The Breakfast of Champions

I have recently decided that Poptarts and Diet Dr. Pepper is the breakfast of champions (and college students).

See, I'm not a morning person. My alarm doesn't go off, and I jump out of bed ready to tackle the day.  That doesn't happen at my house.  Let me give you a little taste of a Monday - Friday morning at my house.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I got to work before I go to school. So I don't have to get up until 6:50. However, I have "snooze" time set into my alarm time. BC- before college, I would get up about 7:10, or sooner if the bladder made me do it. AC-after college, I'm lucky if my butt is hanging off the edge of the bed by 7:20.

My alarm goes off, and I quickly grab it and hit the snooze button.  Then, into the bed, under the covers it goes with me, because our room is about 2 degrees warmer than Antarctica. My husband calls this snuggling with the alarm clock. I call this, trying to talk the bastard into rewinding time so I can sleep for several more hours phase.  Then I go back to sleep for 5 minutes. And I do that repeatedly until the moment of doom, which I'm not really sure what time that is anymore, because some days I can get up at 7:30 and make it to work before I do on the days I get up at 7:20.

So I get up, I attempt to find my slippers so I can walk to the bathroom, in the meantime both eyes are shut, I'm groping about in the dark room, still trying to sleep, all the while doing the "pee-pee" dance, because that bottle of water 10 minutes before I went to bed, isn't such a good idea right about now.

I manage to make to the bathroom, and try to prop myself up against to the wall to continue to sleep while I pee. I have been known to not even turn on the light at this point. Attempting to get a few more Zzzzz's. However, at this point, it is now a good idea to turn on the lights, because taking a shower in the dark isn't a good idea, for safety reasons.  Especially when armed with a razor.

By now, I have taken a shower and deemed myself "awake", but it's under protest. I walk out of the bathroom and down the hall, and look at the clock and realize "@(#&(&, I only have 3 minutes before I should be in the bathroom applying makeup. (I have getting ready down to a specific, timed science.)

I quickly thrown on clothes, earrings, and shoes, grab my bag, and run down the hall, "drifting" around the corner to make it into the bathroom in record time to apply makeup and fix my hair. Then we grab the bag, and make a mad dash into the kitchen for water (because by now we feel like we have been running a marathon in the Sahara desert and haven't had water in weeks) and the dreaded poptart, so that I can attempt to get to work before 8 or before my boss does, whichever needs to happen first.

Then I get to work, and by that point, I figure that I might as well give up for the day, and wake up, I mean, geez, I'm at work now, it's probably not a good idea to nap.

Could I get up earlier and eat "real" food for breakfast? Probably so. Are the odds of this good at my house on any given day? No.

So I guess for the moment, I'm stuck with Poptarts and Diet Dr. Pepper. I can always eat "real" food on the weekends, when I get up at a reasonable time of 10am. Nothing good happens before then anyway.

Brown Sugar Poptarts and Diet Dr. Pepper - the breakfast of champions and tired college students.

5 Question Friday

I'm so glad that this week is over.  Although it is hard to believe that when I do this next week it will be March.  Hello?!! Wasn't Christmas just a week or so ago?

I have a fun filled weekend planned. I'm going to write papers, and read, and do Economics homework. Doesn't that just sound like every person's fantasy weekend?  Or, you know, not.

I met with my business calculus tutor last night, and didn't go to bed until almost midnight, tired, doesn't even begin to describe out I feel.  I try not to stay up past 11 studying, because let's face it, zombie me is worse off than slightly rested me.

I'm going to the grocery store and work on homework this weekend.  I'm just living the dream. (Insert lots and lots of sarcasm here.)

1. Can you drive a stick shift?

Yep, because I grew up with a grandfather that wouldn't let me get my driver's license until I could check all the fluids and add any necessary ones, change a flat tire, and drive every vehicle we owned.  So I learned how to drive a stick shift, because his pickup was a standard, and so were most of the tractors. I would imagine that not many people were required to pass a tractor driving test with a grandfather before taking one with a cop.  Trust me, the cop test was easier.

