Sarah's Blog

Our First House

2010-03-09T12:42:00.014-06:00

It has been a very, very, very long time since I last blogged. In the last eight months Johnny and I have bought and moved into our first house, got married, went on our honeymoon cruise and got a dog.

I'll start with the house. We were looking for a home in Euless since it's the closest city to Dallas (where Johnny works) without actually being in Dallas County. There are not a lot of options in Euless, but we finally found a house at the end of July and moved in in the middle of August. I looove our house. Here's us (incredibly exhausted)on the day we moved in:

The family that lived in the house before we bought it had four kids. The guest bath (kids bathroom) was out of control. We quickly remodeled that bathroom. We ripped out the linoleum and put in porcelin tile, put in a new vanity, mirror, and toilet and painted the bathroom tan.

Here's the before (picture taken during the home inspection...that is NOT our shower curtain):

Here's the after:

We also painted the guest rooms, which were formerly the kids rooms. One room was two shades; pepto bismal pink and baby pink. The other room was dark blue with a train border. They are now a more muted tan and milk chocolate brown.

I've got a lot of blogging to catch up on, so stay tuned for more on the wedding, honeymoon, and our new addition, Stella:

Everything and Then Some

2009-06-05T23:08:00.009-05:00

It has been forever since I last blogged! Let's see...I got a promotion! I'm very excited about that since I've only been at my job just over a year. I know I'm awesome at what I do; this shows they do too.

At the beginning of May, my mom and I took our almost annual trip to the Mall of America in Minniapolis, Minnesota. I love my mom so much and had so much fun hanging out with her for a full weekend. Here's some pics...

I've taken up running and almost to the point of liking it. This has helped me lose another 10 pounds. I'm basically at my goal weight now. My wedding dress (dress #3 for those that are counting) is now too big. I'm pretty sure this one can be tailored correctly, so it should be fine.

The wedding plans are coming along. In a couple weeks me, my mom, Johnny's mom and my BFF matron of honor, Kristen, will be putting together the invitations. My mom has already put together one of them and it looks incredible. We have booked a DJ. Leslie finally ordered her dress. Johnny, Erik and I will be going to look at suits tomorrow. Should be fun!

Johnny and I found a really good price and a cruise and decided we would do that for our honeymoon. I am beyond excited. The cruise leaves a week after our wedding and travels to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. We have already booked an excursion to swim with the sting rays in Grand Cayman. We are still debating on what to do at the other ports. I told Johnny that this Autumn is going to be the best Autumn ever; we get married, go on a cruise and then the New Moon movie comes out! He told me I am a nerd.

Johnny and I started looking at houses. We foudn one we liked and were about to put a bid in and then we found out it would take $4000 to get out of our apartment lease! Ridiculous! So we are waiting until July to start looking again. That will put us closer to the end of our lease. Updates to come later :)

Speaking of our apartment...we live really close to Bear Creek in Euless. Because of the creek we see all sorts of animals and bugs. We've seen numerous rabbits and recently snakes. I'm have pretty bad night blindness and was lucky I didn't step on this snake a couple days ago...

This is the second snake I came close to stepping on. The first one I stepped over because I thought it was a twig. Johnny asked me if I had any idea what I just stepped over...and I told him a twig. Nope. It was a snake. I'm ready for a house!

The cats are now on diet food. Brinkley topped off at 15lbs. Chuck was looking a little too healthy as well. Brinkley has now lost a pound or so. Here's a super cute pic of them...

Short Update

2009-04-28T14:43:00.002-05:00

I'm suffering from my third ear infection in three months. It's looking more and more like I'm going to have to get a tube in my left ear. It's always my left ear. And that's my half-deaf ear. Very strange...

In other Luna news...Johnny and I are going to start looking for houses! We're looking in the HEB area. Very exciting!

My Poor Johnny

2009-04-24T21:07:00.004-05:00

My poor Johnny! He's been having strange pain in his right thumb for the last week. The pain finally got to be too much and we went to the emergency room last night. It turns out a piece of the bone in his thumb broke off and is starting to calcify next to his joint. Ouch! He can no longer bend his thumb and has to wear a thumb splint.

Strange thing is...we have no idea how it happened! The only thing we can think of is that it happened during the incident at the bar. Johnny has an appointment with a hand surgeon on Monday. More to come...

Easter Tree

2009-04-24T21:02:00.006-05:00

I woke up late on Easter morning...okay early afternoon. Johnny immediately told me to go look outside. The big storms had made a tree right in front of our apartment fall down. It was literally a foot away from our living room! Johnny woke up when it happened...I didn't hear a thing.

New Chair

2009-04-24T20:40:00.003-05:00

My good friend and bridesmaid, Lisa works for Pier 1 Imports. Apparently they have contests every once in a while and employees can win furniture and other things Pier 1 sells in their stores. Lisa was incredibly nice and gave me this awesome chair and ottoman! I looove it! Brinkley loved the ottoman. But he only liked it upside down. We still can't figure out how he flipped it...

Eventually Chuck claimed the chair as his...

2009-04-06T19:13:00.006-05:00

Johnny and I had a very interesting weekend. Very interesting. I've been debating on whether to blog about what happened...but have decided to do so in case what happened to me happens to someone else.

Friday night we went out to a bar/restaurant in Bedford for a friend's birthday party. The birthday boy invited a whole bunch of friends...one of them was his older neighbor. The neighbor is probably in his late 30s, early 40s...about 6'0...300lbs.

When we showed up that neighbor made highly inappropriate comments to me and some of the other girls there. The same guy hit me across the butt with a pool stick...right after grabbing my butt.

I have a pretty foul mouth and am known to fire off rude comments at the drop of the hat. However, I held my tongue. The guy said he had been drinking since 4pm. I chose to walk away and went to sit outside.

About a half an hour later the guy came outside and said he wanted to apologize. I told him that's fine. I shook his hand and told him to leave me alone for the rest of the night. My exact words were, "That's fine, just leave me alone." That's when he decided he was going to start yelling at me...calling me a bitch...and some other choice words. One of Johnny's friends was able to get the guy to go back inside and leave me alone.

Keep in mind this is the very short version of the story since I did yell back at him.

About an hour later I was inside talking to a group of people when the guy came up behind me and started dancing on me. I turned around and said, "I don't think so," and tried to walk off. He said, "Oh, is that how it's going to be?!?!" And then shoved me. He shoved me so hard I almost fell down. When I regained my balance I said "Seriously?" And then he shoved me again. I turned to the group I had just been talking to and asked, "Did you just see him push me?" But before I could get the whole sentence out he grabbed me by the hair and threw me to the ground.

That whole encounter took place in about 15 seconds...the next 15 seconds were a blur.

Johnny came out of no where and punched the guy. Then another one of Johnny's friends jumped in to help...and then Johnny's brother. The bouncers were after that...and maybe some of the waiters. I was so shocked I stood there with my mouth open for no less than 30 seconds.

Everyone involved in the fight was taken outside. I tried to go out, but they wouldn't let me. I told them my fiance was out there and then they let me go out. By the time I got outside...maybe a minute after the whole thing started...there were no less than 3 cop cars outside.

As it turns out...if Johnny wasn't my fiance he would have been taken to jail. If he was a random guy sticking up for a girl in trouble, he would have gone to jail. Unbelievable.

Johnny ended up with a blood lip and some scrapes across his face and neck. He is otherwise fine. I am so grateful I have such an incredible guy who would stick up for me.

The cops took our statements and asked me if I wanted to press charges. Without hesitation I said yes.

The part that bothered Johnny and I the most is that the guy didn't go to jail. A sober person was asked to take him home.

The next day, Saturday, I found a nasty bruise on my knee, was sore from hitting the hard wood floor and resisting being thrown to the grown. I tend to get really bad second day soreness...so I knew Sunday would be even worse.

On Sunday my back, butt and side hurt so bad. Since I am still getting over bronchitis, I'm coughing. Every cough shot pain through my back and side.

I went to the doctor this morning. I have a pinched nerve in my back. It's pretty painful.

I cannot wait until I have to go to court. It doesn't matter that I'm a woman. It's unacceptable for any person to do this to another person. What makes it even scarier is the guy has a wife...and kids. If he can treat a stranger like that...I'm afraid to think what he would do to them.

