Feels Like Sunday

These holiday weekends totally mess with me. All day long, it has felt like Sunday. I am so psyched to have another weekend day tomorrow!

Anyhow. Slept in this morning, or tried to. We let Oscar sleep with us last night, and Vito was up early crying because he wanted in our room. Bastard. Finally, we got up because Vito needed us so badly. But, I did get to sleep in until about 11 a.m. Yay.

After that, took a shower and headed to the store to buy my Aunt some flowers or a plant as a Thanksgiving gift, since she was making dinner. I ended up getting her this really kewl plant. Also stopped in and got my eyebrows waxed at Nautica, i was so glad that they could fit me in.

Came home and we tried to head to Canton. At about the half way point, I got a flat tire. Kurt changed it, but did not want to drive on it, so we drove home and got the Jeep and ended up being an hour late. Oh well, better late than never, right? My Aunt's meal was awesome. She made the customary turkey, but also made meatless meatballs since Kurt and I don't eat turkey. SO SO GOOD. She gave me the leftovers. I cant wait to eat them tomorrow. She had awesome appetizers too. And for dessert, one of my favs, banana creme pie.

Now I am home for the night and lazy. Watching the USC game, but don't really know why since they are KILLING Notre Dame.

Domesticate Me

Thanks to Rebecca, I am now obsessed with a website. Anyone who knows me, knows, I DO NOT LIKE TO COOK. My husband has not cooked a meal in over 10 years, because his solution to cooking is eating out and I can't stand doing that all the time. So, I cook. Do I cook anything complex? For the most part, no. He could care less what I cook for him, he is just happy to eat something that resembles a meal, because if he had to do it himself, he would live in snacks and fast food, and at least with my meals, he is getting the 4 food groups. Kinda.

Anyway, Rebecca introduced me to an awesome website tonight. Click here to see it. Basically, it's recipes for those challenged in the kitchen--easy recipes. I shall start using this site, and have started saving recipes on the site already for my future use. I will print them off and save once i have used them once and like them.

Here are links to what I shall try first:

Appetizer (which I will most likely eat as a meal, yum): Baked Crab Rangoon.

Meal: Tuna Cakes.

I have not even LOOKED at the desserts yet, but I freaking love this site.

For those cooking buffs who read my site, any sites you recommend for me? And don't go getting all gourmet on me either, because I am so not there yet. Ha.

Rest of the Holiday

So, after I cooled off, the rest of the night was fine. My sister and fam left shortly after that, as she had to get up early for work. After she left, we all watched Grey's Anatomy and Survivor, then the movie Mission Impossible 3. I thought I would hate it, I, in fact, loved it. I don't normally like "action" type movies, and I detest Tom Cruise in real life, but for whatever reason, I like his movies. Passed out after that, I was so tired. It was so much fun to watch Grey's with my Mom--we talk about it every week after watching on the phone, but in person was better......

Today, we got up and went to K-Mart and Fashion Bug. My Mom wanted some boots at Kmart that were marked down until 11 a.m., and we both had $10 gift cards to use at Fashion Bug. I ended up getting a new black wool coat at K-Mart which my Mom bought me on Xmas. It was marked down half off, so it was a really good deal and really cute. I was shocked, because I normally don't like clothing there. At Fashion Bug, I got a cute tank to wear under my suits, and some new earrings. We picked up Ronnie, R.J., and Liz after that and went downtown. Went to Glik's (clothing store), where I bought Kurt some new jeans and myself a cute black dress shirt, both 50% off. Went to Outpost after that and got a really cute winter hat by North Face. Marla will be proud, that's one of her fav brands. I got $20 off the hat with a coupon my Mom had. I heart coupons and deals. Had lunch afterwards at a local place--we ordered pizza, one thin crust, one deep dish. Yummy. After that, went back to the house and watched a couple episodes on DVD of Gilmore Girls and then I became my long journey home. Made record time. Have been on the couch since, chilling out. Am really tired and looking forward to getting a good night's sleep before dinner tomorrow at my Aunt's.

OH!!!! I almost forgot. My new iron I bought on eBay came in the mail. It looks so kewl and I can't wait to try it out! But, I need to buy a new ironing board cover. Ours died......

Up North

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I can now disclose my location to the world.....I am in Manistee, MI, at my Mom's house. I decided to drive up here Wednesday night and surprise her by being here for Thanksgiving. I am staying until tomorrow night, when I will drive home for Thanksgiving with the other side of my family on Saturday afternoon.

Driving here after working late was exhausting, but I made really good time and there was luckily, no traffic. Yay. I thought there would be a ton of holiday traffic. Got here, and we are watched the end of a movie, Double Jeopardy, which was GREAT. Loved it. Then fell asleep. Got up this morning and helped my Mom make dinner........My sister is here right now with her fiance and his son, Jimmy, and my stepbrother, R.J. and his girlfriend, Liz, are here. Dinner was awesome, and we are going to watch Survivor and Grey's Anatomy later when they come on. Kurt and Kory were at the Lions game today, watching them lose.....Ugh. And of course, Joey Harrington got MVP.

I had to get away from it all for a moment. My sister says really stupid things sometimes, and is one of those people who is alwatys right. She made a comment to me along the lines that "when you have kids someday, you will understand." Besides the fact that I hate being talked to in a condescending way, it was a retarded statement. She was basically being a total bitch to her soon to be stepson, and he did not even do anything wrong. When I said something, she got all huffy and defensive. Whatever. I just walked away because I can't deal with irrational people.

Anyway, back to the festivities. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Undefined Location

So, need to post really quickly because I don't know if I will be online again for the rest of the day/night.....After work, I am leaving and driving to a location I am not revealing at the moment....as I am surprising someone and showing up for Thanksgiving. Hopefully, that person does not read this and figure out what I am doing. :). I am all packed and will be back online full-time on Friday night. If I can get online, I will blog tomorrow, if not, I will just post my blog for tomorrow on Friday night. I promise to take pics on my journey and update my Flickr account once I return.

In the spirit of the holidays, here are some things I am really thankful for this year.

1. My Family and Friends, including my awesome pets.
2. My health and the health of those in my life being well.
3. Finishing my education, passing the bar, starting my 'real' career.
4. Getting involved in my community (the board appointment).
5. The Democrats taking over the House and Senate. (ha).
6. My business doing well.

That's it for now, because I am slammed at work! What are you all thankful for?

Just wanted to wish everyone a great Thanksgiving holiday before I left. Hugs!

The Feds

Got sworn into Federal Court today! Yay! Now I can appear at our bankruptcy hearings AND family law stuff. The Judge was so super nice too....one we did not know, but he took me into chambers and swore me in there. It was really fast, and now I am set.

The office was crazy busy today. I am so tired right now from multi-tasking. I can only take so much multi-tasking in one day and today was pretty much doing so ALL DAY LONG. Argh. When we want to go to lunch, we literally have to run to the car to avoid the phone ringing or someone stopping in. It's exasperating. Then, I come back from lunch to 10 messages. Sigh. At least I have a long weekend......with no work.

Came home and did some laundry and a quick run to the grocery store. Bugsy, my spoiled, spoiled kitten, was out of the specific canned food he likes and dry food. So, I had to pick it up for him.

Found out today that our downstairs furnace is officially dead. We need a new one. Just love the cost of that. Yuck. We are getting a second estimate in the morning, and will go with whomever is more cheap.

Need to get back to my errands.

Surprises and Court

I have a surprise for my Mom, and I would post it on here, but she reads this blog sometimes.....so, can't write about it just yet, but can't wait until she finds out! hehe. So, Mom, if you are trying to find the surprise out here, good try! But, you are just going to have to wait. ;). I think this kind of beehavior by me is why I am the "second favorite daughter".

So, this morning was my first court appearance. I ended a 23 year marriage for one of our clients.......I was not nervous at all, and then when I went up there, I suddenly was terrified! LOL. I did fine, ended the divorce. I hate how I can't control my feelings though. I tell myself I am not nervous, am convinced I am, and then suddenly, the adrenaline hits me and I am crazy nervous. Oh welll. I need to get in there and have more appearances, so I can stop the nervousness. The more I do this, the easier it will get. Me and my fear of public speaking....

Went back to the office after that and worked until 730 p.m. I am glad for the short work week, but the longer days to make up for it are not fun. I did get a lot done today, which is amazing since the phone rings off the hook on Mondays. I feel like I am clearing off a lot of paperwork from my desk.

