boxedcookies

finals

2008-12-17T06:05:00.000-08:00

I think this has been the most stressed I've been during finals week in quite a while. On Tuesday, my final was a presentation and paper. Well, we could turn in the paper at any time, but had to show up for our presentations. One guy could make it due to ice and another guy wasn't ready, so he wants us to now come in on Thursday to finish the last 2 people. I still need to finish my paper, but not right now. I have a different final at noon that I'm going to sit here and study.

All my finals have been small books. I don't think I've ever wrote this many papers for finals, or any class really. I'm so looking forward to finishing up.

I picked up several temp shifts this week to try and get more work in. I also agreed to work over winter break. The problem is that the schedual hasn't come out yet, so its hard to make plans for traveling when I don't know when I'm working.

Chris came over last night. We gave him his christmas present. His mom called and told him their neighbor was murdered early yesterday afternoon. His parents live not far from where I use to in st. louis. He tried looking up info, but not much was out yet. He went ahead and went home to be with his family. News

SNOW

2008-12-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

It's snowing!

I finished Ramalee's quilt!

I'm done getting ready for christmas!

ok, well i still need to ship my sister's box....

and I have 2 more finals :P

oh yeah, i like this better than facebook

2008-12-11T11:04:00.000-08:00

I really should update once in a while.

Craig bought us a 3 foot christmas tree from Lowes. It's decorated in a lot of Jimmie Johnson ornaments. This year I found Jimmie Johnson pastic candy canes to add to the collection. I have all our christmas cards done and stitting waiting to be mailed. I still have 1 gift to buy. Some of my batches of soap didn't turn out, so I have to redo them. I'm hoping to get everything completed this weekend.

As for school, finals are next week. I still have to write a paper and do a powerpoint presentation over it. I have a final on Monday and one on Wednesday. Otherwise, I've picked up a bunch of temp shifts for next week to keep busy. Besides, sitting here forces me to do my homework.

I took Josie to the vet on Monday. She's lost a bunch of weight and we were worried about her. They said she's a little under ideal weight, but she has actually put on a 1/2 a pound since her shots in June. She feels so light at 8lbs 8oz. Dmitri is "Mr. Fat Tummy." He's a chubby cute thing that still loves to play fetch. He had a ball on a string we use to throw for him, but he took the string off and just fetches the ball now. He likes to lay on the floor belly up when he wants attention. They're both so rotten.

Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern takes on L.A.

2008-11-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

So how out-there is the L.A. food scene? Like some other “Bizarre Foods” episodes, there’s a mix of high-end restaurants, family dinners at home and some of the best street vendors in the area. Zimmern grabs a cow’s tongue torta at a taco truck and Korean blood sausage and pork parts at Western Soon Dae in Koreatown with his doppelganger, Lee Hefter, executive chef of Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining. He also gets a shot of wheatgrass and barley at Mr. Wisdom’s Organic Health Foods Hari Krishna Restaurant in South Central and eats a whole piglet with deep-fried pig’s ears at Ford’s Filling Station in Culver City (pictured). Puck himself makes a cameo before Zimmern nibbles on tempura chicken testicles at the celebrity chef’s Chinois on Main in Santa Monica.

I liked watching about the bug dishes at "Typhoon," a restaurant out at the airport.

Damn Facebook!!!

2008-11-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

Everyday I think about updating here, but then I discovered facebook. While I still feel that facebook is the devil, there's a game platform I play through facebook that I've become addicted too and so has Craig. I don't really look at my actual facebook page much, but rather use it to jump into "The Perdith Chronicles: Valiance." It's somewhat similar to D&D (very loosely similar). You use stamina to do quests and its real time based. Every 3 minutes or so, I get another stamina point, so I can only do so much a day. So every hour or so, I wonder back to the computer, do some quests and then walk off. I probably still spend too much time on it.

So for some sort of update... Craig and I went to Hannibal over fall break. We camped out in the really cold night air and went through a really cool maze cave, Mark Twain Cave. I never had seen anything like it before. We also went to their Harvest Festival and a winery. While heading through St. Louis, we got the ingredients for pumpkin pie beer. It's bubbling happily in the fermentor giving off great aromas. Another week and its time for the secondary.

I started working on soap stuff again this week. Today, after work, I want to make some tea soap. Instead of using plain water, you make a really strong cup of tea and then add the tea leaves from the bag to the soap after it traces. I also want to make some coffee and see how that comes out. hmmm, cappuccino soap... an interesting thought. I found a recipe I really like to make bubbly soap with a good lather. Craig likes it too. Later I want to try making a bubble bath bar, but first I have to wait for an ingredient to come in the mail.

Monday is registering for Spring classes and Tuesday is voting day!

What Happened to my weekend?

2008-10-14T11:05:00.001-07:00

Amazingly. it's Tuesday already. I spent most of this weekend and proceeding days sewing. As of right now, I have 1 more quilt block to sew together. It's already cut and pressed. The finished item is going to be 4 blocks by 6 blocks, just a lap blanket. Still have a ways to go like putting the blocks together and attaching a backing.

This morning our neighbors new kitten came up to our apartment to visit. Craig could hear it meowing at our door. So I let it come in while I finished getting ready. Dmitri was quite upset having the kitten walking around. He got a big fluffy tail and went and hid under a chair. He wouldn't even come out for his feather. Josie followed her around. She, of course, growled and hissed at my cats and then ate some of there food. I returned her on my way out. When I came home, Josie kept wanting to look out the door to see if the kitten was outside and Dmitri would, as usually, run in fear of the door.

Kate came over last night and we had a sort of girls night. It was a lot of fun. We drank the Chardonel from the Hemman winery, watched "The Notebook," and discussed the men in our lives. Tonight being Tuesday, is tv night. Chris comes over and we watch "House," "Fringe," and then, "The Shield." I think tonight after that, is the episode of Bizarre Foods in L.A. Jenny wants to know what restaurant they go to since she's in L.A. and wants to check it out.

Speaking of which, the Sesnon Fire is happening nearby to them. Curtis' school he teaches at got evacuated since it was right across from the fire. I talked to Jenny and she said they are a ways from the fire, but the air is very dirty and smoky. I doubt Curtis had to go to work today.

another year older

2008-10-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

It really has been nice having my mom around. I feel bad that yesterday I was hardly home. Tuesday and Thursdays are my long days. I'm hoping today I can show her some of the cool things this area offers as long as its not raining....

I got awesome stuff for my birthday. I know it's weird that I was asking for so much kitchen jazz, but it seems the older I get, the more important the little stuff can be.

I think the kittens really like mom being home with them. Dmitri plays until he falls over and pants. And then gets up to play some more. Josie was being playful last night attacting the chair and pouncing Dmitri. Mom likes that my cats are friendly.

yay for friday

2008-10-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

I spent yesterday evening rearranging the living room. Mom's coming down sunday, so we had to set up a bed for her. Poor Dmitri's food bowls had to be moved to make room. He's now really confused in the mornings when we go to get treats. He still runs to where his bowls use to be and looks lost. He was also ultra lovey last night. Anytime I sat down, he would come flop in my lap and want some petting. I feel like I threw his whole world into chaos by just moving his food.

My birthday is monday. I'm not looking forward to it at all. I had figured by now I would have some sort of plan for settleing down and being a grown-up. I figure school is going to take around 3 more years and then, who knows.

A Rant on Libraries

2008-10-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

The library here on the university seems to be moving away from education from books and is now relying on the internet for collegiate education. How sad is this! I remember (now I feel old) when the library use to be a place of wonder with 3 floors of BOOK material to browse. Now, all the books are gone from the second floor. In there place are 114 computers, several long tables with chairs, and multiple lounge areas with comfy seating.

The first floor, the main floor, has been mostly cleared of the books, except for the new releases of poplar fiction novels. There are 19 computer station with only internet access (no powerpoint, word, or other useful applications) and a coffee bar with junk food type snacks. The only good thing left are the microfiche and magazines, but even that has been toned down.

To find the books, well, they have been crammed all on the top floor with the smallest square footage. The select blows. Almost any item I need has to be requested from different libraries and brought here. Now when professors require book sources, not websites, it becomes a real hindrance since it can take up to 2 weeks for a requested item to show up.

Libraries have become an item of the past here. Ours is just a large computer. Given that, why walk across campus when there are computer labs in almost every building. At this point, why even bother with libraries at all. Everything one needs to know is on the internet. And do we really want all of our education to come from the internet? I, for one, do not.

Wedding and Wine

2008-09-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the big wedding between my friends Amanda and Mike. It was a really great event. Lots of good people, good food, and booze. I have some pictures, but there on a camera I have to get developed.

Sunday, Craig, our friend Chris, and myself went to 5 different wineries in the area. We had a great time and brought home lots of liquor.

Last night Katie came over. I made a nice dinner and we decided to brake into the wine we bought. Of course, I forgot that we threw away our wine opener since it got all twisted up the last time we used it. We still had fun playing Nipon Rails anyways.

Josie has become jumpy-kitten and can fit in the oddest places.

Dmitri has decided that he loves the Jimmie Johnson pillow. Everytime it's on the floor, there's usually a kitten sleeping on it. He was also helpful dealing with sorting fabric for the quilt i'm working on.

feeling better

2008-09-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

At some point over the last week, I caught a nasty bug. I had been congested and feeling run down, but it reached its pinnacle wednesday when the room would spin including the words on my homework. I had trouble just walking in a straight line. I ended up missing a couple classes and a meeting of the fossil club.

At the same time, Amanda's bachelorette party is tonight. I've been working so much on getting that up and ready. I spent way too much money :P I've got games planned out and a bunch of entertaining things to do. I hope it turns out cool since it's supposed to be something she will remember, but may not talk about, for years to come. I need to just go get some movies, and some thing to play it on, and the list just seems to never end.... I can see now that I wish more people were helping plan, then the cost could have been spread out more.

Tomorrow morning is the wedding at 11am in a park close to campus. I've been watching the weather, but it looks like it should be sunny and 80. I have to be there early for pictures (I hate having my picture taken!).