I doubt the guy will go to jail even though he has a prior record. But at least he will have assault added to his record.

Conversations With My Mom

2009-03-29T20:07:00.007-05:00

Mom (looking at my feet): "Are you wearing white pantyhose?"

Me: "No. Who wears white pantyhose? I'm not 5 years old."

Mom: "Are you sure?"

Me: "Pretty sure."

Mom: "Jeez, your feet are white. You should have that looked at."

Fry's, My Doctor's Office and Flickr Are In Cahoots

2009-03-25T13:01:00.006-05:00

I've been having a crappy last two week and I think I figured out why. Fry's Electronics, my doctor's office and Flickr are in cahoots to make my life miserable. Let me explain.

Early last week I got sick. I toughed it out for the first two days and then broke down and called for a doctor's appointment. Well, as it turns out, everyone is sick right now, so my doctor was booked. I asked if I could see the practice partner. They said he was on vacation, but I could see a temp doctor. I took the appointment.

I had my mom drive me because I was in sooo much pain all over I didn't want to move. We got there at 10:20am for a 10:30 appointment. Doctor's offices always run late, so it was no surprise that we were not taken back to a room until 10:45am. My doctor is pretty prompt in seeing patients after they get back to an exam room. Well, I'm not seeing my doctor. I wait 15 minutes....then 30.... now 45... a full hour and 15 minutes later...of waiting in the freakin exam room...the temp doctor finally comes in.

As he walks in, his cell phone rings. You think he'd be ready to work, since he's clearly behind on appointments. But no. He answers the cell phone...before even saying hello or introducing himself! He answers the phone...and that's when it gets stranger. He's Australian. And talking about signing a death certificate. "I caunnnnt sign et todaaay. I haaave to be en maaaansfield thes ofternoooon." Grrr...I'm getting annoyed.

As I listen to his random death certificate nonsense I realize an odd smell has permeated the room. It's not a horrible smell; it's oddly comforting, but definitely not one that is associated with a doctor's office. What's the smell you ask? It's Thanksgiving dinner. My death certificate Australian doctor smells like Thanksgiving dinner...and I'm not talking mmmmmm pie. He smelled like Turkey, stuffing, gravy and mashed potatoes.

Anyway, he finally finishes that call after about 4 minutes. We get down to what's wrong with me. He quickly identifies I have the flu. After examining my breathing, he announces I also have bronchitis. Yay me. I'm ready for him to write me a prescription and get the hell out of there. This is not the case. He proceeds to tell me...for the next 15 minutes...yes, i repeat, 15 minutes, how I can prevent the flu and other illnesses. BAHHHHH! I just want to leave!

He eventually finishes his lecture about washing your hands and his love of all things Zicam... when his phone rings again. Surely he isn't going to answer it again?? He answers it. He shoves my chart in my hands and walks out without saying goodbye.

Well as it turns out...one of the meds he gave me is like a Quad-Venti Peppermint Mocha with two extra shots of an espresso laced with speed. I didn't sleep for two days. No joke. I'd lay there...wide awake...exhausted...unable to sleep. Oh and did I mention it made my throat close up? Awesomeness.

On Monday, I started feeling a little better... but now I have an ear infection. I know I have an ear infection because I've had enough ear infections in my deaf left ear to know when I have one. I call the doctor to get them to call me in a prescription. The nurse repeats my message back to me..."So you think you have an ear infection...and.." I cut her off... "I know I have an ear infection." She seems annoyed but takes the message. They call me back about 20 hours later to tell me they are calling me in some meds. Sweet!

I end up not having time to pick up the meds on Monday, so I go yesterday, which is Tuesday. I pick up the meds and it's actually free because of an agreement my insurance has with CVS. Even better!

I get home and read what it is. I read it out loud... "Opthomo BAHHHH...WHAT??? This is for eye infections!!!" Shiiit. I call the doctor immediately, hoping to catch a nurse before the office closes in 5 minutes. I explain to her that I do not have an eye infection, but an ear infection. She apologizes and says that eye and ear can be misread on a prescirption from a doctor. I let her know that this was called in, so that would not be the case...but nice try. She tells me the doctor is gone for the day, out tomorrow and will be back Thursday. Well isn't that dandy. If I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.

Well, in addition to feeling overall shitty like and not being able to breathe because of bronchitis... I wake up this morning with a stopped up nose. I go to blow my nose and apparently I was exposed to radioactive material overnight because my snot is lime green. Great. Now I have a sinus infection. Let's hope I get some meds soon.

Through all my illness... I decide to check out my pictures on flickr for a quick pick-me-up of fun old times. Well flickr apparently talked to Fry's and decided they want to screw me too. Flickr will now only let me view my last 200 pictures I have uploaded. WHAT? WHAT? WHAT? I have over 1000 pictures on there!!! The exact words on the web site are, "You've run into one of the limits of a free account. Your free account will only display the most recent 200 things you've uploaded.
Anything beyond 200 will remain hidden from view until you either delete newer items, or upgrade to a Pro account.Nothing has been deleted, and if you upgrade, they'll all come back unharmed." AWWWW HELL NAH! If I want them back I have to pay $24.95. I think not! I fired off a pissy email. Basically it said...QUIT HOLDING MY PICTURES FOR A $24.95 RANSOM OR I'LL SUE YOU!!! Stong language, I know. But I'm pissed. This is the email I got back...

Hello,

Thank you for contacting Flickr Member Support.

I have escalated your email to a senior representative in an effort to obtain the best answer. Please allow some time for a follow-up reply to your question.

Thank you again for contacting us.

Regards,

Flickr Member Support
I've been escalated! Sweet! I better get my pictures back before someone gets hurt. FLICKR SUCKS!!!

Random

2009-03-10T11:50:00.003-05:00

Long time, no blog. I've been super busy today and actually don't have a lot of time to write right now...but here's a little bit of random stuff from lately.

-I quit you Fry's. You've fooled me for the last time. I went in looking for a wireless router and didn't realize until I got home and tried to install the router, that it was NOT a wireless router. It was a wireless access point, which I didn't need, and requires a wireless router to use. So thank you very much for that Mr. Strange Sucky Salesman. The only good part of the return trip was saying hello to my now good friend in customer service. She smiled and waved and me when I walked in. They know me by name up there now.

-I think it's creepy that Nancy Grace plays Michael Jackson music over the Caylee Anthony tribute graphic and pictures.

-I bought some Sriranca Thai Hot Sauce to try because I see everyone using it.

It's way hotter than I expected, but oh so good.

4 Laptops in Less Than 2 Weeks

2009-02-19T15:06:00.004-06:00

It is a well known fact to family and friends that if I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't have any at all. Which brings me to the following story. In order to understand, make sure you read my previous blog, 3 Laptops In Less Than a Week.

The laptop I ended up buying about a month ago was incredible. Yes, that's past tense. It had everything I needed except for one thing... an attached 'a' key. When I opened up the laptop, from the brand new package, the a key had fallen off. It wouldn't snap back on because the one of the plastic prongs that snaps the key into place was broken. No big deal. I thought I could deal with it...I mean really, who needs an a key? Psshhh..not me!

Well, as it turns out, I could probably use that a key. I could probably use it a lot. I kind of needed it. So I thought, well I can fix it. I found a web site that details how to fix the key. It's pretty complicated. Like really complicated. So I look up, 'superglue broken laptop key.' Next best idea, right?

Apparently not so much. Prior to supergluing the key I asked one of the IT guys at my work for his opinion on the matter. When I mentioned the word superglue, he looked at me like I was crazy. He suggested I take the laptop back to the store and get them to fix it, since Fry's can repair stuff in store, and since my laptop was still under the 30 day warranty.

I'm annoyed, because this will be my 3rd trip to Fry's in less than a month. I'm sure people that work at the store think I'm building a robot or something. Whatever, I suck it up and go back.

I walk to the repair department and tell them the situation. "I bought this laptop about two weeks ago and when I opened it the a key was off. I need to get it fixed." The guy behind the counter is clearly suspicious of my story and says "Why did you wait two weeks to bring it back?" I tell him I didn't have much time in the last two weeks, I thought I could deal with it or fix it myself and honestly, I'm a little lazy.