Now am home for the night, watching TV and chilling. I have some pics to download and some laundry to do....I will post pics if I have a chance later....I took some great ones of Bugsy playing with water. I have the strangest cat. He loves faucets and water. No idea why. Toby, our cat who passed away, would not go anywhere NEAR a faucet.

Sundays Suck.

Ok, not really. But, after getting to sleep in today--*bliss*--I took a shower, and headed to the office for 4 hours. Blah. Kurt was not feeling well, so I had to go in myself. I worked on a bunch of bankruptcies. They are really hard to draft during the week when I keep getting interrupted by phone calls and people stopping in, as I really need to concentrate on them and compute figures, etc. Decided to close stop a little after 5 because I saw it was snowing outside and I did not want to drive home on bad roads.

Got home and did some stuff around the house. Did two loads of laundry and a load of dishes as well, then made dinner for everyone.

So, I kinda posted about this before, but for sure my first court appearance is in the morning! I am ending a divorce for someone. It will be easy, but great to get started doing that. Kurt will love getting a break from being down there all the time.

I love how I can harass Kory about guns. Ever since he started working at Cabela's, he has become obsessed. We were watching a show about crime, and there was some thing about England, and Kurt said "Aren't guns illegal there?" And I said "That could be why there is less crime there..." And Kory chimed in with some pro-gun comment...haha. I agree with him, it's a Constitutional right, yada yada, but it does not mean I have to "like" that right. Kory wants to get his concealed weapons permit, which I love to harass him about too, because we live in freaking NEWPORT. Ummm, rural area, no danger whatsoever....I think it's cute that he tries to justify his want of this concealed weapon thing, when there is no basis for it at all except that he wants to be able to say he has it. Ha. He about had a heart attack the other day when he heard Jennifer Granholm wants to take the concealed weapon right away.

So, off to bed....need to switch over the laundry and get some sleep, early morning tomorrow.

My Favorite

I had a great day. Except for the brief stint at the office this morning. We planned on working this morning, so Kurt scheduled an appointment for someone to finish up their probate paperwork. I was so not in the mood to be business-like this morning. But, we finished it and another case at the office can be closed, so that is good.

After that, headed to Ferndale to get my "hair did" at Sinbad's with Marnie. Got a couple inches cut off, and new wonderful highlights. I love the way Marnie does them. I can go over three months between highlights, and they still don't really need to be done at that time. She does colors pretty close to my natural color, and mixes in a lot of my own color, so it always looks great. Yay for Marnie. Afterwards, I went to Rebecca's so she could try a new massage technique on me involved hot stones.....ummmm, loved it. I heart Rebecca, her massages keep me sane. We went to "lupper" (a combo of lunch and dinner) after that at Monterrey. I had spicy shrimp fajitas that were awesome. We stopped at Astoria after that and picked up some desserts. I bought Kurt some chocolate mousse, Kory an oreo cheesecake and myself tiramisu. Triple yum.

Been home the rest of the night, chilling on the couch. Sad that Michigan lost the big game, it was soooo close.

Finally Fixed

So, earlier this year, the mirror on my passenger side somehow fell off and was hanging there. How this happened, I have no idea. Anyway, we had to get it fixed, and get a part ordered, and with the way our schedules are, you know how that goes. Finally, finally, we took it in to a place in Newport and it is now fixed. Yay! Next, we need to get new tires on the Jeep for winter, but I am just happy getting one thing done on my to do list.

Came home after work and took a nap until Rebecca came over. Made dinner for us, my fav, angel hair pasta with marinara and garlic bread. Yummy. and I have leftovers. I heart leftovers.

I wore my pretty new shoes today and they are SOOO comfy. Highly recommend them and the brand of shoe. I know with having to dress up every day, I really need to find lines of shoes that are comfy because I will be walking a lot at the courts and to and from my car....so Aerosoles? Yay. Need to find some other brands too though. Really need to get to an outlet mall.

Finally found my graduation pictures today. I had them at the office, and Kurt put them away, then did not remember where he put them away at. My Mom keeps asking about them. Found them, and sent her the pics today. I need to give them to my Aunt and Grama too, but will wait until Thanksgiving when I see them and my Dad.

I can't believe how long I have kept up with this blogging everyday! I actually really love it. I am going to try again for December, but it may be hard if we go on vacay......

Cards and Shoes

Almost forgot! Got my bar card in the mail today! It is shiny and pretty and new and now I can go through the special attorney lines at the Friend of the Court! Yippee! The only thing I have left to do now is get sworn in at Federal Court, and I am waiting for them to send the application in the mail.

Oh, and my really cute new shoes came in the mail today! Click here to see them! I got them for shipping only because I had gift cards on Amazon.com to use. They seem really comfy and I may just have to try them out tomorrow at work. Yippee for new shoes too!

First Meeting

**Above picture is of one of the flowers from the plant that my friends Deanna and Brian and their son, Ben, sent me when I passed the bar exam.........Love them and the flowers.

So, tonight was my first board meeting! And boy was it a long one! We had a board workshop previous to the meeting, then the board meeting, and a closed session as well. All in all, I was there from 530 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., but this is was an out of the orindary thing. We don't normally have closed sessions or workshops. Anyway, it was great and I am so excited about being part of it.

Slept in a little bit this morning, which I really needed after getting up so early the previous morning. Work was really productive today, which was great.

I think my first court appearance is going to be Monday. We have a divorce that is ending and are simply presenting the judgment to the court for entry. I am going to start off slow and work up to cases where I need to actually argue things in court. Can't wait. I love how being a lawyer is really testing me with my public speaking skills, since public speaking is not my favorite thing to do.

Anyway, that's about it for today's post.....Night everyone.

In the Paper

**Above is another picture from the fog in our yard last week.....

Whoot! I was surfing the net looking for school boardish stuff today, and found an article that was in the Monroe News after I was appointed to the Board. Click here to see it. How kewl is that?

We had to get to the office SOOO early this morning, it was horrible for me because I get used to a certain amount of sleep and hate change. We were there around 7:30 or so, and losing even an hour of sleep kills me. But, I must say, Kurt and I are a kick ass team. We needed to get a bunch of docs drafted, printing off and organized in a very limited amount of time and we were done with minutes to spare. Phew.

The rest of the day went pretty well. We brought in a couple new clients, and got a lot of paperwork done. Also left the office 10 minutes BEFORE 5, which is like a miracle. We barely ever even get to leave AT 5:00 p.m., but since we were there so early today, I think this was well deserved. Blah on long hours.

I finally scheduled my hair appointment AND Rebecca wants me to come over after so she can try a new hot stone technique on me. Seriously, she is the bestest ever. My mental well being is so much better getting these weekly massages from her. My neck and shoulders rarely hurt, and I am so much more relaxed. Thanks Rebecca! :).

I spent the beginning of the night going over all my board materials for my first meeting tomorrow night. I have a board workshop, then the meeting, and the meeting includes a closed session, so it is going to be a busy night.

We went at lunch today and bought a book re Costa Rica, which I think it where our December trip is going to be this year, although no decisions are yet final. My travel agent has been out of town, and I have been waiting for her to get back before booking anything. I think they said tomorrow she would be in, so I will call and get her thoughts on it. There are so many places we want to go--I was just looking at Rio online too and that looks beyond kewl, but I think we are set on Costa Rica for the next trip.

Off to See Billy......

OK, not quite......I am going to see Movin' Out at the Fisher Theatre tonight. The music is based on my favorite musical act ever, Billy Joel. I have actually already seen the show once, but it is part of my season ticket package again this year and we decided to see it again because I absolutely loved it the first time. I love anything to do with Billy Joel. Yay.

I wanted to blog before leaving because I may be home late, and gotta keep up with my goal of blogging every day......

I had a great morning. Went with the superintendent to visit all 5 schools in my district. We have really nice schools, and everyone I met was really nice as well. The schools seem so organized, and all the kids were really well behaved. That could be because the superintendent of schools was standing there, but hey, it was a pleasure visiting the facilities. :). The high school has so much more than my high school did when I was in school, and they have so many more programs and classes available.

The rest of the day here was insanity! We have been so slammed, I cannot even describe it.