Josie destroyed a package of socks last night. She managed to untie the plastic bag they were in, open the package of socks, and remove every pair. I walked in the bedroom and there were socks everywhere! Considering it was a package containing 10 pairs, there really were a lot of socks all over the floor. No wonder she had been so lovey that evening. She's the only one who has a thing for socks. If you leave your sock drawer open, she'll jump in and dig and plunder her way through. I don't know how many times I've chased her around to get a sock back.

congestion

2008-09-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

I feel crappy. My head is all stuffed up and I could really use a nap.

The bake sale went pretty well. It rained saturday, so it got pushed back to Monday over by Magill. Sold almost all the baked goods and a good amount of plants. After paying back for change and supplies, we made $51. Not bad for 4 hours. Mostly I was the only who was there. Another girl, Sarah, watched while I was in class for 20 minutes, but mostly me by myself. I got a little pencil cactus plant to take one. When I got it home, Dmitri followed me around sweaking for my plant.

bake sale

2008-09-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

Amazingly its friday already!

The weeks are really flying by. Last night, I had my first meeting of the SEMO Fossil Club. I got put in charge of having a plant sale and I agreed to cook yummies for it. Since it's tomorrow morning, tonight I get to bake. I'm making 2 types of brownies (i'm a sucker for anything mint and just couldn't resist), rice krispies, chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, cupcakes (chocolate and vanilla), and puppy chow. Most of it is pretty easy since all I have to do is mix and bake. The cupcakes and cookies will take some time since only so many cookie sheets fit in the oven and I only have 1 muffin pan that cookies 6 muffins.

(note to call mom and ask for a muffin pan for my b-day)

Yeah, 26 is right around the corner. I've been asking for a bunch of cooking jazz. Magazine subscriptions for Brew and Zymurgy would be cool too, or a gift card to Worm's Way in St. Louis.

I've also been working on quilt blocks for mom. She have me a bunch of fabric to make a quilt for her friend. I pre-washed all the fabric, sorted it, and assigned each to a quilt block. I had to buy a self-healing cutting board, but thats ok since I wanted one anyways. Now I'm ready to start cutting and sewing. I was going to do that this weekend, but now I'm dealing with the bake sale.

Craig has his rush week going on right now and he's sleep deprived and grouchy :P

SEMO District Fair

2008-09-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

Last night Craig and I went to the fair here in Cape. For once there was great weather and not at all muddy. We indulged in the wonders of fair food. Fried snickers topped the listed, but of course we had the fried oreos, fried brownie bites, and fried potatoes. After that, we were craving real food, so we shared a smoked turkey leg. For the drive home, it was a giant nascar mug of cherry limeade, a banana daiquiri, and some cotton candy. As you can tell, we mainly go for the food.

With the great weather, we've been keeping the windows open while home. The kittens love it. I took Josie out for a walk and she had fun trying to chase a couple butterflys. Now she wants to sneak out the door.

With the change in weather, I've been in cleaning mode. I actually bought a duster and am really planning on using it.

back to the grind mill

2008-09-02T13:09:00.001-07:00

Spent the weekend getting the last of my stuff out of my parents house. Nice to have all my books back. Only down side was that we lost my tackle box at Bennet Springs. Craig bought me a new one, but it's going to take some time to get fulled with fishing gear.

Went a did a bit of fishing last night at the county park. I caught a nice size bass. Craig had one almost to the shore, but it jumped the hook.

Dmitri and Josie were so happy to see us come home. Josie's been following me around and Dmitri has been extra lovey.

Amanda and Mike's wedding shower is this coming weekend, otherwise it's all about school :P

School again

2008-08-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

Well School started up again. The first day was choatic since Craig couldn't find the key to his steering wheel club. Ever since his car was stolen and returned, he's been using it for extra security. We ended up drilling it off.

So I have fun classes this semester like Remote Sensing. We get to do some cool hands on stuff. Craig's in Marchi8ng Band again. This semester he's learning the obo and flute.

Dmitri and Josie are doing well. Josie and I went on a walk last night. She did rather well walking on a leash. Dmitri has become addicted to Q-tips. You pull one out and he squeaks at it and then carries them all over the apartment. I often find them in the bathtub or the bed.

Craig and I are working on watching "Band of Brothers."

Looks like we're going to head to my parents for the weekend.

Oh. My. BURGER!

2008-08-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

While flipping through the Southeast Missourian online, I found the following article.

Area restaurant offers 7-lb. Frankenstein burger

Roughly 30 minutes to the south from here, we found the almighty burger.

"Served on a 16-inch pizza tray, the hamburger itself isn't 7 pounds — but as a whole, the sandwich is. It features 4 pounds of fresh meat, a 2-pound bun and 1 pound of condiments."

With tax it came to about $22... well worth it! Craig and I finished off about half of it.

Picture from the paper of just the bun. And yes, it is served with that same style knife sticking out the middle.

Return to Posting!

2008-07-31T09:02:00.000-07:00

Dmitri

So our router went out for our computers. We finally got it replaced, but I've just been trying to get in the hanging of work full time again and trying to have a life, thus the hiatus from posting.

To recap the biggest event:

July 15 - Craig's car was stolen and recovered later that day about 3 blocks away. Not a fun day.

Both cats are well and now have all their adult shots. Josie is sitting about 8.31 pounds and Dmitri is at 5.45 pounds.

We're currently planning a vacation to either Tennessee or Wisconsin.

one of those days

2008-06-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

This morning started out fine enough. I woke around 8 while craig snoozed in bed. Dmitri and I went and read on the couch. After a while, he got up and threw up in the hallway. I woke up craig and we cleaned up the mess. 30 minutes later, he was on his 7th mess of the morning, so we called the vet and took him in. We heard from them not long ago telling us that he has a temperature, but his blood work looks good. Although his throne-up a couple more times. They're going to hold him overnight to see if he eats and gets better after the antibotics. Craig's worried about the kitten and we miss the purrball.

I've been cleaning the apartment trying to figure out if he could have gotten into anything. This way its also clean for his return.

What a day off.

routine

2008-06-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

I think I'm starting to fall into a routine at work. Of course, most of it involves running around with no idea what I'm doing. But at least I'm beginning to look like I know what to do. Craig and I got to work together yesterday, but today our shifts overlap very little. I go to work, then he goes. We get to see each other a little and then I leave and he stays. Oh the working life.

Bad thing is the apartment is already starting to show signs of neglect. By the time we get home, we don't want to do anything and thus nothing gets done. I know I'll adjust, as I have before, but for now the kittens rule the roost.

We did discover a pretty cool looking site to go fishing at north of Jackson, about 30 minutes from here. We did actually do any fishing since by the time we got there it was muggy hot and we needed some bug spray. Might go back some other day early in the morning.

visitor!

2008-05-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, a couple of us went out fishing at some of the different conservation sites closer by. Didn't catch anything, but it was still fun.

Craig's mom came down today to celebrate his birthday. We went out to Buckner's, a local restaurant, and got his mom to try fried pickles. She didn't care for them.... They are a kinda local fare that takes time to get use to.

Josie and Dmitri are getting along better. They don't hiss and growl as much and can hang out next to each other. They're not to the point of sleeping together, but they both sleep on the bed now.

Josie's in the pirate ship with Dmitri on top

Synchronized cats

Josie is still rotten

Working

2008-05-28T03:48:00.000-07:00

It's been pretty busy lately. Work is overwelling just how much I'm supposed to be doing. I had one day of training and now I'm supposed to start doing stuff. Next week, I'll have another day of training. Seems every week I get a day of training and then a week of trying to make it work. A lot of it is self learning with a coach to question 150 miles away.

new member of the family

2008-05-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

Meet Dmitri. He's just 12 weeks old and has Josie's golden eyes. We got him last night, but didn't get home till late and had a rough night with the 2 jingle butts. We got him at the same petsmart off Manchester that we got Josie at. He's litterbox trained, fixed, microchiped, and has his first shots. So far he found one of Josie's old toys and carries it everywhere. He's supper friendly and purrs alot. Josie and him are not really on speaking terms yet.

Craig named him after Dmitri Shostakovich, a famous Russian composer he learned about in one of his music classes.

craig's birthday

2008-05-21T09:19:00.001-07:00

For my family: Craig will be 24 on May 31.

experiments

2008-05-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

For x-mas I'm doing homemade items such as milk bath and bath salts. Since I have the time, I've been making little smalls of each and testing them out. Nothing hard to make, but finding certain items has been a real pain. I've been making trips to the natural food store here in town and then had to order stuff online. Today, I'm in search of Lye for soap making.

Side news, I did find a job working LP. Not really excited about it. It's kinda a scary store and I keep having nightmares about stops that have gone bad. Not much money and all the pressures on me. Good Side is that its full time for the summer and they'll work with school in the fall. Downside is that I don't really get to start for another week or something. I work just like a day here or there to do paperwork and wait on corporate to send down someone for me to shadow.

Lunch?

2008-05-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

10 white castle burgers in the time it took me to eat 2....

Craig was still being haunted by them long into the night.

Lunch Chowder

2008-05-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to use every thing in the cabinets since we're poor, so I made a really awesome chowder today. Craig liked it, so I thought I'd share the really easy recipe.

potato/corn chowder

1 can creamed corn
1 can corn, drained
1 can chicken broth
4 tbsp butter
2 pieces chicken breast
1/4 lb bacon
1 can evaporated milk
1 package instant four cheese potatoes

In a crockpot, add creamed corn, corn, chicken broth, and butter. Dice chicken and bacon and add to the crockpot. Set on High for 3-ish hours. Stir occasionally. Add evaporated milk and package of instant Four Cheese potatoes. Stir and leave on high for another hour. Stir and enjoy.

The only thing I might change is cooking the bacon before hand. The way I did it, the bacon was chewy and might be better to cook before to add crunch. Turned out nice and thick and yummy.

Fishing

2008-05-12T07:05:00.001-07:00

Yesterday The weather was pretty cool (around 56) and very windy, so we went to a couple different fishing spots. Block Hole is located by Whitewater and is a stream with a pond in the middle. We couldn't get down to the water since it was surrounded by large boulders and very low. Next we went to Lake Girardeau. Very pretty lake with piers that we fished off of. I didn't get any nibbles.

