Whoopsie

I totally accidentally told Kurt where we were going on the way home from work tonight. I was going through the weather feature on the phone, asking Kurt to guess the weather in each area I have saved (Manistee, Newport, Las Vegas, Taylor, Panama). I also have Washington D.C. on there. Well, I was really tired after work. We worked from 715 AM until 720 PM. I was playing the guess the weather game with Kurt and I got to Washington and was like "Guess the weather in Wash...." "OH NO!" He was like AHAHAHA, I know where we are going now. But, apparently, he already predicted it in the *envelope* prediction file that I am opening tomorrow. Bastard. I hate when he is right, LOL.

Work was insanity today. I can't even explain it. Kurt had a trial this morning that lasted ALL day long. And is still not done. Kory was studying at home for the LSAT, and Misty is still on bedrest for her pregnancy. Anyway, I was there alone all day and all I did was run. AARGH. I met with 5 new clients, 1 old client, the phone was ringing off the hook, people were dropping by, it was crazy. Plus, I did not get to eat lunch because I had no car and no time to walk next door. Kurt got back around 430 and we went to get something eat, came back to the office and worked until like 720.

Scottrade finally fixed our account, but I am done with them and will most likely bee switching as soon as we get back from DC.

Lack of Sleep

I am a very good sleeper. I rarely let stress get to me physically. With this office, I am in a constant *go* status, and I deal well with it, really.

This next part is going to be rambly (love Lori words), boring and financial based, so please skip it if you are tired or don't want to be bored, I just need to vent....

This is why days like yesterday make me sick. It started off in the morning. Kurt logged into our Scottrade account to cancel a stock trade he made the night before. The site was down. This has never happened before. And is really not acceptable, since we trade online and their site being down is a problem. So, you can call in when their site is down. Fine. I call in, cancel the trade over the phone, and make a new one. The guy is all rude to me, talking totally down to me. He asked me what trade I was cancelling. I said "I *think* it is to buy AAPL, X amount of shares.." He was like "YOu have to know, you made the trade." My snotty response back, LOL, was "No, I don't have to know since my HUSBAND made the trade." He backed off some and finally did as I asked. Then, I called them back at like 830 and was like "I made this trade, and I need to make another at 931 AM. Since your systems are down, are you going to be able to tell me what price I bought the stock at when I call in since you can't *see* my account?" Of course, all evasive, so I just said eff it and cancelled all my trades for the day. Which annoys me, because in essence, I am not making any money for the day from investing. Anyway. At 10 AM, Kurt calls me, freaking out because apparently, they executed his trade from last night. Luckily, it was OK, and I sold right away and made money. Still, was pissed at them for not following direction. At 1130 AM, Kurt calls AGAIN freaking out, because the trade I made earlier in the morning that I cancelled went through (meaning they have not screwed up twice). So, I sold short, and ended up making more money. I was obviously not annoyed at the making of money, but I was annoyed at them for stressing me out like ALL freaking morning because their site was down and for them doing things I TOLD them not to do. So, all the suddent, at lunch, we see that something odd is going on with our account. After we made like a bunch of money today, they began taking it out of our account. Like they were finally putting through my requests to cancel those trades, but, they are also taking profits from my account. In essence, taking money I made based on their mistakes and keeping it for themselves! So, we thought. Called them and they were like "Well, you cancelled those trades, so we have to do as you said." So, we come back to the office and research the agreement we signed with them and basically, we are right. When you call and cancel a trade, there is no guarantee it will be cancelled, and if it goes through, Scottrade is not at fault and we have to deal with it. Of course, they don't agree with our interpretation of the agreement, because they want to keep our money, I guess. I freaking guarantee if we had LOST money, they would have been like "Sorry, your loss, read our agreement." So, later in the day, they started to undo the other trade from the morning and screw the account up even more. My account now says I own negative shares of Apple stock, which is not even possible. They cancelled my Buy Order, but left my Sell Order in. I can't freaking SELL stock I don't own. Dumb. Call them, totally exasperated, and the guy says he is taking care of it (this was 5 PM yesterday). Yea, it's 820 AM and my account is still wrong. I am going to call at 830 AM to get this fixed. Kurt is comtemplating filing a lawsuit against them too. Besides the fact that they took $4500.00 in profits from me yesterday (claiming they were theirs because of my cancelled trades they cancelled late), they screwed with my money ALL day, which did allow me to do my normal trading and earn money. All in complete violation, we believe, of their own policies. And, I can't trade today because they all my account screwed up. AARGH. Like i need to deal with this. Now, we need to try and find a new stock company to deal with, and we liked Scottrade because of the cheap trades. I found a couple reputable places that charge $9.95 for trades, and another for $4.95 (that I have never heard of). It's just that in transferring money, it's a pain too because you have to wait to trade again until everything is processed. Aargh. I keep saying that, but it's really how I feel. This was how my entire day was spent, stressing out. I could barely eat lunch because I had huge pains in my stomach. Then, I woke up early this morning and could not sleep because of thinking about this and several deadlines at the office that need to be dealt with. Kurt needed to be at the office early to prepare for a trial today anyway, but I was planning on sleeping in and showing at 9 AM. Nice. This better be straightened out soon or I am going to vomit, seriously. Just talked to their office again, and they just act like we are SOOO annoying when we call. HELLO? You are effing with my money. My retirement money. I can't wait until this straightened up so I can transfer my funds to someone else....Any suggestions?