He still isn't convinced and looks at me like I'm crazy. I repeat that I need to get it fixed and only bought the laptop two weeks ago. He tells me they can't fix it and I need to contact Toshiba and get them to send me a brand new keyboard for my laptop. This time I look at him like he's crazy. I repeat to him, in a slightly louder voice, "I only bought this less then two weeks ago! It's still under the 30 day warranty!" He then says, "Oh, you bought it here?" Oh my god, seriously!??!? Why would I bring it to Fry's to fix it if I bought it at Wal-mart?

He says he's going to talk to his manager. I watch him walk over to her and explain the situation. She looks at me out of the corner of her eye...kind of like a cat does when you're about to give it a bath. Ugghhh...I know what's coming. The guy walks back over to me and says, "There's nothing we can do about it, you can talk to customer service."

Now I'm pissed.

I go to customer service. I end up getting the same associate that helped me when I returned the Fujitsu laptop. She remembers me. I tell her the a key was off when i got it and I need for the repair department to fix it. I make sure to emphasis the fact that I DID NOT BREAK THE A KEY. I tell her the guy in the repair department thinks I broke it, but I did not. She tells me "Yeah they told me they think you broke it." Ohhhh them's fightin words. She continues, "But I don't care. It's been less than 30 days. We will just do an even exchange for the exact same computer. We'll open it before you leave, to make sure it's okay." She's like an angel from a computer god. But she's actually from Turkey. Whatever, she saved my day.

I now have a brand new computer. The a key is intact. It's pretty awesome.

That makes 4 laptops in less than two weeks.

Suck it good luck.

Wac-A-Brink

2009-02-16T10:19:00.001-06:00

Last week I felt a lump on Christie Brinkley's (my cat) belly. Actually, I felt several lumps. He's not what I would call lean...or svelte...or even slightly overweight. He's a chunky monkey. Brink weights about 12 pounds. His belly flops back and forth when he runs...wait, I take that back...when he moves faster then he does at other times. He never runs.

Anyway, I felt some lumps and was concerned. I call my aunt, a vet tech, to see what she thought. She says, "He is overweight, so you could be feeling fatty deposits mixed with loops of intestine," to which I promptly replied, "That's disgusting." Either way, my aunt suggests I bring him over to her house over the weekend so she could check him out.

I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to get Brinkley from my house to my aunt's house. I don't have a carrier, because our cats aren't really that social and don't like to travel much. I thought of a pillow case, but Brinkley is like Houdini and would likely find a way out with his claws. My only other option was a medium sized cardboard box.

I put him in the box and folded it shut. He doesn't meow, he doesn't hiss, he doesn't even try to get out. I'm thinking...this is too easy...something isn't right here. I have Johnny carry the Brink box out to my car and I'm on my way. It's only about a 20 minute trip.

I don't even get off our street when I start to smell something. It's a distinct smell. It's god-awful. It's cat pee. Brinkley has peed in the box that is sitting on the passengers seat next to me.

I promptly pull over and move the box to the floor. Luckily, no pee has leaked out. I remind myself I'm doing this for his own good...he could be very ill. I don't turn around.

I get on the highway. Less than 5 minutes later I smell something else. It's far worse than the first smell. I roll down the windows as a try not to gag. Brinkley has now pooped in the box. It's horrid and I promptly pick up the pace. I need to get to my aunt's house fast.

Not even 5 minutes after that Brinkley decides the doesn't want to be in the box anymore. Clearly. I wouldn't want to be either. However, I don't know what state he is in...he could be covered with pee and poop; he is NOT getting out of the box until we get to my aunt's house.

Brinkley has other plans. He wants out...and I'm still 10 minutes away from my aunt's house.

He pokes his head out of the box. I make a ssssstttt noise at him. He pops back in the box for a second. Undeterred, he pops his head out again. I sssssttt at him...nothing. So I bop his head back in the box. He is not happy about the bop and quickly pops his head out again. I bop. He pops. I bop. He pops. I'm driving down I-20 playing Wac-A-Brink.

I finally get to my aunt's house. She quickly whisks him away to a back room to check him out. I'm bracing myself for the bad news.

Less than a minute later she comes back out and says..."He's just fat."

25 Things I Love About My Fiance

2009-02-14T13:32:00.003-06:00

I found this list idea on a friend's facebook and thought it would be perfect for Valentine's Day.

This is not even close to everything I love about Johnny...he's a good person and an even better fiance/future husband.

I love:

25. He is awesome at Wii baseball and at pro level on Wii bowling.
24. He's really good at softball. Like seriously awesome.
23. He's hot stuff...obviously.
22. He looks really good in a suit.
21. He cuts his own hair and is really good at it.
20. He's really good at his job.
19. How he makes me laugh in boring situations... like waiting while my oil is being changed.
18. He makes Hamburger Helper like no one's business.
17. He makes sure to DVR my shows when I forget.
16. He is so clean. It's like having a live in maid sometimes.
15. Speaking of clean... He does laundry better than anyone I know.
14. The way he meticulously balances his checkbook...down to the penny.
13. He deals with me well... my attitude, worrying, crazy ideas, my Target obsession and incessant window shopping
12. His intelligence. He is one of the smartest people I know. I'm amazed by how much he knows and how book-smart he is.
11. He's humble. He's accomplished a lot, but won't brag about it.
10. When he has his mind set on something, there's no changing it...he will do whatever it takes to get whatever it is done.
9. He a great conversationalist. He may not think so, but I know better.
8. He's incredibly thoughtful.
8. He will do anything to help a friend.
7. He's incredibly thoughtful.
6. He moved way farther away from work to live with me. He used to live 5 miles away from his job. Now it's more like 20.
5. He knows when I've had a bad day and does his best to cheer me up.
4. His great relationship with his brother.
3. The way he loves his mom and dad.
2. The way he loves our cats... even though he tries to act like he doesn't.
1. The way he loves me :)

What's Out There

2009-02-11T13:09:00.003-06:00

According to the Discover Channel turkeys evolved from raptors and whales used to have legs. That leads me to ask...what did this little sucker evolve from....and exactly where is it going?

The giant monster above is a Coconut Crab.

It's named a coconut crab not only because it can crush a coconut with its pinchers...but because Polynesian villagers often use the crabs to guard their coconut plantations. Coconut crabs will attack...however if you tickle it's belly it will release its pinchers.

Coconuts aren't all they eat. They eat live animals that are too slow to escape, like sea turtles and rats. Yum.

I would like to have a coconut crab as a pet. The crabs like to steal shiny items such as pots and silverware. I would teach the crab to bring me back anything it steals and sell it all on Craigslist.

New Wedding Dress

2009-02-03T08:45:00.000-06:00

In between the laptop shenanigans this weekend, I went to David's Bridal for an appointment with the alterations department. Since I've lost a bit of weight and plan to lose some more, my mom and I wanted to make sure they could alter my wedding dress properly.

The dress is made up of several vertical panels of fabric. The dress would basically have to be completely taken apart, each panel made smaller and then put back together. Well, the alterations department had other plans.

I put the dress on and we ask the lady if she can alter the dress. She says yes. We ask her how exactly she would do it. She says she would take it in on the right side. The right side only, we ask? Yep.

Ummm...what? That would make the dress lopsided. I now have two options. My mom has located the same dress, the only one left in the United States, in Reno, Nevada. The only problem...it's a size 6... which makes it a street size 4. There's no way I'm getting down to a size 4. Even if I could get my waist to a size 4, my eastern European hips aren't going near that size.

My second option...buy a completely different dress. So I start trying on dresses. I narrow it down to my old dress (I'm stuck on it and think I can find a different tailor that isn't crazy) and a new dress. My mom is stuck on my old dress. She hated it at first and said it looked like my grandmother's sofa...but for some reason it's grown on her. I'm leaning toward the new dress.

We decide to call in a second opinion. I try calling Kristen. Her cell is off and no one is picking up the home phone. So we call in a recent bride... my sister in law, Sara. Yes, her name is Sara too.

I put on my original wedding dress. She likes it. I put on the new dress...she loves it. My mom is still not convinced. She gets one of the alteration ladies to pin up the bustle. Now she's sold.

So I now have a new dress that is two full sizes smaller than the original dress. What's even better is DB let us return the old dress and put the money toward the new dress. We did the same with the pettycoat I bought since the new dress already has a pettycoat built in.

Less than 9 months to go!

