to our house, I figured I'd also snag a few photos of the yards. This is our feeble attempt at Xeriscape - \ˈzir-ə-ˌskāp, ˈzer-\a landscaping method developed especially for arid and semiarid climates that utilizes water-conserving techniques (as the use of drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation). It'll fill in, right??
I had just finished watering...that's why the rocks are darker around the plants. [duh]
If I had Photoshop on this computer, I'd point out where stuff already died (or was eaten by rabbits). Maybe you can find the shriveling or just plain blank spots on your own...or don't. Also don't take notice of the grass...or lack thereof. We're still contemplating our battle plan for that. Perhaps a little late in the season, you say? [scoff]
This is my dern neighbor's yard. This picture doesn't come close to showing how beautiful it is. The words lush, bright and exotic instantly come to mind, not to mention the relaxing "tinkle" of the waterfall. Maybe I just need a Buddha statue and mine will look like that too?!

29 on the 29th

2008-05-30T16:33:00.006-06:00

A quick thank you to all the folks that acknowledged my birthday with a card, phone call, gift, etc. I love you all dearly...especially the ones that sent gifts! :) Just kidding...kinda. I wish I was smart enough to somehow pass along the voice mail I received from Meredith Grace Moreland (who almost shares a birthday with me) it is really sweet and will likely be saved for a long time.
And speaking of folks that share birthdays...a shout out of some sort is in order to Cousin Megan, whose life I "ruined" on her 3rd birthday. Siggie Cara who I believe prefers to celebrate most similarly to me...with as little fanfare as possible. And JFK, Jr. may he rest in peace.

BJ got off a little easy this year, considering I purchased a fairly expensive purse a couple of weeks ago and told him that could be my gift. 'Cept don't forget I'm a brat and I sent him a link for a bracelet that I wanted...so I got that too. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all...was from my parents. No, it wasn't the little bunny garden statue (a homage to my previous post)...nor was it the Texas flag that I requested. It was the SIZE of the Texas flag!! I guess they thought it best to drape our entire house with it! Oh they do know me well...

(actual size)

survival of the fittest

2008-05-21T20:29:00.008-06:00

Call us lame. Call us bleeding hearts. Call us weenies. We don't care. We love all the animals that live in our backyard and in the park just beyond our fence. We especially love Marshall. He is the baby bunny that lived under our deck and let BJ and me pretend he was our pet. BJ fed him cracked corn, carrots, ginger root...by fed, I mean BJ would scatter it on the ground and Marshall would cautiously creep out to eat it while we watched.

Much to my dismay, I came home from work, gas station, grocery store and Jun's for takeout only to find our sweet Marshall in our sweet Ruby's mouth.

I love that girl (and her sister) more than just about anything, so I don't think I was able to make my voice stern enough or point my finger stiffly enough to make her understand that it was NOT OK...especially when her ears lay down and her sad face breaks my heart. I mean, she's our little huntress, it's her nature, right? Dern Darwinism.

Alas, Marshall still resides under our deck because Ruby dropped him under the stairs and I don't have the cojones to go get him. In his memory there is a red solo cup emblazoned "MARSHALL" in black sharpie on our kitchen counter that will likely remain until the trash truck comes again next Wednesday.

it's that time of year again...

2008-05-20T20:43:00.011-06:00

(click here to enlarge)Last year I sent a mass email to friends, family, acquaintances, etc. -- soliciting money for the CFF walk. This year, BJ and I won't be in Amarillo to participate but I wanted to be sure that you all know contributions are WELCOME! Considering how much we love Lance and the rest of his family, this "cause" is near and dear to our hearts. Janice is linked over there on the side or get in touch with me and I'll get you to her.

job security

2008-05-15T19:49:00.003-06:00

BJ got me paranoid about my previous post so I deleted it. Today I have a different rant.

From the Amarillo Globe-News:

California Supreme Court overturns gay marriage ban

The Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO — The California Supreme Court has overturned a gay marriage ban in a ruling that would make the nation's largest state the second one to allow gay and lesbian weddings.

From the Colorado Springs Gazette:

California's top court legalizes gay marriage

By LISA LEFF
Associated Press Writer
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- California's Supreme Court declared that gay couples in the nation's biggest state can marry - a monumental but perhaps short-lived victory for the gay rights movement Thursday that was greeted with tears, hugs, kisses and at least one instant proposal of matrimony.