Had a board meeting last night too, and I was so not into it with the day I had. Went well though, and got some things done. Just a committee meeting, so I could relax a little bit there. Committee meetings are much less formal than actual thursday board meetings.

Came home and made myself dinner, and worked out. My heart was just not in that either, but reading my book while biking helped me relax some. Kickboxing should have helped me, but at the level of stress I was still feeling at that point, I just needed a massage or something, LOL. Or a vacation. Which happily, I am kinda getting this weekend!

Speaking of that, dinner is all set at an Indian place on Friday night with Angel, Ryan, Char and possibly Char's husband! So, that should be super fun. And Angel and Ryan are picking us up so we are not hopelessly lost in the area. I am sure we will be fine though, I have a map in the book I bought.

Sorry for the stress filled post, I just had to get some of that off my chest.

From Amanda

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Attorney
2. Legal Secretary
3. Paralegal
4. Waitress

B) Four movies I could watch over and and over (or have watched over and over):
1. Legally Blonde
2. Footloose
3. Grease
4. Sound of Music

C) Four places I have lived:
1. Newport, MI
2. Taylor, MI
3. Lansing, MI
4. Manistee, MI

D) Four TV shows that I watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Desperate Housewives
3. Intervention
4. Big Love

E) Four places I have been:
1. Panama
2. Costa Rica
3. Belize
4. Hawaii

F) People who e-mail me regularly:
1. Rebecca
2. Aunt Karen
3. Clients
4. My Mom

G) Four of my favorite foods:
1. This spicy shrimp meal from Crave in Dearborn
2. Shrimp Tempura
3. Miso Soup
4. Cajun Tuna

H) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Bocas del Toro, Panama
2. One of the islands in Belize
3. Kona, Hawaii
4. with my Mom

I) Four friends I think will respond:
1. Rebecca
2. Nancy
3. Sarah
4. Heather

J) Four things I'm looking forward to this year:
1. Trip for Kurt's bday weekend
2. Our annual Xmas trip
3. Birth of my nephew in February!
4. Conference for the board

Kaboodling

This site is super fun, called Kaboodle.

Rebecca found it and sent the link to me. You know how on like Amazon.com, you can make lists of items you want? Well, this site allows you to save items you like on ANY shopping site, all in one place. Then you can link to your friends to see what they are wanting and liking as well! Other kewl features, but I have not played around with it too much yet.

If ya join, add me! My name on there is loridz.

Michigan Blues

Thursday night, had a board meeting. Everything was so calm and easy, I was actually wondering if I had showed up at the right school! LOL. It was very nice though. The administration had made us cookie plates with really yummy cookies for board appreciation month. And, our food service company and rep, Gail, made a dinner. She knows I am a vegetarian and made me a special meal, I was really touched. I told her to never do anything *special* for me, as the rest of the board eats meat and I don't want to be a pain. But she did anyway, and my food was incredible. She made me garlic grilled shrimp with a baked potato and salad. OMG. Amazing. Maybe some of the best shrimp I have ever had.

Friday night, I was craving Mexican, so Kurt and I drove to my fav place for fajitas called La Fiesta in Luna Pier. It was super fun and yummy, and Kurt had me in stitches giving me a reenactment of one of his hearings that morning. It was a great story. He always has the best time when the other side is not represented AND stupid. He pretty much almost had this guy in tears, I guess. Kurt can be really arrogant and an ass if he wants to, ha. Came home after that and watched TV together...It was a really nice night. A date night, if you will, but I don't really call Kurt and I hanging out a date since we hang out around the clock.

Saturday, after working a few hours, had lunch at a Mongolian BBQ like place with my friends Hollie and Tammy, and Tam's daughter, Jessica. Who proceeded to spend the entire lunch playing with my iPhone, LOL. The lunch was really nice though, and it was fun to catch up with them.

Saturday night, my sister and her husband were in town with my sister's two stepkids......She is due in three weeks with her baby! I can't believe I am going to be a *real*aunt for the first time. And I have no doubt the baby will be totally adorable as it's mother is my sister (who of course, is gorgeous) and Jim, the Dad, is good looking as well......:). My sister has gained 30 pounds, but I am sure will lose it pretty quickly. It is like all in my belly and chest, LOL. She looked really good. It was kinda like a late Xmas since my Dad's side of the fam had not seen her during the holiday. My Dad ended up not going as when he went to start his car, he had a flat, that ended up being a bent rim, and he did not want to drive on bad roads with a spare. So, besides my sister's family, it was me, my Grama, Auntie, Carl and my Aunt Marlene. This was the first time I have seen my Aunt's house, and it is very nice and in a really nice sub in Macomb. Long drive for me though, like 67 miles each way. Dinner was really good, and everyone exchanged gifts.

Went into the office today, and worked. AARGH. Totally did not want to, but since we are going to be out of town next weekend, we really needed to. Kurt finally got our 2006 taxes done....Yes, you read that right. 2007 are due in April, but we just did 2006. Whatev. Glad to get those done. They took Kurt like 10 hours. it's annoying how complex our returns are. He started working on 2007 and those will most likely be filed on time. I think. :). While doing that, Kurt cleaned out a lot of stuff at the office, shredding, etc. We had a lot of old files and such that we really don't need anymore. It completely cleaned out his credenza and some of a file cabinet, which was nice too. I got some work done on a lot of bankruptcies and family law stuff, so I am hoping, with some luck, we will be very caught up by this weekend when we leave.