3 Laptops In Less Than a Week

2009-02-02T10:53:00.000-06:00

I've been looking at laptops for the last month. I've been doing my research, asking computer nerds (Thanks Mike!), etc. I finally figured out what I needed (at least 3GB memory and 250GB hard drive, anti-virus protection, Microsoft Word, Excel and powerpoint, bluetooth capability, wireless mouse, and WiFi capabilities without a USB port) and was ready to make a purchase.

Through my work, I get a 10% discount on a Dell desktop or laptop...if I call in my order. I'm thinking... great deal! So I go online, figure out what I want, and then call in my order. I end up getting everything I need for $977. Not bad, but I'm freaking out because I've never spent so much money in my life and I'm super cheap. Dell emails me the reciept and I see lots of stuff on there I didn't want, that I obviously paid extra for... a fingerprint reader, a year of lowjack protection. So I call and I ask them what this is all about. I'm informed it comes with the package and they cannot take it off. I'm a little pissy and cancel my order.

I put together another package on Dell.com and call again. This time the guy informs me that I need some other shit I don't need. He offers me a package that would be even more at $1060. Psh...whatev!

So on Saturday afternoon, Johnny and I went to look around at Fry's. It must be an engineer's dream. There was so much stuff packed in there and I had no idea what 3/4 of it was for. There's blue wires, red wires, little screw things, kits to build robots and every electronic you could think of. We finally find our way to the computer section and start looking around. One of the sales people asks me what I'm looking for and I ramble off the specs (with Johnny looking at me like I'm crazy since he has no idea what I'm talking about and is surprised I know what I'm talking about). The sales guy points me to a Fujitsu computer with everything I need for $799. I specifically ask him if this particular computer has bluetooth capabilities. He says yes. I buy it...along with a three year warranty, bluetooth mouse, Norton Anti-Virus, and Microsoft Word,Excel and Powerpoint. The total is more than I want to even repeat.

So we get home and I set the computer up... which take forever. I finally get around to setting up the bluetooth mouse and come to find out, the computer doesnt have bluetooth capabilities! Bitch. I'm pissed. Then, I try to play The Sims on the computer and it didn't work. Bitch. I'm more pissed. Piece of shit laptop.

Soooo Sunday afternoon, we take the computer back. I specifically find a different sales person who is closer to my age. He looks like he's working because he's in school and not because it's his career. I tell him what I'm looking for. He directs me to a $681 laptop. Unfortunately it's refurbished and I'm not going that route. "Refurbished" is just another word for piece of shit. I once bought a "refurbished" cell phone and had to return it in less than an hour because it quit working. But, I digress. The sales man then points me to a $581 Toshiba laptop with everything I need, except bluetooth. At this point, I'm fine with that. I end up getting the laptop. The laptop, plus a wireless USB mouse, Norton, Word, Excel and Powerpoint, a five year warrantly and a laptop bag...comes to $950. Yep, that's the total.

Did I get a good deal? I don't really have any idea. I think it's a good deal. And I love the laptop. It's easy to use and took me all of 10 minutes to set up. So shoutout to the young salesman for not trying to sell me something more expensive that I didn't need.

An Open Letter To Certain People at My Apartment

2009-01-28T13:51:00.000-06:00

To Crazy Foreign Studying Guy: The fitness center at my apartment is just that, a center to work on your fitness. The last time I was there (Monday), it was not turned into a lounge or a library. Both times I have seen you there, you study while your wife works out like a maniac. I understand the leg press is a very comfortable seat. You like to sit there while I give you the evil eye. We play this game about every other day and yet you don't grow weary of it. It is even more of a treat when you and your fitness maniac wife talk to each other in a loud foreign language that I have yet to identify. I can't wait to see you in the fitness center tonight. I'll have my evil eye out for you.

To The Two Trinity High School Students Working Out In The Fitness Center: You don't live at my apartment. I know this because you were talking about how long it would take you to drive home after you worked out. I know a gym membership is expensive. You should use the money you are saving on therapy. When you broke down in tears on the bench press and was comforted by your emo boyfriend it made me wonder. Were you crying because you loudly tried to run 5 miles on treadmill and clearly almost passed out? Were you crying because you clearly did not know how to use the machines and were acting like you did? Were you crying because your boyfriend looks like Shaggy from Scooby Doo? Perhaps I will ask you when I see you sneaking into the fitness center again.

To The Maintenance Man: I do appreciate you trying to fix the patio door. It was drafty and I told you the door needed new weather stripping. You did your best to fix it... putting weather stripping 1/4 of the way down the side of the door. I would have been okay with this, except 3/4 of the draft was still getting in the door. I asked you to come back out and try again. You did and it looked like someone broke into my house. No biggie, unfortunately, the back door would not lock. I politely asked again for you to fix the door. I suggested re framing the door since you butchered the wood like a termite serial killer on crack. You begrudgingly gave it a third try. This time is good enough. The patio door will no longer open, but alas! The draft is gone! By the way, I'm glad you enjoyed playing with my cat's toys...I found them all over the living room floor. And no the cats were not the ones playing with their toys...they prefer to chew on my brand new rug or the blanket I got for Christmas. Plus, they were locked up in the spare bedroom while you implemented your spectacular craftsmanship on my patio door.

To The First Guy Who Bothered Me In The Business Center: I simply came to the business center to grab some coffee and check my email while I was there. I tried to ignore you trolling for girls on myspace. I tried to ignore you laughing loudly and acting like you wanted me to ask what you were laughing about. But I could not ignore when you friend came in the room and you began to talk loudly about your ex-girlfriend who had sleep apnea. You loudly discussed the drugs her doctor gave her to treat the problem and how she fell asleep anywhere she went. You friend looked confused and I quietly turned to you and told you it was narcolepsy your ex had. A minor detail, I know.

To The Second Guy Who Bothered Me In The Business Center: Again, I came for the coffee and Internet, you clearly came to bother me and accost me with the smell of stale cigarettes and B.O. You asked me if the computer printer was also a copier. Without even looking at you a replied, "No idea." You asked how to use it. Again, "No idea." You continued to talk to me as if I was your best friend and I was the one that inquired about the printer. You asked me a couple more things and believe you finally got the hint when I just quit answering you all together.

Tagged! Well, kind of...

2009-01-27T08:36:00.000-06:00

I wasn't tagged. but I felt like doing this. I also don't know 25 people who read my blog, so I tag Kristen and Ruth.

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. If I tagged you, don't feel obligated to do this. I won't blame you.
2. I love my cats (Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkely)so much. I feel like they are my children.
3. I have an obsession with all things pumpkin.
4. I have plans for at least 4 other tattoos to add to the four I already have. I'd also like to get another piercing in my ear to add to the collection.
5. I am a closet nerd. I love my Wii and am a huge computer game fan (the Sims rocks my socks!)
6. My mom is my absolute best friend. Then comes Johnny, Kristen and Melissa.
7. I miss working in news...but not enough to go back.
8. I worry everyday that something bad is going to happen to me or someone I love because my life is the best it has ever been.
9. I tried to dye my hair platinum blond once and it ended up green and orange. I had to get it professionally fixed.
10. I believe in ghosts...and yes, I've seen a few.
11. I have read every Sweet Valley book from the elementary school years till 5 books into the college years.
12. I will travel to France before I turn 30.
13. I speak pretty good Spanish, a little bit of French and am attempting to learn some Italian.
14. I cannot say the word 'atherosclerosis'. Johnny laughs anytime I try.
15. My Grandpa is my hero.
16. I am a huge animal lover and once saved a hawk with a broken wing.
17. I need my morning latte. My coffee obsession has gotten out of had since Johnny bought me an espresso machine for Christmas. I have about 6 different types of coffee I rotate every day.
18. Halloween is the ultimate holiday. It is, by far, my favorite.
19. I wish I had the patience to write a book. I've always wanted to be published.
20. I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish a was a baller, I wish I had a rabbit in a hat with a bat and a '64 Impala...okay just the taller part.
21. I am very creative and love to draw. I'm actually very good at it, I just don't have the patience to channel my creativity through a pencil.
22. I'm not sure if my red hair makes my personality or my personality is because of my red hair. Either way, I love it.
23. I'm a really good cook. I generally just throw some stuff together. No recipe here!
24. Johnny is my world. I would be lost without him.
25. I once vowed to be nothing like my mother and now hope and strive to become half the woman she is.