2. What are two foods you just can't eat?

I'm not a real picky eater. So I eat stuff that most people don't.  Like Brussels sprouts.  I don't like beets and turnips.  I'm not really crazy about green olives, but I will eat them on pizza and in pasta salad.  But beets and turnips.  Not a chance.

3. Do you buy Girl Scout Cookies? What is your favorite kind?

No.  I'm not really cracked up about little girls being made into cookies. But no, I don't buy them, only cause I don't know any little girl that sells them, and then I could be suckered into it. Because I'm a sucker when my nieces or nephews are selling stuff like that.
4. How do you pamper yourself?

Take a nap. I guess the only thing that I really do is get my nails done. When I'm tired, I chew on my nails.  I know it's a nasty habit, but when I'm tired it's what I do.  This would probably be a question to ask my husband more so than myself. I don't really think that I do much more than that, but I could be in denial.
5. What is your nickname and how did you get it?

My mom calls me ND. Because those are my initials.  First and middle anyway.  Shocking I know. My husband calls me honey.  We were really original.  Creative. I'm not sure how I got stuck with either one. Thankfully I don't have a nickname that is associated with something stupid that I did. I had a friend in high school, whose brothers nickname was Goob, because at some point, he had thought it was a good idea to stick peanuts up his nose. Enter trip to the ER, when he couldn't get them out.  So thankfully I'm not a Goob.
 
 
Have a Happy Friday

Writing Papers Fries Your Brain

I have wanted to get back into the groove of writing blog posts, and I think that I have some great ideas until I actually sit down to do it, and then the words just won't come out.  I think about all of the other stuff that I "should" be doing (like the Economics homework I should be working on instead of typing this) and I just can't think of anything to say that doens't involve whining about school.

And frankly I'm tired of whining about school.

I just want to remember that my life doesn't (even though it kinda does) revolve around school.  I feel like you guys are tired of listening to it.  Then I got to thinking.  I'm the one who decided that my life begins at 30, and part of "finding" out who am I involved this blog.

This blog has helped me discover things about myself that I didn't know, or that I had long forgotten. It's also let me discover new things about myself, some that I could have done without and others that are probably vital but that suck at the same time.

This is a big step in my life. It means that I am finally moving on from Plan A. I'm making a new future that isn't the one that a part of me still wants. I'm trying to step out of my shell and talk to people I don't know and maybe not make new friends, but at least make the effort to get to know people. I'm working on Plan B, and I'm sure that before I'm all done there will be a Plan C, D, and E.

Because that's just how life works. I have been so overwhelmed lately and I overheard a conversation one day about how God never gives us more than we can handle. Which I agreed with, until she said, sometimes life hands us something that we just aren't prepared for.  Well crap.  She had a point.

I can handle just about anything. I have been there done that, and there are a few things that I haven't dealt with yet, but I feel like I could if I had too. That's because God is standing behind me, patting me on the shoulder telling me that I can do it. Then on the other shoulder I have this mini version of me, telling me to dream on. So instead of just trying to focus on one voice more than the other, I'm trying to listen to both. It's important to keep dreaming, and it's important to have the faith in myself that God has in me. He thinks I can do it, so I need to have faith that I can.

So I did what any self respecting person does; hired a tutor.

And told the negative version of me to stuff a sock in it.

Catchup - not to be confused with Ketchup

Greetings bloggie readers!

I know, right know your mouth is gaping open, and you are wondering if you have entered some alternate reality, where I actually post stuff on other days besides Friday.  Not to worry, there is no need to adjust your screen.  You aren't dreaming.  This is really a post, on this blog, and yes, it is Monday.

I'll pause here, for you to get your senses back, and allow you to dance about in joy.



Here's a brief yet, fabulous post about what I've been doing that's so much more exciting than...well, I'm not sure what it's more exciting than, but it's definitely exciting.  Or you know, boring.  But exciting just sounds more glamorous than boring.