Got a call this week too from Carl Levin's office. We are going on a tour of the Capital while there! You have to plan that ahead of time. So, that should be kewl. I can't wait to go crazy with my camera! I feel so tied down with this weather. It's been so cold, you can't even go outside to take pics of snow or ice. Many days, it's been like 5 degrees. Today it was in the low 30s though and tomorrow is supposed to be 40s, so I am glad it's warming up.

Tomorrow starts my orthodontist journey. Still feel pretty vain about it, but it's OK. I am entitled to be vain once in a while.....I think? Really, though, with underbite on the one side of my mouth, this is for a purpose because I will eventually grind my teeth down really far. So, I need to do this. Ha. I love how I make up reasons to excuse my vanity.

Congrats to Val (my former stepsister now just sister, LOL) got getting an awesome accounting internship for next January! I am so proud of her! :). Yay to Rebecca for getting out there and dating again, even if the date did not go spectacularly......

Heaven is an Apple

I finally fell to the monopoly pressure tonight and bought the iPhone. I went over this in my post yesterday, but I finally got to get the phone I wanted since Friend of the Court lifted their ban on camera phones......The phone is fab thus far. Kory has had his a little while now and still loves it, so I am sure I will love mine. Plus, I have Kory to help me with anything I don't get. The phone is the most user friendly phone I have ever used. With the Blackberry (which I did like), it was kinda complex. I had to keep looking up directions on how to do certain things......

You ever wonder how exactly technology has affected our lives and see we have become dependent on it? I see this more and more and it amuses me. I mean, seriously. We own three iPhones in this house for 3 people. Because we *need* the Internet and email everywhere we go. I have a reminder sent to me by Acuvue every two weeks to remind me to change my contacts. Because, you know, a paper calendar is just not sufficient. I have another monthly email that reminds me to give my dogs their heartgard pills. I get reminders from a lot of the bills I pay (electric, satellite, internet, etc.), with bills attached and a reminder to pay by a certain date. Seriously, I know I survived before the Internet....Do I really need all this? The answer, of course, is no, but it sure does make my life easier. :).

Watched a new show tonight called The Moment of Truth. Loved it. Highly recommend it for reality TV lovers.............It's one of those shows where I really wonder why the contestants subject themselves to the stress.

Getting more excited about the trip. I really like this not telling Kurt anything, I am getting better at keeping secrets every day! :). I normally really suck, LOL.

Jealous?

OK, everyone who knows these folks can be super jealous of me right now....hehe.

I have coordinated schedules and set up times to have dinner with two of my friends in the D.C. area while we are out there!

Friday night, we are meeting Angel and Ryan. Don't know the details on dinner yet, but we are going someplace non-snobby (ha, a requirement of both Kurt and Ryan). I can't wait! Angel says that Char and her hubby may try and make the trip from PA to have dinner with us, so that would be super kewl as well.

Saturday, we are meeting up with Amanda and Jason for dinner at a place Amanda picked out called Nage Restaurant. Can't wait for that too, and am psyched that she conned Jason into socially interacting with others. I think he was convinced since generally kurt is not into social interacting either, hehe.

This trip is going to rock! :).

Secret Trip Planned.......

Yay! I booked the trip tonight, finally. I was waiting to get my new American Airlines credit card in the mail so I could get the points for using it and buying this trip. I am so psyched to get airline miles for using the card. Whoot. Anyway, we are flying Northwest (Which I hate, but was the cheapest and best flight times) and we are staying at a place I randomly selected called Hotel Palomar.

Just was thinking that I have never even said where we are going.....Washington D.C.! I can't wait. There is so much to see there and I have never been. Kurt has been once, but he was only 2 years old, so I am pretty sure it will all be new to him too. I know we will not get to see everything in the short time we will be there, but it will be a nice getaway, and a great experience. My number one place to see is the Supreme Court, so we will have to do that first thing on Friday since they are not open the weekend. Oh, we are leaving Thursday the 31st after work and coming back that Sunday night......I am trying to set up a couple dinners with people while we are there.....Have already talked to Angel and her husband husband and will see them whenever she has open, and I am hoping that Amanda and Jason have some free time too?? :). Let me know Amanda! I told Kurt that we were going to be meeting up with friends of mine, and he was like, which ones? I could not tell him though because I don't know if he knows where everyone lives or not so he will have to be surprised, hehe.

OK, so RIGHT after I buy a phone without a camera, the courts approve the use of camera phones by lawyers. Cmon. It totally figures. So, Kurt was psyched because this means he can get the iPhone. So, we went tonight and bought it for him and I set it all up online. It is a really kewl phone. I decided to send my back (I was still under my 30 day return policy) and go get it. I mean, it will save us money each month (our current data plans on our phones are more than the Apple data plan), and the internet quality is spectacular. Seriously. I feel kinda like Rebecca with phone ADD though, I have never returned a phone before just to get another one I like more.....

Bought this really kewl ring on eBay. I have not bought any jewelry in FOREVER, and saw this ring and thought it was really different. Got it today, and it is gorgeous on. I love it. And I got an amazing deal on it, since it was on eBay. eBay rocks for jewelry.