Boo to Wedding Dresses

2009-01-26T10:28:00.000-06:00

I went over my mom's house this weekend and ended up trying on my wedding dress. Since I've lost a bit of weight, it's a little lose. No problem...except for I plan to lose at least another 10 pounds.

The problem will then be that the dress is too big to take in. Since my dress consists of several panels sewn together, the dress would basically have to be completely taken apart and redone. And since the panels are a certain size right now, making the panels smaller will look strange.

I'm not worried about not getting to wear this dress. I'm not even worried about trying to sell the dress... I'll just put it on Craiglist. I am worried about finding another dress.

I'm not a shopper, I'm a browser. Johnny always complains that I want to look at everything, but never buy anything (this rule does not apply to New York and Company). I hate trying things on. When I actually find something that fits, I buy it in every color. This gives me options without having to actually try on a lot of stuff.

I dread looking or another dress. It's hard to find a dress I like that looks good on me. And they trying on process is the worst. The dresses are hot and heavy and I'm already tucked and sucked in everywhere. So uncomfortable.

Boo. This sucks.

Lost 10lbs

2009-01-22T11:28:00.000-06:00

After eight long months, Lost is back on TV. I can give you a recap in four words. Everything went to shit. Other than that, I really have no idea what was going on.

In other news, as of this morning, I have lost 10 pounds! I have dropped a pants size and shirt size. I'm amazed. I have been working out and eating right. I think the biggest help has come from my thyroid medicine. It's actually working!

What's even better is I haven't had a single migraine since the doctor upped my thyroid medicine! It's incredible. I no longer have to stop my day because of a migraine. I'm having a migraine free new year! Yay!

Oh yeah...I found a cool web site that Obamaizes pictures!

My cat is a democrat.

Busy Weekend

2009-01-19T08:39:00.000-06:00

Johnny and I really didn't do too much this weekend, but it seemed like we were very busy.

After work on Friday I made my way over to Wal-mart to pick up food to make dinner. While I was there I perused the video games...looking for a cool new wii game. I did not find one. But what I did find was a Wii Fit! Awesome! I thought I was seeing things because you can't find a Wii Fit anywhere! Needless to say, I bought it.

I apparently have very bad balance according to the Wii Fit. It actually asked me if I find myself tripping over my own feet. Hmmm...why yes I do.

Anyway, I made stuffed mushrooms and Tilapia Picatta for dinner. It was sooo good. I can't wait to make it again.

On Saturday, Johnny and I ran some errands and went to the mall. I went a little crazy at New York and Company because everything was on sale.

Saturday night we went to see Grand Torino. It was pretty good. It's basically Clint Eastwood doing what Clint Eastwood does best...being grumpy and old. If you're not one for foul language, I wouldn't see it. I think I heard just about every racist derogatory term ever made up in this movie.

On Sunday I went bridesmaid dress shopping with Lisa and Jamie. They both found beautiful dresses. Here's what they look like:

Lisa's Dress

Jamie's Dress

Kristen already got her dress. Here's what it looks like:

Only one bridesmaid left! It's time Leslie!

After dress shopping we went out to eat and then I went home. I took a nap with intentions of working out later in the day. However, I woke up at 9:15pm...with a sore throat and ear infection. Boo. Now I'm sick and it sucks.

So I'll be drinking coffee and tea all day and will probably get a slurpee later. I hate being sick!

French Free

2009-01-14T08:42:00.000-06:00

This is awesome! Too bad it only lasts until June 30. Hopefully the program will go so well they will make it permanent!

France Is Trying Free Museum Admission

France is proceeding with an experiment in free admission at 18 national museums in an effort to entice more French to visit them.

Until June 30, some of the museums, including the Louvre in Paris, will offer free admission to their permanent collections while others will offer it to visitors under 26 one night a week. Normally the entrance fees range from $9 to $12.

“French museums are ready for more visitors, and we hope to draw in a new public, especially young people, said Christine André, a spokeswoman for the Culture Ministry’s museum arm. “It’s a question of money for some people.”

Foreign tourists, who make up three-quarters of the visitors between the ages of 18 and 25, will also benefit from the experiment. Ms. André said, “If the French start seeing long lines in front of the museums, they’ll start to tell themselves: ‘Hey, foreigners are taking advantage of this. We’d be morons not to.’ ”

Museum attendance in Britain has risen 50 percent since free admission was introduced there in 2001.

In other news, I have purchased a laser pointer for my cats. It provides endless fun for everyone.

COUPONS!

2009-01-12T12:33:00.000-06:00

I'm a big fan of free and coupons. So I thought I'd put together some of my favorite coupons. All the restaurant coupons require you to sign up for their online clubs...but I haven't gotten any spam. Enjoy!

Arby's
Free Coupons when you sign up and a Special Offer for your birthday
https://honkytonk.arbys.com/Register.aspx

Boston Market
$3 Off Coupon. Register your entire family and each person will receive a coupon for a cupcake on their birthday.
http://www.bostonmarket.com/specials/contact?form=/specials?page=emailClub

Buca di Beppo
Free Birthday Dessert
http://www.bucadibeppo.com/eclub/

Cold Stone Creamery
Free Ice Cream on your birthday
http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/birthday/birthday_club.aspx

Dairy Queen
BOGO coupon for a Blizzard, and occasional coupons.
http://www.blizzardfanclub.com/join/

Dave & Busters
$10 in Free Game Play and get 10% off game play
http://www.daveandbusters.com/Rewards/Profile.aspx

Einstein Bros. Bagels
Coupons sent to your email over next year worth at least $100.
http://www.einsteinbros.com/#/home/

Fuddruckers
Special offers and discounts.
http://www.fuddsclub.com/

Maggiano's Little Italy
$10 Off your next meal
http://www.fishbowl.com/clt/mggns/lp/join/join.asp?__utma=1.3122146968086237000.1231788589.1231788589.1231788589.1&__utmb=1.1.10.1231788589&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1231788589.1.1.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=maggianos&__utmv=-&__utmk=162757564

MaggieMoo's Ice Cream
Free Ice Cream on your Birthday
http://www.fishbowl.com/clt/mgmoos/lp/newjoin/200509/webjoin.asp

The Melting Pot
Free Chocolate Fondue for 2
http://www.themeltingpotclubfondue.com/signup.cgi?n=682545

Mimi's Cafe
Free Breakfast Entree coupon. Also receive a birthday surprise and occasional coupons.
https://www.mimiscafe.com/eclub.aspx

On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
Coupon for a free bowl of Queso or free Empanadas
http://clubcantina.ontheborder.com/clients/ontheborder/survey.htm

Popeyes
Coupons
http://www.bonafidekrewe.com/join

Quiznos
Free Sammie, Free Cookie coupon on your birthday, plus coupons.
http://www.quiznos.com/subsandwiches/Offers/OffersLanding.aspx

Red Lobster
Receive a birthday gift...not sure what it is yet...I signed up for this one today.
http://www.redlobster.com/club/

Red Robin
Free Burger on your birthday
http://apps.fishbowl.com/a/redrobin/eclub/agegate.aspx

Romano's Macaroni Grill
Free Appetizer
http://www.macaronigrill.com/Home/Default.aspx

Ruby Tuesday
Receive a birthday gift
http://www.rubytuesday.com/soconnected.asp

Schlotzksy's
Coupons and gift-skys
http://schlotzskys.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&InputSource=W

Souper Salad
Coupons
https://www.soupersalad.com/source/SFC/SFCSignup.aspx

Taco Cabana
Free Food
http://www.tacocabana.com/index.asp

Texas De Brazil
25% off your dinner for up to 8 people
http://texasdebrazil.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&InputSource=W

Texas Roadhouse
Free Food
http://texasr.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&InputSource=W

T.G.I. Friday's
Free appetizer
https://www.tgifridays.com/gmms/GiveMeMoreStripes.aspx

Wendy's
Coupons
http://www.wendys.com/news/signUp.jsp

Wing Stop
Receive 10 Free Wings on your birthday and 5 free wings for signing up.
http://wingstop.com/email_club.aspx

Feel free to add to the list!