We headed home to one of the conservation sites right outside of town. It was so windy that it chilled to the bone. I cast a couple of times, but it was just too cold, so I sat in the car while craig tried to fish. He didn't last long either.

Today, he's going in for orientation and I get to go take a drug test.

First Day of Summer?

2008-05-09T20:03:00.001-07:00

The bird feeder is located hanging above the squirrel. Josie loves the birds and squirrels.

Yesterday was Craig's last final, so today was offically "the day of not so many worries."

We ran all over town looking for 10 ft of stainless steel pipe. Craig's building a counterflow wort chiller. It's a tube with a coil of copper wire in it. The copper tube contains the wort and carries it through the tube of cold water. We were going to use stainless steel instead of copper, but since we couldn't find any, we bought copper. While craig was working on that, I made a cute cake. Now I need some people to appreciate it and eat it.

Meet "Chew Bear." He's our downstairs neighbors cat that thinks he should live with us.

stuck at home

2008-05-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

Feels like I've been stuck here at home. With gas prices so high, and dwindling money in the bank, I can hardly afford to go anywhere. I've been going to the library, checking out movies and books, but mostly I hang out at home with the cat.

Last night, Jarrod came over and had dinner with us. We played Settlers and I actually won! It was a close game. As much as we like playing board games, its hard to find people to come over and play with us. Most of our games take an hour or so and it seems people are just too busy for that.

We were going to go out of town today, but not anymore. Stupid gas.... So the plan is to do something around here. Craig's summer class was cancelled due to lack of people registering and I can't afford to take one, so right now it looks like a summer of work.

blissfull tuesday

2008-05-06T16:43:00.001-07:00

It's nice not having to worry about classes anymore. What's done is done. I'm still looking for a job, but I kinda got one... just waiting to hear about orientation. It's not a job I really want, but it's a paycheck.

Today I cleaned the stove. Took off all the burner pans and cleaned the pans and under them also. I covered the burner pans with foil and put the whole thing back together again. Also ran the dishes and watched King Kong, the new version. I really liked it. Scary and sad all at once. I thought it was well worth the 3 hours.

Working on a list of things to do this weekend. Need to run a bunch of errands :P

Done with school!

2008-05-05T14:29:00.001-07:00

Today was my last and only Final!

Of course, I woke up feeling sick and spent a lot of time in the bathroom. I managed to make my way to class where it was cold and I felt miserable. I know I didn't do well. There was 1 question I know I missed which was on matching, so I guess I differently missed 2 points there. Now to sit and wait to figure if I got my C or not.

Craig has finals till Thursday or Friday. We're talking about going out of town this weekend and just getting away. He has his jury today... we're going to go out for food after as long as the tummy agrees.

new adventure

2008-05-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday was cleaning day! I cleaned the bathroom, vacuumed, and we did laundry. It was nice to wake up this morning to a clean place.

Today we went to Carbondale, IL. Our friends told us that there's a homebrew store there and we wanted to do something kinda fun before a week of finals. So off to Carbondale!

We got there and found the store pretty easily. They didn't carry many supplies and their prices were higher than we're use to at Worm's Way. We ended up not buying (especailly since we didn't have any recipe in mind to brew).

We messed around a little and went by the mall and barnes and noble. Basically, we could have stayed in Cape and accomplished the same things we did there. Basically, we weren't impressed.

Tonight, we both have study sessions to go to.

Cake decorating

2008-05-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

Josie in the window (I made her a blanket)

Today I finally finished making flowers for my cake. I did something for this cake everyday for the last week. From making my own fondant, to coloring, and making flowers. The finished piece looks amazing! I'm really pleased how its turned out. The next cake class being offered is one I want to do, but I might have to miss the first class and I'm poor.

I'm done with my HP class. Everything came together well for the final paper and there's no final exam. I have 1 final Monday for my AP class. I'm waiting to get my lab exam back... still not passing yet...

added pictures

2008-04-29T22:36:00.000-07:00

I update my photoalbum on yahoo flickr. Click the link PHOTO GALLERY on the right side to see pictures of cakes I've made and more pictures of Josie!

An actual update?!?!

2008-04-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Craig and I went fishing out at Duck Creek Conservation area. I caught a fish! Craig was jealous :P On the way back, I got a call from my cousin Brent. Haven't talked to him in a long time. When we got back to Cape, we stopped at Huddle House in Scott City to visit. It was nice to get to talk for a bit.

That night, I met up with Shina and another girl in my AP class to study for the exam Monday morning and craig went to his last Phi Mu Alpha meeting.

Today I packed myself solid with meetings. I had an interview, a test, and group meeting for a final paper. I've also been working every day on making cake stuff for my last cake class thursday. It's a 2 tier fondant cake covered in fondant roses and leaves. Can't believe how much time it takes. Tommorrow I might get Amanda to help me finish making roses since I have 30 more to make. Yuck! I'm using my homemade fondant. Quite Yummy! Key is to warm it up first and work fast.

Marshmallow Fondant

2008-04-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

Since I've been taking a cake decorating class, I've been using the store bought fondant that doesn't taste very good. I finally decided to try a recipe and make it myself. So here it is:

16 oz marshmallows
2 Tbsp water
7 cups powdered sugar
crisco

Lightly grease a large bowl with crisco. Add marshmellows and water. Microwave around 3 minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to stir. I'd recommend greasing the spoon. After melted, add 4 cups powder sugar and mix with electric mixer. Slowly add more powdered sugar until mixer gives out. Grease kitchen counter and pile rest of powdered sugar in a mound. Make a hollow and pour melted marshmallows into mound. Knead until no flakes of powdered sugar can be seen. About 7 minutes... I'd recommend wearing plastic gloves and greasing them as needed to prevent sticking.

To Store- grease fondant and wrap in plastic wrap. Place wrapped fondant in ziplock bag. Do not store in fridge.

To Use- place amount desired in microwave unwrapped for a couple of seconds to make it easier to use. For a ball that fits in my hand, it only needs like 6 seconds.

chocolate chip cookies

2008-04-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

I found the best receipe for a soft, moist chocolate chip cookie

1 and 1/3 cup tub butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
3 and 1/2 cups flour
1 pkg chocolate chips

Mix all except flour and chips until well blended. Slowly add flour, mixture will be thick. fold in chocolate chips. Spoon 1/2 tsp -1 tsp onto cookie sheet. Bake 350 for 8.5 minutes. These cookies don't brown very much, so they will look pale and they don't spread out much either.

semester end stress

2008-04-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

The semester is almost over! I think this has been one of the worst ones ever for me. Just seemed like a lot of things kept happening and not many of them good.

The new apartment feels a lot more like home. Josie likes to sniff noses with Chewy, the cat that lives downstairs, though the apartment door. I think this is why she tries to escape every once in a while. I think chewy wants to move in since he's always sitting outside our door.

Craig's having the end of semester break down. He's got all of his proficiency tests to pass to continue on in the education department. He keeps talking about how he only has 2 chances to pass or get kicked. He's really trying to get in 3 hours of practice a day.

I'm also working on sewing a dress for the phi mu alpha formal coming up. We didn't go last year, but this year, craig set up the vinue and picked the food out so I want to go. I looked all over at dresses and couldn't find squat. I did make one that I didn't like and thus am trying again.

I've got an open lab in a bit to study for anatomy lab quiz. I might pass A&P 1 if I get a 84% or better on the last 3 tests. Of course, the last 2 lab tests I've failed.... so I'm trying to make the open labs and study more.

Long overdue

2008-04-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I lasted posted. March 18, Cape got roughly 12 inches of rain in 1 day. All 3 of the flood walls were closed around the city. While driving over the bridge across the mississippi, you could see the water up against the walls. With all the water, our basement apartment flooded. We spent a day moving all of our furniture to the second floor bedrooms where there was no longer room for us to stay. Plus the place reeked! We ended up staying at a friend's house for several days with Josie. After lots of "talk" with our landlord, they voided our lease and we moved. We signed a new lease and moved the 21st. Thankfully, my mom came down to help out with some of the unpacking. Between school and moving stuff, we've been very busy.

Somewhere in the moving, my computer monitor was damaged. I've been using Craig's laptop, but I hate typing on it. That ans its hard to tear mr addiction away from it. Whenever I get it up and running, I'll have to post pictures!

phil

2008-03-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

Apparently Punxsutawney Phil saw his hadow and declared 6 more weeks of winter. Surprise, surprise :P

The video is funny to watch with a woman screaming "we're not worthy" when the groundhog gets pulled from the log.

winter weather, will it never end?

2008-03-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

Did the groundhog see its shadow, because I think you're definitely having 6 more weeks of winter. I just looked outside and we have about 2-3 inches of snow and it's still coming down. I guess craig got out safe. He left at 6am to meet the bus for Nashville. He's going with the show band to play for the basketball team. He'll be back saturday night.

Our beer is doing well that we mixed last weekend. Blopping once every 3 seconds. We're thinking about making a christmas batch closer to the holidays, it has to sit for 3 months to mature, and giving it to all the male relatives for Christmas. Next saturday is my soap making class, so that could be a gift for the female relatives.

I've got to run out to hobby lobby today and get a few more things for my cake decorating class. I made some of the stuff I need for class yesterday, but didn't realize I have to do 3 batches of icing for all the different things. Saturday I'm going to make my cake since hobby lobby is closed sundays and I want to make sure I have everything I need.

Today I have class at 10am and that's it. Maybe I should go rent a movie... Netflix sent me a disc out of order, so I'm waiting for the other to ship to watch that.

warm weather

2008-03-05T13:58:00.000-08:00

Amazing how warm weather makes one want to clean and be outside at the same time. I compromised and cleaned up the outside. Josie helped. She was on her lease tied to the bird feeder while I picked up sticks.