I don't remember if I posted about this before or not, but I found out that my friend, Julia, my bestest friend from law school, is moving to California with her fiance! I don't know all the details yet, but I think it will be really good for her, even though she is leaving me and all! :). Kurt said it is just more of a reason for us to take trips out there, so that made me feel better. They move as soon as April, so BEFORE the wedding. Crazy. Hopefully, we can coordinate dinner soon, so I can talk to her about it. I should be more upset, but I am just really happy that she is happy about it.

Went to my first orthodontist appointment today. I know, I know. Call me vain. Do it right now. I feel like it today. But. After they took pictures of my teeth, I can SEE that they are moving. And I don't want it to continue. I should have never lost of retainer from high school and stopped wearing it, but I can't go back in time and change that so I need to be proactive about it. When I was telling Kurt how screwed up my teeth are, he actually rolled his eyes at me and said "Lori, your teeth look great...." They were really nice. I don't need actual braces. On one side of my mouth, in the back, I have a very slight underbite. So, they are first going to quickly correct that (4-6 weeks) with a couples braces and rubber bands in the back. Then, after that, I will get the Invisalign. Should have that for a year of less, then get the permanent night retainer, and be done. It's for sure not cheap, which sucks, but you know what? If I want to be vain about this, I am going to be. I get complimented on my teeth and smile all the time, and I really don't want to lose that part of me. It's seriously my favorite feature. So, Monday I go in for step one of the transformation nobody else will notice, LOL.

Anyway, this is long, so I am going to close here. And Emily, I am waiting for a Vegas post and am not being patient about it! Kidding. But please. Details! ;).

Sushi, Bowling, and Being Published!

Have not posted because I have been so busy.....We did not get home on Wed and Thurs until after 800 PM because of late appointments, and last night, we went out for sushi and bowling with Kory and Val. Val is my sister, but not literally. She is my Dad's second wife's daughter, and my Dad is now divorced. So, I guess kinda like my former stepsister. Anyway. I still call her my sister, and we are still close. She is so similar to me in personality, it's kinda scary. Love her. So, we had some amazing sushi at Dolce Vita--it was even better than usual. I ate part of a king california roll and part of a tempura shrimp roll. Yum. Val got pasta because she does not do sushi, LOL. I guess that is one major difference between us! :). Afterwards, we decided to go bowling, and had a blast. Bowled almost two games before we got cut off (we only paid for a set time period and decided to leave after that because Val had to be home early for a class this morning and Kory had homework and had to be up early too). Of course, my camera had to come out for bowling because it always does.......After that, chilled at the house then went to bed. Today, we worked most of the day, UGH.

I had the kewlest thing happy to me this week. Someone on Flickr, the publisher of travel guides, contacted me about using one of my photos in their upcoming hard copy Panama Guide. I, of course, said that they could use my photo. I was so psyched. Then, the guy wrote me back again and asked if he could use MORE of my shots, as he was looking through them all and found some more that would work! I can't believe it! I can't wait to get my copy in the mail! I have had some stuff published online and in newspapers, but never in an actual book! And for it to be a travel guide, well, that is kinda like my dream, to take photos for travel guides!

We got a new copy machine/printer at the office this week. The Lease was almost up on our old one, and the guy who we lease from stopped by with a new offer, that was better than our current machine, so I jumped at it. The new machine staples and sorts, and can go multiple copy jobs at once. Plus, it can network the other computers to it, which is awesome. Anyway, so far, so good!

I had the hearing from hell this week. Am not even going to go into details because I dont want to rehash everything, but basically, it was in a court we NEVER practice in, and there was some judge/attorney favoritism going on, and that is NOT a way I like to lose. But whatever. I am just going to put it behind me. I am not going to lose sleep over something I have no control whatsoever over. It's done with. It almost made me have a drink at lunch because I was so annoyed.

On to fun things. Kurt's birthday is coming up, and I am going to plan him a surprise trip, although, I am at a loss on what to plan. We will not have much time, as we are hardcore into the busy season at the office, and we cannot leave for more than one work day. We will prob leave on Thursday night or Friday morning and come back Sunday night. I would love someplace with better weather, but I also don't want to fly really far because of the time limits. Also don't really want to fly someplace with a huge time difference. Have been researching online, but nothing is really jumping out at me. Let me know if you have any ideas.

Have to say I am really jealous right now or Emily getting to be in Las Vegas, but I hope she is having fun! :).

Creating Fear

Kurt is forcing me (OK, not really forcing me but he has the remote), to watch this show called Cheney's Law on PBS. It's painful to watch. It just reminds me of everything that terrifies me in this country. I just don't get so many things.......Has anyone heard of due process? How can anyone think it's OK to hold people, not charge them of a crime, and torture them? I can't believe that Bush and Congress and whomever has so horribly abused the effect of 9-11 to put laws into place that completely and totally violate the Constitution and have done so by convincing society that there are scary "terrorists" that will get us if we don't do these kinds of things.......Anyway, even though this is really annoying me, the show is very informative, so I give the show a thumbs up thus far. Just don't approve of the man it is about. I seriously cannot WAIT until the next election. I just want someone in there who actually has the best interests of the American people in place again. I am back leaning towards Hillary as I heard today she wants to reform bankruptcy law, which would help my business out even more. Thanks, Hil! For the first time, I opted out of the presidential primary today, since my vote is pointless because of the stupid Democrats trying to prove a point and pretty much getting Michigan eliminated.