-I didn't tear or rupture anything in my leg.  It still hurts when I move a certain way, but for the most part, seems to be doing good.  Once the hurt is completely gone, I'm going to start going to the gym on a regular basis again and get my muscles in better shape.

-Homework still sucks.  Papers to write, business calculus problems to do, exam's to study for, books to read, quizzes to take.  It's all just so much fun I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to spend their entire time doing this.  (Note - make sure you insert tons of sarcasm here, to fully appreciate this comment.)

- I discovered a few days ago, that this blog, whether or not I wanted it to, has became a part of who I am.  It's something that I miss.  While I also miss reading all the dozens of blogs that I read, I also miss writing on this one.  Writing has always had a soothing affect for me, and once I work through writing it out, I feel better. Just writing 5 question Friday and this post, and I feel less stressed out.  I feel like a part of my brain is back to working and functioning like it should be.

-I miss cooking.  Nothing fancy, just cooking in general.  I think I'm going to have an orgy over Spring break in which I cook, and cook and cook until I can't see straight. 

(If you are a parent of mine and don't want to know about my sex life, I highly suggest that you skip the next update.  Read at your own risk.)

-I miss sex too.  Let's just get that out there too (sorry mom and dad).  But let's face it.  I stay up late to study, I am going 90mph during the day, that by the time my body touches the sheets, the only thing it wants to do is sleep. I'm really disappointed, because I thought college meant lots of partying, drinking and sex.  Did I not sign up for that class?  Apparently not.  So maybe someone can tell me where I add that in for next semester.  I can live without the partying and drinking, but man cannot live without sex forever. My husband will agree to that too.

-I should be doing homework, yet here, I am writing blog posts about my sex life, or lack thereof.  It's funny, how when you really want to procrastinate, you can come up with some interesting posts for a blog.

-Well, to those of you lucky people who get the day off to celebrate the President, I'll be working and going to school, so think of me, then email me, so that I can send you some of my homework to work on.  I wouldn't want you to enjoy your holiday too much.

-I'm aiming for 3 posts a week.  I'm trying to get back to 5, but be patient.  I'm still trying to find my groove, trying to figure out how to fit in everything.  Some days I do wonderfully, other days I fail miserably.  I'll eventually get it all figured out.

-Have a happy Monday!  And today, since it's President's Day, why don't you take a moment to tell your current President about the current crappy or uncrappy job that he is doing.

-Enjoy the fact that you don't have a business calculus test today too!

5 Question Friday

Things have been so crazy around here it's not even funny.  Between work and school it's making me nuts.  Our part-timer is an idiot.  We ask the temp agency for someone with office experience and we get someone who has worked in call centers.  She screws up phone calls and taking a message.  I spend most of my time at school fielding phone calls from her and other people in the office, yet they don't want me to get rid of her.  Um, ok.  When I'm at work I'm cleaning up after her.  It's frustrating.  Especially to someone who if it isn't done their way, then it's the wrong way.  No matter what it is.  Cleaning, working. 

I have some great ideas - and I even had two posts written that were saved on my old blackberry that died.  Now, 24 hours after getting new blackberry, it's dead too.  Awesome.  Or you know, not.

So I'm going to attempt to re-create those posts, and add a few more, and hopefully figure out how to squeeze school, work, and blogging back in.  Because let's face it, this is so much more fun than writing papers, and I miss it.

Have a beautiful weekend!

1. Have you worn the same outfit more than one day in a row?


Yes, but let me explain.  Jeans can be and are worn more than once.  Because let's face it, they never get dirty.  I usually wear jeans twice and then into the laundry they go.  Unless I spill something on them, then I toss them and start over with another pair.

I have been known to take a shower of an evening and need to run an errand, so instead of going in my pj's I put on clothes.  Clothes that are only on my body for an hour or two.  So I go home and hang them back in the closet and rewear them, usually the next day so that they get washed sooner rather than later.

And pj's.  I wear 1-2 pair a week, depending on how funky they get.  If they still smell like clean laundry we put them on again.  If they smell less like clean laundry we get a new pair.

