you've got to accentuate the positive...

So far, so good, 2010. The cruise was awesome :) Definitely worth waiting for and another is already in the works! On my way to financial freedom, hopefully sooner rather than later. The negative I'm really trying to get rid of is in my surroundings. It is unbelievable to me how some people can't find the positive to accentuate in their own lives. I know that this has been going on since before I emerged on this planet and that it will continue long after I become someone's guardian angel. It still annoys the bejeezus out of me, and I had to vent about it.
In other news, I'm trying to decide if I want to stay on my current, stagnant career path or move onward....it's a tough decision especially when what you do comes so naturally and you've been doing it for so long. I'm not afraid to fail, just afraid that what I decide to do won't bring me the same feeling I had for this path when I started. I heard this quote the other day and it was something to the effect of if you can do something effortlessly and without stress, you are using less than 1/10th of your potential. Hmmm.....

2009 in review...

Was 2009 good for you? Difficult, but good

What was your favorite moment of the year? Spending 4th of July on the beach

What was your worst moment of the year?
Let's not go there....we'll just say that the beginning of September blew...HARD

Where were you when 2009 began? Clearwater, FL

Who were you with? Mac Daddy

Where were you when 2009 ended? On the beach (Sunny Isles to be exact)

Did you keep your new years resolution of 2009? I don't think I made one

Do you have a new years resolution for 2010? less debt, more healthy, less bulls*&!

Did you fall in love in 2009? With my puppy dog! ( I was already in love with Mac)

Did you make any new friends in 2009?
I have some great new co-workers and friends outside of the j-0-b

What was your favorite month of 2009? February

Why this month? Hello, birthday!

Did you travel outside of the US in 2009?
no, I left it to MO, Cincy & Florida's beaches :)

How many different places did you travel to in 2009? see above!

Did you miss anybody in the past year?
I miss my family & friends, but I really miss my Aunt Sue

What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2009?
Recently, The Blind Side. Role Models was pretty good, though!

What was your favorite song from 2009? idk

How many concerts or plays did you see in 2009?
Better than Ezra :), Juanjamon, Skull & Bones Band, Cope

Did you have a favorite concert in 2009? Better than Ezra :)

What was your favorite book in 2009? Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner

Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
Yes, we all make mistakes....the good part is I learned from them

What was the biggest lie you told in 2009?
That I was okay when I wasn't. It didn't do anyone(most of all me) any good.

Did you treat somebody badly in 2009?
Yes, I did. I regret it, but hindsight is 20/20.

Did somebody treat you badly in 2009?
Yes, but not so badly I didn't recover and I didn't learn from their mistakes either :)

What was your proudest moment of 2009?
Making it through a year with someone I really care about

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2009?
Oh, I'm such a klutz I can't bring it down to just one...

If you could go back to any moment of 2009 and change something, what would it be?
Making early September better

Where did you work in 2009?
Only 2 places. In surgery.

Favorite TV shows(s) of 2009?
Dog the Bounty Hunter-really! Cake Boss, Ruby, OMG i almost forgot Eli Stone!!!

Favorite Band(s) of 2009?
Republic Tigers, Journey, Supertramp, Better than Ezra (the list could go on and on)

Favorite Food in 2009? El Cap burger

Favorite Drink in 2009?
Vanilla vodka & caffeine free diet d.p., water, sugar-free, non-fat vanilla latte

Favorite Place in 2009? My bed

Favorite person(s) to be with in 2009? The daddy of the mac

Favorite person(s) to talk to in 2009?
My mom, my sisters, Melissa, Maria, Courtney

Favorite trip in 2009?
A week at the beach for 4th of July. New Year's Eve ran a close second though

Favorite stores in 2009?
Sephora, always

Hardest thing you had to go through in 2009?
See: early September

Most exciting moment(s) in 2009?
Getting Stinky McDoodle/G-fiddy!

Funniest moment(s) in 2009?
Watching Stinky watch basketball

what is up?

