hula hoops and hampster wheels

So this weekend is pretty jam packed full of goodness.



Friday night consisted of going to play cards with Mike and then Clint came to play after he got off work.



The Clint and I ventured over to Perkin's for something salty - I'm having Lunar Craving Syndrom at the moment and needed something salty. We played a couple games of cribbage and talked. Checked up on our favorite perkin's waitress who wasn't our waitress last night. haha. ok not really.



Then I came home and my diet coke had kicked in which caused me to pop online for late night amusement. Eventually I made it to bed circa 3 am - who would have thought?



Saturday morning -8:30 pop up like toast. Realize that my clock that reads 7:30 is wrong and do some early morning math to add an hour from last week's DLS fiasco. Make mental note to change clock- but alas it has not been changed yet.

Got mom's hair all washed and pretty so she can make my brother take her to the grocery store.
Facebook - cause it's all rage. Speaking of rage, they changed the format and I'm a little annoyed but adapting. Now, I'll be heading to pick Clinton up for his boyfriend handyness so he can help me change my headlight. We'll run around and do some Saturday shopping. Grab lunch. I'll have to pick up the mail eventually at the post office as that is on my list to do. Then this evening we will be visiting Kenzie and Simon for birthday gathering goodness.

Tomorrow I get to see Ava and she just passed her boards! Yay Ava! Then who knows what - else - but then there will be laundry to do and Sunday Scrabble with Clinton.

Monday is possibly another cribbage night. Tuesday will be NCIS and Laundry night. Gosh this month is just flying by.

So the other day I was in the car and yes, I'm one of those people that sings in the car. I do it to pass the time, to torture myself and for a variety of other reasons.

So on came an Ace of Base song and there I was in the car jamming out. But then the stupid song got stuck in my head.

I saw the sign and opened up my mind I saw the sign.

What a horrible song to have in your head. SO horrible in fact that I sacrificed quality music time to listed to some NPR.

But no, 3 days later I still have the stupid song in my head.

So, after reading a few of my entries you might think that I have a mild addiction to food. Well, I like food -- and in most instances I eat in moderation. I do have indulgences that need to be met i.e. chocolate, diet coke, salty treats to counteract the large quantities of sweets.

But seriously, I eat in moderation and generally enjoy food. However, my brother seems to think that a nutrious breakfast constitutes eating brats or hamburgers? Every day during the week he sticks to his high fiber oatmeal or oatmealesque dry cereals. But on the weekends -- he eats meat for breakfast. I just don't understand this. But, afterall I had a slice of French Silk pie for breakfast -- what? I wanted to eat it before the bottomless pit I call my brother got to it.


More random facts about my brother since I haven't really blogged about him. He's sick and wrong in so many ways, but we all love him just the same.

1) He likes to run. This is almost proof that he was dropped off by a stork instead of being blood related to our family. No body likes to run.

2) He likes old fuddy music -- he's 24 he goes to jazz concerts and likes Chic Korea in ways I will never understand.

3.) He eats alot -- maybe it's because he runs... maybe he just loves eating brats, burgers and other dinner time food for breakfast? But I know I have to put my name on the Klondike bars if I want to have any for dessert.

4.) He's embarrassed to buy toilet paper. So I've been tryign to help him overcome his fear by not buying it for the house -- I don't think this is working cause my mom ultimately feels bad about him getting blush faced when he has to buy it -- I mean seriously -- there are way worse things to buy and get embarrassed about. Maybe it's that we buy the super jumbo pack -- and he just doesn't want the world to know that he shits - like everyone else.

5.) He talks to much. He's an expert on most things and frankly it gets a little annoying when I want some piece n quite and he wants to have a political debate. Hellooo I'm trying to beat my scramble score - don't talk to me!