I won't wear socks more than once though.  If I take my shoes off, and leave my socks on, and have to put shoes back on, even if it's only been an hour, I have to have new socks.  I know, I'm weird.



2. If you had to choose any LARGE city to live in, which would it be?

I don't know that I would want a large city, like New York large.  I like Lubbock, we have lots to do, we have a lot of chain restaurants (like Carino's).  Decent shopping, it's big enough for most conveniences, yet small enough to not take you 2 hours to drive 10 miles in rush hour traffic.

I guess if I had to pick out of all of the places that I've been too, I would pick Dallas (my bestest friend lives there), Austin (it's absolutely gorgeous), and Denver (again, it's pretty).  I grew up in a small town, and it wasn't so bad either, just irritating to have to drive 45 minutes to go to somewhere besides Wal-Mart.


3. Fly or drive with the kids on vacation?

I prefer not to do either with kids, because once I got off the plane, or stopped for gas, the cops, FBI and various other government agencies would be screaming things like "Put your hands in the air" "Get on the ground" "You are under arrest".

You know, because in order to fly or drive with them I would have to kidnap them, and most people frown on that.


4. What is your idea of "spring cleaning"?

Oh how I love spring cleaning.  And fall cleaning.  And summer cleaning. 

When I spring clean I move everything and clean every tiny little crevice.  I clean out drawers and closets and boxes and garages and...  I probably go a little overboard.  But it's so nice to know that there are no dust bunnies lurking anywhere, at least until the next sand storm. 

I'm a cleaning freak though.  I randomly clean out drawers and closets.  Cleaning is stress relief to me.  Some people eat chocolate, some go to the gym, some shop, I clean.  My husband can always tell when something is bothering me when I start cleaning and usually more than the usual mopping and dusting.  He also usually bails and hides so I don't force him to help.

5. What is the best book you have ever read?
My absolute favorite book, is a children's book, that I have a brand new copy of.  The Velveteen Rabbit.

Obviously, the story could never come true, but it is the perfect example of child-like faith at it's best.  It shows how honest and innocent kids are, and how they believe in all the possibilities that, we as adults, don't.  And it's about love, and how deeply and wholly a child can love something and believe with all their heart, that it's love is real, and returned.

The best book I ever read, would probably be Where the Red Fern Grows.  Because let's face it, that book is full of possibilities and love too.

Mostly as an adult I read mystery and suspense type books.  Occasionally there is a little chick romance in there.  They are good too, but if I were to only pick one book to keep in my home, The Velveteen Rabbit would be it.


*Now if your feeling really brave, scroll down and read last weeks, because I wrote it, just got busy and forgot to post it. 

5 Question Friday

Well, about the time that you are reading this I will be having an MRI.  Going to class yesterday morning (and just another reason to prove me to that 8am classes are pure evil) I was walking up some stairs, felt a "popping" sensation in my calf then HOLY MOLY OUCH!!!!  Here's hoping that I didn't do enough damage to warrant surgery, and hopefully that luck will rub off on the the biology exam, that I don't feel really good about. 

Not too worry, I'm going to use all this time sitting around on my butt wisely.  I have some awesome posts for next week floating around in my head, and since I can't do much more than sit, I'm sure I can find some free time to write them.

Have a good weekend!

1. Would you rather be on ABC's Extreme Home MakeOver or TLC's What not to Wear?

Well, why not combine the two and just get a complete life makeover.  Although, I'm pretty sure that I would have to say something tacky to the hosts of What not to Wear, as I'm not going to spend more than $40 bucks on a pair of jeans.  I haven't worn dress pants in 5 weeks, I am not missing them.

I used to adore Extreme Home Makeover, but, here lately it seems like they are only doing people who have a "cause" as well.  Which there is nothing wrong with, but there are just as many people who are just trying to put food on the table and get their kids necessary medical treatment, they are just trying to change their circumstances, not the world, and sometimes that is all it takes to change the world.  Like the saying goes - if you want to change your life, start with someone else.
2. Do you have any tattoos?