I'm not going to go into the fact that I rarely post here anymore. That's just how it goes these days:) I feel like I have so much to say, but can't put it into words. All I know is that I'm not sure of what's next. I'm standing on the teetering edge, trying not to falter, without knowing what I want or what will happen. I'd like to say the edge is good that it represents happiness and beauty, but I'm not sure of that either. It may be what needs to break for the beauty to truly reappear, but I'm preparing for the beauty AND the ugly. What can I say, I like to be prepared.

So Fat Bridesmaid had a list to summarize 2008, and I thought I’d play along! Here’s my goodbye to 2008 in list form!


1. Was 2008 good for you? Yes. I've grown a lot as a person.

2. What was your favorite moment of the year? Being in Venice

3. What was your worst moment of the year? Any day at JFKMC

4. Where were you when 2008 began? I had just finished unloading the moving truck...

5. Who were you with? My roommates

6. Where will you be when 2008 ends? I was with my man

7. Did you keep your new years resolution of 2008? I don't remember what they were!

8. Do you have a new years resolution for 2009? Less stress, less debt, more healthy

9. Did you fall in love in 2008? Not quite

10. Did you make any new friends in 2008? I make new friends every year

11. What was your favorite month of 2008? November

12. Why this month? I visited Europe for the 1st time

13. How many different places did you travel to in 2008? Italy, Greece, Croatia

14. What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2008? Then She Found Me

15. What was your favorite song from 2008? John Legend's Green Light

16. How many concerts or plays did you see in 2008? No Plays. Concerts? I don't think I saw any of those either.

17. Did you have a favorite concert in 2008? see 16

18. What was your favorite book in 2008? The Other Boleyn Girl

19. Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year? No. Really, no.

20. What was the biggest lie you told in 2008? I don't reveal my feelings easily-you know part of that whole defense thing. I know there were a few times I kept my true feelings in checked to protect myself.

21. What was your proudest moment of 2008? That I made it to Europe & my trip was completely paid for before I left :)

22. If you could go back to any moment of 2008 and change something, what would it be? I wish I could've afforded more time off work, but other than that, nothing.

23. Where did you work in 2008? JFKMC from Jan-Apr. ACH since then.

24. Favorite TV shows(s) of 2008? Eli Stone

25. Favorite Band(s) of 2008? Republic Tigers, Sara Bareilles(I know she's not a band)

26. Favorite Food in 2008? Pizza Hut Breadsticks

27. Favorite Drink in 2008? Pinot Gris

28. Favorite Place in 2008? Current River

29. Favorite person(s) to be with in 2008? My family and friends

30. Favorite person(s) to talk to in 2008? Zae

31. Favorite trip in 2008? Italy
32. Favorite stores in 2008? Restoration Hardware, Sephora, SuperTarget
33. Hardest thing you had to go through in 2008? Learning to live with roommates again

34. Most exciting moment(s) in 2008? Ending the year with someone I really care about for once.

35. Funniest moment(s) in 2008? Can't remember the funniest, and I probably shouldn't tell it here anyway....

Hope your year is filled with peace and love :)

FINALLY!

Well, the tree is up & the decorations are out. It was cold enough when I left the apt this am(at 0500!) to make me feel like it might be time for the holidays.....

another meme(its something at least)

1. Where is your cell phone? next to me
2. Where is your significant other? my f.b. is in baltimore
3. Your hair color? chocolate brown with copper highlights
4. Your mother? amazing
5. Your father? a curmudgeon :)
6. Your favorite thing? shopping
7. Your dream last night? getting pulled over by the florida highway patrol
8. Your dream/goal? living on the beach
9. The room you’re in? living room
10. Your hobby? crosswords
11. Your fear? frogs
12. Where do you want to be in six years? happy and healthy
13. Where were you last night? camping in the spirit of suwannee music park
14. What you’re not? thin
15. One of your wish list items? to be debt free
16. Where you grew up? Missouri
17. The last thing you did? checked my checking account balance
18. What are you wearing? pj pants and a tank shirt
19. Your T.V.? sunday football :)
20. Your pet? zero...
21. Your computer? laptop
22. Your mood? tired
23. Missing someone? friends (see also #2)
24. Your car? Lincoln MkX
25. Something you’re not wearing? makeup
26. Favorite store? currently total wine
27. Your Summer? hot
28. Love someone? yes
29. Your favorite color? brown
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? today as well

i'm tagging you, momo! I think you're the only one left :)

I'm going to try this again!