Some of you may be thinking I'm freaking about the gay marriage thing, but NO! Read carefully. Since when in California the largest state?? Granted, both newspapers got their stories from the AP...and perhaps they're referring to the population...and I know that Alaska is technically bigger by land mass, but COME ON what about TEXAS?! I'll stop.

mayday -- may day

2008-04-30T21:30:00.008-06:00

Considering what they (ie: doomsdayers/weathermen) were saying earlier in the week, I guess we outta be counting our blessings that they're promising 48 tomorrow...Happy 3rd anniversary to BJ and me! As our gift to each other, we bought weekend passes to a music festival that we're both really excited about. BJ picked me up from work and we had dinner downtown at Phantom Canyon (a brewery that I'd never been to, that we're going back because there were still several things on the menu that I want to try). Gift enough that he braved "downtown" (he hates the traffic, parking and the meters that go with it) but he also brought me a sweet, sweet card and gift card to my salon. I brought him...NOTHING. I guess I'm just dense.

kum ba yah

2008-04-28T21:36:00.012-06:00

BJ had our patio furniture out when I got home from work today. Don't think it didn't derail us from our plans for the gym and grilled chicken. We stayed out there and grilled hot dogs/brats, took the girls for a walk then came back and froze our tatas off while we enjoyed our backyard in the dark.

amarillo by mornin'

2008-04-24T18:57:00.002-06:00

Oh my gosh this has been the loooongest week! Strike one against me was that BJ was out of town Sunday - Wednesday (it was supposed to be Thursday so I'll count my blessings). Strike two is that my building is closed the last Friday of every month so I had to work four 10 hour days to make up for being off Friday. Again, counting my blessings that I'm able to take a day off without losing pay during my first month on a new job...but I'm tired.

Good news is that both our bathrooms are now functioning. We haven't actually used the master since I've been too lazy to seal the grout and clean up, but it's nice to know it's an option. Other good news is that I'm flying to Amarillo tomorrow morning. Once again, good news is conditional considering I have to get up earlier to get to Denver to catch my flight than I do on a work day but I'm glad to be able to visit my parents, friends and BJ's family, etc.

Perhaps my best news is that BJ had a wreck in Atlanta and his only complaints are general soreness and missing his flight. He was driving to the airport Wednesday and passed a wreck on the highway, no biggie. About 20 minutes later, the same lady that caused the first wreck hit him...then backed up to flee the scene...hit the same guy from the original wreck that was following her because she took off from him...went forward and hit BJ again...backed up...hit BJ a THIRD time and came to a stop. The first guy went and took her keys while BJ crawled over to the passenger door to get out. I guess their first thought was that she was drunk (at 9:00am) but later discovered from her random babbling excuses and her "doctor" that arrived on the scene that it was more of a mental/emotional issue. I dunno, whatever. BJ and the other guy are fine.

My week in a nutshell...thanks for playing.

april showers

2008-04-16T21:10:00.006-06:00

our prized deck is now under about four inches of snow. dern it.

Ode to the saw...

2008-04-14T20:39:00.008-06:00

...with which my father lovingly built our home.We sorta inherited it since Dad got a new one but just couldn't bear to throw it away (we Johnsons are sentimental folk...not packrats). It died today while BJ was still working our our deck...but then seemed to be resurrected while we were cleaning up!! We're thinking we had a bum extension cord.

Here's where we are now. I guess BJ does work more quickly with his lovely assistant! he got both new staircases and part of the handrail finished. He's disappointed he didn't get as far along with this project as he planned, but I know it had to be hard work all by his lonesome. There's rain in the forecast so we'll postpone staining till the weekend.

nag nag nag

2008-04-13T18:58:00.003-06:00

Sorry I haven't been posting regularly. My previous status as semi-employed provided much more free time than I have now. That, and I'm not sure I should share too many stories about work, considering the people that read this care about my safety and might not need to hear all the nitty gritty details. I mean do I start a blog with, "There I was, chatting with John Doe who just got out of jail for the fourth time. This time it was just drugs whereas last time was assault..."? And then go on to tell you all that he swears he's getting his life together. All he needed was to get that crazy b**** out of his life...none of this was his fault, he "Just don't snitch." Oh, and he can't start paying restitution because he has a new baby and "Diapers and formula ain't cheap." No kidding?!