I found out the state bar passage rate for new takers was 91%! That is crazy high! I have never heard of a number like that. In recent years, it has been between 60-75%! So, apparently, the people I was taking it with were extremely intelligent, or the people administering the test were more relaxed. I don't know which it is, but I will go with intelligent! Ha.

Off to dinner.......More later y'all.

You Are Now Free to *Leave* the Country

So, finally, today. After endless years of saying, I am going to get one, I finally ordered it! A passport. Woo hoo. We are running out of places to go that don't require one, so we finally broke down and went to the post office today. Everything done and ordered, expedited. Two weeks and we can go anywhere...we....want. Hooray! We are thinking Costa Rica for our December trip. It looks like Hawaii to me, with more wildlife. So, of course, I will love it! Camera heaven for me.....

Finally, went grocery shopping after work. We had like, ummm, nothing? in the house. Whoops. Well, now we are stocked for a while. I had this awesome $14 off purchase at Kroger's that I got to use. Freaking love Kroger's coupons.

Tomorrow morning should be fun. I am doing a tour of the local schools with the superintendent. I can't wait to see what I get to be a part of. I am beyond excited to get to *do* something that I *want* to do with my spare time. The last 4 years, make that, 7 years of my life, have been so much about studying and school.....

Anyway, off to bed.....

Sleepy......

**Picture above is of our yard last Wednesday morning....It was so foggy here, the schools had a fog delay for two hours.

So, I am sitting here exhausted because of my lack of sleep on Friday night coupled with the awesome Sunday night massage Rebecca gave me........She was here last Sunday night too, and massages my neck and shoulder during Desperate Housewives and my back afterwards......Yay. She tells me I am stressed which is why my neck gets that way. AHHHH. Oh well, guess I can't really fix that...

**Picture above is of Bugsy, in front of the fire, relaxing. He loves the fireplace and getting warm in front of it.

So, today, I was still kinda weak this morning from being sick. So, I stayed on the couch until Rebecca got here in late afternoon. Then, we ran to a couple stores to do some shopping as we both had coupons we needed to use. I had a $10 gift card to use at Kohl's and was planning on buying myself a dress shirt or necklace, but instead, bought Kurt a really kewl Ralph Lauren suit......Grey pinstriped. Love it. And gotta love Kohl's sales. also, got myself new shampoo and conditioner at Bath and Body Works in my favorite scent--Black Raspberry Vanilla.

We all went to dinner after that, and have been home since....heading to bed soon.

I Know Myself.....

So, post from last night? It would have been correct. Shortly after I posted, I vomited. And then proceeded to do so about every hour for most of the night. What was wrong with me, I have no idea. I was up most of the night, and Kurt was worried too....He said that was the sickest he has ever seen me. He said if I had not stopped vomitting by 9 a.m., he was taking me to the doctor's. I hate the doctor's, so I proceeded to stop vomitting, LOL.

So, today, I have pretty much laid on the couch all day and zoned in and out of sleep, which I needed since i barely slept last night. I am up now for a few moments, but, I will most likely go back to sleep after this again. I am glad this happened on a weekend, because I don't have time to be sick during the week.

Kurt was sweet and went to Kroger's to buy me diet Vernors and saltine crackers, so that has been all that was in my diet today. Have been eating a couple crackers here and there, and no more getting sick, so I think that part of my sickness is cured. Although, all day long, I have been really warm and I think I have a fever. Ugh.

Here is some more proof I was sick. I had a massage appointment today and I cancelled! I never cancel spa appointments, ha. And Rebecca, I did it as far ahead in advance as I could (I think two hours).

Because I have been sick and busy, I never posted about my conference on Thursday, which was great. I took a class for beginner board members, and learned a lot. Got to spend the day with another board member who is new as well (he started in May of this year), and learned a lot from him about our board as well. Had dinner after the conference at Seldom Blues with 4 other board members, and my food was yet again, awesome. I love that place.

Dedication

OK, this is how dedicated I am when I commit myself to something........

I am sitting here, blogging on the couch. I truly think I am going to vomit soon (my stomach feels really strange and my face is like a weird shade of white), but I don't want to miss a day of the contest, and thus, I blog. Ugh.

I came home and took a nice afterwork nap, and woke up feeling like I have to vomit. How is that fair? Seriously?

I'm Up At WHAT Time?

Just a quick post to anyone trying to get a hold of me today....I will be gone most of the day, and possibly part of the night, so I will not be online until most likely, after dinner. I *might* get a break during the afternoon to head to the office and catch up.

I am going to be at a conference for my school board gig, learning about school boardish stuff. I actually can't wait, but also can't believe I am up at this unGodly hour. What kind of class starts at 8 a.m.? Seriously.

Will let y'all know about the conference later..........I am hoping I can drive to Detroit without falling asleep. ;).

Jumping Up and Down and Screaming

I am offical! I am official! I finally got the bar number! Maybe the bar read my vents from last night and took pity on me? Or maybe I am just impatient.

**This post was edited to remove the link to my entry on the bar site..........To protect me from stalkers and the like. :). Because Kelsie was worried about me. Thanks Kels! (and Kelly too, who emailed me on this issue).

Election Day--Go Dems!

So, we voted! Just in time. Right around 7 p.m., the polls closed at 8 p.m. We had to vote at a new spot, at the high school. We used to vote down the street at the firehouse, which I loved. It is a historic little firehouse and so cute. Plus, never a line. Tonight, we had to wait in line about 15 minutes, I think.

I had a hard day. See why below.

Vent One: Who takes their kids to go vote? I mean, most kids, fine. But an infant that screams every 30 seconds? Make it stop! People are trying to concentrate. My friends who have kids would never, and I mean never, take their kids to VOTE. Especially when they are young like that. Argh.

Vent Two: Today, work was difficult. I think clients really don't get that every call I answer, is less work I am getting done. Kurt was out most of the day, at court and mediation, and I was in the office alone. So besides trying to draft paperwork, I was answering calls, talking to people stopping in, etc. Ugh. And almost every call, was someone calling to "see again" if Kurt was in the office. Please, please, please, I beg you...LEAVE one message and wait for us to call you back. We are very good at answering calls and will do so. But, there are only so many hours in the day.

Vent Three: It is KILLING me that I don't have my bar number or card yet. I sent in my stuff last Tuesday afternoon. My friend, Kellie, sent hers in on Wednesday. She has had a bar number since Friday. I STILL DON'T HAVE ONE. They are supposed to be processed "in the order received". I called yesterday and was told they had mine, and it would be processed yesterday. Still, nothing. It is exasperating because I need it to go to court. Many of the attys getting their numbers don't even go to court. They should process those apps of people who go to court first. The others don't need their number. Can you tell this is totally exasperating me?

Vent Four: How there are no winners with the outcome of Prop 2. Affirmative action good, or bad? There are arguments to both sides. Kurt and I voted in opposite ways, but I think we both have valid arguments for the side we support, as follows:

1. Here is Kurt's: "poor boy, from Pinconning. (Kurt is referring to himself here). Does awesome in high school, but gets NO assistance with college and turned down from colleges like U of M,, while others he knows who had worse grades, who are minorities or female, get in AND get financial aid. They get this because of affirmative action. How is this fair?"

2. Here is mine, which refers to nobody in specfic: "If affirmative action is eliminated, it allows others TO discriminate, for NO reason. For example, I apply for a job at a large corporation. I am more educated, more experienced, than the other candidates. I lose out because the person who runs the corp is sexist. How is this fair?"

Both arguments make sense. How do we make this right? We don't. We would need everyone to overlook color, and sex, and I truly don't think it will happen in our lifetime, and that makes me sad. It looks like the proposal will pass, which in essence will take back many of the strides women and people of color have made in this state, and that makes me sad for my friends' future daughters, for MY future daughters'.

On a positive note, as of right now, it looks like the Democrats are doing AWESOME in this election. So, that is incredible. Kurt cannot tear himself away from the election coverage......

I am Begging You

Everyone, please vote today. Every year, I am saddened by the poor election turnout. And then to hear everyone (including those who did not vote, really moreso those than others) complain about the outcome! VOTE VOTE VOTE!

And for those of you who have no idea "how" to vote this year, here are my picks. Feel free to use them, and share them with your friends and family! hehe.