One of my latest resolutions is to give my body more calcium. I know I don't get enough in a day, and my Mom is always telling me to take supplements. Calcium bother s her stomach, and mine too, but she found a supplement that does not bother her, so I decided to try it too. Anyway, bought it and have been trying to remember to take it twice daily with food. I have been taking Viactiv and thus far, love it. At first it was hard to remember. My daily vitamin is easy since I take it in the morning and keep the bottle near my toothbrush. Viactiv's website says that women my age should have 1000 mg of calcium a day and with my calcium supplements and daily vitamin, I am at 1160 mg. I also have decided to drink more water, starting with grabbing a bottle each morning when I leave for work and making myself drink the entire thing before drinking caffeine at the office. Both endeavors are going well. Small things, but both are things i know will improve my overall health and that is important to me.

Finished the book I referenced I was reading and LOVED it. Really, could barely put it down. Loved it so much I bought the next in the series on half.com, called Something Blue. Can't wait to get it in the mail! :). I was so anti-reading after finishing law school because frankly, I was sick of reading. Since it was pretty much my life in school. Now, I am feeling the desire to do so again.

Anyway, should get back to suffering through this show and to bed......

Something Borrowed and Thin

Kurt and I watched this documentary tonight I rented from Netflix called "Thin". It was awesome. Loved it. It may be on the top of my documentary list, after the one I watched a while back called Born Into Brothels..................Anyway, it is kinda freaky watching something like that. I have a friend who was anorexic, and a family member who was, and to think that they were at the point of these women in the show is scary......It's also sad that society can drive some of these women to behave this way. The media tells us that size 0 is the most beautiful, not eating to get that way is almost acceptable.

Worked out after watching and read more of Something Borrowed, which I am currently reading and bought on half.com for less than a dollar. Gotta love deals on used books. Anyway, I freaking LOVE this book. The author is a lawyer, and the book is about a lawyer who is my age exactly. Anyway, really easy reading, fun book. I can't put it down. I just realized that she has written other books and they are a series, so I can't wait to read more!

Nothing else too exciting going on, mailed off one of my sister's new outfits for the baby away, am going to mail one a week so she gets something new every week......Need to get to bed, more later.....

Clean Pugs Everywhere

Took the pugs to Petsmart today to get baths. Whiskey went too. Kory and I took them in two separate cars because the thought of 4 crazy dogs in one car with two people was a little too much to handle, I think....The pugs all had the Top Dog Care Package, and Whiskey just had the bath and brush. They all came home later in the day with bandannas and smelling really good. In really wore them out too, as they all slept the rest of the afternoon. Soundly. I highly suggest if any of you has a hyper puppy, take them to get a bath. Puts them right to sleep! :).

I went to the mall today just to check out Old Navy, because they are going out of business in our mall. The store was crazy and really picked over, so I did not get anything as I really was not in the mood to pick through racks and make my way through the crowds of people. So, I headed back to Elder Beerman, where I had seen a sweater the night before that I thought was cute. They had a bunch of 70% off racks, so of course, had to go through them. Ended up buying myself the cute sweater I had seen the night before (click here to see a pic of something similar, I could not find a pic of the one I really got in black and by Ruff Hewn), and another sweater than I tried on and loved as well. Of course, neither were on 70% off racks, but the one was 50 percent off and the other 30 percent, so I saved some money, right? Did find Kurt some great deals though, in the form of a dress shirt for work, a grey casual sweater for $8, and a tie in a color I have never seen before on a tie, kinda a black with teal. Very different. Stopped in the baby section and ended up buying my sister three really cute onesies. One says "Chick's Dig Me" and has a little chick picture on it. The second says "$ Tax Decuction $" and the third says "What Happen's at Grama's, Stays At Grama's". So cute. I will mail them to her tomorrow.

Friday night, went to dinner with Rebecca, Kurt and Kory at Old Chicago. Dinner was fun. Kurt and I left Rebecca and Kory there to drink more because we were tired after a long work week and wanted to get home to chill. Saturday, we worked a few hours in the morning/afternoon, then stayed in the rest of the day. Auntie came over that night because she needed to return something at Elder Beerman, and we all ate at Pete's Garage that night. Oh, I got this really kewl handheld food processor while with her at the mall. Kory and I tried it when we got home and it works AWESOME. Can't wait to use it for an actual meal.

Oh, bought a doormat for the office at one of my fav online stores today. I have been wanting for a long time to get a personalized one, but nothing was really striking me at that perfect doormat.....Anyway, got this one. Can't wait to replace the one we have out there now.

Was happy today when I called Dyson too. Our Dyson stopped working (it turned on, but was not picking anything up). Kurt thought a belt had broken, but nobody in the house really knows much about this. So, since we have a 5 year warranty that we are only 1 year into, I called. Could not believe they answered on a Sunday, first of all. They had me answer some questions and open the vacuum, etc. and we realized the belt was in fact broken. They said that my part is defective, and they have since made a better version of the part, which they are shipping to me. Hopefully I have it soon since I kinda need to vacuum. I could pull out the central vac, but I am kinda partial to the Dyson ever since I got it. Just want to give props to Dyson customer service because it was very easy to deal with them and get what I needed.