So in my quest to find a cure for hiccups -- I found some other old wives tales: Here is the A-Z list from: http://thelongestlistofthelongeststuffatthelongestdomainnameatlonglast.com

Acorns:
If you carry an acorn, you will have continued good luck and a long life. -- but I don't want a tree to grow in my pocket --

Bell:
It’s been said that the bells provide protection from demons as they are scared of the loud noise.
ding dong the witch is dead

Calves:
If the first baby calf born in the winter is white, it’s a sign that the winter will be very harsh.
my calves are lily white all year long... some people just don't tan!

Door:
It’s believed that leaving a house through any door other than the one that is used to enter the house is bad luck.
i'm thinking this was invented to keep teenagers from sneaking out! What about a fire? Well I guess the fire would be the bad luck?

Ears:
If your right ear itches, someone is saying something nice about you. If it’s the left, someone’s saying something bad about you.
I can't remember the last time my ears itched? Do chicken pox cancel this out -- well I suppose they created the vaccine so obviously -- what was I thinking!

Fingernails:
Cutting your nails on Friday or Sunday is bad luck. Fingernail clippings should be saved, burned, or buried to prevent bad luck. I've never burned my clippings -- they usually fly all over the place.

Good Friday:
The Friday before Easter is Good Friday. If someone dies on Good Friday, they will go directly to Heaven. Good to know -- but will the Easter bunny be notified in time?

Horseshoes:
Hanging a horseshoe above the door to any home will bring good luck to all who live there.
Western wear is always in fashion for home decor.

Itchy Nose:
It’s still said that if your nose itches, a fool is about to kiss you.
Kiss me baby.

Jogging:
You shouldn’t jog. It jumbles up your insides.
Agreed. Jogging should be outlawed.

Knitting:
Placing the needles in the balls of yarn will bring bad luck to anyone who used the item that yarn is used to make.
Good thing I crochet!

Leaves:
If you catch a falling leaf on the first day of fall, you will not get sick that whole winter.
Do I have to put it in my pocket with the acorn ---

Milk:
When boiling milk, it’s bad luck to let it run over the side of the pot.
Who boils milk?

Nose:
If your nose itches, you will soon get a visitor. Right nostril indicates a female visitor, left nostril indicates male visitor.
Scratch n Sniff

Onions:
If you make a wish over burning onions, it will come true.
Bunt onions for dinner -- who's hungry?

Pencil:
Use the same pencil for taking a test as was used for studying for the same test. The pencil will remember the answers.
I hate pencils -- does this still work with pens?
Robin:
Make a wish on the first robin you see in spring and it will come true – if you can finish making the wish before the robin flies away.
Thank god I don't have to put the robin in my pocket, it'd probably steal my acorn.

Scissors:
Dropping a pair of scissors means that your lover is seeing someone behind your back.
Well what if you are klutzy and without a lover?


Thirteen:
Thirteen is just an unlucky number in general.
ok.

Umbrella:
If an umbrella is dropped on the floor of a house, someone in that house is going to die shortly.
It's not the flag- -- I drop everything this concerns me.

Veil:
Bride’s wear veils due to the ancient belief that this will protect them from jealous evil spirits.
Well I'll remember that for my wedding day, It propbably keeps bees and mosquitoes away too!

Wood:
If speaking of good luck, knock on wood three times so evil spirits won’t take it away.
Knock three times on the ceiling if you want me, catchy tune.
X:
The lines on the palm of your right hand that show an “X” represent the number of children you will have.
Shit, by this I'm supposed to have 6 children...

Yawn:
Covering your mouth when you yawn will prevent your soul from leaving your body when you yawn.

I thought it was cause I had bad yawn breath?
Zzzzz:
Sorry, we fell asleep.

SO I get the hiccups from time to time -- and my cure is to take a sip any beverage through a straw -- plug my ears until the swallowed and then remove my fingers from ears -- and viola - no hiccups.


this website has some crazy alternatives:

http://www.musanim.com/mam/hiccup.htm

Put a spoon in a glass of water; drink the water with the handle of the spoon resting on your forehead.

