tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84733482024-03-07T14:20:05.645-06:00Brandi's PlaceJust trying to get preggers... you can help by visiting our site at www.babyorbust.com.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-60149891603720905182007-09-12T21:28:00.000-05:002007-09-12T21:32:45.002-05:00*Cough* *Wheeze* *Sneeze*Rinse and repeat.<br /><br />I brought home some cooties from our camping trip. Eleven days later I'm still hacking up my lungs. I refuse to go to the doctor this time. I always go. And I know exactly what he's going to say. So, I'll save my $85- because I'm going to need it since the ER whiplash bills have started rolling in.<br /><br />I'm coughing so much that I'm exhausting my abdominal muscles. I really think my stomach is just going to cave in and out of my belly button will appear a little white flag.<br /><br />Of course, I've passed it on to the red head. He doesn't have and won't have it as bad as I do. Never seems to work that way. Which is good. When I'm sick, I need love and attention and to be completely babied. When other people are sick, I do not return the affection. Kind of a punk like that. I feel sorry for Shel. I'm just not a caring nurse-maid.<br /><br />So here's hoping it clears soon so I can partake in the canoing this weekend...BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-54731819754800683972007-09-04T19:18:00.000-05:002007-09-04T19:39:45.400-05:00Pitch a TentI once heard a stand-up comic talking trash on camping. He couldn't understand why people would work hard all year, save up vacation time, put a little money in the bank and then head out to the woods to pretend they were homeless. I still bust a gut everytime I think about that- because it is funny. However, I doubt homeless people have the amount of gear or planning that Shelton and I do. If we buy anything else to go camping with it will have to be tied down to the top of the gas-guzzling beast... and then we'll really look like we're from Kansas.<br /><br />We headed up to our usual camping spot near Lawrence at Clinton Lake to celebrate Labor Day weekend. Does anyone even know what we're supposed to be celebrating, besides a free day off of work? Adventure awaited us as usual and we fully embraced it- beer in hand sitting in a lawn chair.<br /><br />We were first greeted by our neighbors- a 40-something WT couple camping by themselves with more gear than the six of us brought. Their tent? I'm quite sure my apartment isn't that spacious and I wouldn't be surprised if it had a basement. What I do know is that it's not sound proof and the bad boy rocks like it's on rails. We were privy to not one but two afternoon delight sessions. They had no shame and God bless them for that.<br /><br />One of our camping buddies, Wade, was the chef for the first night's dinner. He had brought some aromatic and delicious lemon-rosemary chicken, grilled right on the fire. A little salad, a little wine and what would have been a mean baked potato. They were a little on the well-done side, but we filled them with sour cream and butter nonetheless. The next morning, Wade was in charge of breakfast. We thought he might be performing a magic trick but, oh no, the bacon literally evaporated. After a stint on the fire, we pulled back the foil to see a black outline of what used to be bacon. There was nothing there. So- in case you were wondering- there is a time limit on how long you can cook bacon.<br /><br />I also attempted a monster feat and can proudly say I succeeded. I baked a cake. In the campfire. The first bite tasted like chewing on a lit cigarette. But once I cut away the edges, the middle was moist and chocolately. We even had frosting with sprinkles.<br /><br />Along with the usual smores and hot dogs, there were games of badminton, broken flip flops, ticks, good conversation, teradactyl sitings and late nights spent curled by the fire under the stars.<br /><br />We've already got our next trip planned- next month. With a canadian theme.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-70848668311465258472007-08-29T11:37:00.001-05:002007-08-29T11:55:14.569-05:00He was JUST as excited to see me!Last night I ventured to KC to meet my dear, dear friend Sarah for the Dave Matthews Band concert. Tickets were compliments of the mom-in-law (thanks!!). This was my third DMB show and Sarah's first.<br /><br />You can read about the show specifically over at my <a href="http://readsquare.com/2007/08/29/and-then-he-invited-me-backstage/">post</a> on Square Mag's Webzine. However, if you want to hear the very entertaining anecdotes about our day, then just keep reading.<br /><br />Sarah and I met up in KC about noon and spent the day wearing a hole in the pavement at <a href="http://www.legendsshopping.com/">this</a> fabbo little shopping center. We both found some great bargains on new additions to our closets. I even bought a dress. Yes- me- I bought a girly dress. Go figure. It was SO nice to spend the day catching up with Sarah and feeling like it has not been an entire year since we last hung out together.<br /><br />So I stopped yesterday morning to get a six-pack of Boulevard Wheat for the tailgating portion of our adventure. I've never purchased beer at 8:30 in the morning- I felt like a criminal. I started to panic on the highway though because I did not have a bottle opener. No problem- I'll just flirt my way into one with the neighboring DMB fans at the parking lot. We're a gentle, loving group... DMB fans. We park next to two very nice guys- one from Brazil the other from California. They did not have any bottle opening utensils- but they were full of bright ideas. Cali-boy suggested I pop the bottle cap off by clipping it on the side of the trailer hitch on the X-terra. Yes, this is brilliant! With all the okie I could muster I do this- and then not only get the bottle cap off but tear the top part of the glass bottle off with it. Never found the shrapnel. After a good laugh he offers me a few Coors Lights and I very thirstily accept.<br /><br />As we are departing for the gate I offer them my five remaining BWs in exchange for their generous beer sharing. They accept. And the Cali-boy immediately twists off the beer cap. THEY WERE TWIST OFF THE ENTIRE TIME! I've always thought BWs were... well, I felt like an idiot and sacrificed tasty sweet beer for, well, Coors Light.<br /><br />After the show, Sarah and I were making our way out to the cars. On the ground next to Sarah's car was a large black thing. I made an off-hand joke about it being her bumper. She's like what is that?! We get closer and realize it's her driver's side mirror. Torn off. Of the car. Lying in the gravel like a fallen soldier. Scratches all along her car. It was really quite sad- but the way we were doubled over laughing with tears streaming down our cheeks you would have never known just how pissed we were. WHO DOES THAT!? Jackasses. I suggested she roll down her window, hold the frayed cables and drive home like that. I pray that she did not follow my advice.