Nope.  I want one though.  My dad designed a butterfly for me, and the design on the wings and body is actually my initials.  It is totally wicked looking, I just need to become less chicken.  I'm not afraid of needles, I'm just afraid of what it is going to look like when I'm like 80.

3. Do you tell your kids about things you did growing up?

I would, but they are too interested in napping or chasing their tails to care, unless I bribe them with a treat.  Fur babies just don't annoy as well as real children.  I try not to say things like that to my nieces and nephews, because well, they think I'm cool, because I let them eat cookies for dinner and wash them down with a milkshake.  I want them to think I'm cool, not dull like their parents.

4. If the traffic signal turns yellow, do you stop or speed up?

If I can stop I stop, if I can't, I floor it.  Better change my route to work now, don't want you guys calling the local PD and sharing my route with me. 

5. What's your preference: chocolate or chips?

For what?  Baking? Dunking? Sandwiches? 
 
I like both.  Hmmm...now I wonder what they would taste like together.  Interesting.  I would try it, but I'm pretty sure the only chocolate I have is semisweet, and I don't care how desperate you are for a chocolate fix, don't do it with semisweet.  You will still want your chocolate and want to puke at the same time.  It's a really cool feeling that everyone should experience just once, but seriously, don't do it.
 
I get on a kick where I need chocolate.  I would probably get more creative with my chocolate fix during that craving, but after a couple of pieces, I'm good for another 6 months.
 
HiHoHiHo, it's off to get an MRI I go!  Wish me luck, it's going to be a long day traipsing around campus on crutches!

5 Question Friday

Today, I would like to do something a little different.

Mama at 5 Crooked Halo's who is our usual sponsor for 5 Question Friday has lost a very special family member this week, and has been spending her time with her precious family instead of worrying about us fellow bloggers.  And she should be, family has a way of helping to heal wounds and make grief and grieving less lonely.

So this week, my request is that you will keep Mama, her husband and their family in your prayers. 

They need support, love, prayers, and understanding while they deal with this tragedy. 

Have a beautiful Friday.


~There are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without but have to let go. ~Author Unknown

Deep Freeze 2011

Well, things have been...interesting around here this week.

Monday afternoon we had a cold front move in.  First, this is West Texas, our idea of cold front usually involves 15 degree lows.  Our low Wednesday night is estimated to hit -1.  Oh my goodness.  For a place that isn't used to temperatures and snow, the people around here were at Wal-Mart stocking up like the world was coming to an end. 

Tuesday we woke up to a couple of inches of snow and 30+ mph gusts of wind.  Our high was around 8 with windchill around -24.  They cancelled my 8am class, I skipped my 12:30 class, and went to my 4pm class, only because if I wasn't there I wouldn't pass the class.  It was cold.  Breathtaking has a whole new meaning.  I have never experienced something like that, and I know for a fact that I don't want to again.

Wednesday, they cancelled class until 10am.  We got 2-4 more inches of snow overnight, and our low was around 1.  We had the same windchill as Tuesday.  Except I didn't have my chauffeur today.  I had to tough it out and walk around campus.  Cold was an understatement.  I can't believe that they didn't salt the sidewalks and stuff.  I couldn't believe how unprepared they were for students walking around.  I can't even begin to tell you how slippery it was, and I lost count of the times that I slipped.

It's so cold that the extra refrigerator that we have in our garage is cold enough in the fridge that it froze a package of chicken.  My Diet Dr. Pepper earlier was slushy, which was awesome, but to discover at 5:55 that my chicken was frozen wasn't so awesome.  So we had takeout for dinner.

The good news is that I have gotten caught up on calculus homework.  I'm hoping that before the weekend, I am way more ahead than I am now. 

Bad news is - it's going to do this all over again Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday.  Except without the negative temps. 

When I rule the world lots of snow one day and then 70 degree weather the next day.  I'm too old for cold weather like this. 

Sorry this post is kinda chatty, I keep typing to keep my fingers from freezing.