Eat a dill pickle while you lie on your back with your mouth wide open; let your head hang over the edge of a couch or bed; breathe deeply and slowly.

Stand on a chair in a crowded room and say, “I have the hiccups!” loudly.

Massage right below your rib cage (on both sides).

Close the eyes, press the thumbs against the eyeballs with enough pressure to be mildly uncomfortable, hold that for thirty seconds at least (do not exceed 3 minutes, as blood flow to the retina could be compromised in a very select group with a longer than 3 minute exposure) then rapidly release. Some advocate holding your breath while doing this (which is reasonable since few can hold their breath longer than 3 minutes thus saving providing an automatic protection against unduly compromising the retinal blood flow.)


I wonder how many people have injured themselves with home remedies to cure the hiccups?

Sooo I can't spell that well, I love spell check -- but I have an issue.

Sometimes I have to apologize to customers -- and so I'll send them the email -- and I'll type --

inconvinence : incontinence comes up as the best guess at what I'm trying to spell.

I'm sorry you can't hold your bladder or bowels but here is the copy you requested...

I'm sure there are others -- that are bad -- but this is probably the worst one I can think of off hand.

So I live in Minnesota --- you are almost required by law to keep an abundance of crap in your trunk -- I have taken it to the next level and treat my little trunk like a traveling garage/closet/entertainment center.

If opened today you would find a plethora of crap that probably has not been used in ages:

• crochet hooks -- just in case I feel like making an afghan while commuting. Oh crap I missed a stich and my exit!
• books -- some half read -- some waiting to be read -- some never to be looked at again.
• camping chair - now this came in handy when we recently had RSC fun days and I didn't want to sit in the dirt/grass for fear of icky bugs -- but other than that -- it has just been taking up space.
• jumper cables -- for winter fun.
• windex and paper towels -- in case I need to clean something? Actually the towels did come in handy when I was out for the 4th of july - eating pizza by the river and we neglected to get napkins -- plus I had enough for Kenz& Si and Deann&Doug
• random clothes with stains
• socks -- you can never underestimate the power of fresh socks.
• shoes- flip flops - high heals- boots - tennis shoes - etc.
• deoderant -- that by today's heat is probably liquified.
• butterscotch candies and cinnamon disks -- just in case I'm stranded by the side of the road -- I know I'll have something to suck on besides my thumb.
• empty water bottles, diet coke cans, shoe boxes, yarn wrappers
• spare pillow and blanket -- in case i'm stuck sleeping somewhere where I need a blanket and pillow -- I don't want to have a Greenbay moment happen where I have to resort to covering up with a towel.
• my overnight bag -- this moves in and out as needed -- but I'm a boyscout with it -- I'm always prepared.
• yarn
• empty kleenex boxes
• a roll of toilet paper
• soap -- just in case I have to shower on the side of the road before i'm rescued. (actually they are really pretty soaps that I bought for myself for my birthday- but then never brought them in the house...
• cribbage board -- deck of cards
• another deck of cards -- that is missing some
• spare tire
• window washer fluid
• car manual
• bag of crap -- I don't even want to peak in there.

So -- I've spent too much time on here today --
and I don't want to lose my train of thought (hahah)

So this is a brief "to blog list" is for me to try and get to this week sometime.

• The crap in my trunk
• Garage Sales and junk I buy because it's a good deal
• Spell Checks bad suggestions
• Phone voice punishment...
• Bird Feeder Goodness
• Old Wives Tales -- I have the hiccups right this minute...
• The wonderful world of the bathroom
• The dumbest thing I've said today, and heard today...
• XYZ's Fun Day festivities
• Google: I love you, look what I found
• Fears of toilet paper
• more on the grieving process
• cats are people too
• my inability to tolerate infedity
• not so graceful moments
• political campaign, no it's a commercial for a kia...