<br /><br />All in all, I'd have to say that this was the best DMB show I've yet to attend. Now that I've washed off the second-hand pot smell, dirt from my toes and made sure that my concert tee fits- I'm ready to start plotting my way to the next show.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-16888547352738575862007-08-14T22:09:00.001-05:002007-08-14T22:09:37.195-05:00All the cool kids are wearing one<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shelfish/1122159826/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1140/1122159826_2d5dee8806_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shelfish/1122159826/">Whiplash is fun!</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/shelfish/">shelfish</a> </span></div>Good lord- I've got whiplash. Seriously?! Why do these stupid little mishaps happen to me? I was at a little work party at a "Family Fun Center". I had just wiped out a plate of chicken strips and dumped the bbq-sauce covered plate all over my pants when someone invited me to go ride the go-carts. I said sure.<br /><br />Then I laughed at the ridiculous liability release I had to sign.<br /><br />And then I got slammed into a wall by two other go-carts. Twice. In three minutes. Both times, my glasses flew off my face. I felt like Ricky Bobby- I CAN'T SEE! The second crash was enough for me to park the damn thing and go back to the chicken strips. I knew something wasn't right though. <br /><br />I went home at 5, met Shelton and we went to the ER. We tried to find a minor emergency and apparently those aren't available. Checked in at 5pm, got home at 9:30. Every time the hospital staff said "go-cart accident", they made it sound as if I were tearing it up in the back nine of my farm, knocking back Old Milwaukees and braiding my mullet. It was a very nice little establishment thank you so much!<br /><br /> Thin sheets were all that separated me from the diabetic farter on my right and the gastric case with bloody stool on my left. Everyone around me was receiving food and got to watch TV, and I got none of that. Shelton left to hunt & gather magazines. Folks, it was SUCH a party! <br /><br />4 hours and a CT scan later- I left with this fashion plate strapped to my neck. Actually, that's the temp-fashion plate. I left with a more comfortable version.<br /><br />So, I'm fine. The lortab is making this more and more difficult to type. My only concern now is what I'm going to do with my hair in the morning?!<br clear="all" />BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-85703187204136160302007-08-08T21:11:00.001-05:002007-08-08T21:11:32.976-05:00Five<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shelfish/32793582/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/22/32793582_1cae70f0a7_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shelfish/32793582/">The Kiss</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/shelfish/">shelfish</a> </span></div>Friday at 3:15 in the afternoon, under the blazing Oklahoma sun, Shelton and I will celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary. FIVE?! Believe me, we're just as dumbfounded as the rest of you. I just cannot figure out where all of that time has gone.<br /><br />We were just kids- I'd been 21 for barely three weeks and Shelton was 22. I had a few years of school left and Shelton, well, still has a few years of school left. We didn't have two nickles to rub together and had no idea what we were doing. But we were so in love it was kind of gross. And the grossness- it's pretty much the same today.<br /><br />We get so caught up in just the chaos of our day-to-day that sometimes I completely forget to stop and just appreciate this. There's always laundry to do, a bill to pay, dinner to make, "someone" didn't close the cabinet door "again". It's when I stop and really just look at him that I'm amazed at this love that we share. I know, it's gross. There is something so real between Shelton and I that I don't think I ever anticipated even as we were sliding rings on each other's fingers in front of 170 of our dearest friends and family.<br /><br />The cliche is so true- I love him leaps and bounds more today than I did five years ago. It's a better, stronger love. It's come with too many laughs to count, buckets full of tears, infinite I Love Yous, nights slept apart, good fights, bad fights, funny fights and stupid fights and the catalog of things that life throws at you. In these five years I've graduated from college, we've moved to a new state, we've both lost grandparents, had a few surgeries, found out that life isn't as fair as you'd like it to be, watched my brother get married, watch Shelton's brother get married, became an aunt and uncle, done a little traveling, eaten one hell of a lot of ice cream, been stranded on the side of the road twice and made out in a few places that we probably shouldn't have.<br /><br />Our anniversary last year was a bittersweet celebration. We were in the midst of the Baby or Bust fifteen minutes of fame, my parents were just beginning the trials of their divorce, we were struggling with still coming to terms with our recent infertility diagnosis and my job was taking a swift decent. Over the past year, I've never needed Shelton more. His strength, love, and committment to me have been both tested and confirmed. I do not know that I would have come out of the past year on the sunny side of the street without his tear-soaked shoulder.<br /><br />These days? Lots of laughing. Not so much with the crying. We're in a really good place right now. We've learned to ignore everything else and just focus on us. <br /><br />So what else have I learned in these five years? That Shelton hates it when I kiss him after eating pickles. He hates dryer sheets. He doesn't eat anywhere near the amount of food I try to feed him. He needs just as much encouragement as I do. That nothing in the world is sweeter than when his lips kiss the spot right in the middle of my forehead. He always remembers to keep my feet uncovered. He loves my pigtails. He's smarter than I probably ever give him credit for. He will never leave the house with out kissing me goodbye. He rarely answers his cell phone when I want/need him to. He's the best thing that ever happened to me.<br /><br />Shelton- happy anniversary. I love you- and I look forward to the next installment.<br /><br />To everyone else- I know, you've thrown up in your mouth a little and you've stabbed something in your eye. Just deal with it. :)<br clear="all" />BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-22141038176798831982007-08-04T00:38:00.000-05:002007-08-04T00:39:56.676-05:00You know you want oneIf you haven't gotten one already- you need to get a <a href="http://www.cox.com/gocox/digitalmullet/">Digital Mullet</a>.