It's kinda strange outside. In all the shady spots, you can see the ice still thick on branches, but nothing except soggy ground in the sunlite places. It's so nice I can walk around in just a light sweater and be comfy.

oi cake

2008-03-03T14:47:00.001-08:00

My cake decorating class was a lot of fun last night. I was worried it would be a bunch of little old ladys, but it was an even split between women my age and women closer to my mom's age. So every week we have to bake a cake to bring in to frost. Craig's excited at the thought of cake every week. The problem is that I also need to go out and buy SEVERAL items. I don't even have a round cake pan.... how weird is that?

This morning a bunch of schools have closed for fear of another coming ice storm. SEMO is still open, but all the local elementary and high schools are shut down.

I'm off to do a couple erands before my classes.

So busy

2008-03-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

Seems I've been running like crazy lately.

Yesterday went over and began the beginnings of making beer. Got it all in the fermentor to sit for 2 weeks.

Today, I got up early to study with Adam and went to take our exam at 10am. Since then I've been working on my HP class research. I finished taking notes on 6 books and writing up the bibliography.

Tonight I have my first class at Hobby Lobby learning cake decorating techniques.

I still have a book to start reading for my Historiography class and all the head, neck, and shouldar muscles to memorize for tomorrow.

Next week is spring break and it seems the workload is catching up. All those projects that I knew where due at the end of april/may now weigh heavily on me. Craig's feeling the pressure to. Seems today was breakdown day for all those things that we've been putting off to catch up and smack you in the face.

Adventure Pictures!

2008-02-23T18:03:00.000-08:00

Cute Josie!

Flowers I got for valentines day

More ice pictures from the second go around and tree limb debris from the ice

Altenburg, Home of the log cabin college, a small log house, and a blacksmith's shop

Tower Rock Winery

World's Longest Suspension bridge over the mississippi river

Tower Rock

Herman Winery in brazeau with another blacksmith shop next door

Adventure!

2008-02-23T17:46:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those Craig and Marla go on an adventure days. It started yesterday while I was doing research for a paper I have to write on slave houses in the 1850s. I have to find out how big, what it was made out of, how many floors, fireplaces, windows, etc. Anything to do with the building itself. Friday I was doing research and found this really helpful book called Church and Slave in Perry County. In the book, it said that there are still slave quarters still standing in Perry county. I did a little digging on mapquest and discovered it was only about 30 minutes from here.

So today we went out adventuring. First we went to a church museam in Altenburg. There we got a map that had other historic sites on it and the Saxon Lutheren Memorial (where the buildings I wanted to see are located). After the church, we head toward a winery listed about 2 miles east. I actually missed the road, but not far ahead there was a sign for the Tower rock lookout. It was one of the things on the map we wanted to see, so off we went. The road was kinda scary since it was gravel and not cleared of ice, but we got to see the longest pipeline suspension bridge and Tower Rock.

We backtracked to the winery and meet this massive dog. He was the size of a small cow, but super-friendly. We also got to try the local wine. Next we head west of altenburg to the memorial. We got there and it was closed, so we went another few miles to the Herman Winery. More wine purchasing and back to Cape.

It was a lot of fun and I have pictures I need to get off my camera to post.

ice and more ice

2008-02-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

Last night was a lunar eclipse. Only go to see part of it, but it was still pretty neat.

Today, classes where cancelled due to another ice storm that come through. Not as bad as before, but still nasty. Morning class tomorrow where called so campus opens at 10am. Just in time for anatamy.

Went over and hung out with Amanda and Mike for a bit. They offered to help Craig and me start making beer since they have all the equiment for it.

life around anatomy

2008-02-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

I feel like my life revoles around my anatamy class. Mondays, I try to go to the lecture review and tuesdays, I meet with Adam to try and study. This week tuesday didn't really happen, so we're meeting thursday instead. Also on monday, I meet with a AP tutor to review. One would think with all the prep I'd be doing well in the class instead of failing.

On a lighter side, I found out I'm getting a neice to add to my nephew. Yay for shopping for pink!

icky

2008-02-17T10:51:00.000-08:00

Spent most of saturday ill. I caught some sort of head cold with the runny nose and sore throat. Felt like death. I finally felt alive last night and went out to dinner with craig and his boss and girlfriend.

Today is cleaning day. I was going to do a bunch of that yesterday, but the death feeling wouldn't let me. It's super windy out and we still need to gather downed limbs to be picked up this week.

ice pictures

2008-02-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

Josie likes plastic bags, including ones with toilet paper in them

Our backyard, the power lines where hanging really low with ice.

More pictures with the tree limbs down in the front and back yard. I was glad I hadn't parked under the tree.

In our back alley, a lake had formed. kinda hard to see, but there are downed power lines going into the lake of water.

random update

2008-02-15T05:40:00.000-08:00

Things have been really chaotic around here. It started last week when I decided to do some spring cleaning. I rearranged some rooms and sorted out things for the salvation army. We're still looking at trying to get a smaller apartment when our lease is up at the end of May. So I have a big pile of odds and ends in the living room and left my computer in pieces on the floor for several days.

Monday, we had a horrible ice storm. I went to my first class and then found out the rest of classes where canceled due to ice. Monday night, Craig and I had an adventure in the ice to go get gas and groceries. I had tried to do some of that before it got too icky out, but both gas stations where backlogged when I drove by.

Tuesday, the ice was still around 2-3 inches and had destroyed the tree in the backyard. It then had the gall to start snowing. Classes where canceled again. Our friend Chris stayed with us since he lost power. We did go out to Craig's work around 3 and worked a little until the river campus also lost power.

Wednesday, I got to work some more that morning since classes where called for the day again. I spent the rest of the day doing some housework and watching movies. We joined netflix last week. I love watching movies online. I watched the entire first 2 seasons of Heroes. It's a little upseting about the dvds. It takes about a week turnaround to get a new disc. From the time I stick it in the mail, to the time I get a new one in the mailbox.

Craig also got industrious and tried to clean off his car. Between the weight of the ice and his banging at it, his back windshield shattered. It was awful betrween the ice and glass in his car. I did find a place to repair it for thursday at least.

That night, craig was at work and I was working on a puzzle, when the police raided our neighbor. It went from quiet to lots of yelling and people running around next door. I looked outside to see what was going on and their were tons of police cars blocking the road and they had our neighbor up against our screen door handcuffing him. I closed the door and went to watch from the kitchen window. I called craig and our landlord. The landlord was like, oh well we won't expect rent from him and then wanted to talk about the weather. Glad they don't care who they rent to. Can't wait to move...

Thursday, classes resumed. I got an email that morning that since my tuesday lab was cancelled, we were going to do the exam that day. Craig and I played car swapping alot while we waited for his car to be done. For valentine's day, He got me a glorgous pot of flowers and then we went out for dinner and ice cream. It was nice to have a slow evening. We did get his car back, so today maybe things can get back to normal.

my foot hurts

2008-01-26T15:13:00.000-08:00

Today was errand day. We went to a couple of stores and bought fun and exciting things like a larger litter box with a guard around it and wheels to attach to the couch. We decided it was time to take the couch off the cinder blocks and make it a little more moble, thus wheels.

In my attempts to attach the wheels, I dropped the couch on my foot. It's now all swollen and some very pretty colors. Some of it is hard to see since my lizard tattoo is in the same spot. Although you can tell the lizard has a swollen head.

Picture update!

2008-01-25T20:24:00.001-08:00

We brought a bunch of stuff home from my parents at Christmas, including a cradle I received when I was around 4 years old. We piled it all in our living room and Josie found a new place to sleep.

Yes, the cat is upside down sleeping in my lap while I work on homework on the computer.

Andy (the white one) and Lily (the striped one), the loaner cats. Amazing how they all got along.

Josie is adorable!!!

Josie like the cradle. She's watching a squirrel in the yard.

Craig took the C-Base test Thursday. I gave him a celebratory cookie.

Josie, the amazing stretching cat!

the quick update

2008-01-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

Things have been very busy. We did travel to my parents and back for christmas where I got sick. I finally got better and then Craig got sick. We finally go better and then spent a weekend cat sitting. We had Josie, plus Andy and Pickles (my friend's cats), and Lily (Craig's friend's cat). It was a full house cat party. Then school started....

Our oven also went out new year's eve with our friends over and still has yet to be fixed. And Craig had a tire blow out and is still driving on a spare. Which means we car pool on icy days and take mine every where.

So far January has really bitten the big one.

Christmas spirit

2007-12-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

I spent most of today making cookies. I made chocolate chip, sugar cookies, puppy chow, and gingerbread men. There's another batch of sugar cookies in the fridge to be made tomorrow. Craig got really into interesting colors for the cookies. We've got orange Christmas trees, bloody teddy bears, and olive candy candys. Much fun in the kitchen.

After finishing cookies, we decorated our Christmas tree. Josie thought it was the best game ever. We'd be trying to attach lights while Josie was leaping INTO the tree, trying to take them off. I should have gotten a picture of the cat in the tree. Craig put some of his nascar ornaments up. It was funny, he was like, "oh I really like the them up there." Then Josie ran by and took a couple off. We put the presents under the tree and watch Josie try to dig through and around them. I'm sure she'll have it destroyed by morning, lol!

finals are over!

2007-12-12T13:03:00.000-08:00

Craig and I bought a Christmas tree yesterday. Josie thinks it's her new play toy. I have lots of pictures of the cute cat and the tree. Apparently, pine needles don't sit well on cat tummys... Josie had a surprise on the landing for us this morning.

of cars and gumby

2007-12-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

Poor Craig and his car. He's got a very flat tire and has thus been using my car to get around. We're going to go get it fixed today after a birthday party we're going to for a girl I work with's son.

I also discovered a cool site to watch old tv shows on for free. I've been watching Doogie Howser and a smurf's Christmas special. They even have gumby. Click Me

drawing to a close

2007-11-30T09:02:00.000-08:00

Amazing how fast some things fly. Next week is the last week of classes and then the following week are the finals. I have 2 more projects to complete and then the final exams.

This morning Craig and I met up with Jarod and Marcus to help Jeff move. Jeff is, I guess, Craig's boss. Well, he runs the theatre at least and tells Craig when to work. Jeff wanted us to take over his lease, but after walking up and down the million narrow stairs, I don't think so. It is a beautiful place with a huge balcony and a great view, but a lot of stairs that curve in 2 different spots.