Straight Democratic Ticket

Prop 1- no (I am kinda wavering on this one though, and could go either way by 7 p.m. tonight when I vote)
Prop 2- no (this would be a step backwards in the strides women have taken towards equality)
Prop 3- no (killing animals=bad. Especially helpless little birds who are not a food source for the state)
Prop 4- yes (taking MY property for the use of others? Bad. No matter what.)
Prop 5- yes ($$ for schools = good)

Happy Voting!

Early to Bed

At least tonight. I am exhausted, and I have no idea why. All day long, I have just wanted to go to sleep, and it has not gotten any better since I got home. So after this post, I am heading to bed early.

Today was so slammed at work. Mondays, the phone just rings off the hook. It drives me bonkers when people call checking on the status of their paperwork because every call I take, umm, it takes even longer to get paperwork done and printed. But nobody gets that. I am one person, I can only do so much in one day. Argh.

I so so so want my bar number. I got sworn in before most people did, since I happen to know a licensed attorney, wink wink. Sent my stuff in last Tues, and still have nothing. This might not bother me, except for the fact that my friend, Kellie, who sent her stuff in the day AFTER I sent in mine, has had her bar number since last Friday! I called today to check on it though because they "supposedly" process them in the order received. The lady called back and left a message that she found mine, and it would be processed today. Yea. Umm, still don't have my number. Hopefully, tomorrow. It would have been helpful for the morning as Kurt has three hearings and I could have covered at least one for him. Not now.....

Tomorrow is voting day. I think I have finally decided how I am voting. Straight ticket Democratic, as usually. And for the proposals, as follows: 1-no, 2-no, 3- no, 4-yes, 5-yes. I feel the most strongly probably about Prop 4. And I have gone back and forth on Prop 1 and still may change my mind before I vote tomorrow night, who knows. We have appointments until 630, then we will head out immediately to the polls.

I have so many things I need to do, but never have enough hours in the workday. I am going to list a couple here so I can try to remember.

1. Call a heating guy for the house. Our heat downstairs stopped working on Friday night. We have the fireplace on though, which I love, so it has still been fine in the house. If it gets any colder though, we are all going to be hanging out upstairs where the heat IS working.

2. Call Marnie and make a hair appointment. My roots actually do not look bad, but I really need a trim because all my layers are getting to be the same length, which I hate. And maybe I will do something different with color for winter. I heart Marnie. I love how I can get in with her right away too and don't have to wait ages. I am not good at scheduling appointments way in advance.....

3. Call the Federal Courts to get info on getting sworn in there, send in more money. I was sworn in for State Courts, but Federal Courts is separate and of course, more $$. Plus, Kurt does not "know" any Fed Court Judges, so I will have to make an appointment. Blasphemy.

4. Call and change my dentist appointment. They scheduled me for a night I have a board meeting. Must change. One of my resolutions has been to get in there every 6 months, and it has been exactly 6 months.

5. Call and make a dermotoligist (sp) appointment for Kurt. He is out of his shampoo that is prescription, and no longer uses his old doctor.

6. Call and schedule a massage/facial/something with the spa I have a gift card too. I want to finish up the gift card. I love free services.

7. Shop. I really need more workish clothes. I got some great stuff at Kohl's and TJ Maxx a couple weekends ago, but I don't like doing laundry constantly and I will need to if I don't get some more stuff. I would love some more button down cute shirts, and maybe some more dress pants, a couple more suits. And some cute comfy shoes. Any suggestions on shoe brands anyone? :).

8. Call and make the pugs a grooming appointment. They all need baths and nail clippings. I wish they would let us do the nail clipping thing, but no. They hate it and squirm way too much.

9. Catch up on paperwork at the office. I am slightly behind, but hope to remedy that by the end of the week.

10. Grocery shop. We have like, umm, nothing, in this house.

That's about it for now. I will add to the list and cross things out, as done. Maybe this will help me. I am usually organized, but I have so much on my plate, sometimes it's hard to remember everything......

Spinal Snap

Tonight, I had my first spinal snap. LOL. Rebecca was over--we took her to dinner, she massaged me. I like that exchange. During Desperate Housewives, she did myofascial on my neck and shoulders and after the show, she did that same on my back and some other things, including the spinal snap, which was different. I have not yet decided if I like spinal snaps or not.

Before that, we all went to dinner at Red Lobster and had a hilarious time. Our table conversation is so much more interesting than the average table. Even the waitress found us amusing.

The rest of the day, we just stayed in. I was kinda tired from going out the two nights before. I am not looking forward to work tomorrow, I am still exhausted. Blah. Did some laundry, watched some football, slept in. I must have been tired, I slept in longer than I have in forever, like 1145 a.m.! Craziness!

Anyway, off to bed.

Party All the Time

**Pic above is of me, before the party. I love a sparkly silver shirt, black dress pants, Steve Madden heels.........I even kinda curled my hair, which is rare, but I love it that way.......I was trying to get Bugsy to pose, but that does not work so well...I love my kitty. :).

Not really. But tonight, we went to a party for our friend, Tom....It was his 40th b-day party, a surprise. It was a great party....but, we were both tired, so we did not stay too late. I got to talk a ton to Hollie and Jim, as well as Angela and John, so that was fun! Also took a few pics for Tam--she never remembers to take a ton of pics, and always likes when I send her a bunch.

Before the party, earlier in the afternoon, my Mom and stepDad came over for the day. We went to a guitar/drum store in Monroe, then to TJ Maxx, Elder Beerman and some other stores at the mall. Went to lunch at Ruby Tuesday. I really wish my Mom lived down here.......We would do stuff together all the time, I know it. And we are both huge bargain shoppers, so I would have fun looking for deals with her. :).

Family and Stuff

After work today, Kurt and I headed to my Aunt Luann and Uncle Tom's house to hang with family............My cousins Ashley, Tim, and Carolyn were there, my Uncle Tim, Aunt Lisa, Aunt Luann, my Mom, stepDad, sister, her fiance, his two kids, family friends Terry and George..........Lots of people. It was nice to see everyone. I took a bunch of pictures (mostly of Carolyn mugging for the camera) which I will post later because she is such a freaking ham and so cute. Too tired to download right now, but must keep up with the posting every day of November deal.

We had pizza for dinner........My Mom and Ronnie got me a really nice cherry wood letter opener and business card holder (both personalized) for the office as a gift for passing the bar, and Terry and George got me this really cute coffee cup warmer for my office, which is great, because we dont even have a microwave in the office right now.

My sister asked me tonight if she could "have" one of my dogs. We can't figure out yet if she was serious or not, but i think she was, LOL! OK, that is kinda like asking someone if you can have one of their kids....That would be no. Then she asked if I could have Gretel get pregnant so she could have one of the puppies. Sorry, but I think Gretel would be a horrible mother, she is way too high maintenance. No motherhood for my Gretel Olivia.

Day Two of the Challenge

So, I am exhausted, but i will not let the challenge defeat me. I shall post each and every day! Muhaha.

Just watched Grey's, and thought it was somewhat amusing that one of the patients was a girl studying for the bar exam--that had already failed 5 times. Thank GOD that is not me. I am so glad I don't have to sit through that thing again, it really was pure hell.

Bugsy was being super cute this morning. We had our bedroom door closed. He was on one side, Vito was on the outside. Bugsy was lying upside down, sticking his paw under the door and really making Vito jealous and mad because HE wanted to be in our bedroom. Bugsy is such a little brat. Which is why I love him, ;).

So, no family in town. I had this feeling they would not come. Kellie called Kory and told him that they are leaving at 4 in the morning tomorrow, visiting the college, then driving right back up north! They are going to be sooo exhausted. I guess Kendra had to work tonight and on Saturday morning, so this is the only way they could see the college tomorrow.

A friend of mine wrote me today saying she is thinking about going back to school, to law school. I think that is so kewl. A law degree is so helpful in any career, really. Even if you are not a practicing attorney, law school teaches you so much about everything in business. I really hope she ends up getting into Wayne and not Cooley, because Wayne is so much more laid back, which is nice when you are in a stressful environment.