Hello to all (two) of you who still read this. I'm back in FL! Will be here at least another 4 months; have been in the same facility since April :)
Just spent a weekend back in Missouri, it was such a wonderful getaway. You can't smell fall in the air here, but there, absolutely. The leaves were changing and best of all it was still warm. Of course, really the best part was the people. It was great to see Melissa, Maria, and Colleen and the gang. I am still tired, but it was completely worth it! It definitely helped my sorry-ass homesickness....
Promise it won't be so long before I visit here again.

Lifted from Tastes Like a Peach

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:15. Still too early if you ask me.
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds, baby. Love 'em.
3. What was the first film you saw at the cinema? I know I saw Bambi at the drive in. The fire scared me & we had to leave(I was a brat!)
4. What is your favorite TV show? Ever? This one's tough. Probably Dallas. Or Love Boat. But of the things I currently watch, Eli Stone or Ugly Betty.
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Coffee. And lately a slice of toast w/peanut butter and a glass of V8 fusion.
6. What is your middle name (s)? Ann. Confirmation name-Bridget.
7. What food do you dislike? I hate potatoes! (really, i mean it!)
8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? I listen to my mp3 player almost exclusively, so...
9. What kind of car do you drive? I have a really pretty Lincoln crossover.
10. Favorite sandwich? I just had a pita with spinach, cucumber yogurt dressing, & hummus. It was REALLY good! usually a grilled cheese on rye, tho.
11. What characteristic do you despise? Liars piss me off.
12. Favorite item of clothing? A really comfy pair of khakis I own.
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Austria & Belgium.
14. Favorite brand of clothing? I am not particular at this point. If it looks good & I'm comfortable than ok. As far as designers I appreciate-Diane von Furstenburg, Badgley Mischka, DKNY.
15. Where would you retire to? My own private island with a rotation of cabana boys.
16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? Two birthdays ago I was on a cruise :)
17. Favorite sport to watch? Football
18. Furthest place you are sending this? I think Momosan is the only one who reads this anymore!
19. Person you expect to post this first? see 18
20. When is your birthday? I will be over 30 on February 10th.
21. Are you a morning person or a night person? I hate mornings.
22. What is your shoe size? 10-11
23. Pets? No, but hopefully soon.
24. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share with us? I leave for Italy & Greece in 5 weeks!
25. What did you want to be when you were little? A broadcast journalist on the Today Show.
26. How are you today? Tired! Still reovering from my weekend in MO...
27. What is your favorite candy? reeses peanut butter cups
28. What is your favorite flower? tulips & lillies.
29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? November 11th--I'll be in Venice!
30. What are you listening to right now? My coworkers clicking around on the web.
31. What was the last thing you ate? see #10
32. Do you wish on stars? Of course. I believe in them :)
33. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? If there were a glittery pink crayon, it'd be me!
34. How is the weather right now? Overcast, humid, mid 70s. (its 8pm. it never cools down here!)
35. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? Amy at Walgreens pharmacy
36. Favorite restaurant? Trattoria Strada Nova if it were still open. But I can be a cheap date--Mexican Villa sancho for $5 is great!
37. Real hair color? Some shade of brown.
38. What was your favorite toy as a child? Hobo, my stuffed dog. He got lost when I was 12. I think my mom threw him away :(
39. Summer or winter? Spring.
40. Hugs or kisses? Kisses
41. Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla. In a latte, in vodka...i like vanilla:)
42. Coffee or tea? Coffee helps me to be human
44. Do you want your friends to answer these questions? Yes.
45. When was the last time you cried? Yesterday. I left home again.
46. What is under your bed? purses.
47. What did you do last night? I went to a softball game then Urban Flats with Tanya.
48. What are you afraid of? There is not enough time for that long list(I second that, Mo!)
49. How many keys on your key ring? 4
50. How many years at your current job? I've been on contract in St. Pete since April.
51. Favorite day of the week? I like Thursdays--I'm off work & I can usually sleep late :)
52. How many towns have you lived in? Nine. (4 in MO, 1 in SC, 4 in FL)
53. Do you make friends easily? Yep. I have to in this job!
54. How many people will you send these questions to? The whole internets.
55. How many will respond? I have no idea, but if you do it, please let me know.
56. Salty or sweet? I like a combination of both.
57. Favorite soft drink? Caffeine Free Diet Dr. Pepper.