Everything in the Last 2 Weeks

2009-01-06T09:32:00.000-06:00

Long time, no blog! New Year's was fun. Johnny and I went to a friend's house party. I fell asleep at 12:30pm. I'm like a lame old lady...and I'm okay with it.

This past weekend we went to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra with Nathan and Leah. It was pretty awesome. There were lights, lasers, snow, fire balls, fireworks... you name it, they had it.

I've had a lot of computer issues this week at work. On Tuesday my computer got like 400 Trojan viruses. RIS had to come down and delete EVERYTHING from my computer and reload it. It took 2 days. It sucked.

In other work news my cube neighbor got a fish (Shoutout Randall! Am I creepy too?). It's name is Reggie the Regional Transportation Fish. The name doesn't have the nice ring 'Dirk Nafishki' (courtesy of Kristen), but it'll do.

And on a final work note, I was able to use the phrase, "Booyah, how do you like me now?!?!" in a meeting.

I'm listening to some awesome music right now. I'm really stuck on Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon, Poker Face by Lady Gaga and Squeeze Me by Kraak and Smaak.

Now for the point of this post...my New Year's Resolutions.

5. Read More. I really love to read; I'm not sure why I don't do it anymore. Now I prefer magazines or TV. I want to read more books. I'm a big fan of true crime. It's just about the only books I will read. The last book I read was year, "Called OJ is Guilty, But Not of Murder." It's one of the best books I have ever read (Yes, you can borrow it Kristen). I truly believe OJ did not kill Nicole Brown Simpson, but he was involved in covering it up.

4. Visit France, more specifically Paris, before I'm 30. So this resolution might not happen this year, but I need it on the list. I only have four and a half years till I'm 30, so time is ticking away. Maybe I'll start saving this year for it.

3. Learn the dance Britney Spears does in the 'Circus' video. I'm a Britney fanatic. Circus is my absolute favorite song of hers. The dance in the video is awesome. However, the video does not compare to the 'Slave 4 U' video. Regardless, I must learn the dance. I'm not exactly what some people would call coordinated or a good dancer, but I'm going to give it 110% and then teach it to Leslie.

2. Buy a House. Now is the time. Johnny and I have been looking into it and have found that we can not only afford a house, but it would most likely be cheaper than our rent!

1. Lose Weight and Get In Shape. This is the most important resolution. Because of the problems I've had with my thyroid, I've gained some weight. Now my thyroid is under control and it will be easier for me to lose weight. While most people think I look fine, I don't feel fine and my doctor says I need to lose some weight. I've never been fat or overweight, so even writing this is hard for me. But I've committed to it. I've been eating 5 small meals a day and working out 5 days a week. I've already lost about 7 pounds. I want to look like Jaime Eason.

While this is a stretch, it's good to have a goal.

Wiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-29T08:23:00.000-06:00

Johnny and I got a Wii for Christmas! My mom got it for us. It was totally unexpected and incredibly excellent. I started crying when I opened it. I'm generally a pretty difficult person to surprise, but she pulled it off! Thanks mom!

Needless to say, we played Wii all weekend. Johnny, who claims to hate video games, really kicked my butt in all the games. He is exceptionally good at the bowling and baseball. I'm not to shabby at the golf. I now have a sore shoulder, which I'm calling "wii arm", from pitching fastballs all weekend.

Johnny got me some pretty great gifts for Christmas. He gave me a heated scarf, a pair of New Balance shoes, a pair of Adidas shoes, two sweaters and a Kohls gift card that is burning a hole in my pocket. I know he gave me other stuff, but I can't think of it at the moment.

I also got the perfume I've been wanting for a year! It's called Alien. Yes, wierd name, I know. But it smells awesome. Johnny's brother got me that.

Another awesome gift I got came from Johnny's mom. She got me a Monchichi doll! I had never heard of Monchichi until Johnny and I were going through his childhood toys. Apparantly it was a big toy in the 80s. When I saw his old Monchichi doll, I fell in love with it. It's so cute! His mom found a mini Monchichi at a collectors store in Irving. So cute!

I recieved a lot of awesome presents this year, but my favorite part is always giving gifts. I love to search for the perfect gift for each person on my list. I got my mom a black Coach purse. I got my grandpa the book I talked about in another post. My grandmother loved the scarf I picked out for her.

My mom and I made some really great salsa that everyone loved. It's super easy and cheap to make! We also attempted to make Kristen's Brownie Balls and pretty much failed miserably in terms of presentation. They were basically blobs covered in chocolate. They tasted excellent but looked horrible!

Christmas was so much fun this year...I'm sad to see it go.

Top 8s

2008-12-19T00:39:00.000-06:00

I can't resist making a list...so here it is... stolen from Kristen and Ruth...

8 TV Shows I Watch
1. Nancy Grace
2. Girls Next Door
3. The First 48
4. Real World
5. Road Rules
6. Real Housewives of Any County
7. Grey's Anatomy
8. NCIS (not by choice... it's Johnny's favorite show)

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. NYPD
2. Mariano's
3. Marquez
4. Mac's
5. Simply Burgers
6. Corner Bakery
7. El Ranchito
8. Taco Bueno

8 Things That Happened Today
1. I was admitted to the hospital
2. I took in like 5 bags of fluid overnight
3. I was discharged from the hospital (yay!)
4. I ate some crackers, gatorade and juicy juice
5. I slept
6. I slept
7. I slept
8. I slept

8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Feeling completely better
2. Going to Johnny's work Christmas party on Saturday if I feel better
3. The Real World Brooklyn (January 7th!)
4. Giving everyone Christmas presents
5. Having Christmas with the Luna's and at my grandfather's house
6. Getting married next year
7. The cats getting along better and better everyday
8. Making salsa with my mom next week

8 Things I Wish For
1. Feeling better soon
2. Losing weight soon
3. The upstairs neighbors to lose some weight
4. My thyroid medicine actually working
5. A migraine free New Year!
6. Going to France before I'm 30
7. The economy to improve
8. To win the lottery!

Wedding Dress Drama

2008-12-15T14:18:00.000-06:00

I now have a photographer for my wedding! My mom and went to visit the photographer last Friday. Lauren and her husband, Will run Aves Photographic Design. I actually went to high school with both of them and was on newspaper staff with Lauren. They do an amazing job and I would recommend them to anyone who need pictures of anything. I am so excited to have them photograph my wedding.

Here is their web site... http://avesphotographicdesign.com/
And their blog... http://avesphotographicdesign.bigfolioblog.com/

I also ordered my wedding favors and bridesmaid gifts last week. The package should be coming in this week or next. The favors are matchbooks that have the words 'Perfect Match' and a little flame on it. It also has 'Johnny & Sarah' and the date, 'October 24, 2009.' So cute!

Now on to the weekend wedding drama...I went to my mom's house after the photographer appointment and tried on my wedding dress. My mom took pictures of me in the dress. I looked at them and hated them! The dress looked awful on me! The dress itself is gorgeous...but looked awful! We decided to go look for another wedding dress on Sunday.

We went to David's Bridal on Sunday. I must have tried on 20 dresses. I finally found one that I really, really liked. It was an all lace halter dress with a sash. Then I realized, the lace dress was the exact same style as my first dress. The only difference was that I was wearing the David's Bridal mermaid petticoat and corset bra top. So we decided to buy the fancy underwear and try it on with my first dress.

AMAZING! I'm in love with my original dress again. I had no idea that certain expensive, confining underwear could make such a difference! Yay for my original dress! I liked it better anyway!

Christmas Gifting and Britney's Back Bitch!

2008-12-10T09:54:00.000-06:00

My favorite part of the holidays is finding the perfect gift for everyone on my list. My grandfather is the worst to shop for. He loves to read, but he doesn't like getting books as gifts. He has literally read every book in the library (I'm not kidding, seriously). He also likes family history. I had no idea what to get him this year. I came across the best idea in a magazine. It's actually a really great gift for a lot of people, so I thought I would share.

It's a book that details the history of your specific last name! The have 300,000 names, therefore, that's 300,000 different books. My grandfather has a very unique last name, but they had his last name. The book is only $30. Here's the web site for it... http://www.ournameinhistory.com/Landing/Welcome.aspx?sourceid=24877. My book is in the mail!