It's funny. I have an acquaintance who is online a lot, but never responds to my emails. It puzzles me. This individual says that they are just busy, but they have not taken two seconds out of their day to write me and congratulate me on my bar passing or board job or anything. It's funny that people who read this blog, or others I know online, have told me they are proud of me, etc., but this particular real life friend has said nothing. I think that says a lot about the state of our supposed friendship, LOL. Sometimes I wonder about the psychological state of people like this. It's almost like they don't want good things to happen to other people--it makes them retreat from conversation/friendship. If bad things are going on, they are all over those emails to help and respond, but if someone else is doing well, it's not worth their time. It's almost like they need constant drama/depressed events, whatever, to exist. It's interesting. I guess I have a hard time understanding because I enjoy my friendships that just come naturally. Which is how ALL of them pretty much work.

Anyway, this post was completely and totally random, but may be telling of how tired I actually am right now and I should get to bed. Talk to everyone tomorrow.

Nancy's Questions

So, in one of my recent blog entries, Nancy asked me some specific questions, which I wanted to answer. :). Sometimes I forget that many of the people that read this are not family or "real life" friends, so lots of you don't know any of the history of "me".

So, this is for you, Nancy!

Question 1: How did you meet Kurt?. When I was 19, I decided to take a year off from college. I had just finished a year at Ferris State University, and was kinda sick of school. So, I moved in with my Dad in Waterford, MI. I got a job at an upscale restaurant called Mitch's II. Kurt worked there too. He was the only male server there. When I started, I thought he was cute, but also thought he was a "player" because the other waitresses there told me how he dated most of the younger waitresses there, and I would just be another conquest of his. LOL. So, I did not pursue anything at first, but then we started talking a lot during our shifts. One night, I was going out with friends of mine to a local dance club/sports bar, and I invited him out. Which was pretty bold of me, because I am not one to ask a guy out. I did not really look at it as "asking him out" though, because I was just asking him out as a friend to meet my friends, have fun. We went to the bar and had a blast! I ended up kissing him at the bar (too much alcohol) and we all ended up at my apartment, where everyone hung out all night. We were totally inseparable from that point forward. :). When I met Kurt, he was finishing up his Biology degree at Saginaw Valley State University. He wanted to either go to vet school or law school, and pretty much picked law school because he could finish more quickly than vet school. We moved to Lansing in May (I turned 20 that month), and I got a job waitressing. I also started back up at school, and started taking classes for my Accounting degree again.

Question 2: How did you know you wanted to become an attorney? Did Kurt influence your decision? This is kinda continued from above. After about a year of waitressing while Kurt was in law school, I got sick of it. At the same time, I had been typing a lot of Kurt's notes and papers for school, and decided that I really liked law and it was very interesting to me. I started applying for jobs at local law firms for any kind of job. I received an interview at Aquilina Law Firm, PLC, for a legal secretary position. They ended up hiring me! I was so excited. Apparently, they really wanted to "train someone". I learned so much at that job, and, it made me see even moreso that I loved law. A year later, Kurt graduated from law school, and I was about half way done with my Accounting degree. I had decided by this point that law school was where I was heading. We moved to the Detroit area, and I worked at a large law firm in downtown Detroit. This firm taught me what kind of law firm I did NOT want to work for. LOL. A year after that, we opened our own law firm in Taylor, MI. I have been there ever since. I worked there through all of law school, and will continue to do so now that I am done. So, yes, Kurt is pretty much the main reason I ended up at law school. He introduced me to the career, and it is almost like I was meant to do this.

So, a lot of stuff happened in between all of that, but I just wanted to stick to the questions asked.

So, since Nancy has opened this up, if anyone else has questions, ask away, or email me if you would rather not post your question on here.

Still Sleepy.

I think it's the weather change. The reason why I have been tired for the past week. Ugh. Cold one day, hot the next. And I choose to live in Michigan for what reason?

Today was a long day at work. Then, I luckily got to come home to cleaning. How fun. Kory's Mom and sister are coming down tomorrow night so Kurt and I get to clean tonight. As you can tell, I am thrilled by it. I almost hate having company, especially company that keeps their own house totally freaking spotless, because then I feel the need to be perfect in my cleaning. I love to see everyone, but I hate everything leading up to it.

Today at court, Kurt was laughing. I guess he was standing in line to give someone to a clerk, and some random person in line said "WOW, whoever wrote that (it was a notice of hearing), has the most perfect handwriting I have ever seen!" I had written out the document. He always laughs because whenever anyone sees my handwriting, they comment on it'ss neatness, but usually random people don't comment......

Sleepy.

So, I have decided to accept the challege, just because Jeannie is. :). Click here to see the site. Basically, the site is challenging bloggers to blog every day of the month of November. I hereby accept the challenge. Click here to find out info in case you want to accept the challenge too.

Official Times Two

So, once you pass the bar exam, there are still steps that need to be taken before you can practice law or appear in court. Of course. It seems never ending.....

Anyway. The next step is being sworn in by the courts. This must be done at the Circuit Courts. The bar sets up "mass swearing ins", but the first one is not until November 9, and I did not want to wait that long. So, you can have an atty do the swearing in for you as your sponsor. So, today, Kurt did my and Kellie's swearing in ceremonies in front of Judge Halloran. We went to the courtroom around 1030 a.m. and had to read this little card, swearing to be truthful, honest, etc. Then, the Order for Admission was signed! One would think this would be it. No. Next, I had to fill out a membership application, and send in that, the Order for Admission and a check for $315 (always more money) to the State Bar. Next, I will receive my bar card in the mail and then, and only then, can I appear as an atty in court. Phew. When you are SO CLOSE like I am, these extra steps are so exasperating. So, it will be interesting to see what my "P" number is. P numbers are assigned to every atty, once admitted to the bar and it stays with you your entire career. It kinda tells other attorneys when you were admitted to the bar in this state. I hope I get an easy to remember number.........

Went to Uno's for lunch to celebrate my swearing in. Yay! I had this awesome shrimp and crab fondue, which I highly recommend. So freaking yummy. I want to go back again soon for that meal. The secret to fast service at Uno's is getting there right before the lunch rush. Usually the place is so slow, so we don't go for lunch.

Afterwards, worked the rest of the afternoon, then went to Michael's to get my degree framed! I got this really kewl matting, that matches the purple part of my degree, and then a really nice antique style gold frame, the same one Kurt got when he framed his 7 years ago. We will match! hehe.

Came home and bought candy or trick for treaters. We kinda live in the middle of nowhere, and have a really long driveway, so I did not expect anyone. Umm, we had all of one trick or treater. My prediction was 3.....and I won for being the closest guess in the household. Kurt predicted 25. i knew that was way off.



Anyway, time to get some stuff done before Boston Legal comes on and I get ready for bed. I am zonked.

I am Official

Had a meeting this morning at the Administration Office and I am now an official board member. Yay! Got a bunch of board documents, and had a meeting with the super and board president. I started to learn a lot, and really like the material.

After that, for some reason, I had an exhausting day. I have been so tired all day. And of course, I have to stay up and watch What About Brian. I need bed.

We tried to go to the corn maze tonight and found out it's only open on the weekend. Blah. We need to go back.

Nightie.

More News

OK, I did not think anything could top getting the new position on Thursday night, but, something has!

Friday afternoon, I found out I passed the Michigan Bar Exam!! What a freaking relief. I had myself convinced that I did not pass it....but me and every other person who passed it thought the same thing. I was actually kinda surprised to get it this early....Kurt did not get his until like Oct 31 and others had to wait until November. Here's how getting the results went down.

Earlier on Friday, I got an email from my friend, Kellie. She and I went to the bar together, roomed together, etc. She had received an email from her friend, Christine, from the OCBA, saying that results had been released on Friday (that day). Then, about an hour later, Kellie emailed me back again saying that the other email was false and that all scores were NOT in yet. AHHH. The stress. So, I decided to go on the Michigan Board of Examiners website and look to see if anything as on there. Instant terror. I found an announcement that results that had been released on THURSDAY. The day before. Meaning, I could have results at home....that night. Immediate breakdown. What if I did not pass? What if I had to tell everyone I flunked? I knew I did not pass. I did horribly. So, Cassie, another friend from school, emailed me saying her Mom called and said her results were at home. An envelope. From the bar examiners. Oh No. Kurt had to leave then to go to a meeting in Toledo. I spent the rest of the day in constant thought about the possible envelope at home. Kurt called at 445 p.m. He had gotten home from his meeting.