After, I got industrious and did some touch up painting in the kitchen. Some of the paint had chipped from normal wear. It's kinda scary, but I feel like cleaning.

I'm beginning to hate holidays

2007-11-28T05:54:00.000-08:00

It's amazing the way holidays can sneak up and bite. And how nice peaceful days can try into madness.

Thanksgiving day was a nice relaxing day where we rent Ratatouille and made homemade pizza. I had to work that morning, but the rest of the day was relaxing. We ended up going to bed around 11pm with thoughts of early morning shopping in our heads.

The day after thanksgiving, I woke at 2am and was just awake. I toss and turn and finally get back to sleep when my alarm goes off at 3am. Craig and I headed off for Kohl's where we waited in line for 15-20 minutes before they opened. We bought a couple things and were out within 30 minutes. Next we drove over to Sears, where we had about 30 minutes before opening. They opened a little early and we picked out dress shirt and tie sets. They were regularly $40, but on sale for $15. We thought it was a good deal. It took forever to check out. There were only 4 people in line in front of us, but the cashiers were so slow. I think we spent more time in line to leave than it took to shop.

After shopping, we headed home. I ate a little breakfast and left for work (had to work at 7am). I ended up getting off work early. I went home and took about a half hour nap. Craig work me and we decided to go back out shopping since many of the deals ended at noon. I don't think we ended up buying anything, but it was fun to watch the madness of shoppers.

Home again and back to nap time. We slept about 3 hours and woke up around 6pm. By this time, it felt like the day just wouldn't end. We watched tv and putzed around till 11pm and decided to call it a night. I headed off to bed and stepped in a puddle at the base of the stairs. I noticed the carpet was really wet. After investigating, we discovered that the drain in the furnace room, where the hot water heater is, was flooded. The whole room had standing water which was also started to leak under the wall into the kitchen. We called and woke our landlord and they came over. They left about 1am, after vacuuming the water up and cleaning the drain. Finally sleepy time.

The next morning, we got up at 7am to get ready to go to st. Louis. We were having thanksgiving dinner at his mom's house. We had everything packed up and about to walk out the door when we noticed a large river of water in the kitchen. The whole room had flooded again ad spread out farther. The landlord came and started working on it again. He said the main sewage line was clogged and was trying to get someone to come out to fix it. We decided to go ahead and leave since there was nothing for us to do, but now we had to take Josie. So we pack up and hit the road.

Josie kept meowing the whole way. Usually she curls up and sleeps, but not this time. About Perryville, we can't take it anymore. We pulled over at Walmart and discovered blood in the backseat. Josie had cut her foot open and was bleeding all over my car. We called our vet, who set us up at the vet in Perryville. We took Josie in and they put some ointment and powder on her foot and bandaged it up. They told us to leave her in her carrier to let it close up. More driving and more crying. After a time we pulled over, let Josie out where she apparently really had to go. Back in the carrier and on the road, finally the cat quiets down and sleeps. By then, we were in St. Louis.

Dinner was nice and we got to go do a little shopping, but then we headed home to stinky apartment and wet carpet. It was late when we got back so we headed straight to bed.

Sunday we went and rented a rug doctor to pull water from the carpets. We also discovered Craig's car wouldn't start. It wouldn't jump either. So we shared my car all day.

Monday, I finished using the rug doctor on the carpet and even let some baking soda sit on it as suggested by my sister. The room doesn't smell anymore! We returned the machine and replaced Craig's battery to get his car working.

I'm ready for a holiday that's actually peaceful.

Oh, and Josie is fine. Her foot is healing well. Really wish we knew what she cut it on.

down and ill

2007-11-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

Saturday I bought a car bra. Yes, it's called a bra. It covers up the front end of my car so all the damage is covered. I'd been wanting to get one for some time, but they're expensive. I finally found one on ebay for $35 and that included shipping. It looks nice on.

Sunday I started feeling ill. It started in my throat and I felt all stuffed up. By monday, moving off the couch was a chore. I've got a horrible cough and my nose keeps running. I also alternate between freezing and melting. Today is the last day of classes and then thanksgiving break. I have 2 tests and 2 projects due today and it's hell just to hold my head up. I've been trying to study, but can't concentrate. I wonder if my professors would let me take the exams later....

I think Josie likes me being home and laying on the couch. She likes to snuggle under the covers an purr.

diet?

2007-11-16T09:12:00.000-08:00

Well I've been trying to keep to my diet. It's been hard. Amazing how I tell Craig and he's supportive, yet now he keeps wanting to take me out to eat to places I really want to go. I like food too much...

So Craig's car was acting up this week. Wednesday it wouldn't start, so spent the day carpooling. Yesterday we tried to jump it, but couldn't get it to take a charge, so he pulled out the battery while I raked leaves. Kinda nice to rake leaves, forgot it could be fun. I ended up with this big pile. I kept resisting the urge to jump into it.

We took his battery to Auto Zone where he has a lifetime warranty on it. They gave him a new one which we then installed in his car. It's working fine now.

So we got a new neighbor. Kinda weird to hear someone moving around over there again. The last person hadn't been there in a couple months and was evicted. He seems nice and has a dog that likes to bark at Josie while she suns in the sliding glass door. Only bad thing is that he smokes. Our hallway next to the connecting wall smells of it.

Only a couple weeks of classes left and so many projects due. I seem to spend all my free time working on chemistry. blah!

A new me?

2007-11-11T06:59:00.000-08:00

So I've decided to go on a diet and start working out more. Yesterday, I spent the day preparing food to help with the diet. I then went to the rec center and tried out some of the machines and weighed myself. Scary, scary...

I think I've decided to officially start my diet tomorrow, so today I can try to finish off some of the tempting foods around my apartment.

I also want to go to the next Nero event and play my secondary. Well for a Halloween party I went to, I tried on the outfit I made and didn't like the way it flowed together. So now I'm digging out patterns and material and working on something new. Or at least something that will tie it all together.

I'm in the newspaper!

2007-11-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

Last night I ended up going to go see a show at the river campus. Craig had been bugging me out seeing it, so I ended up with tickets. I told Richard we could do something that evening, so I called him and brought him along. My friend Richard is an older gentleman who is going though a divorce and I thought it would do him some good to get out. At the show, a reporter talked to us before the show and then ended up sitting next to us also. It was funny because Richard got to go on stage and participate. Criag was running one of the spotlights for the show and hadn't reconized Richard. He said they were talking over the radios about how well richard was doing.

Ended up being a really good show.

Southeast Missourian

happy halloween

2007-10-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

Last sunday, I went to a halloween party with a couple people from work. It was fun. We played games and munched. I think thats all the halloween festivities for me. Tonight I think I'll go hang out at the library and read. Just don't feel like ditting home along again.

In exciting news, I found this site where I can watch my favorite fox shows online.

pumpkin carving!

2007-10-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

Last night, we carved our pumpkins we had bought at pioneer orchards. I did ghostbusters and a pirate. Craig did a phi mu alpha and a colts insignia. This morning a finished up mine and made spider pumpkins!

Craig's in St Louis today for a band thing, while I'm bumming around the house.

Home again

2007-10-21T16:19:00.000-07:00

This picture was so cute, I had to post it twice. Josie has really grown since we got her. She seems pretty happy too.... and pathetic. She's now almost 7 months old.

The trip to st Louis was very nice. The plaza by the arch was very pretty. We had fun soaking in the hot tub and relaxing. We didn't take Josie since we had errands to run and no where to really leave her sunday.

On the way back to cape, a scary thing happened. My odometer flipped to 100,000 miles. So upsetting since it's only 3 years old. I guess thats what I get for driving to Alabama and Illinois (not to mention St. Louis) so often.

semo homecoming

2007-10-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

My kitten has become a cat.

Craig got me a cake for my birthday. Yes, it is a cheeseburger... cake.

Today is the university's homecoming. I went to my very first homecoming parage. It was actually pretty interesting. I got a picture of Craig in his uniform and some free candy. It was rather cold, but the place we were sitting in front of was giving out free hot chocolate.

I put up more halloween decorations when I got home this afternoon. I saw this cute idea for pumpkin spiders and want to go get some pumpkins. Craig also wants to carve some.

After he gets done with the game, we're goning to st louis for the evening. He has to get some stuff from home and then we'll be back sunday. I have a free comp certificate from Drury that we're going to use tonight. I need to make a trip by the office to get that worked out. I think we might stay at the plaza downtown....

Pictures!

2007-10-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

I created a photo album for everyone to go view my pictures from! I also added our nascar pictures from the race!

Follow Me

of storms and gripes

2007-10-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

Last night a big storm system went through Cape. I woke up at 3am freaked out because I could hear things hitting and/or falling off the roof. I woke up Craig... i wasn't going to suffer the scariness alone. His response, of course, was to go back to sleep. I got up and outside, you could the trees whipping every which way. I found out later that we were under a tornado watch. The storm finally calmed down and I got some sleep.

This morning there was a huge branch on my car. It being almost 7am, I pulled it off and left for work. I couldn't tell if the branch fell and was blown into the front of my car, or had partially fallen on my car. Either way I have more dents and scrapes in my front end.

I called the insurance company for grins. They said they only covered damage after my deductible. Since my deductible is high, I doubt anything would be covered. So I'm not going to waste my time.

Today I had to do a study for my psyche class. It's required that I do 2 studies that are given by a higher level class. The one I did was on short term memory and false recall. At one point, we had to listen to a paragraph and then recall different parts of it. All during that, a girl was responding to text messages on her phone. If I was the person doing the study, I would have kicked her out. How can you recall anything if you don't listen to the paragraph. Doesn't add meaningful data to the project.

So I have a chem test later today and still more classes, blah.

It's raining

2007-10-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Imagine that, a post!

I finally got around to picking up our pictures from talladega today. When I get home after chemistry, I'll do some posting.

So far, my week follows most of my other weeks.... work, go home and get shed on by the oh so happy to see you cat, school, school, homework, and early to bed. Yes, I go to bed every night at 10pm. I have to or else I can't function at work and then I'm sleepy during class.