So date night was last night -- it was fun. We went with Plan B -- Plan A was go get something quick to eat -- head up Urbansprawlville to see Batman on the IMAX and go home and tottle off to bed. Well -- we went to the new theatre up there in the UrbanSprawlville, a little drive but mostly freeway -- but we knew if we went to the IMAX theatres closer to Dave's house -- there would be more people and we both dislike a crowded theatre -- even though we know that any showing of Batman would be pretty full. SOoo it seems as though everyone had the Sunday night idea -- thinking that the busy nights would be Friday and Saturday -- long story short --we drove up, and drove back -- sold out!

So the back up plan was to go to our usual theatre -- in Suburbia Grove - it's a nice theatre and almost all of the movies we've seen together (which is quite a few -- since we are very lame and lazy when planning dates) have been at said theatre -- but we didn't see Batman since he really wants to see it on IMAX and I frankly don't care -- I'm just agreeing to see it in hopes that he will go to Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants II with me next weekend or the weekend after -- cause you know the theatre will be packed for that one as well! God I love teeny bopper flicks -- cheesy weakness, I digress.

Anyways so we decided upon Step Brothers --- since- well he's basically stated that if no one else in the free world will go with me to see Mama Mia - we can rent it when it comes out, thanks honey. Oh well -- not everyone loves musicals or Meryl Streep like I do. Neither of us have seen X files 1 -- so we have an unwritten rule about sequels -- that we both must see the original or prequel before going -- so that also wipes out Hell Boy, since in the attempt to watch Hell Boy 1 last week -- after watching the Batman Begins and eating mashed potatoes, chicken, stuffing and of course a klondike bar--- I fell asleep -- shocking, I know. Sex in the City is on neither of our want to watch lists -- someones nose drives us both a little nuts. Then the other option was Wall-E -- not really in the mood to be depressed about the universe ending and a robot being responsible for saving the earth -- that might make me want to recycle and frankly -- I'm sticking to the notion that it is my first amendment right - not to believe in recycling.

So we run in and get tickets for Step Brother -- 7:45 show -- we have plenty of time to eat a real dinner - instead of fast food or sandwiches. So we head over to California Pizza Kitchen. It is agreed that I'm treating him to dinner. He got dinner last week -- it's my turn, I'm nuts sometimes. I like to pay for things - I like paying bills, I like treating to dinners and lunches -- everything eventually evens out in the wash- But our waiter -- who was pretty fantastic keeps looking down my shirt -- I'm pretty modest in my dress - but remember this was get pretty date night - so I'm wearing a boobie t-shirt. Super Dave is a little annoyed with our waiter -- I'm a little flattered but boobs are boobs and almost anyone has seen them - especially if you were that night on Lafayette -- bygones -- can I have one train of thought? -- We order some carbonated beverages -- soda/pop/soda-pop or whatever you wanna call it -- Coke n Diet Coke. Order our salads -- I drink my dc and my water -- uncontrollable thirst --we talk and eat the bill was about to come as I got up to pee -- so I peed -- while peeing -- Super Boyfriend had to pay the bill -- probably so he could be manly, and control my tip, and give the waiter an evil glare -- or else he was just saving time and paying the bill while I tinkled so we could get to the theatre. ps. -- I have issues with tipping -- I love to tip because I was a waitress many moons ago. (This is Captain Tangent -- I'm obviously going the some ADD turbulence please be patient)


Anyways back to dinner -- we had a lovely conversation --- it went something like this:

K: How was that car show yesterday?
D: It was fun, twice as many cars as last year?
K: So who all went?
D: Oh the guys Randy and Lisa were there, Bobby, Frank, Fred, Llyod, Ralph, etc.
K: So who did you hang out with on your Tour De Cars.
D: Rolling his eyes -- eh I visited with everyone but mostly walked around by myself.
K: Oh - ok that's cool (thinking: I could have walked around with you)
D: I'm thinking of getting out of Classic Cars.
K: Oh, really -- don't you love it?
D: Yes, It's fun -- but I just don't have the storage --
K: yeah -
D: I think I'm going to move into Motorcycles.
K: (Semi-choking on some avocado from my Cobb salad) Really?
D: Yeah, they take up less room -
K: Well how many cars do you have --
D: Too many
K: (at this point I only know of 2 - the two in the garage, 3 if he's counting the one I call my Enemy that is at his parents house but is his Dad's, so I'm confused) What's too many?
(Why has he kept this tid bit a secret I will never know -- he's a true man of mystery...)
D: Six
K: Where are they?
D: He explains where they are stored and ya-da-da
K: So motorcycles eh?
D: Yep.
K: They are so loud --
D: They make quiet ones.
K: So you just have the one right now?
D: Well I have one and then a mini bike -- it's red and shiny and be perfect for you --
(Obviously he has some sort of fantasy involving a revving engine between my thighs...)
K: So do you plan on going cross country - or to motorcycle shows? Do they have motorcycle clubs?
D: Yeah, that'd be fun -- I don't know yet though -- Yes, they have clubs and shows.
K: Do you have a motorcycle endorsement on your drivers' licence?
D: Scoffing -- No.
K: That's it - no motorcycles or I'm calling the authorities - haha, just promise me you won't do anything dumb like that story you heard about my dad -- (short version of said story: It was the 70's, he was drunk- drove his motorcycle into a bush after driving around a friends yard and passed out sitting on his bike.)
D: Shaking head -- Why don't you like them?
K: They are loud, and unsafe --
D: Cars are just as unsafe --
K: Protesting: Nah-uh
D: Just as dangerous as cars,
K: Well at least in a car accident the chances your body will remain in the vehicle are much greater.
D: Scoffing.
K: Fine. Do you want leather chaps for your birthday?
D: Laughing: No thank you.
K: Ok.
D: I'll get a motorcycle endorsement if it will make you feel better--
K: ok it will -- I love law abiding citizens.
D: You should get one too.
K: I'll think about it, but I'm more inclined to wear leather chaps, but I'll think about it.

The Lil Green Patch and Scrable applications on facebook are my guilty pleasures. I like them -- they can keep me enthralled for hours. Sending plants, editing my patch, gardenining without working up a sweat or getting dirt in my fingernails. It's really quite amazing how laziness and a dream to save the rainforests was someones motivation to create lil green patch -- and what is even more amazing it has captivated my atttention span this long. Now, I'll be honest --I'm not doing it to save the rainforests. I hate recycling , and being green -- again, laziness coming into play -- but I do like the strawberry shortcakesque charachters and virtual flora that I can give and receive among my greenie friends. Lame but true.


Scramble also is taking over my time -- searching for crappy words I never use. I really should be blogging instead of playing this addicting game,. BUt alas a friend introduced me to this new game --- picross... and yes I can see if I don't nip it in the bud now -- this too will be another bonified time waster.

So I went out shopping today and I hate fashion. I'm pretty classic in my wardrobe - and I wanted some cute tops for spring. I was set and on a mission to find a couple shirts for work and play and came home with pudding pops and sno-balls from the grocery store after I was disappointed with the options out there.



Part of my problem is my own damn fault for gaining some winter weight, and not being able to fit in my clothes. Alas -- I broke down and bought some pants this week that I could actually button instead of using a safety pin to clothes them up.

My next problem is -- being classified as petite by my lack of vertical ability -- puts me in the petite section -- now, I'm not sure if you've ever looked in the petite section - but the shirts are all stuff my grandma would wear, and good thing for her since she's 4-11 too. But it doesn't matter if I'm at macy's, sears, jcp, herbergers, kohl's anywhere - where they have defined sections for general body types - the petite section will do me absolutely no good.

I'm not looking for trendy things -- I'm talking regular -- normal things like cotton/spandex button shirts, cable sweaters, ribbed sweaters, nice shirts appropriate for work -- a nice hearty cardigan that will keep me warm under the tundra-like air conditioning vent about my desk, I'm finding tons of pure polyester or silk shirts that don't represent the classic - boring 2o/30 something look I'm going for, instead are representative of the 50/60 something going to church outfit, plus silk requires special washing attention and I'm not ready to trust anyone in this house to get it right, myself included.