K: The envelope is here.
L: And? Did you open it?
K: No.
L: Well, is it thick or thin?
K: Thin. (thin is good, thick is bad meaning they send another app for you to apply again).
L: OPEN IT. I cant wait until I get home.
K: I already know, Kory and I held it up to a bright light and read the results and YOU PASSED.
L: OMG, OMG. (as i literally almost faint). are you serious? Are you lying to me? Open the envelope to make sure you read correctly.
**Kurt opens envelope***
K: Yep, you passed.
L: OMG OMG OMG OMG. I can't believe it, I really thought I failed.
K: You and everybody else who takes the test.
L: Huge sigh of relief.

So, seriously, this has been one of the best weeks, best two days of my life. Passed the bar AND got onto the Board of Education. I have no idea what I did to deserve all these good things happening, but I will take them.

I can't even begin to explain how much of a relief this is for me. I have even been having a hard time sleeping, thinking about these results coming in. Which is rare for me, because I sleep through any amount of stress, so you know it was bothering me......

Next step is getting sworn in. I have to go with Kurt in front of a Judge and take an oath and have the Judge sign my Order of Admission. Then, I send in an application, the signed Order and of course, MORE money, and they send me my bar card. And then, my friends, yours truly can appear in courts and act like a lawyer.

Seriously, I don't feel like a grown up, I am shocked society is going to let me do this! But, I can't wait. :).

More on My Weekend

So, Friday night, Rebecca came over and we all went to dinner at Pete's Garage. Rebecca thought that Pete's Garage was going to be one counter that we all sat at. Umm, no. We had a table and everything, hun, Rebecca? Anyway, watched part of the pathetic Tigers game there, then came home to watch them lose. We are all losers. We were all sitting here, all on laptops. Yea. 4 laptops, one living room. I got tired around midnight, possibly from the insanity of so much news in one day, so Rebecca and Kory watched The Big Lebowski and she spent the night because it was late and raining at 2 a.m. when the movie was over...........

The next day, I ran a bunch of errands. I kinda realized that I have like no clothes to be a lawyer or a board member in. Whoops. While not wanting to jinx my bar results, I have left myself in a quandry regarding all supplies necessary to function in my new positions. So. I first went and got a mani-pedi. Those should be required to appear in court, right? HAHA. After that, went to TJ Maxx and Kohl's and got a ton of stuff for great deals. At Maxx, I bought two pairs of black dress shoes, three pairs of dress pants for days at the office (not court), and a new Nine West purse. It is red and so super cute and lawyerly. Then, at Kohl's, I bought two new suits, 4 dress shirts, a pair of brown dress shoes, a bunch of trouser socks.......I feel like I can get by with this stuff at least until I have time to outlet shop. I need to get to a Kasper outlet and some others. Need a Birch Run weekend. That night, Kurt and I went to dinner with Auntie and Carl at Quatro's, so I got to fill them in on the craziness of this week. It was really fun.

Today, I headed to Ferndale. Rebecca wanted to use me as a guinea pig in Thai massage. I really, really liked it. It was totally different than any massage I have even gotten, but in a good way. After that, we had lunch at Monterry in Royal Oak, and stopped at the Old Navy Outlet. Then I came home and grocery shopped and have been in the rest of the night.

Am tired now! Have a meeting at 9 with for the board stuff, so I need to get to bed and will write more soon!

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

I can't believe it. I am so psyched.

I posted previously about my interview tonight for the school board opening....And, guess who own? That would be me! I still am in shock and cannot believe it. My opponents were both really well known Monroe County people, and I can't believe I outscored them to get the job. I went in with the attitude that I would not be winning. Seriously. I just wanted to meet some people, start to learn about the area. And I won! I am so excited to start doing things in the community and learning about the school system. I go in on Monday to pick up my computer, email address, etc. and then my first meeting is next month. Sigh.

So, the details on the process, for wondering readers.....

I got there about 12 minutes early. I called my Mom on the way there so she could wish me luck...and rebecca texted me and said good luck too! :). I got there and was taken into a room with the other candidates. Two women, and one man. All three older than me (as I expected), and all really well known in the Monroe area and the school system. So, I was positive right there that I would not get the position (if I was not already positive, LOL). I was last, so after that started, I sat and chatted with everyone, trying to relax. Because I was a nervous wreck!

Finally, it was my turn. I was walked by the superintendent to the board room. I did not realize that there would be a LOT of people there! The entire board, for one. Then, the rest of the area was filled too, because people from the community go to the board meetings as well, and some teachers from the school. I shook hands with all the board members, and then sat down to be questioned. Basically, each person asked a question that was planned in advance. And the questions were HARD. I was not expecting to be asked such difficult questions, but I think my answers must have been sufficient. I was just honest and talked about what was important to me. And tried to relax. One question made me laugh almost because they asked how i would be having to give people answers that they dont want to hear, or bad news. My response was "Welcome to my Life". Meaning, being in law, this is what you do every day. I think they liked that response! ;).

After my interview, they took a break to tally the scores. Basically, each question I was asked (7 of them), I was scored on a 1-10 scale (as were the others). Whomever got the highest score got the position. So, they started by writing all the other scores. The guy got a really high score and I thought I was done. Then they wrote mine, and I beat his score! i could not believe it. I think my jaw dropped to the ground. They then did a Motion to accept me as the board member, and I was in! So, they took another break, and I talked to the Super about stopping in on Monday to pick up everything I need. And my first meeting is next month. Yay. I can't freaking wait.

Stayed for the board meeting. Everyone is so laid back, I am going to love this job, I know it. And I actually get to do something to help my community. I am so psyched.

Kurt and Kory and I went out for dinner to celebrate and have a drink and watch the Tigs. I have to say, I am so bummed that Grey's was a repeat tonight! No fair!

Oh, and Rebecca is giving me a massage as a celebratory gift. What more could a girl ask for?

World Series Game 2

So. Kurt and I were lucky enough to go to a World Series Game on Sunday night. It was sooo kewl. and cool (cold) for that matter. In the high 30s, low 40s the whole game. And the Tigers won! We had a blast and it was so stange to be at a Detroit Tigers baseball game! So many years of crappy teams, and now this. Yay.

Go Tigers!

Click here to see pics.

Gym Stuff, Parties and Beer Pong

**Above is pic of bug found on my front screen door...

So. Today was fun. Kory and I went into town to look at gym equipment. Kory is about done with the gym downstairs, so now we need to start shopping for more equipment, as well as flooring, etc. We went to Dunham's in Taylor and found a ton of stuff for low prices, so I will most likely purchase there. We went to Meijer's after that and picked up stuff for the Sat night party. Britton and Rebecca were coming over, and I was going to learn how to play beer pong! Yay!

So, World Series party was set. We had all the liquor out on the counter, and the game on the big screen. We went to dinner first at trust Denny's. Our waiter was great, but slightly strange. He could only hear about half of everything we said. Ha. My Boca burger was quite tasty.

Went home and started drinking. I tried Diet Mountain Dew and Goldschlagger, which is quite tasty (for future reference). Yum.

Once the Tigers started losing badly, we headed to the basement for the teaching of the beer pong. Since it's a drinking game, it is not highly educational, and we caught on quickly. It was Britton and I v Kory and Rebecca. Ummm, we kicked ass. I had not had quite as much to drink, and Rebecca and Kory were pretty much gone. Hey, we had to do something to drown our sorrows after that Tigers game! Anyway, played two games and Britton and I were victorious in both.

Came back upstairs and hung out a while, then everyone went to bed. It was a great little party and an awesome night with friends!

See pics from the night by clicking here.

Dinner with Friends

**Above is pic from my back porch this weekend.......there were huge swarms of birds in our yard, it was crazy....

So, Friday night, we had dinner with our friends Cliff and Lisa. We tried this place in downtown Detroit called Oslo, which I have been wanting to try forever. It is Japanese and the food was SOOOO good. The downstairs is a club, and very kewl, but things don't really start going downstairs until a lot later than we were there.

So, it was really nice to see them. Lisa just got an interview at Wayne State for the PA program there, and she is really excited and I am really proud of her, although I knew she would get the interview. Cross your fingers for her! The program is super hard to get into, and I want her to stay in Michigan and not grace another school out of Michigan with her presence.......

Excitement!

Guess who is going to see Aerosmith and has total kick ass seats? That would be me! I am the master of getting good seats. I got this email where I could get tickets before the general public with a special code, and I went on at 10 a.m. to get them......my friends Hollie and Jim are going with me, and we are in Row 11 right next to the stage.