I know it's a little early to sound so cynical...ALL of the guys I've met with have been nothing but respectful and nice to me. Some of the guys seem honestly embarrassed and/or repentant of whatever mistake(s) they've made in their pasts. I may find it hard to bite my tongue and keep my opinions of various stupidities to myself...but looking at their profiles in the computer is helping me zip it.

The only major downside is that I'm also learning more each day how much the other two CIs don't get along...and have such differing views of our job description. I like it more and more now that I'm getting to work a little more independently.

Enough about work. We're still plugging along on the house. Our master bath is still torn out and not usable. The tile guy is coming Wednesday and Thursday...the plumber hopefully next Monday. Then we'll have both up and running and more aesthetically pleasing than before.

While our bathroom projects have been kind of on hold, the backyard has become somewhat of a priority. That, and we keep thinking spring-like weather is on the way (only to have it snow the next day). Last week we sanded the deck, yesterday power-washed it. Today we've started a renovation of sorts. Part of the deck didn't have a railing (I think the original intent was to have a hottub there). You can see the newest part of the railing. We'll round the corner and leave space for a stairway.And we're adding another new staircase on the other side that will lead right into what will likely be a dog run on that side of the house.
BJ has stain and Monday and Tuesday off work...should be done pretty quickly without me getting in his way. We also picked out new patio furniture that we're planning to pick up next weekend. We're really excited about the back yard...I mean that's the reason we bought this dang house! The landscaping will be a LOT of work, but I think we'll be spending most of our free time enjoying the results...

Please tell me that's enough of an update for now....

J-O-B update

2008-04-03T20:41:00.002-06:00

Alrighty, 3 days down as a Collections Investigator in the Probation Department of the 4th Judicial District. One more till the weekend! Orientation stuff is boring and not being able to really work because I don't know what I'm doing is boooring. However, I wholeheartedly think this job has the potential to be really, really cool.

My office is in the courthouse, downtown. It's silly, but I like being a downtown girl...when the weather is nice enough to walk around during lunch (1 of 3 days so far). The parking sucks though.

The three of us "CIs" are in a different wing than the Probation Office. We're actually being temporarily housed in a semi-converted judge's chambers in a hallway of courtrooms and holding cells. Walking down the halls is a trip with guys in orange jumpsuits and handcuffs just ahead of you. The courtroom that we can see through the one way window in our office is the parole hearing room...we have lots of family members loitering in the doorway. They're moving us in a few weeks...as of today, no one knows where.

I'm totally overwhelmed with all the things I need to learn. It's all so different than anything I've ever done, but I'm really excited.

my first craigslist

2008-03-26T20:44:00.005-06:00

I know, I know I'm so behind the times, but I just posted my first ad on Craigslist. Well, not behind considering that I browse there often...I just haven't really had anything worth selling, I guess.

It's silly to post about it here, considering I'm not gonna ship it or bring it to ya...Nor do I believe that many folks in the Springs read my blog. Oh well, I'm just a silly girl.

Have I mentioned that our living room floor is nekkid?? 'Cept for our furry, fat girls and their dirty paw prints. (Wrigley was laying there next to Ruby...till I went and got out the camera.)

that is not an easter egg

2008-03-23T13:27:00.000-06:00

Who wouldn't want to dig around in the snow for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt?! We don't. Although, if you dig around in our yard, you're sure to find a treat! With any luck, it'll have bubble gum in it!

We rearranged the furniture in our living room last nite. Now the girls have their own little corner to snuggle. 'Cept they both want their heads out so they'll know what we're up to while they snooze.

The tile is finished in the guest bathroom. I'll be painting today, the plumber comes tomorrow and we should be good to go! Then, on to the next one...

bright spot

2008-03-19T15:57:00.009-06:00

I just got off the phone, accepting the position as a Collections Investigator in the Probation Office of...heck, I dunno who I'll actually be working for. The caller ID said El Paso County but the job description is at the Colorado Judicial Branch website. Surely you don't have to say all of that when you answer the phone??

I got a J-O-B! A real J-O-B!! One with a steady schedule, paycheck and benefits! One without runny noses, boring lesson plans and bratty kids. One where I don't have to tell people that I report directly to my mommy only to have them assume that my coworkers only like me because they report to her too! Did I mention the steady paycheck?! WOOHOO

Yeah, yeah. I know that with all of this comes with actually going every...single...day at 8:00am and not getting home early for a nap before a busy evening of TV watching. But a routine, a routine and a paycheck is worth it!

