1. Tomorrow
2. morning
3. I’m
4. picking
5. up
6. my
7. bulldog
8. Panda
9. in
10. Montana.

I’m not excited or anything.

Yes, I know, I’ve been MIA for a while. I’ve been busy and my focus has been elsewhere.  Sorry.  All’s good, though.

1. So, since I just noticed that my last post was about my 5k, I guess I should tell you…I finished!    I ran a portion (small by many people’s standards) and finished right at my goal finish time.
2. Wednesday night the annoyances of my upstairs neighbor came to a head, I snapped, he got pissed, I was wrong, I had to apologize.  I don’t hate my upstairs neighbor but sometimes he listens to his music or TV too loud.  He and I have had a number of discussions about it.  Lately it’s been loud again.  Wednesday night my sister was over with Rider, she and I were trying to talk but I could barely hear her.  Rider was complaining about the noise and things on my entertainment center started rattling.  I got pissed and knocked (OK banged) on the floor.  He started stomping (the music didn’t go down) and I got pissed.  Then I noticed he was at my front door and not happy.  Ends up, he didn’t have the music on at all.  He and I talked for quite a bit, I went up and spoke with his wife as well.  I apologized it ended fine.  Except…
3. I have ANOTHER noisy neighbor now.
4. Tomorrow I’m going to a soccer game.  I get to pretend to be a soccer mom for one morning.  LOL  Actually, we have some friends that live here and they don’t have family here so I try to go to their kids’ games when I can so they have “family” there besides mom & dad.  The daughter’s last game (that I can go to) is tomorrow morning and since mom is coaching and dad is coaching her brother’s game they don’t have any pictures or videos of her playing.  So, I get to go be the camera soccer mom for a morning.  It’s fun to watch the kids play and I think they like me showing up.
5. I just moved my e-mail reading from Outlook to Gmail.  I used to use Thunderbird but it didn’t sync with my Blackberry and it was annoying so I moved to Outlook.  However, there’s a reason I wasn’t using Outlook…I don’t like it.  I finally had enough of it and figured out (almost) how to use Gmail instead.  It’s actually nice because I can get my e-mail anywhere I can get on the web.
6. We completely skipped fall this year.  Well, fall temperatures at least.  We went from warm and sunny to cold and cold and icy overnight.  Literally.  It was about 80 one day and 50 the next.  I’m not joking.  This week we’ve barely been in the 40s.  I like the cold but I just don’t feel prepared for winter yet.
7. My niece is in girl scouts.  She just started and it’s super cool.  But, with girl scouts comes fundraisers.  Guess who’s buying candy.  LOL  Of course, I had to buy some from the soccer girl too so I’m going to have more candy than I need sitting around.  Maybe I’ll give some as gifts.
8. One cool thing about winter is that I get to bust out my scarfs and gloves again.  I LOVE my scarfs and gloves and even made sure my hair was cut so I can wear hats this year without looking funny (as in I didn’t cut it short like I was tempted to do).
9. I bought myself a special treat this week.  I’ve been eyeing it since they first came out and have been wanting one since I first heard of them.  The price was a turn-off though, but I got a gift certificate from someone and a rebate that I wasn’t expecting/counting on PLUS the price dropped so the time was right.  Yep, today my brand new Kindle arrives.  I’m so stinking excited that I can’t even breathe.  I already have books sitting in my queu to download to it as soon as it gets here.  I’ve been tracking it since it left the warehouse.  It’s in town, right now, but not at my house yet.  (And, yes, I’ll probably leave work as soon as it arrives to go get it.)
10. The heater just turned off.  I really don’t like baseboard/wall heaters.  They suck.  Anyone who tells you they are efficient is wrong.  Well, except that you can just heat one room if you want/need to.  But, still they suck.

OK…I have a lot of work to do so I need to work.