I kinda have had this dull headache all day, so I am going to sign off and go to bed to try and get rid of it....Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Speak Up

Had a board meeting tonight. Probably need some background here, but the board goes to conferences, takes classes, etc. Money is budgeted for these purposes, and the reason we go is to learn and try and obtain grant opportunities, not to have fun and party. Apparently, after tonight's meeting, I am realizing that the public seems to think that we use it for fun and not learning, or at some of them do. Some lady stood during public comments and basically lashed out the board for sending two board members to the Orlando conference this year because she thinks that the money could be spent better. It would not have bothered me if she would have presented herself in a better way, but she basically was attacking the board and acting like a really you know what. Kinda acted all victorious after she gave her little lashing, sat down, and practically high fived the people around her. So, when it was time for board comments, I actually spoke up, which is very rare for me, as I usually only say something if the need really arises. I know, I know. Those of you who know me are like YOU are QUIET?? But seriously, I am during meetings, LOL. Everyone on the board LOVES to talk, so shockingly, I am more quiet than many of the others. HA. Anyway, I basically started off by saying that I wanted to be on the board because I really believe strongly in public education and in education specifically. That I don't think that because I sit on the board and have obtained this position that I know everything or ever will. That I believe it is my duty to continue to educate myself, and I think everyone in the district needs to do that as well. That going to these conferences educates me further, and also brings money back to the district that exceeds what we spend to go there. Said that I did not go to these conferences for "fun" and "to waste the district's Money" and stressed that because I run my own office, I am losing money and business when I go to these for the district. Anyway, I am sure I am forgetting something, but....I watched the faces of those in the audience as I spoke and while nobody was giving me a standing ovation, the look of victory had left their faces and they almost seemed to have looks of guilt on their faces....So, hopefully, I got through to someone. They wanted answers on why we go and spend the money and I hope they got some. Who knows. Some of these people will just always think they are right, and my actions will be fruitless, but whatever, I got my point across to those actually listening, I think.

Work was crazy today. I have no idea how many phone calls I made, but it was too many, aargh. I think I drafted about 3 documents all day, which is NOTHING for me. The day started off crazy, as for some reason, our alarm did not go off, and we were running late to the point where I could not shower, which drives me insane. If I don't shower in the morning, I am off all day. Tired, feel out of it. Showers are what really start my day off right. Pulled my hair in a ponytail and headed to the office quickly. Of course, as soon as I get there, only like 15 minutes late, people are waiting for me, Kurt needs me to brief him on a custody hearing before he leaves, and we find out there is a huge accident on the highway which is going to make Kurt even more late because he has to take an alternate route. Need to make a stock trade in 8 minutes.......Seriously, it was like GO GO GO today. Luckily, we left early like 15 minutes so I could shower before my board meeting and I instantly felt better. Yay.

Kurt needed new shoes, so I found an awesome deal on some on Amazon and ordered them. I also really want to buy myself some black books, but am clueless on what to buy. Comfort is important and no really skinny high heels. Almost something to wear with jeans, or with dress pants, or even maybe with some work skirts....Any suggestions on pairs for me or brands you really like for comfort? I found these (in black) and these (in black) I really like, but I have no idea. If I am going to spend more than $100 on shoes, I want them to be nice. Those two I linked I already know I like the brands because I own other shoes in those brands that are really comfy, but I am open to other suggestions....

Nothing else exciting going on.........Except I want to send a shout out to Heather for her fabulous birthday week and the call from UPenn, which is awesome, a shout out to Rebecca for getting her credit cards paid out, and a shout out to Cheryl telling her I am thinking about her with the sad news in her family. Hugs!

Whistle Down the Wind

Had a nice night......Went to dinner with Auntie at Coach Insignia (we had another gift card to use there that expired tomorrow) and to the Fisher to see Whistle Down the Wind. Apparently, it is a very famous show, but i had never heard of it before, which is odd since I go to the theatre so much. Anyway, I loved it. Beautiful music and such a heartwarming story. I recommend it, if you like musical theatre. The girl that played the lead, Swallow, had an angelic voice. It was incredible. And the children's choir was adorable and so talented.

Oh, and my new phone came this morning, less than 24 hours after I ordered it! Yay! It is so kewl. I have not played with it a lot, but I did call and have internet turned on because I want to try it for a month or so and see what I think. I would like to be able to check my internet on the phone and surf the net at court while waiting for hearings to be called and such. I made a couple calls on the way home tonight and I love the *feel* of the phone so much more. My last phone was pretty bulky and this one is so much more slim. So far, thumbs up!

I came home to two checks today for large sums which excited me! Kurt put some money in his sports account online to bet on the bowl games and turned it into a lot....Instead of continuing to play with it or whatever, he took it out (most of it) and gave it to me for our December vacation this year, which is awesome. Love to plan vacays with money that I have early in the year that I did not have to work long hours to earn. Whoot. I can't even tell you how excited I was that he won the money and gave the earnings to me. Really nice. I am putting it in our retirement account so it can earn money all year, and then I will take it out to buy the trip in October or so. Some good does come out of Kurt watching every football game on TV at the same time, you see? :). Thanks again, Kurty!