...

why is it that some of us participate in self destructive behavior? and make resolutions but do not have the willpower to keep them? hmmm

R4 at Flat Branch

Not to get all sappy, but just a little paragraph to remember my friend Ed. he died last week from complications of lung cancer, and i'm going to miss him A LOT. He was smart, funny, VERY creative, and caring. I don't think visiting the neighborhood bar will ever be the same. I never think about seeing someone for the last time as being thee LAST time you see someone. It's kinda tough. A toast to my favorite crossword buddy--

HAPPY EVERYTHING!

i know...it's been awhile. i sold my house, packed up, finished my assignment in good ol' bocomo, packed up the truck, celebrated christmas with my family, drove to FL, unloaded the truck, and started a new assignment....really! all since thanksgiving! finally, i have escaped the cold, and hopefully, soon, will climb out of the hole i call debt(if only the coach outlet weren't so close....). hope all is well with everyone. HAPPY 2008!

i'm boring

happy veteran's day! and happiness to all of you who have the day off tomorrow--i'm jealous!
for the record--i have completed 3 (yep, that's right THREE) home improvement projects today! not that y'all care, but it's kind of nice to be able to fix something and not have to pay for it to be done ;) AND its over 70 degrees here today--WHOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thursday night line up

so is every episode of grey's going to end up with the impression that merideth is going to FINALLY give mcdreamy more? i'm over it. btw, sorry these posts are short--i feel really uninspired. hopefully that will end soon!

hump day

ssdd. my back hurts. i had to get new brakes today. but i got to have mexican for dinner. somehow, its all better.

if you can't say anything nice, come sit by me!

is there a movie that you absolutely love? I have 2. steel magnolias and sixteen candles have lines that can make me laugh when things are at their worst. something about a favorite movie makes me happy. and watching them(when its cold and there's a fire in the fireplace) is even better!

last christmas...

when do you start listening to holiday music? i'm not quite ready, but i can feel it coming on. the cold weather is starting to really come along with a bang and i'm getting excited about a cold christmas(last year's was in florida). but how soon is too soon? i don't want to ruin the season by extending it for TOO long, but i also want to enjoy it as much as i can...whaddya think? is the holiday season commercialized for too long each year?

autumn leaves start to fall

so, today I had the opportunity to really notice all the beautiful leaves that have changed in the past few weeks. how could anyone really not experience autumn? college football, cooler weather, fireplaces and warm blankets. in essence, i have a new appreciation for this season. i missed it last year, only exposed on a few select weekends to the brutal cold that affects the northern states. i'm SO GLAD i'm here now. i wouldn't trade anything for this time of the year. even for laying out in the sun every weekend :)

GO TIGERZ!

mizzou is on their way to becoming 8-1 this season. if you live in columbia or are a tiger fan, this is a big deal. we are in the top 10 for the first time since i was 4 (and no, i am not 6 now). why oh why couldn't the cubs have this kind of luck????

really, its FINALLY here?

remember when you were a kid and certain days would NEVER arrive? that was today for me. although i have to return to hell on monday, i have 2 whole days to not be there, and boy am i happy. it is slated to be a beautiful fall weekend, and hopefully i will complete my home improvement projects in time to enjoy it. (yes, you read the previous sentence correctly--i will be completing the sanding and painting of a ceiling this weekend). wish me luck :P

day 1

can you believe it's november? somehow that means the holidays are near, which means more shopping...yay! part of me can't wait, the other part is dreading getting everything together. gifts for NINE nieces & nephews? BUT, then there's the decorating :) nevermind....bring on the season!