Another good web site for really fun gifts is Perpetual Kid (http://www.perpetualkid.com/). I bought a lot of my gifts there. They have everything from bacon bandaids to bubble wrap calendars. If you want something fun for a hard to shop for person, you can find it here.

On a completely differnt note... Britney's back bitch. I heart her new song, Circus. It's reminicent of Britney Pre-K-Fed. She's going to crack that whip, make you trip. Like a circus star. I fell off the Britney bandwagon when she went crazy. But she's got her body back and her new album is awesome. I'm so going to learn the dance that she does in the video. I'm not coordinated and often trip over the flat floor... but I'm gonna make it happen. Last year I learned the Soulja Boy Superman dance. I can do this. I'm doing it for Britney.

Midnight Pacing and AROOOOS

2008-12-03T08:55:00.000-06:00

I love love love my new apartment, but do not love my neighbors. Basically, they drive me insane. I'm dealing with it well, but I feel it is only a matter of time before I channel my inner-Marcos (Johnny's old roomate who punched holes in just about every wall in their old apartment...even the ceiling) and poke a hole in the ceiling with a broom trying to get the upstairs neighbors to quit pacing around at 3am.

I guess the one good thing about them is they are very clean. I know this because I can hear them vacuuming every day at 5pm-5:30pm. I have a pretty good idea where all their funiture is since I can hear every step they take. I could probably find my way around their apartment in the dark. Not that I want to. But I could.

If I had not seen my neighbors I would think they are severly obese...maybe with a peg legs or better yet, iron feet. Kind of like Herman Munster. But they are not. It is a man and wife...mid 30s...average height...average weight.

I found this letter on Craigslist from a downstairs neighbor to his upstairs neighbor. I could have written it myself...

"Rant: Person with a wooden leg that lives above me.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 2008-04-22, 8:58PM CDT

I have no idea who you are. I do not know if you’re male, female, young, old, black, white, straight, gay, ambidextrous, or a midget. What I do know is this: You are almost certainly obese and have at least one wooden leg.

It is likely that I am completely off in my speculation, but at least hear me out. I do have some evidence that would warrant such claims.

First of all, if you aren’t a manatee with at least one wooden appendage, I must assume then, that you do indeed have your feet blocked in cement. At the very least, you have a horrible case of elephantitis of the lower body causing your feet to stomp and drag and cause a great amount of disturbance. Now I’ve lived in apartments before, some being quite rowdy seeing as I did attend college for five years. Despite this, you my heavy hooved friend, are one of a kind.

At first I thought it might be sex. You know, the old headboard pounding the wall. I would be impressed if that were the case, but I doubt that. The noise moves when you move, so it can’t be the headboard. If it were, then I would REALLY be impressed. Hell, you even knocked the light fixture off of the ceiling in my foyer after some intense peg-leg floor pounding. I was picking glass out of my feet for a few weeks after that! Not bad for what could potentially be some afternoon delight.

The reason I don’t believe you are getting laid is because the noise occurs quite literally at ALL hours of the day. 4AM? You bet. 4PM? Sure shit. 1AM? Of course. 2:47PM? Why not? If I were able to link the noise to a certain time pattern or a certain location, I could be more certain it might be sex, say on a bed with wheels that moves freely about your place with each thrust. (As I type this now, you’re making some pretty loud bumps and booms). Maybe you are just a really aggressive masturbator? Lastly, I haven’t seen a single couple enter this building to confirm that fact that someone might be getting laid.

I’ve tried to describe the noise you create to many people saying “It quite literally sounds like an overweight pirate with one peg leg pacing back and forth” only to get strange looks in return…as you can imagine. Skeptical as they may be, their hesitations in believing my claims were put to rest as soon as they visited my apartment. One by one my friends, as well as some family, visited my place all to confirm the noises I reported were indeed, real.

Each of them spent a few minutes speculating about what the noise could potentially be. Honestly, the only thing we have all deduced is that you aren’t having sex. This is undoubtedly, an unfortunate conclusion on your part.

Perhaps you are trying to teach yourself how to walk with stilts and you are trying to master the art one leg at a time before attempting both stilts at once. Maybe you’re practicing for the Olympics in Chicago in 2016 and have set up some uneven bars and are trying desperately to stick the landing. Whatever you’re doing, could you please ease up? I do not enjoy replacing all of my picture frames that have either fallen off my walls or from my shelves. Nor do I enjoy being awaken at all hours of the night only to have to wonder what it is you’re really doing up there, whether they be innocent or slightly sexually deviant. My alarm goes off before 6AM due to having one of those job things so a good nights sleep is important. Thanks in advance and if you really are an obese pirate, please don’t break into my apartment and steal my booty…or my food."

I am thankful that the upstairs neighbors do not have the dog that my next door neighbor has. It's a standard schnauzer. Everytime Johnny or open our front door... the dog barks. But it doesn't sound like a bark. It's more like an aroooo. It's loud and long...'AROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.' Sometimes in the middle of the night the dog aroos.

Right now I'm quite tired because of all the midnight pacing and arooos. Hopefully the neighbors will go out of town for Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed.

Craigslist Rocks My Socks

2008-12-01T13:10:00.000-06:00

I have a new obsession...it's called Craigslist. I know I'm a little late jumping on the Craigslist bandwagon, but at least I'm on it now! During my lunch break at work I like to troll the craigslist boards for intersting postings. I have found a lot! Here are some of my favorites...

"The perfect black evening dress will put you at an After 5 cocktail affair; Black Tie Dinner or out on the town for New Year's Eve 2008. This dress is fully lined; made of rayon and lavish gold sequin design giving the front and back a smooth flow of tasteful sofisticatin that will ignite the senses of all around you. Deep V design in the front gives way to moderate cleavage with taste, draping softly over curves as it falls gently to the floor and has a 23 inch slit to the left, giving visual of the leg as you walk and sit.; in the back the same deep V design to mid-back. Long sleeves; fit size 6-10; 5'4-5'8; can be worn with heels or flats. This dress was one of a kind when I wore it and guaranteed will be the only one of its kind when you wear it! Truly tastefully designed to give sensual sofistication to anyone who wears it. Worn once, excellant condition! Perfect Black Dress - $39 (North Dallas)"

I love how this is the perfect black evening dress for a black tie dinner or New Year's Eve 2008. I think it's a little more perfect for NYE 1989. And I smell bullshit with the phrase "lavish gold sequin design giving the front and back a smooth flow of tasteful sofisticatin that will ignite the senses of all around you." The spelling of sophistication is particularly classy as well.

Next...

"Alot of detail work. Beautiful dress with lots of beads and lace. Will sell with veil. This dress was worn one time for 2 hours then was professionally cleaned and preserved and has been kept in preserved box. It comes from smoke free home.
I posted a few pics but have much more. If interested I can send more. Wedding Dress Size 4-6 $75 - $75 (S arl)
Please contact me if interested
Milissa
817-919-6833
Thanks for looking at my ad."

I'm not quite sure why people like to sell their mid-1980s wedding dresses. And who wears a wedding dress for only 2 hours? And that wood paneling in the background is hot.

The next two don't come with pictures, but they are funny all the same...

"Clamato Juice 5 - 32 oz bottles free (76116)
I had gotten alot of these and I am burnt out . Porch pickup , 5 32 oz bottles all new , expires December 31 08 , still good . I live on LLano Ave 76116 zip so you can get an idea on area before you claim these email if you want them."

Yum. That's all I have to say to that.

"Miniature Horse Treadmill (rendon)

free mini horse treadmill. Does not run at this point because it needs some parts but it free so its worth a shot!!!! Must be picked up and it is very heavy so you will need help."
That sounds like a must have, excellent Christmas gift.

This next one, by far is my absolute favorite. My friend at work found it. It's definitely a must have...

"I have a near-mint copy of the Bible, signed by the Big J.C. himself. According to Amazon, this is one of the better selling books of all time. I'm guessing the Prince of Peace would be happy to hear that.

This book was entrusted to me by the Knights of Templar, they borrowed it from Our Savior sometime between 28 and 32 AD and forgot to give it back. It was one of those things where they said they'd return it in a week, but then they didn't get around to reading it right away. And you know how you always feel bad returning a book you haven't read, especially when the lender asks you what you thought of it. So in trying to avoid an awkward moment with the Alpha and Omega, they hung onto it until they had more time. Well that time turned into about 2000 years, and it got mixed in with some other books and made it into a yard sale box.