Finally--The Decision

OK, nothing dramatic, LOL. Finally bought a new phone this morning, should be delivered very shortly. It's so complex with the no camera option I need. AT&T's website is very lacking in telling you if a phone can be special ordered without a camera. So, I ended up calling AT&T last night and asking which phones were options for me. They gave me a list of 7, two of which were older versions of the Treo and Blackberry that I don't want. I want the most up to date technology if I am buying something new. Three of them were ugly phones, and the other two were the Treo (which Kurt has already and loves) and the Blackberry 8820. I was not eligible for an upgrade, but the lady on the phone waived that for me and then gave me the price of the phone--$199. Wait, the website and store says $299 and that is after a mail in rebate and having to sign up for internet on the phone.......I did not have to do any of that. Got the phone for $100 off, do not have to sign up for anything, and got free overnight shipping. It so pays to be nice, I swear. The lady on the phone was super helpful, and every time I call in there they are that way. I must get lucky though because Rebecca called in and tried to do the same thing and could not get anywhere with them. Lame. So, I am actually going to try and learn some features of this phone besides texting and calls....The Blackberrys do so much, and those I know who have them are addicted, so hopefully, I can figure everything out. I have not really figured much out or tried with my current phone, and it does a lot too. Just need to find everything for this phone and sell it on eBay......I think the box is at the office, maybe.

Fell asleep on the couch after work for like 3 hours or so. I guess I was tired. Watching the end of the last bowl game with Kurt, and watching the weather. There are weather alerts everywhere around here for tornados, thunderstorms, etc. It was crazy out today. January 7 in Michigan and 65 degrees. I did not wear a coat to work. So odd.

Pro-Choice Win

Maybe this shows our current Supreme Court supports my opinion on the subject? I sure hope so, since the appointment of Roberts previously.....

Click here to read the Free Press article.

What Privileges Do You Have?

I still do not get the point of this, and would really like to see the results of this study that were done, but nobody seems to know the answer.......Anyway, since everyone else is doing it, I have to as well. You know, like when all your friends jump off a bridge, you have to follow? Yea, kinda like that. LOL.

This meme is from “What Privileges Do You Have?”, based on an exercise about class and privilege developed by Will Barratt, Meagan Cahill, Angie Carlen, Minnette Huck, Drew Lurker, Stacy Ploskonka at Illinois State University. If you participate in this blog game, they ask that you PLEASE acknowledge their copyright.You are supposed to bold all the statements that apply to you, your upbringing, your family, etc.

1. Father went to college. (Eastern MI)
2. Father finished college. (Business Bachelors, Eastern MI)
3. Mother went to college. (Eastern MI, majored in education)
4. Mother finished college. (never finished because her and my Dad got married)
5. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor. (does my husband count)
6. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers. (This is an odd question, I don't know, I guess it you count money earned, than my Dad earned more money than a teacher, I think).
7. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home.
8. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home. Were read children’s books by a parent. (I was obsessed with reading as a kid)
9. Were read children’s books by a parent. (of course, my Mom had taught me to read by the time I was 4)
10. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18.
11. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18.
12. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively. (Umm, not many people like lawyers, sadly to say)
13. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18. (NEVER would my Mom have allowed this crap, LOL)
14. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs. (no, but my Mom and Dad paid for my first year)
15. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs.
16. Went to a private high school. (no desire to do so)
17. Went to summer camp. (yep, Lake Ann in Interlochen, I worked there one summer too and loved it)
18. Had a private tutor before you turned 18. (no need really, I was kinda obsessed with school and it came pretty easy to me)
19. Family vacations involved staying at hotels (not all vacays, but some did)
20. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18.
21. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them.
22. There was original art in your house when you were a child. (my Mom paints)
23. You and your family lived in a single-family house.
24. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home.
25. You had your own room as a child. (most of the time. When we were really small, my sister and I shared)
26. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18. (no, but the family phone pretty much stayed with me and my sister at all times)
27. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course. (nope, and I did very well considering)
28. Had your own TV in your room in high school. (no need, I did not watch much TV)
29. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college. (no, but I had some bonds)
30. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16. ( I wish. I did not go on a plane until I was 21)
31. Went on a cruise with your family.
32. Went on more than one cruise with your family.
33. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up.
34. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family. (I did not know how much any of our bills where, my Mom never, ever discussed money)

I have 19/34 and still want to know what it means..........

Meeting of the Friends

Went to dinner on Friday night at a place I love called Fishbones in Greektown in downtown Detroit with Rebecca, Deanna, and her son, Ben. Rebecca and Deanna (surprisingly, since they are two of my closest friends) have never met, so it was fun for everyone to meet. And I have not seen Ben in forever, so I had fun talking and playing with him too. He is 4 now. I told him I was 10, and he agreed. I love to lose so many years in one night, yay! Anyway, food was incredible. I had the seafood gumbo soup which is literally the best soup ANYWHERE. Followed by sushi, a roll called the "Crunch Roll" which was also to die for. Loved it. It had shrimp, crab and lobster in it. Even Ben had sushi, which cracks me up. Deanna has done so good with introducing him to so many different kinds of food. He had a california roll, but informed me that he does not like the "sauce" (which would be soy sauce). We played with his little cars that be brought, and all gossiped and talked and "spelled" things when Ben should not hear. I have no idea what will be done when he can spell, which will be very soon since he can already speak in Chinese, LOL. After dinner, Rebecca and I went and walked around Greektown casino, which I have never been in. She played a penny slot and lost, bummer, and then we both went home as well. It was a very nice night, and I forgot my camera, so I have nothing on the picture front, :).

Yesterday, we worked, then Kory, Kurt and I headed to Pete's for dinner. Had shrimp creole, which was OK. I should just stick with my favorites there and not try anything new. My favs are SOOO good, something new just does not measure up. Watched football playoff games, came home, worked out, and watched more football.