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-2850911797432528472007-07-27T00:17:00.000-05:002007-07-27T00:25:56.024-05:00Why doesn't OnStar have a Panic Sensor?That way... when I'm lost driving in circles for 90 minutes in Tulsa and I can't find my way out of a paper bag, I can get some effing help and get where I need to be already!<br /><br />SERIOUSLY!<br /><br />On our way to Arkansas for work, driving through Tulsa, so of course the memories are pouring on like that Cabernet at dinner- that we finally made it to. I miss one lousy exit for Tisdale Pkwy or something- and 90 minutes later we are in the sticks between Coweta and BA. My pal from work is completely unamused- but patient and polite nonetheless.<br /><br />We stopped at three different gas stations, in three different parts of town for three very different directions. We eventually found some BFE neighborhood, got an address off a for sale sign on the corner, called The Husband and had him Google Map us all the way back to 412 East- the highway you apparently can only find if you've apparated to it using a Harry Potter portkey!!<br /><br />Holy monkeys- I really didn't think we'd ever make it out of Tulsa. Which, if I have to be stranded somewhere, let's be honest- Tulsa is probably one of the places I'd want to be. Hook up with the pals at Square Mag, give D the official tour of Brandi's Life in Tulsa and hit that Bueno at 61st & Garnett for old times sake.<br /><br />We made it. To Arkansas. And at dinner someone was talking about a completely different story and mentioned OnStar. D looked at me the way I do to Shelton when we're lost without any logical explanation- like How in the hell were we lost for an hour and a half and you knew we had OnStar and NEVER HIT THE BUTTON!?!<br /><br />Like I said- we made it. Late, but alive. And made up for it with wine and chocolate martinis.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-82523350927649578812007-07-22T16:23:00.001-05:002007-07-22T16:23:04.752-05:0026 was ridic!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shelfish/864540487/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1199/864540487_de27bbbff6_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shelfish/864540487/">DSCN2022.JPG</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/shelfish/">shelfish</a> </span></div>Just a HUGE thanks to everyone who sent birthday wishes. You all helped make this one of the best birthdays I've ever had. I really had such a fantastic time Friday night and did not want the party to end. But when it did, our apartment had left balloons and cookies on our door and they were SO GOOD!<br /><br />We were so lucky to have the Skanches head up from OKC to celebrate with us. After convincing Cabrone "the yeti" to stick around and bail on yet another trip to Tulsa, we were able to have a pretty well-supported OU contingent.<br /><br />The birthday shinanigans started at the Pumphouse- my favorite little watering hole in Wichita. We were quickly joined by so many friends. Thanks for making me feel so special, ya'll!<br /><br />Then a few migrated to Uptown Bistro for some delicious dinner, raucous conversation and some slimy snails. Shelton for some unknown reason ordered escargot. Everyone, but me of course, got in on the action. There are pictures. And we were glad to learn that Jeremy isn't allergic!<br /><br />From there is was off to the Brickyard where my birthday-ness won a free pass past the bouncer and Heather wooed him to let the rest of our crew in free. Shelton and Cabrone took turns trying to convince the attending Class of 1987 that they were long-lost graduating pals. It didn't work- but definitely made for cheap entertainment. The band dedicated a song to me... and Brittany, the 21 year old who stole my thunder. She asked me to dance and at that point I would have said yes to a dragon. <br /><br />I was not able to go to the midnight release of HP7- and thank goodness. Jonathan thought it wouldn't be the best idea and suggested there was a possibility I'd inexplainably wake up in the morning with a John Grisham novel. <br /><br />Thanks for all the birthday wishes, hugs, kisses, booby rubs, drinks and of course, I'm all verclempt, the memories.<br /><br />26- bring it on!<br clear="all" />BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-68676773943595356442007-06-27T12:49:00.000-05:002007-06-27T12:53:32.482-05:00More comfortable this wayI go home every single day to let the dog out. And give her that love and attention that she so needs. I usually don't like walking her in my heels so I keep a pair of flip flops by the door. I kicked off my crazy cute new shoes and put on my $2 flops and headed out. I was on the phone w/ a girlfriend chattin' it up and I left to return to the office. I got here and looked down and and realized I never switched back. So I'm in the office with $2 Old Navy flops while my crazy cute new shoes sit at home. Sighhhhh<br /><br />I love the flops. And ya'll know I'd much rather be wearing these. But... BUT... I have crazy cute new shoes at home and I wanted to wear those. Plus, this place kind of frowns upon flip flops. I mean, if they'll let me, I'll gladly go home to switch.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-13581203506471353072007-06-19T08:27:00.001-05:002007-06-19T08:29:02.305-05:00CommuterThis morning was my first real commute to work. From the old house it was a one-way street, five minute drive to the agency. From the old house, it was a three minute drive to this job. Easy peezy! Now I've moved us clear to the north side of Wichita and it takes me... ten minutes! I had to drive on the highway, crammed in with all the other little office stooges. It's always nice to see how the other half lives.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-89696276022202509252007-06-18T20:55:00.001-05:002007-06-18T21:04:04.361-05:00Suck it in!Word to the wise- if you currently live in a three story house with a garage, do not attempt to move into a one floor apartment. I feel like I'm trying to squeeze back into my wedding dress after a trip down an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet. After purging a significant portion of our belongings in last weekend's garage sale we still have so much stuff.<br /><br />We made the big move on Saturday morning, starting fresh at 6am. Four people, two trucks, two trailers and four hours later we were done. Hotter than hell outside and we had to move this stuff up three flights of stairs. My shins, ankles, calves and toes are throbbing two days later. This means that I'm both out of shape and that I'll live in a dumpster before I move to the third floor again. But, the vaulted ceilings are nice!