I have not been to a concert since March, and cannot wait! Yay!

**Love in an elevator, living it up while I'm doing downnnnnnnnn.......

Sleep.

Is something I apparently need. Last night, I went home, and was all ready to watch Dancing with the Stars, as well as some of the Cards/Mets Baseball game. Wed is kinda a lame TV night, I have decided. From what I read online, nobody was eliminated on DWTS, so I am kinda glad I tuned out. Hello? Elimination shows mean someone gets eliminated.......

Anyway. Fell asleep on the couch before 8 p.m. even hit. And did not wake up again until about inning 8 of the baseball game. So, I ate a bowl of cereal for dinner and watched the rest of the game, then went to bed. And woke up STILL tired this morning. Woke has been insane lately. For whatever reason, we are slammed, and I am exhausted at the end of the day from talking on the phone and multi-tasking, which I have decided I am the Queen of. What a feat for my mother to be proud of, LOL. Lori, her amazing multi-tasking daughter......

Anyway, gotta get back to work, but wanted to post since I fell asleep last night and did not do so......

The picture above is a shot of Guillen, almost dropping a catch because of the wind. I loved hot the ball was still moving at the time I took the shot.....

One More

Another one of my pics was put in an online paper. Click here to see it.

Also, I faxed in my application for the school board to the Board President about an hour ago. Cross your fingers for me! :).

Luck

So....I am doing something totally different, at least for me, tomorrow.

I really want to get involved in the local community, in a political kinda way. In specific, I really want to get involved with the local schools. Kurt and I fund a scholarship at the local high school, but I want to get more personally involved. I kinda know the counselor at the school through our scholarship, so I called him and asked what I needed to do to get on the school board. He told me they are elected positions, that the elections are not until next year, etc. He gave me a contact number to the super's secretary.

Then, late last week, he called again to tell me there was an opening. Apparently, someone quit or moved or something, and there is an opening that does not require running in an election. I have to submit information regarding myself by tomorrow at 3. So, i typed something up, and plan to fax it over tomorrow. Interviews (if called) are next week.

Wish me luck!

**Really, I am not expecting much from this. I am young, and not experienced at being on a school board. I figure, at the least, I will make some contacts and maybe friends, so if I want to pursue something in the future, this will show my interest and get my name known.

More Picture Fun

So. A couple more of my pictures appeared in online blogs and the newspaper.

Click here to see the one of me and Kurt that appeared in the Detroit Free Press. The Press asked for submissions of fans celebrating the Tigs win, and I submitted one, which was chosen.

Next, one of my pics was found on Flickr and put in an online Michigan blog. It is the photo found here, of Magglio (our hero for hitting that walk off homerun).

More later........Bed time now. Hugs! ;).

Saturday Game

So. Saturday's game was the best game of my life.

Tigers were down a lot of the game. Then suddenly, they started coming back. And then, in the bottom of the ninth, Magglio hit a walk off homerun. Words cannot describe how I felt, and Kurt was beyond excited. Literally everyone around me was so emotional and many were crying....For those of you who "hate" or "dislike" sports, I know you don't understand. But for those of us who have been waiting since 1984 for this to happen again, you get me. Wow.

On to the World Series. Go Tigers!!!!!!!!!!! Speaking of the World Series, we have tickets to Game 2, but none of the others thus far. We would be happy with attending just one game, but if tickets happen to pop up, I may buy some to Games 1, 6 or 7. I am not going to remortgage my house to do so though, LOL. Tickets are going for up to $11000 a piece for the best seats. Ummm, craziness?

Click here to see all the pics from the game.

Reverse in the Crosswalk

I should not wait so long to post, as so much happens and I don't remember it all to type......

Friday night. Tigers v A's, Game Three. We had tickets. Awesome game. Friday the 13th. Prevous post told you about why the day was lucky for me....let me outline why it's NOT lucky for Kurt. We were walking to the game, and across a crosswalk right next to the stadium. We were running late, so nobody was really around except some scalpers, some cops and some cars driving. As we walked across the street and were almost to the next sidewalk, a van suddenly backed up and almost hit me AND Kurt. I screamed and jumped out of the way. Before Kurt could even react, the van hit him. He flew about 5 feet....I freaked. He did not fall or anything, but he was in obvious pain. The guystops his van and jumps out asking "are you alright?" Kurt and I both start yelling at the guy.....I start crying because I am terrified Kurt is hurt. Two cops run up, asking what had happened. Kurt says "he hit me with his van". Basically, long story short, Kurt is fine. His back hurt some, and he has a large bruise on his arm....We were running late, so Kurt was like, "Screw it, I am not going to pursue this anymore." We were both SOO mad. He could have run both of us over. I am now wondering if the guy was drunk or something. Rest of the night was lucky though, since the Tigs won!

The game was funny too. We were sitting by this fun couple, younger than us, probably in their early 20s I would guess. Anyway, she had a nice camera too, so we were talking about photography, yada yada. Toward the end of the game, they ended up having to stand because the people in front of them were standing. They could not see. The people behind them (who were complete and total white trash) started yelling and swearing at THEM because of the standing. Girl turns around the tells them, "Look, we have to stand or we can't see." White trash people start threatening to throw beer and start fights. Pathetic. Finally, next inning, everyone decided to stand up to get those stupid people to shut up. Which they finally did, but not before really annoying the peeps next to us. OK, people. It's a PLAYOFF game. People are going to stand, and have the right to. DEAL WITH IT.

Oh, other game facts. It was an average of only 45 degrees. So I wore a winter coat, winter hat, even GLOVES. How strange.

Here is the link to my pics from that game, click here.

TIRED

Me, going out during the week, causes me to be tired at work the entire next day. Ugh.

Went to a show last night in Ann Arbor with my friend, Nancy. The show was called The Pajama Game, and was at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. The show was funny, the music was great.........The theatre was nice too. I had never been there before, and all the seats in the place seemed good. We were at the back of the main floor, and I could see everything and hear everything perfectly. And, the seats were only $16.00! Which is awesome. Had dinner at Bennigan's before the show and I was psyched to find out that they now have a black bean burger...I know this is not exciting to the general population, but to me, being a vegetarian, I am always psyched to see restaurants starting to cater towards people other than the meat-eating crowd.......

OK. The kewlest thing just happened to me this morning. I got a thing in the mail saying I had a certified letter at the post office, from the state of TN. I immediately was nervous, because who gets certified letters from states other than that they live in? Kurt says "Lori, you have never done anything wrong in your life, just go pick it up." So, finally, this morning, I did. Kory was in the car and was like "WHAT IS IT?" So, I opened it. And.....it was a letter from the state of TN. Long story short, I bought a luxury sink for the bathroom upstairs on eBay for $400.00 a while back. It came, and it was missing parts. It also took about 3 months to be delivered. I called, emailed, wrote the guy and he would not contact me back. So, Kurt just went to Lowe's and bought the extra parts, no big deal, just a waste of my time and money. The parts were under $30.00. Anyway, being me, I complained to the state of TN, the federal Internet board, yada yada. Anyone and everyone I could. Looks like it paid off! The state of TN ended up suing the guy criminally, and reached a settlement. I got a check in the envelope for $400.00, which is what I paid for the sink to begin with! So, I have this sink in my bathroom, that retails for like $1500.00+ and I got it for free!


Thus, I say, Friday the 13th is now officially LUCKY for me! :).

Midori and 7-Up Kinda Night

Forgot to post earlier.....One of the pics I posted on Flickr of the Tigers play-off games, was chosen and used by an online blog. Check it out by clicking here.......It is the one of the Tiger on the scoreboard, :). Yay.

Am sitting here right now watching the Tigers game with Kurt, Kory and the array of pets in the house. Oscar is sitting right next to me, half asleep, half chewing a bone. The pugs love nighttime on the couch......

I just made myself a drink. I never have a drink in the middle of the week, but I am doing it. Midori and Diet 7-Up. Yum. And the drink is so pretty and green.