Today, I am going to try and clean, and desperately need to grocery shop.

Have been really missing Panama and being on vacation, so to make myself feel better, I research trips for next December and we are really leaning towards Tanzania, which is one of my dream trips. Who knows though, with Kenya in a kinda civil war right now, we will have to wait and make sure it's safe to go there in December.

Off to get dressed.......and to try and be productive.....

Done!

Finally got my Xmas cards done. A little late, eh? BUT. They say "holidays" on them, and therefore, I am saying that they were meant for New Years. Heh.

Anyway, sent them out yesterday and today, so if you are on my list and I have your address, you will be getting a very late card.

One thing checked off my list, anyway. :).

Candidate Quiz

This was interesting, try and it tell me what your results are! Fun!

http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html

I was surprised at my results. Every one of these I take, Kucinich is the highest. I was also shocked that Huckabee was not at the bottom of the list, but I guess there are more loonie people out there than him!?? This time, I got the following:

Your Results
You planned to vote for Kucinich. Based on your responses, your top candidate for 2008 is below.

Your Top Match
Illinois Senator Barack Obama (D)
84.55% match

Your Other Top Matches
Ohio Representative Dennis Kucinich (D) - 80.00%
Former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel (D) - 75.45%
Delaware Senator Joseph Biden (D) - 73.64%

Middle of the Pack
New York Senator Hillary Clinton (D) - 67.27%
Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd (D) - 67.27%
Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards (D) - 65.45%
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson (D) - 54.55%
Texas Representative Ron Paul (R) - 45.45%
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) - 44.55%
Businessman John Cox (R) - 42.73%
Arizona Senator John McCain (R) - 34.55%
Kansas Senator Sam Brownback (R) - 30.91%
Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson (R) - 23.64%

Bottom of the Barrel
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R) - 20.91%
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (R) - 19.09%
Colorado Representative Tom Tancredo (R) - 11.82%
California Representative Duncan Hunter (R) - 9.09%

Idiots Strike Again

I don't know if anyone remembers this event from last year, but it's just deja vu in my backyard...

I was standing in the living room watching a bowl game with Kurt, near the back french glass doors. We heard this *bang* and got confused as to what the sound was. We looked in the back yard, and noticed, in the woods near my house, two men wearing orange hunting hats, camo jackets, and guns. I (stupidly I know) went outside and started yelling "hello" and "excuse me" at the men in the woods, but instead of responding to me, they simply walked in the other direction. Nice. They will hunt my property, but won't confront me....They will confront and shoot a harmless animal, but can't talk to a blonde half their size who owns the property they hunt upon.....

Anyway, because they ignored me, I called 911. We saw what house they were walking towards. The police showed up pretty quickly, and took a statement from us and walked in the yard so we could show where we saw the hunters. They were heading to the house next to try and talk to them, but who knows what will come of it. Michigan is simply a hunting state, and most people think Kurt and I are overreacting when we get mad about stuff like this even though it's MY property. I'm sorry, but just because my house is on 36 acres and has animals on it will never give you the right to hunt on it. And, I will call the police every...single....time. Idiots.

Late Holidays Part 2

Got up and headed to Pinconning for the day to spend the day with Kurt's Mom. The drive is around 2 hours and 15 minutes (if Kurt is driving anyway, LOL, if a normal person driving the speed limit is driving, I would say about 2.5-3 hours). Got there and she showed us some new stuff she had in her house (a TV with *gasp* 13 channels, a new TV stand, two new lamps, some new wall hangings, etc.) And, shockingly, a DVD player. Kurt's Mom is very adverse to new technology, so I love to see anything new in her house. She still has those phones that you rotary dial phones, if that tells you anything. And no answering machine. Kurt hooked up her DVD player for her and wrote out instructions on how to use it. So, hopefully, she can start using that. I think she will really like it. Next, we took her to lunch at Uno's in Bay City. After that, just came back to the house and hung out. Gave her the quilt and picture frame we bought her (posted links yesterday), and she loved them, so yay. She bought me a Lands End fleece pullover, as well as a Lands End puffy vest (which I need to take back because it is too big), and a really cute black hat and gloves (knit) set. I love all warm winter things......

Kurt and I decided to leave around 7 PM because there was a winter storm advisory for the area we were going to be driving through and we wanted to try and miss it. We did, kinda. In Flint, we drove through some heavy snow, but drove out of it pretty quickly around Waterford. No snow at home yet, but it sounds kinda windy outside and I am hoping to NOT wake up to a winter wonderland. Ugh. Days like this really make me miss Panama. The weather there was so freaking perfect.

Anyway, drove home and spent the rest of the night at home, just the two of us, which is exactly how i wanted to ring in the New Years. I dont really like going out for New Years Eve--I think the holiday is overrated and expensive, and I hate all the drunk driving that occurs. So, I made a new receipe for a chili cheese dip (which I modified slightly by adding 4 oz extra cheese, used mexi shredded cheese instead, and pieces of jalapeno peppers, as well as vegetarian chili instead of real chili), poured Kurt a rum and Mountain Dew with Panamanian Rum, and me a Midori and Diet Mountain Dew......And we sat and watched the end of a couple bowl games and the ball drop! :).

Happy New Years to Everyone! I hope everyone has a fabulous night and a happy New Year! :). Hugs.