So I've decided I have to look thoughout the whole women's section. And what do I find, everything I don't find flattering or atttractive... big bold prints, super form fitting, extra flouncy, horizontal stripes, camp shirts, nautical themes, teddy bear themes, polka dots that are too large to be flattering, cute dresses that will go past my ankles or show too much bosom for the office.

I'm at a loss -- I think I'll be investing in some polo shirts to get through this fashion crisis. I have been anti polo shirt for a longtime - with my hair being short I was afraid I'd look like a prepubescent boy -- but finally the hair is at a length where there would be no confusion, that and my boobs have also grown from the recent weight gain.

So winter is full of the lame dates, dinner & the movies taking top choice, cause let's face it, I don't want to freeze my tushi off.

Fun date ideas for spring and summer:

picnic at the park
flying kites
going to the zoo
going to a lake/beach
county fairs/ state fairs / amusement parks
going on walks
barbeques
star gazing/snuggling
baseball games
antiquing in stillwater
visiting lame historical sites ie the kelly farm
car shows
fishing from a dock
bon fires
camping
mini golf
music in the park
fireworks
go the farmers market -- get some food, make some lunch
frisbee golf
wine tasting / make your own wine
visit a beer brewery
historical walking tour of houses on summit ave
political gathering
more for autumn & late summer:
go to the apple orchard
corn maze

and for rainy days:
art museum
science museum
omni shows
history museum
movies
reading together in bed
board games
indoor picnics
bowling
arcade
casino
race track
planetarium -- doen't open in the metro til 2009 though...
poetry readings -- dave would just about die.

for next winter:
snow ball fights
driving around looking at xmas lights
winter carnival
macy's display

this is just a reminder for me -- and preview of what is to come, maybe --

• my kitty cat update, he's much better now!
• have you ever shared a toothbrush?
• More on the life and times of Miss Gladys -- maybe she gets a new name!
• phlegm nuggets -- when will they stop?
• best date ideas ever
• The best gift ever trifecta (sp? just doesn't look right good god I' can't spell)
• How spell check saves my butt on a daily basis: my issues with incontinence ( the word, not the function )
• high on a nasal decongestant
• song lyrics that get stuck in my head
• politics -- can we get a real canidate to run?
• birthday highlights
• why i hate my job, but love to work
• a rant on babies -- in preperation for my visit to Milwuakee to see Kate
• fortune cookies
• yes, I cheat at UNO -- an apology
• Kristen's Rules for Cribbage

This article was in redbook - and it's pretty interesting, especially about the men being afraid of women drivers -- Dave has confessed that he is a little freightened at times when I'm driving but - instead of just being afraid -- he wants to conquer his fear and hope that I'll be a become a better driver. So we trade off at his discretion - I'd be fine with not driving us around - and I'll admit it - I'm a nervous driver, always have been always will be --- but you mix me being a little nervous, a little lost, and god forbid anything beyond the desired clear weather pattern.

But, once Dave's in the passenger seat -- I'm more than just nervous, I'm also dyselexic - I'm about to embark on nervous driver torture -- as someone thinks it's quite funny to yell at me when I'm turning the correct direction. For example -- I'm making a left hand turn -- he will yell in repetition LEFT LEFT LEFT as if I was going the wrong way -- so then I have to stop and rethink about it -- causing me to get more confused about where I'm going. So I would like to apologize to all the women drivers out there who drive well and don't get east/west, north/south, left/right and god forbid how to use 3 roundabouts in a row to get going east bound -- for those who can do it, and do it well -- I commend you and I"m sorry I have perpetuated this Women are bad drivers mentality --- but I'd rather be on the passenger side so don't make fun of me -- I know i'm a crappy driver.