<br /><br />You know, I loved my house. Shelton and I made the final walk through last night to make sure we hadn't left beind anything and as we reached the front door I started to choke. He asked if I would buy the house again and I said no. Then he told me that meant it was time to leave and we did. Our closing was today at four and we finally met the buyers. Nicest couple, she's having a baby in three weeks. At least someone will be able to bring a baby home to that house! I asked her where they were putting the nursery and she said in the room we used as a den. That's not where I'd have put her, but it will certainly make a fitting place. I cried when I handed her the keys.<br /><br />Never the less, we're in to the new abode and making it work. Neighbors all seem fine, except for Captain Douchebag on the first floor. This guy is a piece of work. Other than that- everyone seems cool and we're pretty much exhausted. We'll have our first house guests in two weeks, when Shelton's family comes to visit.<br /><br />By the way, did I mention that we have CARPET?! In all of the rooms?! On the floor!? Because we do! And it's even better than I remembered. And we have a dishwasher! And TWO bathrooms. Two bathrooms where one is bigger than the one we had before. It's pretty neat.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-63184667820964865302007-06-15T10:20:00.000-05:002007-06-15T10:37:03.260-05:00It's always something with us(Last night, 7:00pm, Central & Woodlawn)<br /><br />Me: Oh my God! Oh my God!<br /><br />Him: What?<br /><br />Me: We are out of gas!!!!<br /><br />Him: WHAT?<br /><br />Me: WE-ARE-OUT-OF-GAS!!!!<br /><br />(the car has died, we are quickly coasting to a stop)<br /><br />Me: WHAT DO I DO?!?!<br /><br />Him: Pull into the middle lane!<br /><br />Me: There IS NO middle lane! That is on-coming traffic b/c of contruction!!!<br /><br />Me: OH MY GOD!<br /><br />Him: Pull into a driveway, quick!<br /><br />Me: (taking my sweet time to choose a driveway good enough for our car to die in)<br /><br />Me: (making the turn...)<br /><br />Him: DO NOT HIT THE BRAKE<br /><br />Me: Too late, now what?<br /><br />(Dead Car........)<br /><br />Yes, I ran out of gas last night. First time ever. I didn't even know it was possible to actually run out of gas. We called AAA to bring gas and while Shel was on the phone I went to the door to tell the people why we were loitering in their driveway.<br /><br />This older woman, probably in her late sixties, answered the door. I apologized profusely and told her what we were doing. She invited me in, I said no thank you. A few minutes later she came out and offered us a gas can and a ride to the gas station. This was nice b/c AAA was going to take an hour! Shelton agreed to go along with her and she insisted he just take the car by himself. He of course told her he didn't feel comfortable. She continued to insist and explained that she had already had a few beers! She leaned over and whispered to me, "I like to have a few beers while I watch the news." By 7:00pm, there have already been like 3 or 4 news casts! So she's schnockered.<br /><br />So, off Shelton went in search of gas, leaving me and our little dog behind as collateral. We talked about her recent retiring and how we are in the middle of moving. Shelton returned and off we went with our five dollars worth of gas.<br /><br />We spent the entire night laughing that we could not believe I had actually driven the car out gas. It died, folks. The car was dead in the middle of a busy street under construction that had been narrowed to only two lanes. We were in the middle of screwed-town! But we handled it with the same grace and composure we handle the daily tragedy we encounter.<br /><br />Tonight we're dropping by our new friend's house with beer and a gift card for gas. We figure it's the least we could do for someone who was so unbelievably generous and helpful. You just don't find people like that these days and we were so fortunate to have landed in her driveway.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-31451976100315765912007-06-11T08:41:00.000-05:002007-06-11T08:58:13.189-05:00Will you take $1 for this $20 item?Of course we will. Because we're schmucks. And we just want this crap gone!<br /><br />We had our garage sale this weekend. The big moving sale. I've thrown a few sales in my day and this was by far the most successful. We got rid of so much stuff- everything from scrapbook stickers to the washer and dryer. It always amazes me what people will buy at a garage sale. Or the stuff they won't- like our microwave for twenty bucks! Not a thing wrong w/ it- not even a scratch or left over spaghetti sauce glued to the inside. I figured with new college season upon us people would scoop that right up. Someone at the thrift store will have better use of it.<br /><br />The guy who bought our washer and dryer was pretty impressive. He showed up with a suburban, that had five children and a dresser already in the back. I just shook my head thinking there was not a chance in hades they were leaving with all that they bought, including our work bench. He tied the dresser to roof, got the appliances in and wedged the work bench (now in 5 pieces) in the back. Tied the doors shut and off they went.<br /><br />I also managed to get a pretty nasty sunburn. That's what happens when albino people wear tank tops without sunblock and sit in the sun for six hours. The word of the day is M-E-L-A-N-O-M-A.<br /><br />Anyway, now that that big blister is gone I can start getting everything organized to move. I made a lot of progress this weekend. It will be boxes and moving fun all week long with the grand finale next weekend.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-18785106651399379632007-06-04T12:34:00.001-05:002007-06-04T12:45:47.720-05:00We'll be in a van by the riverWell, folks. The house is SOLD! Definitely didn't go to the highest bidder, but a bidder no less. As per usual, we're running around like crazy people trying to get organized. The next few weeks shape up like so:<br /><br />Tonight- Shelton starts summer school. Mon-Thurs, 7-10pm, through July.<br /><br />Saturday- Garage Sale!<br /><br />June 16- Pack the <a href="http://www.pods.com/Default.aspx">Pod</a>. The Koskies will be making the trek North to lend their helping hands, yay!<br /><br />June 18- Closing<br /><br />July 5- Move into the apartment<br /><br />Oh, did you catch that too? The three week discrepancy between moving out and moving in? We were fortunate to get the apartment we really wanted. However, said apartment is not available until July 5. We were able to convince my aunt and uncle to let us crash for those three weeks. This makes the packing and moving process, which is already mind-boggling in and of itself, quite a bit more difficult.<br /><br />I'm separating into the garage sale pile, Pod pile, Aunt/Uncle pile, store at the Koskies pile, trash and what stays. I've had a number of generous offers to come help, and I'll certainly let you know if I need it. But ya'll know how uptight and OCD I can be on any given Tuesday. This? This is what will drive me to the crazy house. So, I'm going to pack every last bit of it by myself- for the sake of my marriage, friendships and other relationships. It's better this way, really. I won't have to tape your hands together w/ packing tape because you didn't put the right things in a box or because you failed to place a number on the outside of the box and mark on the clipboard the contents of that box.