I also get up every morning at 6 or 7am, even my days off. Better to keep my sleep schedual than to fall apart later on. Craig's not so big of a fan of it. I tend to wake him early wither he likes it or not. I get bored waiting on him to get up so I can actually do something. Although I don't think he should complain since he woke me at 2:30am talking in his sleep about there being no cement in the bloodstream. Serously which I had some clue what that meant....

Last weekend!

2007-10-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

Since my birthday was spent at nascar, Friday, we went to st louis to celebrate. Craig also had to have his emissions checked to get his car registration. I got to go to Jo-Ann fabric and buy more sewing project stuff and the to Garden Ridge which is an outlet store for holiday decorations. Craig took me out to lunch at Joe's Crab Shack. I'd never been there before and to Dave and Buster's which is a grown up arcade. We also went to the Ameristar casino and gambled away $20. We had a bunch of fun and head back to cape that evening.

Last Wednesday was the start of fall break, so I've been lounging around all weekend. Nice to relax after traveling so much. Today it's back to classes.

sorry about the delay

2007-10-15T05:48:00.000-07:00

October 5 - Big lets travel to nascar day! I dropped off Josie at one of my friend's home where they have a cat named Pickles. Then went home to wait for Craig. We had to wait until after 5:30 for Craig to get out of band to start the journey. We drove for a couple hours and finally stopped and camped in Candis, Kentucky. It was dark, so it was rather interesting to put up the tent which I had put up for the first time 2 days before.

October 6 (my birthday!) - We woke up early. The place we had camped was very gravelly. It hurt to even walk in the tent without shoes. I made breakfast of pancakes and we broke camp. The best thing to say about the place was that it had nice showers. Of course I had to walk past the scary spiders to get there.

Back on the road, we past through the rest of Kentucky, Tennessee, and into Alabama. We stopped right after the boarder at a neat rest area with a big rocket model set up. Jenny and Curtis called to say happy birthday while we were walking around. Next we went to Huntington, AL, home of the Space and Rocket Center. Our first real tourist stop and my disposable camera stopped working. We ended up having to toss it and bought a new one inside ($14!!!!). They had some really neat exhibits set up. I was upset over the monkey display. I was happy that they did have a monkey memorial set up. There Renee called to say happy birthday.

On the road again, we finally made it to Birmingham, AL. It was around 3pm and we went in search of camping. We stopped at a state park to see if they had room (they have running water), but it was full. So we decided to head to the race track for the free camping they offer. You just have to have your tickets to get in. The closer we got, the more zoo like it became. There were planes flying overhead with banners and stands set up along the road. People and traffic everywhere. We past by the first camping area to see if we could find better camping closer. All the other sites where full, so we turned around and went back to the first.

Camping was just a huge field that was a free for all. There were pathways for cars created by all the tents and RVs, but they just sort of appeared out of no where. We drove around for a while till we found a big opening near enough to the public port-a-pottys. The people next to us were really nice and even offered us tickets to the truck race that was going on. It started about 3pm and was currently around 5. They also said it was about a mile and a half walk and we still hadn't even set up for the night. We took them, but ended up not going. The camp site was pretty nice except for the sounds of generators and someone playing Conway Twitty all freaking night.

October 7 - Another early morning. We were up by 6am. We tore down camp and decided to park closer to the track. Traffic was a nightmare. It was hard to believe that it was only 7:30 in the morning. We got to a closer lot and went up to the stands to buy me a shirt. Craig also got a nextel set with 2 headsets for us to use. It was pretty neat since you could watch the race on it and listen in on the drivers or officials talking. It also had other features to look through, like driver ranks and the like.

A little after 9, the gates where open, so we went through the gates into the race track. We bought food for an arm and a leg. Pulled pork sandwich for $6 and fries for $4. They were selling bottled water for $3. We found where our seats were and then went down to pit road and got to walk along the actual track. I took Craig's picture on the start/finish line and at Jimmie Johnson pit box.

We killed a lot of time till 12:30 when they did all the introductions and finally started the race. It was very hot and dirty. there were a couple of neat wrecks on the track, some pretty close to us, but overall a rather boring race. Craig said it's due to new cars they're using and restrictor plates which lower the speeds. The race let out around 5:30. It took us about 30 minutes to get out of the parking lot and then another hour to get back into Birmingham. From there we drove back to Nashville, TN and stayed in a drury and had a nice hot shower. It was so nice to be clean again. I honestly think I was dirtier than any Nero event I've been to, and that's not showering for 2 days.

October 8 - another 6am morning and back on the road. We finally made it back to Cape where I dropped off Craig at the river campus and then headed to a meeting. Long time, but it was fun. Just glad to be back.

nascar weekend

2007-10-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

I'm tired. We just got back to cape today around 10:30 and I have a meeting at 11:30.

Will update later....

big update

2007-09-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

kinda hard to think of where to start.....

friday 14- mom came down to cape and hung out with us.

Saturday- Craig had a foot ball game, so mom and I hung out and went to the semo fair. Lots of yummy food and mom bought this really cool shirt that reacts to sunlight. Its black and white and then turns all sorts of color out in the sun. I also met this lady walking around with a monkey. She said it cost $5000, I didn't ask if that included permits.

Sunday - Craig's mom came down and all 4 of us went to lamberts. Yummy food and then we went to the outlet mall right by the restaurant. My mom left and then i went to work.

The rest of the week has been school and work, as usual. We received our nascar tickets in the mail. Craig was so excited and dancing around with them. I also taught craig how to sew. He wanted to work on this pattern we bought, so I helped him cut the pattern and showed him how to use the sewing machine. It might seem a little weird, but i actually know a lot of guys who sew. Including a couple in the military. My friend Ben said he got heckled about owning a sewing machine while he was stationed in Georgia awaiting deportation overseas.

So this weekend was pretty fun. Saturday we decided to go to the johnson shut-ins. I saw on tv that parts were reopened. So we packed things up and drove to arcadia valley. All the postings for te shutins said closed, so we went to elephant rocks state park instead. We walked all over the park and my showes gave me blisters. We then went to taum saulk mountain state park. Its the highest point in Missouri. My ears actually popped going up the mountain. We then were going to head back, but decided to stop at fort davidson. Ended up there was a civil war re-enactment going on. We walked around and found this stand selling home brewed drinks. We got this cherry bark soda and went through the shops. It was pretty neat to see. We then headed back home and st oped in Jackson, MO and went fishing. Craig caught 2 small fish while I lost a lot of lures.

Sunday, Craig and his friend Chris went fishing out at Duck Creek park. Craig really likes to go out there. I went to work. He said they didn't have much luck, but lost a lot of lures.

I've been watching the Buffy the Vampire slayer series. I'm on season 6 now!

test day

2007-09-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

Both my classes today have an exam :P I've already finished one and still have to go to chemistry and have fun with that final.

So far, it's just been work and classes. I did stop by AAA and picked up info on driving to talladega. Craig and I are planning on going the weekend of my birthday to the nascar race. I've been trying to get a hold of matt, but he never answers his phone. We're thinking of leaving friday after craig's last class and driving to nashville where we'll spend the night and then continue on to talladega, al. There, we'll camp and go to the race sunday. Saturday's my birthday, so we're thinking of doing some sightseeing in nashville that day.

Mom and I talked and she's not going to be able to come down this weekend, so saturday I'm going with the fossil club to imperial to find fossils. It's just a day trip, but it sounds like fun to me. Craig's second game is that day, so he'll be busy. Sunday, his mom is still planning on coming down.

So Craig and I implimented a cleaning schedual. We took the main chores and split it up by 2, so we each have 1 kind of cleaning activity to do almost every day. Nothing on weekends, since we like to go out. Each week, we'll trade duties. I think it's going good since I don't feel like so much of a maid, although I think we need to add laundry to the list....

Speaking of laundry.... Last night at the fossil club meeting, I got to tye-dye t-shirts. I still need to wash mine out, but it was a blast.

The Wedding

2007-09-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the long awaited wedding of nick and cindy. We estimate that this couple has been seeing each other for about 10 consecutive years. It was about time. They had a full catholic ceremony where I got to sit and explain what was going on to all of my non-catholic friends. The best was when my friend Rocky (a baptist) went up to communion and returned with a host to ask what he should do with it. The reception was held later in the evening with much dancing and an open bar. I swear they were watering down all the liquor.

Sunday, I returned to cape and Craig and some of his guy friends went back out to duck creek to go fishing. I went over one of the girlfriend's place with josie and we made cookies and watched the cats play. Katie and Jared have 2 cats, 1 younger and 1 older than josie. Turns out my sweet kitten is a bully and kept picking fights with their cats. She finally wore herself out and it was cute to watch their larger cat, kayle, try to curl up and nap with Josie who kept swatting her away.

Monday was my day off and I was a lazy bum. I finally got dressed to go to class, but spent a lot of time doing nothing. Craig and I went to the semo fair here. We ate good stuff like fried oreos and fried snickers. Both where quite tasty and yummy. Not as sweet as you'd think.

All this week is test fun. All of my classes have an exam due. Plus I have a formal write up and some other misc homework due. My mom is planning on coming down this weekend and craig's mom is supposed to come down sunday.

passing on the fun

2007-09-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

Seems Craig caught the icky-nasty bug I had. At least I finally feel human again!

He played at the student recital today. I managed to get there just in time to see him go onstage. It was rather neat since it was at the recital hall at the new river campus. I also ran into a professor I use to have, Dr. Anderson. It was nice to catch up with him.

Yesterday I ran into Richard, an HP and Anthro major from my first time through college. I was talking to him about the fossil club I joined on campus. He said he was going to try to stop by sometime. I might still be able to do wild cave crawls with him since he's still active in that world. I miss caving, but like he was saying, there just isn't anyone who has the devotion or time to bring the grotto club up again.

Saturday is the big wedding day. Nick and Cindy are finally tying the knot. I found a dress yesterday. I still need to get a gift. I think I'm going to be going up with Amanda and Mike, but am in discussions about getting our group to stay over night in the same hotel. It's going to be a great wedding.