I start April 1st so gimme a while before I start b****ing about it.

tile update

2008-03-18T20:09:00.006-06:00

This is our tile, grout, caulk, etc. still in its original packaging...in the garage, not the bathroom.

I cannot fully express my feelings about this situation without using extremely explicit language. Use your imaginations if necessary.

i wouldn't call it a clean slate

2008-03-16T19:08:00.012-06:00

This weekend was our designated "fix up the bathroom" weekend. Look at what all is done...

Um, not that much. At least, not as much as we had planned.

Apparently we're having some communication issues with our tile guy. All week we thought we'd bust out the whole project this weekend. That turned to Sunday afternoon, Monday nite...maybe Tuesday. That has turned to, starting Monday evening...we'll see if the plan changes again tomorrow.

Now our only fear is that dysentery will set in at our house and we only have one potty!

a new look

2008-03-11T20:15:00.012-06:00

The girls are reaping part of the benefit from our REI dividend. It's weird to get a statement of sorts from their store that tells you how much you spent over the last year...and based on that amount, you get money back! BJ got 'em new collars, orange for Wrigs and blue for Ruby. (They're crappy pictures, sorry.)

And BJ started the demo on our guest bathroom. Tim, the plumber, is coming on Thursday (at least that's what I think we ended up with after about 85 phone calls back and forth today). Then "royal we" start tile with Mike, the HP computer nerd/tile guy this weekend!

sign of the times

2008-03-10T13:14:00.009-06:00

Did y'all know the Vatican announced 7 new deadly sins?!

I'm sure some might consider this inappropriate. I don't really intend to mock the Catholic Church, and without analyzing myself too much, I'm guessing I probably agree with most of these new sins...but I thought this particular article was pretty funny.

Don't do drugs, kids. Not even a little. And don't envy those who do.
The Vatican has reportedly trumpeted some 21st Century sins that reflect the more complicated moral landscape we all have to navigate.

No longer is it enough to avoid sloth, but now we have to go green, since polluting the environment is one of the "new" deadly sins. Exxon Mobil, it would seem, is doubly cursed since it is raked in insane profits (a new no-no) all the while fueling global warming.

Genetic modification is also on the list, which should bring hellfire raining down on Monsanto and most of the Midwest, where all those corn and soy seeds are planted.

All joking aside (whew! joking ain't deadly, and neither is bad grammar) here are the deadliest sins, both old and new:

The Original Deadly 7

Pride
Wrath
Lust
Gluttony
Envy
Sloth
Greed

21st Century Sinning

Genetic Modification
Experimenting on Humans
Polluting the Environment
Causing Social Injustice
Causing Poverty
Becoming Obscenely Wealthy
Taking Drugs

Dern it, I guess I'd better put a stop my job hunt as to avoid becoming obscenely wealthy. I'd hate for that to be my downfall!

As I type this, I've got an 8th new one...or rather a 15th to add to the list. Thou shalt not make thy wife go to the boycotted UPS store to ship "thou's" eBay sale. Boo BJ!

c'mon y'all

2008-03-04T21:03:00.011-07:00

Seriously, could they make this election crap a little more complicated?! I had no idea, until tonight, that caucusing was a word. But, BJ and I are loving the touch screen on CNN.

This is not in any way, shape or form my endorsement...I just thought the picture was funny!!

On a whole 'nother voting issue...why, at the ripe old age of 28, am I interested in American Idol for the very first time?! While I did mention "voting," I haven't stooped to that level, yet.

bubble butt

2008-03-02T17:32:00.005-07:00

This is what you find in the yard when "Daddy" gives Ruby watermelon bubble gum...

T.M.I.?!?! Nah!

not much

2008-02-27T20:59:00.003-07:00

What have I been up to?? Not much. I rejoined the land of the living on Saturday. BJ and I did some "shopping" to pick out bathroom stuff. I guess we're on the schedule to do the first one in a couple of weeks. We've got tile, paint, a toilet (that can flush a bucket of golf balls!) and cabinets picked out. I think we're a little unsure about the counter top and fixtures, but mostly just because we didn't look at that stuff very much.

I've had a pretty good week of subbing. Monday I did Special Ed. for a teacher that I've subbed for several times...I always enjoy her kiddos. It's especially nice because I just have a few of them at a time.