<br /><br />The new address will be in your inboxes in coming weeks. This is the starting point of a very interesting summer for us. More details on that soon I'm sure.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-25317594591989401552007-06-04T12:31:00.000-05:002007-06-04T12:33:51.920-05:00The next Sure commercialSunday afternoon, on the Koskie sofa:<br /><br />Me: (lean in for a kiss) "You smell like coffee and sweat. Kind of like a Columbian Whorehouse."<br /><br />Him: "Wow- only you would come up with something like that."<br /><br />Me: "Oh, is that bad?"<br /><br />Him: "No, just why I love you."BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-74025793188981597162007-05-30T16:57:00.001-05:002007-05-30T16:57:16.961-05:00Stone's 1st Birthday<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shelfish/522165410/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/243/522165410_73fcc5e560_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shelfish/522165410/">Stone's 1st Birthday</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/shelfish/">shelfish</a> </span></div>HAPPY BIRTHDAY STONE!!! <br /><br />Our nephew's first birthday was yesterday (sorry kid, I'm a day late. Get used to the disappointment now). Actually, we were fortunate enough to spend the weekend in OKC and celebrate this little cutie's first birthday with the fam. We had a great shrimp peel and then dove into the cake and presents. Stone couldn't have been less interested. We were all grateful for this day, his birth, so that we might enjoyeth the piles of shrimp and red potatoes set out before us!<br /><br />I never expected to love this kid as much as I do. But it's hard to remember our family without him before and I can't say it will ever be the same. He's gorgeous and smart and terribly funny. I love being his "favorite" aunt :). He walks and babbles, he loves to chase and be chased. He likes his bath, he plays fake sneezes, blows zerbits and LOVES french toast (just kidding Keith!). <br /><br />Happy birthday Stone. Love you!<br clear="all" />BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-54945550543674082042007-05-10T08:38:00.000-05:002007-05-10T08:41:11.986-05:00ViolatedI got in my car this morning to find that the X-Terra had been broken into last night. The dash was completely torn out and the stereo gone. It doesn't look like they got anything else. Thank GOD the Tostitos in the back seat weren't taken.<br /><br />Police officer was very nice. Thanks to Shelton having his mother's genes, we have the original receipt, serial number and the box it came in.<br /><br />This is the third time I've ever had my car broken into. I'm getting tired of the worthless bastards taking my stuff. GET A JOB! GO TO SCHOOL! FIND SOMEONE TO HUG YOU! Just leave my stuff ALONE!<br /><br />Hopefully our insurance company will be more sympathetic to this situation, being that it isn't nearly as important as the wedding ring they won't cover.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-8465775926170388552007-05-08T22:43:00.000-05:002007-05-08T23:00:41.281-05:00Tonight we cuddled to "Stairway to Heaven"You might not know it by looking at us- but Shelton and I are pretty much in love by now. I'm sure I think he's funnier and hotter than anyone else- and I know I'm right because he is AND I'm always right. Likewise, I'm sure no one thinks I'm quite as funny or gorgeous as he thinks I am. If that's the case, I invite you to come take a closer look.<br /><br />One of things that's always pushed my "total mush" button is how Shelton gives me flowers. Early on I told him not to ever send me a red rose. I think they are tacky and over played and do not suggest a millisecond of thought or sincerity. He obliged. I've never once gotten flowers on an anniversary, holiday or any other typical date. They are always out of the clear blue sky. And he always goes to the flower shop and hand selects the stems. The bouquets are always stunning and all the women I work with get super jealous and that makes me feel pretty damn special.<br /><br />A few weeks ago, like the brat I can occasionally be, I might have subtly hinted that I hadn't received any flowers in about a year and I would like some. By subtle- I mean the way an elephant walks into a china closet with a big red bow around its neck. Somehow we started talking about corsages. I laughed a good hearty laugh and told him if he ever sent me a corsage to work I would totally wear it. Then we moved on, didn't discuss the flowers anymore. Or the corsage for that matter.<br /><br />Today I get a call from the florist asking for directions to my office because they have a package to deliver. I'm giddy all afternoon as I anxiously wait for my bouquet to arrive. When I return from a meeting our office manager tells me there is a gift on my desk. I spring around the corner expecting to see long, gorgeous spring blooms. Instead, a simple green box with a purple ribbon. And now I'm intrigued. As I pick up the box, the corsage conversation comes back. I'm laughing so hysterically at this point that a crowd has gathered around my cubby hole (this is what I like to call my cube). I open the box to find a HUGE purple iris corsage, with purple filler flowers and a HUGE purple/white polka-dotted ribbon. I had tears rolling down my cheeks I was laughing so hard and I couldn't hardly speak as everyone kept asking why in the hell my husband sent a corsage.<br /><br />Hello- was it not completely obvious that we were going to prom tonight and that he was going to pick me up from work in his mom's mini van? I even shaved and wore special panties today in case "tonight was <span style="font-weight: bold;">the </span>night".<br /><br />I explained the story and read the card, which was funny in and of itself. "Wear this corsage as a superhero wears a cape- to ward off evil boys who might think you are available."<br /><br />My camera is completely dead or I'd post a photo for all of you to enjoy the corsage as well. Do I even need to tell you that I wore it until I got home tonight? Oh yeah, people gave me weird glances and none of them had the balls to ask. I don't really fit the "corporate model", so I'm getting used to odd stares.<br /><br />This my friends. This is one of the million and one reasons that I love Shelton in a crazy, gross kind of way that only teenagers would display on the dance floor at prom under a disco ball and a dress that shows your cleavage for the first time.