Second week of school misery

2007-09-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

I managed to catch a really bad cold and felt awful most of this week. I missed two days of work and most of my classes thursday and friday.

By saturday I was feeling better, so craig and went fishing. We found this really neat wildlife preserve about 45 minutes from Cape called Duck Creek. It was massive. We rented a rowboat and got to explore a part of one of the lakes. It was very pretty. We caught a couple fish, but nothing we could legally keep. I catch a little bass, sunfish, and a catfish. Craig caught a 14in bass at was just under the limit. As we were leaving, my tires sounded funny, so I pulled over on this little dirt road and we found this marker for the battle of Mingo Swamp. Nice little find in the middle of nowhere.

Sunday we started working on a mosaic puzzle of charlie brown and I got the joy of working after a long hiatis. On a plus note, I finally finished recovering craig's loveseat. Very pretty!

Today was another day of work, then we went fishing at the local park, capaha park. No luck there. We also attended a friend of craig's birthday gathering we got free food and played with their 2 cats, monster and kayle.

Been awhile

2007-08-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting in a bit. It's been crazy with school and work.

Right before school started, Craig and I went to st louis to get his desk and lawn mower. It was amazing, but we fit the desk in my car. It was in the front seat and back seat. A little tight with the desk, me &craig, and josie's traveling gear.

School started last week and class went well. It's kinda nice to work in the morning, I start every morning at 6am, and then go to class. I'm usually done around 6pm and get to go home and relax.

I'm now a double major in Historic Preservation and Nursing. Since I have to wait to start nursing classes and finish about 5 pre-req's, I have time to do some other classes. So I only need 5 classes to finish out my minor (Historic Preservation) and make it a major as well. If I actually finish both, I'm have 3 bachelor degrees! Talk about over qualified >< class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">kmart since it conflicts with his frat meetings.

Saturday, Craig played with the SEMO Show Band at walmart for some rally thing for football. I got to go watch and be supportive. We also started working on this big puzzle we want to hang in the living room when done.

Yesterday was a beautiful day, so we took Josie to petco and bought her a leash. We then went to the park and tried walking her. I think she actually was walking us. She did very well pulling us around the park. It was cute when this elderly lady brought her little dachshund over. She said she use to have a cat and the dog was excited to see another one. Josie wasn't very thrilled and got big and puffy. People think its weird that we take her with us all the time, but she does like to travel.

i have no life

2007-08-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

It's amazing to talk to people you haven't talk to in a wahile. Made me come to realize that I really have no life. So what have I done this summer? Survived it, bout it.

I work, clean house, do yard work, and sometimes go to st louis. Blah.

Josie is spending the night at the vet getting declawed. I feel bad cause I know she's going to be in pain for a while. She has a new trick of jumping into the kitchen sink. Surprised us since we didn't know she could do that.

I did get accepted at the hospitals program, but until the class of '09. I'm going to go talk to them and see if I can get moved up to '08.

Planning on a visit home, but not set in stone. The last couple of times I've tried, I had things go badly. Maybe it'll be a surprise....

Craig and I are having our 1 year in a couple of days. So far we're both working opposite shifts that day. Maybe we'll pass each other on the way back and forth.

sad day

2007-07-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been posting much. I've been working in the 50+ hour range at work and then trying to see my boyfriend the other couple of hours I'm awake.

So I've signed up to take classes this fall at the university. Still waiting to hear if I was accepted at the hospital's program....

Josie got her rabies shot today and is all legal like. We even got the city license. Now we're planning on getting her declawed at some future date. She got her picture taken at the vet and even he remark how unphotogenic she is. She just hates to look at the camera.

On the other hand, Mr. H passed away today. Craig is upset at lossing his pet. We don't know what happened and Craig is working on burying him. I other to get him another pet, but we do have Josie.

beginning of july

2007-07-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

For the fourth, Craig and I threw a big BBQ. Lots of our friends came over to enjoy the festivities. It was a good time.

Yesterday, Josie had her kitten appointment and got some shots and some flea/tick repleant. She had an ichy reaction and slept all day yesterday. Her face got a little swollen and she was sore. This morning, she's more like herself and even ate. Poor thing is still moving slow, but at least she's not sleeping all day.

In Addition

2007-07-01T18:15:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I posted :P

Craig and I have been working the last month on moving. We now have a bigger place closer to campus, but further from both our jobs. I've been so busy with unpacking, rearranging, summer classes, and a full time job.

Friday night, Craig and I took a little vacation and went to St. Louis. There, we made an addition to our family that jiggles. Her name is Josie and she's 10 weeks old and just as cute as can be. She's already fixed and we're working on getting her declawed before long.

We're also planning our house warming BBQ on the fourth. Seems I invited a massive amount of people. Should be fun!

Craig's 23!

2007-05-31T08:44:00.000-07:00

Today is Craig's birthday. We got up early today and went to pick up the keys to our new place. We're going to go by there later and do some measuring. I surprised Craig. We stopped at schnucks and I told him I had to use the bathroom. So he went to pick up a few items I went and picked up his cake. I ordered it a couple weeks ago and they had it waiting. He was so surprised that I come back with a cake that has his name on it. I got him several nascar presents for his birthday. A Jimmie Johnson jacket, 2 t-shirts, a long sleeve shirt, a polo, and some pj pants. He can now dress in total Jimmie Johnson wear.

2007-05-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Tessa Nova Thompson, daughter of Jeremy (Torin) and Megan.
Born 12:25am May 28, 2007
6lb 10oz, 19 inches long

Craig just bought guitar hero 2 and we're going to go see pirates 3!!!

not much fun

2007-05-27T08:10:00.001-07:00

lately has really sucked.

Monday I got hit at the intersection of independance and mt auburn. The other car was a big suv. It had like no damage, whereas mine had to have pieses removed to gimp it home. The dark color make it hard to see the damage with photos... it bites. I bought a manual on fix my car and think I might be able to do some of it on my own. A friend I work with is going to come over today and have her boyfriend look at it. Maybe he can help.

Friday night, I woke up at 2 am to a dry thraot. I got up and saw a bunch of flashing lights and noticed that the apartment across from us was on fire. Large cloud of dark smoke were just pouring out of the building. I woke craig and we went to watch. I haven't heard what caused it yet. (http://www.semissourian.com/story/1213897.html)

I also found out that my application for the hopitals nursing program hasn't reached the commity yet. So form came in late, so it will be reviewed late july.

new post

2007-05-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

Last saturday (5-12) Crag and I went on a trip to silver mines conservation area. It's about an hour and a half from here by Fredrick Town. We had fun hiking and doing a little fishing in the river. He did some fly fishing in the river while I mostly tried to get a fire started to roast hotdogs, but failed miserably.

Mostly lately, I work. I got the job at Drury and work a full flex shift so I can make $.75 more an hour which I need since I'm still playing catch up from not working in April.

Speaking of unemployment... I have to go through an appeal trial the 22 over the phone. Apparently Dierbergs is appealing the governments rulling that I recieve un employment. Yeah, the whole one check I received from unemployment. So who knows what will come from that.

Yesterday, Craig and I got up at 8:30 in the morning and signed a new lease on an apartment. It's closer to campus. Since he'll be going to the river campus and I'll have some classes at the main campus, this is better situated in between. It's a duplex set up like a town house. You walk into a split foyer. about 5 steps up takes you to the master bedroom, bathroom, and second bedroom. down 6 staris is a big kichen, laundry room, and kitchen. We're even allowed to have a pet.

After signing the lease, we went out to the conservation site just out side of cape and did some fishing. We each caught some fish, but nothing worth keeping. We even both caught a fish at the same time. We had our lines in the same area and he caught a fish, he was reeling it in and I felt a pull on my line. I thought I had hooked his line and was trying to back off when we saw 2 fish coming in on both our lines. It was funning because they both jumped the line about the same time.

Craig's been having problems with his back draining clear fluid, so tomorrow he's driving to st louis for a doctor's visit. There were a couple days that it looked kinda pussy. Of course this morning it looked much better.

car accident

2007-05-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

May 4, I was on my way to visit my parents when I hit a tractor trailer tire that was in the midle of I-70 in the fast lane. We were right before the lake st louis exit. It was dark and I didn't see it until it was too late. I hit it and pulled off. 3 other cars ended up hitting it also while we were on the side of the road. I took a picture of where we hit. I went by a dodge dealer and had them look at it. They said there wasn't any internal damage that they could see. Then 3 days later, the front bumper panal started falling off. I kicked it sorta back in place, but who knows how long it'll hold on. You can still see the gap under the headlight where it's not a tight fit.

sick craig

2007-04-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Craig came home sick and spent most of the day throwing up. This actually continued into sunday. Not much fun to listen to him puke and groan about being sick.

I went to a baby shower over in Vienna, IL saturday. My firends, Megan and Jeremy (Torin) are expecting a little girl early in May. It was a lot of fun and I got to meet and talk to people I hadn't seen lately. Megan had a duck cake her mom made. Tasted yummy too.

So this morning I spent doing household chores and cleaned the hamster cage. He looked dead sleeping upside down. I thought I'd be nice and do it since Craig took a wiff and threw up yesterday.

Craig's back is healing quite nice. He likes the pictures to be posted :)

busy depressing day

2007-04-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

Last night I stayed away till midnight waiting for Craig to call so I could go pick him up. We got home and settled into sleep closer to 1am. The alarm clock came way to early. I had a meeting with my advisor at 9:30. I found out that there are about 5 classes I need in order to take an nursing classes. Of course, I can't take any nursing classes until Fall of 2009. That's 4 whole semesters, plus 2 summer sessions, to take 5 classes that I can actually take all of this fall. That sets graduation in 2011 :( The other option I have is to take classes through the hospitals program. They have a 2 year program which I'd tehn have to go back to the university and take 6 more classes to actually get a BS RN. Otherwise, after 2 years I'd get a RN. I think this sounds like a good idea, but I have to apply. I recieved all the paperwork and have to pay the $40 application fee... which I don't have since I'm unemployeed.