Yesterday I had the BEST day, ever. I did ESL at one of my favorite schools. The odd thing about ESL in my new neck of the woods...only two Spanish speakers! I had Falak and Nahush (pronounced Nosh) from India, Deisy and Luis (brother and sister from Mexico), Ron from the Philippines, Nikolas from Ukraine and another boy from Afghanistan. I spent the whole afternoon with the 3 kindergarteners, Falak, Nahush and Luis. We had such a fun time...they were the sweetest kids I've ever been around! We played tic-tac-toe, boys against girls...Falak was on my team and was just terrible at the game. Luis hugged her and told her that it was okay that she didn't win, it was all just for fun anyway. AW! I tried to teach them P-I-G in recess...to no avail, none of 'em could make a basket.

Today was pretty boring. Easy for the 90 bucks...but I'd still rather actually do something besides babysit all day long. I'm doing the same job tomorrow and Friday, it's Special Ed. too, but for middle school. The excitement of the day was the fire drill...we have another tomorrow :)

Friday nite I'm subbing (without pay) at a friend's BUNCO group. Saturday nite we have a birthday party for our friend, Barb. It's weird to me that I knew a lot more people in Amarillo, but we actually have a social life here in the Springs. Sure would've been nice if we had both in one place!

gloom despair and agony on me

2008-02-19T22:09:00.004-07:00

flu \ˈflü\ Any of several virus diseases marked especially by respiratory or intestinal symptoms.

I don't think I'm aware of a more ambiguous word. It seems this is the diagnosis for any ailment during the winter months. BUT, I think I'm officially joining the masses and chalking my 3 days (and counting) of fever, chills, chest congestion, etc. up to the blasted influenza. Perhaps I should consider it a blessing that, until now, a Z-Pack has cured any and all of my maladies.

Any of you guys ever sent your husband and a list to the grocery store?? Y'all keep your fingers crossed that I get over this quickly, without giving it to BJ!

we celebrate holidays early

2008-02-13T20:39:00.007-07:00

A long time ago, we took a quiz from a "make your marriage work" kind of book. We didn't actually read the book, just took the photocopied quiz that my mom gave us. [Here's where I butcher the premise of the book in my summary.] The results of the quiz essentially tell you how you and your spouse show and/or recognize love. For instance, a wife might (think she) show her husband how much she loves him by keeping the house spic-n-span, cooking elaborate dinners, ironing his undershirts and boxers...whereas all he wants from her is affection. It's more important to him to snuggle on the couch in the evening, rather than have her bustling around the house. Ya know what I'm saying??

All of that to say, BJ is a gift giver. He loves to give extravagant gifts, surprise gifts, unnecessary gifts. We had been dating only a couple of weeks when I received my very first (and last, ahem) Tiffany & Co. blue box...knocked my socks off. No matter when we say we're not spending much or "keeping it simple", he always does more for me on holidays, birthdays and anniversaries.

I, am not. I have some kind of mental/emotional block that prohibits me from making large or whimsical purchases without nausea. It literally does not cross my mind to buy something for someone unless they specifically ask for it. I am never inspired to give a gift that one might not need. I LOVE to give practical gifts.

Which is why this is what BJ got for Valentine's Day:

And this is what I got:

In my defense, I have been planning to get him Into the Wild on dvd for months. MONTHS I tell you! The release date was supposed to be February 12th, perfect timing for Valentines Day. However, when I went to Target yesterday they said "I dunno, I guess we didn't get any." Wal-Mart said "No, it comes out next week." (Ditto for Blockbuster.) Best Buy online and Amazon say March 4th. WHATEVER! Not that a movie would really make up the difference. No worries, I've got other ways to show MY love... ;)

I love my Valentime!

this and that

2008-02-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here in my jammies (yes, still) watching the Grammies, bored to tears.

Perhaps the tears actually come from the fact that BJ drove to Denver around noon to catch a flight to Sunnyvale (Terix HQ)?

Or maybe the tears flow because poor road/weather conditions forced us to cancel our trip to Breckenridge to meet up with Kevin and Megan?

No, the tears come from the cold that crept into my body Thursday that is now trying (desperately) to escape, via my nostrils and eyeballs. That said, it's probably for the best that I wasn't able to spread my "cheer" to Waco and Ft. Worth when Kevin and Megan returned to their respective cities. And also, that BJ got out while he was still able...I'm only assuming that incessant snivveling, breathing thru my mouth and wiping my nose are not things that make me more attractive to my husband.