It’s Friday so that means…

1. My outdoor plants look a lot better outside.  They really don’t belong inside.  How do I know that?  They are all inside right now.  Now, before you think I’m crazy (which I’m not in this instance) I HAD to bring them inside or risk them getting destroyed.  They decided to powerwash my building today.  I didn’t want to risk my plants getting ruined so I brought them inside.  It’s really not as pretty as it sounds.
2. I’m home from work with a sick kid.  No, I didn’t acquire a child that I haven’t told anyone about.  I’m here with Rider.  Tami can’t really take time off work at central dispatch (fancy for 911) so I volunteered.  Poor kid has a nasty, red, itchy rash all over his body.  He seems like to like rolling around on the carpet today.  But, I might be able to convince him to take a nap — the benadryl is making him sleepy…
3. This weekend is Julyamsh AND Hayden Days.  I had planned on taking Rider to both since I’m babysitting all weekend.  I really hope his rash clears up because I don’t want to take him out with it…he LOOKS horrible.
4. I think I missed cherry and strawberry picking at Green Bluff.  I’m kind of bummed.  That doesn’t mean I haven’t been eating cherries and strawberries.  I just didn’t get to pick them myself. 
5. They just finished powerwashing the front of the building.  I haven’t seen them in the back but I hope they get there…it needs done also.  I put the flowers back out front because they were giving me a headache.
6. Rider decided to redecorate my front patio. It kind of looks good (I helped with a couple things).  He moved the chairs then I had to adjust some of the flowers to keep some walking room.  I guess it was time for a change.
7. I think I need to lower my expectations.  I went out front and nit-picked the powerwash job.  There are still cobwebs on the building.  I don’t get it.  I wanted my brother’s company to at least bid the job…they didn’t get the chance.  But, these people did cruddy work.  The walkways don’t look any better.  I kind of stinks that the people who own this property don’t take as much pride in it asI do. Because it looks like crap.
8. I have to figure out what to eat for lunch.  I had today’s lunch planned but it’s at the office.  I’m not.  So, it’s not going to do me much good.  I found a box of mac & cheese in the back of the pantry that I can serve Rider, for me, I still have to work it out.
9. I’m feeling kind of tired today. I didn’t sleep well last night because I kept checking on Rider.  I probably didn’t need to worry but I did.  I feel like I didn’t sleep at all but I know I did.
10. It looks like the weather this weekend will be nice. I really hope the kid is feeling better so we can enjoy it.  It’s not often I have him all weekend.  It’s also not often that I have this much planned on a weekend.  I’d really don’t want to spend the whole weekend inside.

Have a great weekend! 

Yep, it’s FRIDAY!

1. I feel like I had a very successful week at work.  I’m not sure why I feel that way but I do.  My billable time isn’t up, I don’t have any new clients, I didn’t do anything extraordinary, but I feel like it was a good week.  That’s nice.
2. Tonight I’m going to a networking event.  I’m not really sure if I’m excited or not.  A group of VAs I meet with locally and I have a table at the event and I had to buy some stuff for it so I have a bit of $$$ invested in the event, I really hope it ends up being worth it.  We’ll see.
3. The sun is finally shining.  It’s actually a little on the warm side.  I wouldn’t be complaining but I’ve been inside all week (working) and today I’m wearing “make me look smart” clothes so I feel warm.  But, I’m glad the sun is shining
4. I planted everything on my front patio and the flowers look great.  I have a pink/white/purple theme  going on.  I LOVE it.  The back patio.  Well…
5. Tomorrow is FARM CHICKS.  I’m excited but I don’t really know why I’m excited.  I just am.  I don’t even know if I’m going because the people I thought were going aren’t and I don’t want to go alone.  But, I guess my sister-in-law and her mom are going so I’ll go with them.
6. I went to my first private art reception.  Woohoo.  Doesn’t that sound fancy?  One of my friends is an artist and his show started last night, I got an invitation to the private reception so I went.  It was kind of fun.  That gallery (sort of) redeemed itself to me.  I’ll still need to monitor if I’m taking my niece but it was approved for this show.
7. My assistant rocks.  Did I tell you I hired an assistant?  Well, I did.  She rocks.  I was so scatterbrained today trying to figure tonight out.  She kept me on track and even went and bought the things I needed but forgot to order.  So, yeah, she pretty  much rocks.
8. I have become a Farm Town addict.  I know, what’s Farm Town, right?  It’s a stupid game on Facebook.  I’m ADDICTED.  Well, the complete addiction is over, I have now obtained a high enough level in the game that I’m able ot plant crops that take longer to harvest so I don’t have to be on there EVERY day.  Plus, I get to play with my sister in CA so it’s cool.  We’ve talked more in the last couple weeks because of this game than we’ve talked in the last year I think.  So, I’m happy.
9. A very good family friend died this week.  I’ve known them since I was born, I think.  His wife and my mom are the closest of friends.  It was not a fun call that I got on Saturday and Monday’s was worse.  Death sucks.
10. My cat has officially become annoying.  First he gets himself stuck in the refrigerator for an hour.  Then he gets himself locked out of the house for who knows how long.  Then he gets himself locked in the closet overnight.  Not to mention the mini-blind issue.  Well, he latest trick, knocking the screen out of the window then getting annoyed with ME because he was on the front porch and couldn’t get in.  You’d think he’d learn.  Yeah, right.

OK…I’m off for a late lunch and some networking.  Wish me lots of good clients. 