At 10am, I went downtown and filled out more paperwork at DFS showing my last pay stub. I also got the fun of talking to unemployment. I was told I'd hear the results sometime at the end of next week. I then went back to Brandt and met up with Craig. I told him about the RN programs and he left for Brandt.

11am, I tried signing up for classes. Out of the 5 I need to take, only 1 had any seats left. I spent an hour with that agrivation. Most of these 5 classes would also transfer to the hospitals program and would be less I need to take there. I also worked on verification for finanical aid.

At noon, I met back up with craig and ate at wendy's. I then ran out to rainsoft and told them I didn't want the job they offered me yesterday. I don't want to do telemarketing.

1pm, dropped off craig for class and went to the UC to fix my ID card. For some reason it wasn't working. I then went by finanical aid to fill out paperwork to get my aid since I have no job.

Craig called around 1:45 to come meet him since he was done. At 1:46, Dury calls me and says my drug test came back clean and they need me to sign a paper to accept a job. I say, I'll be there in about 20minutes. I walk to Brandt and spend the next 15 minutes looking for craig. I call several time and look all over, but no craig. I finally get fed up and leave him a voice mail and go. I got to fill out paperwork and go over the training schedual. 15 minutes later, I'm back at the campus looking for Mr I Don't Answer My Phone. After 10 minutes of waiting in the car calling, 5 mintes of walking through brandt, 10 minutes in the car, 2 minutes of driving to a parking spot and walking through brandt, 12 minutes of waiting in the car, and another 5 minutes of walking through brandt.... I finally find the missing bum. And he wonders why I'm upset.

After a quick trip to the library, I'm finally home to fill out my paperwork for unemployment and for the application to the hospital.

Oh, I also found out that I should get my first paycheck on May 1. Out of which I have to pay $250 to the stupid credit card, $178 for rent plus my storage unit, credit card bill, cable, phone, and water. Oh, and my sister. Being broke blows.

A job..... maybe?

2007-04-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a 3rd interview with rainsoft. They explained the pay system, which was not what I thought when they first talked about it. You either get a straight $7 an hour OR commission, whichever is bigger. I really don't like that idea. I did the math and $7 won't cover all my bills and leave enough extra to play nero and have some fun. Besides, it's also teleamarketing wihich doesn't sound like much fun. The interview was at 4pm and at 6pm, they called me and asked if I could come to a training class wednesday at 1pm. I said yes, but then realized that we're not going to be back down here by then. His appointment is at 11am in st louis that day. If it lasts an hour and we jump in the car and dirve back down here, I'll be about 30-45 minutes late.

This morning, I had a 3rd interiew with Dury. They're offering more money ($8.50-9.25) and it's appoinment setting. I did a drug test in the office, where they scraped my check. I should here if I pass within a week. If that comes back fine, I start training next week. They even gave me a copy of the training schedual starting next thursday. I'd rather work there, so I need to call rainsoft and say sorry, no.

Craig's really excited about his appoinment tomorrow. This morning, when he woke up, he noticed the big scab at the top fell off. It looked kinda wet, so we stuck a bandage over it, even though it didn't look like it was weeping. Better to be on the safe side. It's healing nicely. So tomorrow, we're waking up early, driving to st louis, and driving back.

ucky

2007-04-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I had a job interview that lasted 2 and a half hours. I talked to the one manager, observed the job, talked some more, and left. I was told I might hear from them in a week. I have another interview Monday for a different job.

Craig and I are supposed to be on our way to st louis right now, but I feel icky, so we're not going. My tummy doesn't like me. So instead of going to the zoo and having easter lunch with his mom, I have on my monkey fleece pants and am going to live on the couch watching "North and South." We just reached Book 2 when the civil war starts.

Yesterday I recieved stuff from unemployment to fill out and it looks like I qualify. Maybe I'll get money to live on until a job comes through. I also received an ebt card yesterday. Craig was excited that we could go buy food. I hate having to use it, but food is good. Pretty depressing, but maybe one of these jobs will come through.

Craig's back is doing really well. You can see were the scar is going to form and most of the scabs have fallen off. His doctor check up is wednseday.

We did gets his car fixed. We took his battery to Auto zone, where he had bought it. The tried charging it and it failed. So they looked up his reciet and gave him a new one. We put it in his car and it started right up. He's driven it a couple of times and it seems to be working fine now.

meh Thursday

2007-04-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

New day, new picture. I think it reallys good.

Craig's done with class for the week and has tomorrow off for Easter. So we're off to run errands. Maybe by the end of the day, we'll have Craig's car up and running.

New Projects

2007-04-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

So I've been busy going to every wesite I can think of and applying. I've been to 2 open interviews and had 1 phone interview so far. I have a face to face interview Friday and I was supposed to have a phone interview this afternoon, but no one called.

We're still working on getting Crai's car up and running. We tried taking the battery out and hooking it to a charger, but had no luck getting it to charge. We plan on taking it to auto zone tomorrow to get it checked.

Craig has a new project. He's working on making a cigar box guitar. He saw it on a friend's blog and decided to try it. We went yesterday and bought supplies. We went to a tabacco shop and ended up buying 4 boxes. They were buy one, get one free. Next, he spend about $10 on bolts and some wood. He's got everything, but the strings and has been working most the night on putting sound holes in the box. My dremel tool is getting a work out.

We did take a break and go on a flashlight easter egg hunt. The rec center sponsored it over by the baseball fields. I was amazed how many people showed up. They handed out pillow cases for everyone to use and lined us up. It's amazing how rude people can be over finding chocolate. The girl next to me was pushing people out of the way. I ended up finding 2 and sharing with poor gimpy who couldn't run. Just a couple pieces of choclate.

Craig's healing really well. He's got his 2 week check up next wednesday where he gets to find out when he can bend and move more normally again. Here's the picture I took this morning.

I'm a Aunt!

2007-04-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

I just got a call from my mom. My sister http://itslasvegasbaby.blogspot.com/ gave birth this morning to a little. Thomas Warren Pehl entered into the world at 10:45am, weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces. He's 20 inches long. Mom said they got to the hospital a little after 8 this morning and Thomas appeared after about 2 hours. She said he came out screaming with a full head of dark hair.

Back Pictures!

2007-03-31T20:08:00.002-07:00

So in Febuary, Craig had an MRI done revealing the herniation. Here it's clear that the black blob is out of place.

So this is his insicion site the day after his surgury. To give a good idea of how low it is on his back, the pants just cover the buttcrack.

I took this picture Yesterday March 31. So Day 1 being the surgury, this is day 9. You can already is how much its healed!

Craig's surgury (with pics!)

2007-03-31T20:08:00.001-07:00

So, on March 23, we woke up at the buttcrack of dawn to go the hospital. We arrived about 6am and checked. It was kinda weird because we still had to wait in the waiting room, so we were given one of those blinking and buzzing things like at restaurants that let you know your table is ready. They also have this weird rule that only one person can be with the patient and gets to wear this badge so the doctor knows to talk to that person. So when the buzzy thing went off, Craig and his mom disappeared into the doorway and left me with the buzzer. I was allowed to go in, but only once he was ready to go into surgury and they buzz me to let me know. So I waited around, watching the news until the buzzer went off.

I went through the magic door and wondered around aimlessly until I met a nurse who directed me to the right room. Craig was in one of the flattering gowns with a blanket. I got to say good luck and the nurse came to take him away. It was about 7am when they took him into the operation room. They told craig's mom and I to go wait on the 10th floor for him. So we left and found the cafertia. His mom had some breakfast and then we made our way to the 10th floor. The doctor said there was a waiting area which turned out to be a long hard sofa and two chairs situated next to the nurses station by the elevater. No tv and nothing to do but wait. It was also very cold. I always forget how cold hospitals are.

Around 9:20, we get a page to come to the nurses station. I found this funny beacuase they could have just leaned over the couner and asked if we were waiting for Craig. Craig's mom talked to the doctor on the phone at the nurses station and found out that the surgury was over and Craig was in ICU. They were waiting for him to wake up and would then bring him upstairs. So back to waiting.

At 9:45, I heard Craig's voice. I got up to invistigate and found him and the nurse talking in one of the rooms. His mom talked to the nurse and joined us. I even got on of the nurses to give me a blanket cause I was frezzing to death. We hung out at the hospital till 7pm before we left. Craig was being kept overnight. The next morning I went to work, but He called aroun noon to let me know he was released from the hospital and home.

This picture is right after he got into the room with his mom in the background.

It's been one of those days

2007-03-31T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today has really been one of those days. I was going to post this big thing about Craig and how his surgury went, but instead I'll list the things that have gone wrong.

1- (10am) I lost my job.
2- (2pm) Realize that Craig left one of his bills at home and will have to pay an extra $10 fee.
3-(4:30pm) I locked my keys in the trunck of my car.
4-(5:30pm) Find out that my cell phone has been disconnented most of the morning. eh, who needs calls anyway....
5-(7pm) Craig's car won't start. Won't even turn over. We think the battery is dead, but will play with it tomorrow when it's not raining.

Texas and armor

2007-03-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

So Wednesday I went to St Louis for work and Thursday, Craig left for texas. He went with the women's ovc tornament in basketball. So I know nothing about sports and am horrible at explaining these things. Either way, Craig plays with the showband and traveled with them for support. Southeast played oklahoma last saturday. It was broadcast on ESPN2. I was the dutiful girlfriend and turned the game on to watch for my guy. I then cleaned the living room and vacuumed the floor. Like I said, not a sports person. SEMO lost and craig flew back to Cape sunday. Secretly I was hoping they'd loose so craig would come back sunday. If they had won, he'd of stayed till Wednesday.

It was nice to get to see him sunday, although he came in and turned on the tv. He was so excited to come home just in time to see the start of the nascar race. I worked on his armor while he watched his favorite driver, Jimmie Johnson, win. I'll admit I got into the race at the end while Craig yelled at the tv and was so excited. Even when it was over, he was waiting for his friend Matt to give him trouble.

So this is craig's armor we're working on. Ok, I've done most of the work, but it's mostly Craig's money that's going into it. As you can see in the back, It's missing chunks. We're out of eyelets again....