Enough about the snot. Some of you may find it mildly amusing that I was the 6th grade band conductor on Friday (which was not a joyful noise, nor did it alleviate the pounding in my head due to sinus pressure from the aforementioned snot) and that I'm teaching P.E. tomorrow at some high school that I should look up in a few minutes.

Better get back to the TV!

gratification

2008-02-05T22:24:00.001-07:00

Aw be still my heart. I got a letter from one of my students. Austin is in one of the classes that I've subbed in a lot. I'd say it's probably my favorite group of kids, mostly because I know all their names and some of their idiosyncrasies (ie: who to watch out for). Lemme just point out a couple of things.

1. He thinks I'm donating my time. Um, I don't make a lot of money subbing, but I certainly don't do it because of my charitable heart.

2. Earlier in the day he was literally crying because someone in his group "stole" something off his desk. I told them to duke it out on the playground, mostly because I was annoyed to have a 5th grade boy shedding tears over a missing eraser. (ahem, refer to the "nice" and "caring" sentence)

3. The P.S. is a reference to the fact that they like to tease me for being from Texas and the accent that comes with said heritage.

It wasn't until even later in the day that I discovered that Austin's mommy would be the volunteer for the afternoon, casting the shadow of a doubt (albeit brief) as to his sincerity. I chalked that up to my aforementioned ~~charitable~~ cynical heart. Why the heck can't I claim to be the BEST substitute teacher in D20, dangit?! Geez, I need a real job.

shades of bj on a conference call

2008-01-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

So for those of you that haven't heard all the complaints from our house, BJ's new job requires that he be on conference calls, typically every night (M-F), for hours on end. I realize it's silly for me to complain about it...it's not me working those hours.

Some nights he's wearing his headset, listening in (ahem, babysitting), while he plays wii or Battlefield or whatever...piping in his two cents every now and then.

Some nights he's more involved sitting down in the office focused on contributing, advising, ordering, asking, suggesting, emailing, etc.

Some nights he's beyond stressed, wearing his headset while simultaneously talking on my cell phone and texting from his...till the wee hours of the morning.

Last night his call at 7:00 was a mere 45 minutes so we had most of the evening to hang out. His 11:00 call lasted till 3:30. But when he came upstairs to tell me goodnight (really he came up to pee) around midnight, I asked if everything was OK...he replies, "No, but I'm on it." Leaving me smiling to myself in the dark. Dadgum, I do love his confidence. Good thing he's a smart guy and can back it up!

The good news is, they're starting a rotation so that he'll only have to work two nights a week, then three nights and back and forth.

really, check it out

2008-01-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

BJ and I went to see U23D at the IMAX theater last nite... It was AWESOME!! BJ is a huge U2 fan...me, not so much. I like a lot of their songs, but I'm absolutely not a diehard. However, I must to encourage everyone to see it!

Be forewarned, Bono is pretty cheesy...but the 3D aspect will blow your mind. BJ and I were both somewhat skeptical of the 3D technology, think back to Jaws...but I cannot explain how much you feel "right there." There were times that I thought the people sitting in front of us were waving their arms around to the music...'cept it was the crowd at the actual concert. Trippy, I tell ya.

address

2008-01-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

If any of you are sending mail to us at 6660 Delmonico Suite D Box 237....STOP!!

We got a call today from that UPS store saying they had some of our mail. When I went to get it....one package and three bags of regular mail!!! I started sorting through it in the car...postmarks from September! Beyond frustrated, I went back inside to ask why they felt that after five months time, it was now appropriate to notify us that:

A) the change of address form I filled out with the USPS "Doesn't really work with their address."

B) when I asked specifically the day I closed the box, "Should I come by periodically, to check and see if y'all got anything by mistake?" To which she responds, "No, I'll take your phone number and call if you get anything." Today I get, "Oh, Anna doesn't work here anymore." ...nor did Anna mark on their records or the physical box 237 that it was closed, hence the other employees stockpiling our stuff.

In addition to their lack of notification to us, they apparently didn't see fit to RTS anything.

So, I have been informed that it is not the responsibility of said UPS store to follow up on three bags of mail, nor is it their responsibility that we have $100 in fees to BJ's credit card (that he NEVER uses except that one time right before we moved) and that I don't really have full medical coverage because that crap has been sitting in their floor for five months!!