1. The office still stinks.  I’m NOT opening everything up again today because it’s cold out.
2. Speaking of cold.  It’s 25 out today and I forgot my jacket.  But when I got to my car I realized that when I got home last night I didn’t put it on and left it in the car.  So, I’m OK.  Although I still haven’t put it on.
3. I’m having pictures taken today for business stuff.  The last ones I took are almost three years old so I guess it’s time.
4. I want to eat something but I’m not sure what I want to eat.  It’s something specific that I’m craving but I don’t know what that specific thing is.
5. No one is in the office today.  I’m not sure how I lucked out but it’s been like that two days in a row.  I could do some serious damage on the work pile if this keeps up.
6. I’m starting a new marketing program.  I did it once before and liked the results.  I’m exciting about starting this and am glad I have things better organized this time around.
7. I have no plans for this weekend. This week has flown by and now the weekend is here and I don’t know what to do.
8. I need to get some new music on my iTunes.  I’m getting bored with what’s here.
9. Last night I made Baylee (a good friend’s daughter who babysits for my home group) listen to a country song.  She said she hates country music.  But, after I dropped her off at home she texted me asking who sang it because she liked the song.
10. I went grocery shopping a week ago and have only made one of the meals that I bought.  I haven’t been home much.

Happy Friday!

It’s FRIDAY!

1. I just wrote my whole post of 10 things at the retarded laptop went back and deleted it.
2. I took this morning off work to finish my sister and nephew’s room.  As long as I can convince her to sleep out of her car for the next week I’ll be ready for them.  (I’ll pull an all-night tonight and we’ll be OK.)
3. My sister is scheduled to pull in around 5PM tonight.  My nephew (and my mom) are scheduled to land at 11:40AM tomorrow.  We’re getting close.
4. Mr. Cat is almost completely toilet trained.  I did NOT plan the timing on this adventure very well.  But, we’re almost there and there are two bathrooms so we might all be using mine for a few days to finalize this training.
5. Today is CASINO DAY.  I mean, today is my monthly meeting with four VA colleagues of mine where we get together and support each other in our businesses and network.  But, we’re meeting at the casino so it’s really CASINO DAY!
6. Tomorrow we’re going to a concert at church with the whole family.  Fun, fun, fun.
7. There are snow on all the mountains around me.  My house is on the chilly side (if you consider 62 chilly) but I’m in denial and too cheap to pull the couch out away from the wall to turn the heat on.
8. I have to leave to meet my carpool for CASINO DAY in one hour so I guess it’s time to get in the shower.
9. Did I mention that my roommates start arriving today?
10. Dead mice, no matter how horrid they are are 100x’s better than mouse turds.

Can you believe October is over?  Eek!

1. I’m trying to decide which is worse:  Mouse turds on your desk or having a mouse peak at you from the pump well when you’re sitting on the toilet.  I haven’t decided which because each time I convince myself one is worse I rethink the whole scenario.
2. Fall truly is here in full force.  The drive to work is almost dangerous because I have to remind myself to keep my eyes on the road on not looking at the beautiful colors.
3. Does Costco sell industrial size, large quantity mouse poison boxes?
4. Lunch is very yummy today….Chicken Corn Chowder (from a can but it’s still good).  I have yummy chicken in the crockpot at home for tonight. 
5. I’m craving pizza.  I have been since Tuesday night but still haven’t had it.  I couldn’t justify calling to order pizza delivery at 9PM Tuesday night and haven’t been able to order it since.  I’m thinking I might get pizza for lunch tomorrow so I can finish it for dinner.
6. About that mouse….  Did you see my full body shudder?
7. My sister arrives a week from today, my nephew a week from tomorrow.  Don’t worry, he’s not flying alone my mom is coming with him.
8. Speaking of which, I think I better work on that room this weekend.
9. I’ve decided to attempt to toilet train the cat.  I’m almost at the “tough” part so we’ll see how this will work.  It’ll sure be nice to not have to deal with kitty litter any more.
10. I need to find some Clorox wipes to disinfect my desk.  I don’t want to get Hanta Virus, food poisoning this weekend was bad enough.

Yeah, it’s FRIDAY!