At first, the King of Kings' signature wasn't worth much, but after Our Redeemer died on the cross for your sins, apparently the value skyrocketed and then rose more gradually over the next 2000 years as more people learned of the Good Shepherd's story.

Why am I selling it? I could say that I'm interested in sharing the Word of God with someone else - become a "Fisher of Men" so to speak. But the truth is I just bought an Xbox 360 and don't have room on the bookshelf for both. I'll either use the money to fight world hunger, or buy that Rock Band game I've been hankering for. "

Oh Craigslist...how I love thee...

Moved and Microwaved

2008-11-25T12:46:00.000-06:00

Johnny and I are finally moved in to our new apartment! It only took three trips with three trucks and three cars to get the moves done. Our apartment is gorgeous. It has 10 foot ceilings, crown molding, frise carpet and a huge kitchen. We have a really nice view of the park from our patio. We put our Christmas tree up on Sunday and it's really starting to feel like home.

After much stress, I have picked a ceremony/reception location for our wedding. We will be having everything at the Stockyard Station on Exchange Street in Fort Worth. There are meeting rooms that can be rented out by the shops in the stockyards. If you're familiar with the Stockyards, it's actually the place where the Tarantula runs through. The floors are glazed brick and it will give out wedding a really nice rustic feel. I'm super excited about it and not stressed anymore.

Here are some pictures of the Stockyard Exchange...

On a completely different note... if your frozen Lean Cuisine takes longer than 4 minutes to cook in the microwave... it has no place being eaten at work. A lunch that takes 8 minutes (yes, seriously, 8 minutes) to cook in the microwave is extremely inconvenient for other people who need to use the microwave for only 1 minute. Rice takes 4 minutes to cook in the microwave. A baked potato takes a minute 7 minutes. Both of those take less than your smelly, disgusting beef tip shit. I don't know, 8 Minute Lean Cuisine Microwave Hogger, maybe make a sandwich from now on?

Booked

2008-11-13T09:01:00.000-06:00

It is 345 days until my wedding and I'm a little stressed. Here's why... about 3/4 of the places my mother and I have contacted to have the ceremony and reception are already booked for my date! The Fort Worth Botanical Gardens was at the top of my list and it had to be crossed off. There is an Autumn festival being held that weekend. Everything is booked. Wedding planning is hardcore and not fun. We have appointments to go see three different places this weekend, so hopefully one of those will pan out.

On a completely different note... I really hate Miley Cyrus. That is all.

4 out of 5...Sorry, You're Not Invited

2008-11-07T10:23:00.000-06:00

I have been engaged for just over a month now and I'm feeling the stress. There is soooo much planning to do! I thought we could just throw some stuff together and be done with it. Apparantly not.

Right after the engagment I put together a rough guest list. Holy shit. I didn't know Johnny and I knew so many people. I was thinking we would have a list of less than 100. However, it's looking more like 200. I've already cut the list down once, it's time for round two.

I have had a lot of people in the last month tell me they can't wait to come to the wedding. I'm not sure why they assume they get to come just because they know my name (which by the way, is spelled with an 'H'). If you aren't related to me or in the bridal party, don't expect an invite. I'm really getting annoyed with this. I'm about to impose the five question rule. I ask you five questions, you get them all correct, you get an invite. The five questions will be 1.How did Johnny and I meet? 2. What do I do for a living? 3. What does Johnny do for a living? 4. What is Johnny's last name? 5.How do I spell my last name? If you can answer these questions, chances are, you are on the guest list. If not... deal with it.

I really wanted this one guys to marry Johnny and I, but believe it or not, he's already booked. He referred us to another guy, which I met with on Tuesday. He looks just like Mike Ditka but thankfully, doesn't act like him. Johnny and I want a contemporary ceremony with some unique touches. Randy had some great ideas and I can't wait to read the full ceremony he puts together for us.

We are going to start visiting venues on the 15th. Hopefully we will find something quickly! I just want to find a place and be done!

13 Things Waiter Won't Tell You

2008-11-04T08:34:00.000-06:00

I found this Reader's Digest Article Online and it is spot on. I haven't waited tables in years. I started at Mac's Bar and Grille. I'm a big fan of #4. It brings back memories of guests saying, "I'm friends with Mac." Well there is no Mac. His name is Mike. Nice try, dumbass.

1. Avoid eating out on holidays and Saturday nights. The sheer volume of customers guarantees that most kitchens will be pushed beyond their ability to produce a high-quality dish.

2. There are almost never any sick days in the restaurant business. A busboy with a kid to support isn't going to stay home and miss out on $100 because he's got strep throat. And these are the people handling your food.

3. When customers' dissatisfaction devolves into personal attacks, adulterating food or drink is a convenient way for servers to exact covert vengeance. Waiters can and do spit in people's food.

4. Never say "I'm friends with the owner." Restaurant owners don't have friends. This marks you as a clueless poseur the moment you walk in the door.

5. Treat others as you want to be treated. (Yes, people need to be reminded of this.)

6. Don't snap your fingers to get our attention. Remember, we have shears that cut through bone in the kitchen.

7. Don't order meals that aren't on the menu. You're forcing the chef to cook something he doesn't make on a regular basis. If he makes the same entrée 10,000 times a month, the odds are good that the dish will be a home run every time.

8. Splitting entrées is okay, but don't ask for water, lemon, and sugar so you can make your own lemonade. What's next, grapes so you can press your own wine?

9. If you find a waiter you like, always ask to be seated in his or her section. Tell all your friends so they'll start asking for that server as well. You've just made that waiter look indispensable to the owner. The server will be grateful and take good care of you.

10. If you can't afford to leave a tip, you can't afford to eat in the restaurant. Servers could be giving 20 to 40 percent to the busboys, bartenders, maître d', or hostess.

11. Always examine the check. Sometimes large parties are unaware that a gratuity has been added to the bill, so they tip on top of it. Waiters "facilitate" this error. It's dishonest, it's wrong-and I did it all the time.

12. If you want to hang out, that's fine. But increase the tip to make up for money the server would have made if he or she had had another seating at that table.

13. Never, ever come in 15 minutes before closing time. The cooks are tired and will cook your dinner right away. So while you're chitchatting over salads, your entrées will be languishing under the heat lamp while the dishwasher is spraying industrial-strength, carcinogenic cleaning solvents in their immediate vicinity.

2008-10-28T08:49:00.000-05:00

It's only four days until Halloween! I'm super excited, but at the same time a little sad. My office is covered in Halloween decorations and I'll have to take them down next Monday :(. But I should win the office decorating contest! Here's what my office looks like...

First Blog

2008-10-24T12:14:00.000-05:00

I have a facebook. I have a myspace. I have 3 different e-mail accounts. But apparently that's not good enough. For some reason I feel I need a blog too. Every one's doing it and I want to be one of the cool kids, so I've started a blog. Plus, I want to get back to writing and this is probably a good way to do it.

Let's start with what's going on with me right now...

Johnny and I are finally engaged! He proposed after exactly a year and a half of blissful togetherness. We will be getting married exactly one year from today, on October 24, 2009. I am so excited! I'm sure I'll write about the problems we end up having with vendors in the coming year...so get ready for it! For more about my wedding you can check out my wedding web site... http://www.mywedding.com/sarahandjohnny/index.html. I can't wait to be Sarah Luna!

Johnny and I will be moving in together next month and we are both looking forward to it! We are not looking forward to the actual moving part. We both have a lot of stuff to move and it's not going to be fun. Chuck Norris will likely be coming to the new apartment with us. I plan on getting another kitty to hang out with him and name him Chedder. Awww...so cute!

My brother, Paul, and his fiance, Sara (yep, her name is Sara too), will be getting married on November 1! Johnny and I are both in the wedding. The best part of the whole event is the rehearsal dinner. Everyone is going to wear costumes since the rehearsal is on Halloween! I'm so excited! Johnny and I will be going as Jessica Simpson (complete with horrible blonde wig and white and pink Cowboys jersey) and Tony Romo (complete with bandaged pinkie and backwards baseball cap)! It should be really fun! My grandfather even decided to get in on the fun and wear a button that reads "Nudist On Strike."

That's about it for now... I guess I'll write more when I figure out what would be interesting to write about!