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-85328705360396806212007-04-30T08:31:00.000-05:002007-04-30T08:40:55.368-05:0036 Days LaterI hopped on here this morning to see what my last post was and realized it was made 36 days ago. The maddening, pants-on-fire busy has not decreased. In fact, it gets more ridiculous every single day. I now understand suburban moms who steal their kids Ridlan. I just need a way to squeeze a couple more hours into each day, or make Monday hold off one or two days.<br /><br />So, I'm totally copying Jim because I need an efficient way to fill everyone in on recent events.<br /><br />> Went on vacation to Colorado. Stayed in a gorgeous cabin. Tried skiing for the first time. Soaked in the hot springs. Drove 2000 miles in 5 days (gag!). Ate a lot of Chex mix. Visited the Coors brewery. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/shelfish">Pictures here.</a><br /><br />> Easter at our house w/ a mini-version of the fam. I made taco soup and sopapillas. Sopapillas, from scratch. With my bare hands. With cinnamon and heaven sprinkled on top.<br /><br />> Parenting Test drive. Some friends/neighbors went out of town two weekends ago. They asked to watch their 7-year old and 2-year old boys. We said yes. To all of us without children- WEAR A CONDOM! I'm totally kidding. The kids were fun and definitely broke us in. It's non-stop motion. They always want something- food, diapers, games, food, diapers....<br /><br />> Spent a weekend in OKC. I made it over to the Mont for lunch and remembered just how much I love that damn town, Norman. The food was perfect and the memories flooded back. Got in A LOT of cuddle schmuddle time with this cutie patootie- <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/stonekoskie">Mr. Stone</a>. He gave kisses and high fives and fake sneezes.<br /><br />> Friday was Shelton's birthday. We had a party. People didn't leave until 4a.m. and it hurt real bad the next day when we had to get up 9a.m. to build our new privacy fence.<br /><br />> Other than that, we're working our brains out, selling the house, I'm planning a baby shower for a friend, cut 7-8" off my hair this weekend and still looking for new glasses.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-87320301465879517972007-03-26T12:56:00.000-05:002007-03-26T13:10:33.215-05:00Pure Unadulterated MadnessGeeze La-Weeze ya'll. If "busy" were defined by having your hair on fire, no time to sleep, eat or even look at yourself in the mirror- my picture would be there. Shelton's kind of irked at me right now because I've piled more on our plates than can possibly be consumed between the two of us. The last free weekend we had was February 17 and we don't have another free weekend until May 5. Optimist Brandi only peeks out on very rare occasions and this is one of them and she's saying we can handle it.<br /><br />This past weekend we ripped up our entire kitchen floor- with our bare hands- and replaced it. We were both so dirty and disgusting I swear we each had three showers. And at one point, I had linoleum stuck to my butt. We started Saturday morning at 10 and finished last night close to midnight. It looks stunning now, I just want to make out with it or something. It was retchid before. We had to rip up the top layer of linoleum only to find a 67 year old hard-as-a-rock layer underneath. Hammers, chisels, adhesive remover and paint thinner- we got the job done. We also realized we're old as dirt because we're both moaning and groaning like we've never before. In fact, Shelton threw out his back.<br /><br />**Note to all homeowners: Before you do some half-ass repair on your home, think about the next person who lives there who does not want to have to devote double time to a project to undo your poor excuse for home repair. DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!**<br /><br />We also had three dinner dates this weekend, time w/ my lil sis, visit my grandmother, SuperTarget, a couple of trips to Lowes just to make things interesting.<br /><br />I also scheduled our realtor to come over and list the house tonight. It's for sale!! So, we have a hundred and one little projects we're trying to complete by tomorrow evening so that people can come fall in love with her.<br /><br />AND THEN... we leave on vacation tomorrow night. This is a really big deal because Shelton and I have not been on a "just the two of us" vacation since our honeymoon- a ridiculous 5 years ago. So we're taking off to Colorado on a trip partly sponsored by momma Koskie (an Ayyam-i-ha gift). So, amidst playing Bob the Builder and Susie Homemaker, I have to clean the house, do the laundry, pack, take the dog to my mom, check-in w/ the neighbor, clean the car, hit the grocery store for magazines and food, put our itenerary together -AND- figure out what the hell is wrong w/ my hair lately. (that's a whole other story)<br /><br />We're so psyched about the vacation. It's going to be a nice breather as when we return it's back to work plus next weekend is Easter, then we're babysitting a friends children for an entire weekend, hosting a baby shower, then Shelton's birthday and then April's gone and May is here.<br /><br />I'm going to say this spring is in like a lion... God willing it will be out like a lamb.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-41051415677135789072007-02-16T00:12:00.000-06:002007-03-10T00:02:01.387-06:0050 MoreHere comes another installment of Brandi reveals...<br /><br />51. You can count on me for handwritten thank you notes.<br />52. I eat raspberry or key lime Yoplait every morning.<br />53. I need to watch less TV.<br />54. I wax my eyebrows.<br />55. Scabs are cool.<br />56. I'm glad I'm smiling again.<br />57. We're not having a baby this year and that brings more relief than I expected.<br />58. I'm still jealous of my friends with babies.<br />59. The left side of my body is bigger than the right.<br />60. I want to live in South Africa.<br />61. Everyday I play out some terribly tragic situation in my head and try to think through how I would react.<br />62. I don't wear skirts because I lose all of my confidence.<br />63. I don't have enough cute shoes.<br />64. I prefer email to phone conversations.<br />65. Niagra Falls did not impress me.<br />66. I cry everytime I sing the National Anthem.<br />67. If the election were tomorrow, I'd vote for Barack.<br />68. Turning 26 this year feels terribly old.<br />69. I was shot in 12th grade. The guy got 80 hours of community service.<br />70. I found a lump in my breast last month. I was scared to death. But I'm fine.<br />71. I've only ever sang karaoke once- "Sweet Child of Mine".<br />72. The smells of peanut butter and popcorn are nauseating.<br />73. I like eating things that are bad for me in large quantities and I don't feel bad about it.<br />74. However, I do make a conscious effort to eat healthy.<br />75. I went to hear Gorbachev speak and I fell asleep.<br />76. I pee with the door open.<br />77. I love Oprah.<br />78. If you don't turn on your blinker, I will not let you in front of me.