1. 360 hours until the sis and nephew move in.  Which means 358 hours to get the room ready for them.
2. Take away the above zero and you have our temperature today.  Brrrr….36 is cold.  (Especially when you stupidly leave you jacket at the office and have to go to work without, not that I did that or anything.)
3. Mouse turds on your desk are really gross.  Don’t ask me how I know, just know it’s gross.
4. I randomly decided to take the Quickbooks User certification test Wednesday.  I’m smart and passed it with flying colors so I’m now a Certified QuickBooks User.  Should I be proud?
5. The moon told me goodnight last night.  I heard it.  (Thanks, Rider I like when the moon tells me good night, I love you too!)
6. I’m irritated today.  Don’t ask me why, just know I’m irritated today.
7. I really dislike it when other people make mistakes and I’m the one who ends up looking like the idiot.
8. I had coffee with a friend this morning, we had a good talk and I shared some insight that I realized last night about myself.  I’m still kind of in shock that I told her.
9. I have a meeting tonight and tomorrow morning.  I kind of don’t want to go but I have to.  Don’t tell anyone that I kind of don’t want to go, though.  LOL
10. I’m trying to figure out some “stuff” with my business.  We’ll see what happens.

Have a good weekend!!!

So, I have some random things to share.  Or, rather, it’s Friday and I haven’t posted in a while so I’m going to post 10 Random Things for a Friday.

1. My sister and nephew get here three weeks from tomorrow.  Their bedroom isn’t ready yet and I’m struggling with getting it ready.
2. Tonight is slumber party night, only my slumber party guest fell asleep at 7PM.  Luckily I was able to wake her up because what’s a slumber party if the guest of honor is asleep.
3. Cheese French Fries are best eaten with a favorite niece.  LOL  I took Ally to Applebees a few months ago and she tried a mozzarella sticks.  I didn’t know what to call them so she’d try them so cheese french fries it was….she ate three tonight AND her macaroni and cheese.  LOL
4. Gold really is best, at least according to a four year old.  I took Ally (yes, it’s an Ally day) to Claires to buy her some earrings for when she can take the studs out.  Of course, I was planning on spending about $5.  No, she had to have the 14K gold ones because “I love gold”.   Dude, how do you even know what gold is?!?!?!?  Good luck to her Daddy.  LOL
5. I signed a new client today.  WooHoo.  We get started the beginning of next month but still, WOOHOO!
6. I’m already dreading tomorrow morning when the guest of honor wakes up…she seems to think early is a good time to wake up.
7. I never realized how difficult it can be to take a 4 year old to the “movie store” (aka Blockbuster). They have way too many choices of movies I really DON’T want to watch.  But, sucker that I am we ended up with “The Last Unicorn” and “Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses”.  Do I get an award or something?
8. I started in a new home group a few weeks ago and last Saturday we started a new women’s group.  I’m absolutely LOVING both.  It took long enough but I think I finally have a group I am going to love.
9. I started an online Bible study this week.  It’s really good, for the most part (meaning the last two days talked a lot about being a wife and the role of a wife but…).  Anyways, if you want to check it out it’s True Woman: Now is the Time.
10. Tomorrow is stamp club.  WooHoo.  I need to find and bring my paper cutter.  I say find because it’s one of the things that has been “stored” to clear out the spare room for Tami & Rider so I need to find where I “stored” it.

OK, it’s almost time to turn off the Barbie movie so the early to rise kid can get some sleep tonight.

It’s Friday again.  First, I need to share this story that someone shared with me.   My first response was, oh my goodness.  My second thoughts was OH MY GOODNESS! it’s in an UK paper.  Yeah, the US is so smart.

Now, on to our regularly scheduled programing.

1. Did you know that Voila is how you spell that work that sounds like whalla.  Yeah, I didn’t either because I don’t speak French.
2. I lost three pounds this week ~^*^~ <== that would be my happy dance.  LOL
3. I guess my sister and nephew will be moving here around November 9th.  When I say here, I mean HERE as in my place.
4. I’m keeping my eyes open for a bigger place.  (You did read #3, right?) I just keep going back and forth as to whether I want to buy or rent.  I’m leaning towards renting.
5. The fair is going on right now.  I might go tomorrow but don’t really know.
6. It’s been so cold this week.  Last weekend was so hot.  Now it’s cold.  I’ve been wearing sweatshirts most days and had to find my umbrella.
7. I cleaned my office this week.  OK, maybe cleaned isn’t the right word, I sorted and organized, kind of.  OK, you can see the floor and my desk has room to work on it again.
8. I think I’m going to eat leftover pizza for dinner tonight.  Maybe, I also took some beef out to make beef rolls but I might do that tomorrow instead.  Too many decisions.
9. Many of you know my really good friend Carolyn.  Well she made a super cool announcement this week that knocked my socks off.  Seriously, you have to read her news and send her congrats.  (Yes, that’s random but I keep opening that page and rereading her news because I’m so excited for her!)
10. It’s Friday, I kind of want to take an early weekend but the work is calling so….

Have a great one!