I swear, lately at the office, the weirdos are coming out of the woodwork. Today, we had a client who was actually, and sincerely, angry that Kurt would not give him his personal cell phone number. He had an incident the other morning at 5:30 a.m., and wanted to call "his lawyer" to ask him a "question." And he fired us because of it, LOL. We already did all the work on his case, so he is not due a refund, so whatever. I swear though. This is family law. There is no need to give out our cell phones to anyone and I REFUSE. The office makes me crazy enough. And I do not make enough money to be forced to be on the phone all night with clients. And even if we gave it out for emergencies only, EVERYONE would abuse it. The problem with family law is that people think the smallest, most trivial things are emergencies. "OH MY GOD, he took my daughter to Ohio today to the zoo....He left the state....Is that legal?" AHHHHHHHH. So, can you call my cell phone? NO. Call me at the office and drive me nuts. But, you are not going to ruin the rest of my life and free time. We kinda knew going into this case that it would be a problem. The guy has already gone through several lawyers.......I guess another one bites the dust. Ha. The whole story just cracked me up. Some people, you just can't make them happy no matter what.

Ordered to Post

So, one of my peeps gently reminded me (OK, she ordered me) to update my blog. I have been tired at night and busy with other stuff and have not gotten around to it since yesterday afternoon.

So, Saturday, late afternoon. Start of the best baseball game I have EVER attended in my life. Tigers won the series and moved on to the next round. It was a gorgeous day, and I, as usual, took a ton of pics, which you can see by clicking here. The Tigers pretty much kicked the Yankees butts........And the celebration afterwards was hilarious. Loved it. The players all celebrated ON THE FIELD, sprayed champagne everywhere..........carried Leyland off the field. Awesome. Beyond words.

After the game, we went to the office to meet up with Rebecca, Kory, and Britton. We went to dinner and then bowling in Taylor at Skore Lanes. Ummm, pretty much the most fun I have ever had bowling in my life, but mostly because of the people I was with. And the amount of alcohol that was consumed. I rarely drink, but I had a little bit too much that night, which is evidenced by the pictures I took, which can be evidenced by clicking here. I had my first Jaeger shots. Not as bad as I thought......

Sunday, I was going to go out and take pics, but the weekend kinda wore me out, so I started in most of the day. Tried to do some stuff around the house, but mostly ended up chilling and editing my pics from the weekend on my computer.

Then, back to work on Monday. We laid one of our assistants off on Friday, so my workload has increased somewhat, but not much. Mostly, just enough to make me not use the net as much on breaks, ;). And take less breaks. hehe.

Tonight, had dinner with Julia and Lisa at Roma Cafe. It was really yummy, but even nicer to see Julia and Lisa. I have not seen Lisa in like forever! Julia, I have been seeing less of because she is back in class again and busy, but we will change that once she gets back from vacay this weekend. I will force her to introduce me to her new man!

InCredible

OMG.

Had the best time ever last night.

Kurt has lost his voice. I don't think he quit screaming from the start until the end of the game. I am thankful we were not sitting near any Yankees fans or near the Yankees dugout, because Kurt may seriously not be alive today. Some statements that came from his mouth last night...."Giambi, go take some more STEROIDS, maybe you could get a hit then!", and "A-Rod, really means K-ROD because you can only STRIKE OUT. Glad the Yanks paid 26 Million a year for you and you can't even get a HIT in the playoffs. U suck..." OK. At least he amused the people around us. Because he follows the sport so closely, he really knows a lot about the players and had SOMETHING negative to say about each and every Yankee. Truly.

Kurt drank two beers at the game. The kid sitting next to him informed me this is really FOUR beers, because they are bigger. This may have been the cause of some of the above statements. Heh. Especially since Kurt rarely drinks and never does at games.

The game was incredible. The Tigers played amazing, and the Yankees absolutely sucked, which is always so enjoyable to witness. All that money spent, and they can't beat our supposedly "crappy" team. Sad.

I took a ton of pics, but will not post until later, as I have not had time to download yet....

And, need to get off here and ready because the next game is at 430! Will post more later......

GOOOOOO TIGERS!

Still in Shock

Yes, I said it. I am still in shock about the Tigers being in the playoffs. I have followed them for SOO long and they have pretty much never been good. Long ago, when they were good, I was a little kid and don't even really remember it. So, this is pretty kewl! AND, we have tickets to both the game tomorrow night AND the game on Saturday afternoon. Plus, if they win this series, I already have tickets to the first game of the next series. This seriously is like the most exciting sports event ever to Kurt. I asked him what was more exciting, being at the game when the Pistons won it all a couple years back or this, and he really said this. It's so cute. I will be taking my camera, so hopefully, I get a lot of good shots.


Anyway, gotta run. Need to get to bed. Oh, and by the way, Vito says hi. ;).

Almost Done

So...Kory had been working on the gym in the basement and it is getting SOO close to being done. Close enough where I am thinking about starting to shop for stuff for it and find the best prices....We already have a treadmill and a bike, but we need to get weights and some machines for Kurt and Kory. And I would like to get a kickboxing bag. Kory put the doors up today, which we had custom made at Lowe's a while back this summer. They look so freaking kewl. I really should get a pic and post on here, but am too tired right now....

So, bummer the Tigers lost last night......:(. And annoying the game got cancelled tonight! We can't watch during the day, and that's when the make-up game is, tomorrow afternoon. Blah on rain. I guess it's raining everywhere these days.....

You know what's kinda annoying? People. I got an email tonight from a friend who needed to vent. And today, I was actually kinda feeling the way she was in her vent. I try not to let myself feel that way, because I have a new way of approaching life and friends these days. And for the most part, it works. So many of my friends have kids, careers, etc. and I understand why we don't talk all the time, or get to do dinner on a regular basis. This is fine, because I am insanely busy as well. And I know my real friends are there for me no matter what, and if I really needed them, they would drop everything to be by my side.

But, this approach I have, only works with people who are similar to me, who know how to communicate, who are not challenged with having relationships with others. Nothing annoys me more than soemone who "fakes" being your friend, for whatever reason. Who is there one minute, gone the next, and thinks they can just float back into your life whenever their other friends are not behaving properly, or they get sick of the other friends becasue their personality is so erratic they can only get along with someone for short periods of time before getting sick of them.

It annoys me, but at the same time, since I don't trust people like this whatsoever, I don't get all heartbroken about it. I just need to teach myself how to ignore this "annoyed" feeling, because frankly, I think "friends" like this actually "enjoy" my being annoyed. I don't express the feeling to them, but I think they secretly like the fact that they may be hurting my feelings or whatever. Thankfully, this person does not read my blog and thus, I can still post about this situation.

Anyway, enough with the vent. Just wanted the person who sent me the email earlier to know that I get how you feel. And even though I know I have moved past the feelings you are feeling in your email, I still sometimes feel that way. :).

Weekend

So, can only post really briefly since I am working.

But, had a nice weekend. Saturday, it rained on and off, so I ran some errands. Then, it cleared up a bit, so I took a 3 mile hike at Sterling State Park (right by my house) and took a bunch of pics. Saturday night, we went to dinner at an Italian/French place near our house, and it was really good. We had gone there once about 3.5 years ago, and hated it. But, we decided to try it again and this time, it was really good. So, maybe the place will no longer be banned. On the way home, we stopped at the local liquor store and I finally found Midori in a store! I was so psyched. And it looks so kewl in the bottle, all green. Of course, have I opened it yet? No. Prob won't for a while, and the bottle will most likely last me 10 years....but, I wanted it around in case I ever want a drink on a weekend night. Which is rare. Anyway, for those of you who don't like the taste of alcohol, but like a drink sometimes, Midori is awesome, either in Sprite or Red Bull. Yum.

Sunday was a nice day. I wanted to head to the Detroit zoo to take pics, and planned on going alone because Rebecca had class and she is my zoo partner in crime. well, Marla called me, wanting to get together so I could see her and the kids, so she ended up meeting me at the zoo and we had a blast. Maya is getting so big, and Bodie is hilarious. He loved all the animals, and he and I said "hi" and "Bye" to each creature. My favorite this trip was the butterfly house, it was incredible. I also love the tigers and the lion and they were both out as well. The polar bears were nowhere to be found though, I only saw one. Which was a bummer, but seeing the Wolverine made up for it. I don't think the wolverine has ever been out during my zoo outings and I got a good picture of him. Anyway, click here to see pictures of Bodie and Maya at the zoo. Also, my other pics from the zoo are the most recently uploaded on Flickr, which you can click here to see.

I will try and post more tonight, and post some pics into this post as well. Too busy right now.....