<br />79. I let people in front of me during long lines of traffic hoping someone will do the same for me.<br />80. I was scared of the tooth fairy.<br />81. I let my dog sleep in my bed.<br />82. I keep my college diploma on the mantel.<br />83. I wish I had more freckles.<br />84. I sleep with mascara on.<br />85. Tap water is disgusting and I won't drink it.<br />86. Colin Powell is one of the funniest people I've ever heard speak. (He's also one of the few republicans I like)<br />87. I like under-cooked cookies and over-cooked brownies.<br />88. I need to stop using these- :) - in my emails.<br />89. I worry that people won't remember me.<br />90. The crossword in People is the only one I've ever completed.<br />91. I stop soldiers in the airport to welcome them home and say thank you.<br />92. I can't lie.<br />93. I get a weekly allowance.<br />94. I worked on an Extreme Home Makeover.<br />95. I've never done most of the things I want to do.<br />96. I'm a hugger.<br />97. I like crawdads.<br />98. I grind my teeth.<br />99. I've probably searched your name in Google.<br />100. Growing up, I wanted to be an attorney.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-7754001279566582422007-02-15T23:55:00.000-06:002007-02-16T00:06:13.385-06:00Sob Story<span style="font-family: arial;">You know I'm one for details. It's impossible for me to tell a story without including the most mundane details and flailing my hands around.<br /><br />Last Saturday I was headed out for an afternoon of me time. It was finally a fairly nice day and I wanted to get out and bask in it for as long as it would last. I had no agenda, no plan. I figured I'd pop by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SuperTarget</span>, the scrapbook store, hit a couple of antique stores I always mean to go in, and so on.<br /><br />As I was leaving I remembered that Shelton's watch needed to be fixed and my wedding ring was in dire need of cleaning and inspection- since I hadn't done it more than a year. I go down the street to what is probably the best jeweler in Wichita and this top-notch sales guy helps me out. Big fan of the man we'll call J-C.<br /><br />He gives me a few compliments on my ring and I'm beaming like the day after Shelton proposed because I'm just an old wife now so no one has any reason to compliment my ring. He takes it in the back to look it over and comes out to ask if I had bought the ring there. I told him I'd gotten it at a place in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OKC</span> that for saving my ass from being sued I'll refrain from mentioning there name because I will tear them apart on here. And breathe....<br /><br />He told me that the ring was cracked. I was shocked and then he pointed out a very evident crack on the inside. How did I miss that? He took it back to look at it a second time and came out to tell me that all four corners of the diamond were cracked or chipped.<br /><br />It's Friday, and my heart has still yet to regain its normal pace. Turns out I have a princess cut, well I knew that all along, and that particular cut is very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">susceptible</span> to damage. He thinks that at some point in time I whacked my hand across something and caused the damage to the diamond and the shock traveled through the ring to break that. Wonderful!<br /><br />I came straight home, nearly in tears. Shelton called insurance only to find out that the separate policy we thought we'd had all along wasn't there. They show no record of it. So they've spent the past week searching through their archives to find where we said - give us insurance- and find where we never said- take it away.<br /><br />I have a feeling things are going to continue to get really screwy, just because insurance claims are always like that. The poor adjuster tried to call to talk to me the other day and my chest just got tight. I told him quite honestly that I was far too frustrated to talk to him and I would end up taking it out on him so I deferred to Shelton.<br /><br />So for now my left hand is naked. I tried to find a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cheapy</span> fake ring to wear just so I wouldn't drive myself crazy with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nakeyness</span> on my hand. No such luck.<br /><br />Keep your fingers crossed that this goes well.</span>BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-73057328797152924752007-02-15T23:45:00.000-06:002007-02-15T23:55:12.117-06:00Catching upSo I decided to log on and post for the first time since January and it suddenly becomes so complicated that all I want to do is vent! Google bought Blogger and when I signed in I had to approve and agree and click and that's not what I wanted to do.<br /><br />I wanted to pop over and try to make an effort to get my hiney back on here. I don't know why I don't write any more. Everyday I have something I think I should post and then I don't. Chalk up to my having the LAZIEST winter ever. I want this god forsaken weather to warm up so I get outside and move again.<br /><br />So here's a quick blast of updates and then we'll see how I do from here...<br /><br />Shelton came home with the flu last night- fever and all. I'm avoiding him as much as I can so that I can maintain not be sicking all winter. But with every passing minute my chest feels ickier and my muscles are getting achier. Damn it!<br /><br />We are currently planning our FIRST vacation since our honeymoon five years. We're both completely excited. We've been places, we've taken trips. Some together, some out of the country, some not together. But this will be the first time it's been just the two of us- we're not going to see anyone, no one is going with us. Solo. Oh, we're going to Colorado for five days and what are we going to do? Nothing, and I'll love every minute of it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.readsquare.com">Square Magazine</a> is up and running. Yay! I wrote about this a few months ago. Thanks to Becky and Jim for giving me the opportunity to clutter your pages and blog with my writing. I'm having a blast and hope there's more on the way.<br /><br />We meet with our realtor to list the house next week. Yes, after one year we're selling the house we shouldn't have bought in the first place. I love it- and if I had the time, money, energy and know-how to fix up this 90-year old beast, I'd really love it.<br /><br />One final rant- I'm so completely pissed off at ABC right now! I don't ever get this emotional or involved in TV shows. But this crap on Grey's Anatomy had better get straightened out. So help me if Meredith dies I will not watch another TV show on ABC ever again.