On the bright side...I have done a major overhaul of our organization system. I've sorted through every single bill we've gotten since the move (that I've been just stacking in a pile on the floor in the office) and we're all paid up. Tomorrow, BJ has a few folks that he needs to notify of our correct address (ahem, the company he works for) and then we'll be all set!

fat tax

2008-01-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

We finally joined a gym last week...I think it was Monday or Tuesday. Mom asked me Sunday nite if we'd gone yet..."No, shut up!" She cracks up and tells me about that my cousin, Megan, refers to their monthly gym membership draft as their "fat tax." How appropriate...

I went yesterday. Today, I'm taking the day off...call me lazy or call me sore as all getout. I don't care, I'm not going. Tomorrow's another day!

link

2008-01-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

Since today is MLK day and it's snowing in the Springs...I'm sitting here in my pj's, stalking blogs. I stumbled across one that I wanted to share with you all.

I've been consumed by Nate's blog for the past two hours.

His wife, Tricia, has Cystic Fibrosis and is waiting for a double lung transplant. January 8th she gave (very, very premature) birth to their "miracle" baby girl, Gwyneth.

Nate is an amazingly candid storyteller with great attention to detail and a touch of sarcasm (which I greatly appreciate)...not to mention the faith in our Lord that he's sharing with the masses of his blog readers.

If you have the time, read some of his posts...otherwise, take my word that you should be praying for Nate, Tricia and Gwyneth.

dry spell

2008-01-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

So it's looking more and more like subbing isn't going to be the full-time job I was looking for. It is officially Thursday of this week and I've worked 1 1/2 days. Yesterday we woke up to literally a trace of snow and this District Weather Operation Status: CLOSED on the D20 website!! WHAT?! My 1/2 day job for today just called to cancel because her meetings have been rescheduled. I don't have anything lined up so far for tomorrow...

I think I really need to find a "real" job....or Colorado Springs needs a flu epidemic.

A little "aside" for you all: this is the only reason I'm counting my blessings that I've been stuck at home lately...

hair ball

2008-01-14T18:30:00.001-07:00

Why in the world would the girl voted "best hair" for Tascosa's 1997 graduating class do this?!?!
Really, it's just snags that I cut off our living room rug. I didn't realize how much it looks like braided blond hair...which is kinda weirding me out now.

guest room

2008-01-09T19:27:00.001-07:00

**editor's note: now that i'm looking at the pix, i really don't like the red dust ruffle and not just because it's insanely wrinkled. oh, and haha that the room is "ready" y'all just can't see that there are no baseboards!**

For Christmas, Mom and Dad got me new bedding for the guest room. This post is mostly for their benefit, but can also serve as a friendly reminder for those of you that need to come visit us!!

Ah yes, it's still pretty barren as far as decor goes, but the colorful bedding is so much better than the random "neutral" blankets I tried to make presentable.

new blog

2008-01-07T17:44:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone. I've started this new blog because going thru our website is way too annoying for me. There are about 85 steps to follow if I want to post pictures and lately Comcast won't allow us to connect to our web-hosting stuff.

I'll start off with the Wii post...

some may call us immature, i prefer young at heart...
bj got a wii from my folks for christmas and we have spent a LOT of time playing it. we just hooked it up at our house last weekend and for a few days, I BEAT the CRAP out of BJ at BOWLING!! no lie. i was ranked a "professional" in a matter of only a few games...then switched to lefty to give my right arm a break. yes, i was very sore after playing for hours a day for several days. shut up.

anyway, the tide has turned. bj caught up with me so we're both pros on the wii bowling circuit. it's hard being at the top of your game...now we can hardly buy a strike. i'm thinking i might lose back down to rock bottom so i can work back up again. probably not.

now we're getting pretty into tennis. we both like golf, but just like to play the target practice--rather than a real game.

here are all the "miis" we've added. the two of us and both sets of our parents. i feel like they're most likely to visit us and be halfway interested in playing.

animal kingdom

2007-10-17T17:19:00.000-06:00

i'm starting to feel like a psycho blogger, but i just wanted to share what was going on in our back yard this evening. (you'll want to blow 'em up to see the deer)

i took more video that i did still photos...we need to figure out how to post 'em on our site.

also, our friend bella came over to play last nite. she's so big, our girls look like little weenies next to her. ironically, she's the sweetest, most calm dog ever.