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-1167798796278291152007-01-02T21:49:00.000-06:002007-02-07T15:48:33.243-06:00Happy New YearWell, it looks like I've taken a little blog vacation, haven't I? Please accept my sincerest apologies. If you read this you obviously have nothing better to do with your time and so I have taken that one small pleasure away from you. <br /><br />2006 is gone and I'm still dancing the hully-gully. Last year kicked me in the teeth and came back for more. The entire year felt like I was treading water with no land in sight. But it's gone. A memory I'm burying in the backyard with time-release dynamite.<br /><br />When life hands you a lemon farm like that, you don't just make barrels of lemonade, you learn a lot of lessons. And lessons I did learn. I also learned a hell of a lot about myself. I don't believe in resolutions, but I definitely believe in wiping a slate clean and moving forward. <br /><br />I want more. I want more out of my life, myself, my marriage, my career, all of it. The past few months I feel like I've rediscovered my writing bug and I'm really having a lot of fun doing it. It's been refreshing. I feel like everything I write is nothing more than anyone else would write. But somehow, without sounding like I'm patting myself on the back, I get so many compliments. And it means so much, and definitely drives me to keep going.<br /><br />To start this year, I thought I'd expose a lot more of myself than I usually do. I want to write this to tell who I've been, who I am and where I want to go. One year from now, I want to look at it, and find the differences and additions. I want to give you 100 things about me, but I'll do it in little installments so you don't get bored.<br /><br /> 1. I love dogs, but not other people's dogs.<br /> 2. Voicemail instructions make me crazy. <br /> 3. I get claustrophobic when my feet are covered.<br /> 4. I was a bed wetter.<br /> 5. I want to write a book, and I want to have it published.<br /> 6. I want to live outside of the midwest.<br /> 7. I'm fascinated by earwax and belly button lint.<br /> 8. I love that I work in advertising.<br /> 9. Google News is my primary news source.<br />10. I couldn't balance a checkbook if you paid me.<br />11. Dave Matthews Band kicks ass!<br />12. I think I'm prettier with my glasses on.<br />13. I have small, child-like square hands.<br />14. OU Sooner football is as close to a religious experience as I've ever had.<br />15. I want to be a mom.<br />16. I want to create and run my own business.<br />17. I play Scrabble every single day.<br />18. I regret that I did not study abroad during college.<br />19. I do not regret failing an entire semester in college.<br />20. My first wrinkle has been found.<br />21. I want to meet Oprah. Not a handshake, a meaningful conversation.<br />22. I cannot sew.<br />23. I'm a mentor and I get more out of it than she will ever know.<br />24. I did not start shaving my legs until 7th grade. People called me jungle girl.<br />25. I get jealous of company golf outings, because I have clubs and can't use them.<br />26. I go out of my way to see people cry at funerals.<br />27. My first cavity and my first speeding ticket happened this past year.<br />28. Dipping Wendy's fries in Frostys is my favorite.<br />29. Cooking makes me happy. I want to become an even better cook.<br />30. I hate when people buy me clothes.<br />31. I haven't been to church since high school.<br />32. I'm self-conscious of my gappy smile.<br />33. I like to sleep in my husband's boxers.<br />34. I keep a candy bowl on my desk, and never eat the candy in the bowl.<br />35. I like showers with the lights out.<br />36. I like the way a car sounds when the entire outside is packed in snow.<br />37. My husband calls me the "trip nazi". <br />38. I wish I had my pilot's license.<br />39. I have a tattoo. I want another one.<br />40. I think women with raspy voices are sexy. <br />41. I want to like MySpace. <br />42. I like to cry.<br />43. Macaroni and cheese makes my soul smile.<br />44. I do not drink liquor. <br />45. I would like to teach at a university. A long time from now.<br />46. I break out in hives when I speak in front of people. I'm working on that.<br />47. I want to get a master's degree for me- not for my career.<br />48. There are less than 5 people I consider a true friend.<br />49. There is nothing I don't like about being married.<br />50. I need new glasses, but don't want to give up my green frames.BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8473348.post-1163980314810783902006-11-19T17:42:00.000-06:002006-11-19T17:51:54.826-06:00Weekend UpdateI've had plenty to write about lately, I've just either been too busy or too lazy to do it. So here goes a quick synopsis of the recent events at the Koskie house:<br /><br />Last Saturday I did karaoke for the very first time. I joined some seasoned veterans of the karaoke stage for what is their staple song- Guns N Roses' "Sweet Child of Mine." We rocked pretty hard.<br /><br />Last Monday I fell down our stairs. Not the first time. The stairs in the house were created specifically for causing people to fall down them. This time was bad enough that I went to the doctor the next day. Shelton and I had been making jokes all day about his pushing me down, which he DID NOT do of course. We get to the doctor and I'm explaining the fall. She looks over at Shelton and he says, "I'm just here to make sure she tells the right story." I laughed, she was not amused. Horrible, I know, we both are. <br /><br />Yesterday I ran my first "race." I was pretty excited, until I woke up and it was 25 degrees with the wind chill. I had three pairs of pants on, two shirts and two bras. The two bras weren't exactly for cold-resistance. Can't have those things jumping all over the place! Anyway, I was seriously like 15th from last. My time was 35:22 for a 2-mile. I have a valid excuse though- this little boy was walking all by himself just before the half-way marker. He was so sad. I didn't want him out there by himself, that's so scary. So I introduced myself and walked the rest of the way with him. <br /><br />Shelton and I went to see Borat- it's hilarious. Hurt yourself laughing hilarious. Compares to the kind of laughing you experience the first time you watch Dumb And Dumber, Old School or Napoleon Dynamite. Not a politically correct moment in the show, and there are times when you feel really guilty for laughing. But laughing is healthy. So I'm calling it a must see.<br /><br />On the flip side of that movie coin is Happy Feet. I've anxiously waited more than a year to see that film. I was so unimpressed. It was almost kind of sad. I mean, I get the moral of the story their telling. But it was not at all about an island of happy, singing, dancing penguins. In fact, how they treat the one penguin who does that is horrible. Two beaks down on that one.<br /><br />Anyway, this week we're gearing up for Thanksgiving in OKC. I don't like Thanksgiving, never have, but this year I'm looking forward to it. Four days off will do that to you!BrandiKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01731751082412336005noreply@blogger.com0