Randomness...

Well I have had my first dose of sunburn for the summer. And boy is it pretty. It's all splotchy...from where I put sunscreen on the kids I baby-sat...and then some must have gotten on me. So I'm part white...part sunburned. My friend I babysat for said "Sarah...what is your background...are you Irish". I said "no, my background is pale." And really after sitting in the sun today I realized...I'm almost transparent I'm so white. Last weekend we went to a friends house and one of my friends that I hadn't seen in awhile said "Gizmo, I really didn't think it was possible to be any more pale than you were...but somehow you succeeded...you are even whiter than before.

I babysat a 3, 5, and 7 year old...and boy do kids say the darndest things. I let the kids play in the sprinkler outside. I asked Myles if it was cold. His response "yeah, can you turn on the hot water". So cute!!! The 3 year old said "look at the duck with long legs" talking about the blue heron at their lakeish thing. Not really a lake, not really a pond. Back to the sprinkler...I forgot how much fun kids could have in a sprinkler. Seriously, hours of entertainment in a mechanism that sprays water. And it was just a lawn sprinkler...but that was plenty for the kids.

Speaking of kids...my biological clock is about to explode. (sorry mom...but I'm not getting any younger). Casey and I have talked about kids names. Oh...no, I'm not preggers...just thinking ahead. I don't want the typical "trendy" name for my children. I have always been partial to Jackson, and Emma...cause of course I'm going to have a boy and a girl. :) I like Jackson Edward (after my grandpa), but we also like Charles Jackson (after Casey) but of course he'll go by Jack. We've added some other names. I also like Ava, Sloan (for a girl), Chase, Cooper, Miles, Sawyer, Harper, Abigail, Ella, Grace, Avery (a current favorite), Stella, and Elise. A blog friend just had a baby and they named her Emerson. I LOVE that, but we couldn't have an Emerson and a Madison (we already have Madison) because those are two fairly big street names on our side of town...and I wouldn't want people thinking we named our kids after streets. I also LOVE Mason but Casey has Veto'd that. I told him he doesn't get a say since he's already had one child...that's all the say he gets. I'm kidding of course but he has to realize...this is what I've always dreamed of...so he is just going to have to go with what I like. Hmmm...maybe I should wait until I am engaged...and married. I will say though, I had always heard of the "biological clock ticking" and I thought it was soooo silly...until mine started. Its a real thing. Plus it doesn't help that my friend just had a beautiful baby boy.

Enough about babies. Lets talk about our wildlife. I am blessed to share this amazing property with Casey. Well I don't really "share" I just reside. We have four acres of trees and flowers, and grass. It really is beautiful. We have a pet raccoon (not really a pet). I think I'll call him Rocky. Or maybe Ricardo. There are also a ton of rabbits. And apparently there's a fox...but I haven't seen him. Reese LOVES it here. The backyard is taken by the three other dogs, so Reese has a little stake we put in the ground and she runs around out front.

Well I need to go read my bookclub book...although I'm not fooling anyone...I'm so not going to do it. I just am NOT into this book.

Girlville, if you read this...I have a craft idea for you that you can sell on Etsy.

Interview...

Have you ever wanted something so badly...but if someone asked you couldn't really answer as to why?? I had this job interview today...and I was absolutely positive THIS was the job for me. I studied every possible question that an interviewer might ask. I had all the right words perfected...and then it came. I had to take a grammar test. Really...a grammar/spelling test for the girl that generally misspells grammar. With the invention of spellcheck came the invention of instant stupidity. First the calculater ruined math...now this. On the up side...I do have to go back tonight to meet with the other person I was supposed to meet with this morning. That automatically should win me brownie points!! The interviewer did say that she'd like me to come back for a second interview...so yay for that. But...as I was sitting there, in that stuffy office, I couldn't help but wonder if that was a place I'd like to work. Not a hospital so much...but the top executive office for the big wigs. Do I really want to trade in my jeans, t-shirts, and flip flops for suit jackets and pantyhose (which are required)? It was funny because the whole time I was getting ready before my interview I could hear my mom's voice in my head "did you put on lipstick?? You need some lipstick". Oh...and the answer is no. I put on some chapstick and went on my way. Then of course my lovely boyfriend says "make sure you take your make-up off before you get to work." To which I replied "I wear this same amount of make-up every day sweetie." I can't be too mad...he said I looked hot! :) Interviews are funny because you have this preconceived notion before you go in of how things will be...and then they're not. for instance...I have another one Tuesday with a different hospital...and I was really not excited about it at all...but now it's looking up...and I'm actually getting excited. What if THAT one is THE one?? I have stressed over this whole interview thing for the past week and I am mentally exhausted. I can't wait to go home and get in my new comfy bed...and just relax all night long. Just me and the puppy.

Speaking of new beds, we just got a memory foam bed. My ex husband and I bought a brand new pillow top Simmons Beautyrest...and it was horrible. So Casey and I just got a new memory foam. I think i'm in love...although it's only been one night. I will report more after it's been a few days. I just hope my constant back pain in the mornings goes away.

As you can see...I'm so incredibly sporadic with my blogging that I have probably lost all my bloggy friends...but hopefully you'll all pop in and actually get to read something new.

I have learned, although I always knew, that I am a forward thinker. I am always looking for the next best thing. Rather than jumping the hurdle right in front of me I'm already thinking about the finish line, or the next race. What I'm saying is that I'm not good at living in the moment. So...like everything else I do in life, when something bothers me, or puzzles me, or I just need to know all the facts...I turn to my researching. Call it a gift, call it a skill, call it what you will...I am an expert researcher. If I could get paid to do nothing but research all day I would have finally found the job I'm a shoe in for. But I digress. So today I have researched every thing under the sun as the "living in the moment" thing has become the newest addition to my ever growing list of New Years resolutions...although funny enough they all generally relate to the same thing. Happiness. I want to stop being negative. I want to stop gossiping. I want to be happier. And now, I want to "live in the moment". I looked into a gratitude journal, which led me to a blog where someone was talking about their list of things that make them happy. Not necessarily things they are grateful for...although in a roundabout way it's the same thing. And then I came across this website. For all those that don't feel like clicking on the link it's called 1000 Awesome Things. And the more I read the more I thought "oh man...I love that too". It's the greatest website. So I have decided I want to start a list like that. Although due to copyright laws I should probably come up with a new name. How about 1001 Awesome Things?? Just kidding, but I do need a title. Maybe I'll make a list of my favorite things. Being an extremest this shouldn't be hard because it seems like EVERYTHING is my absolute favorite thing. You may remember a post I had about extremes from my previous blog but basically for those that are new to this...I either love things or I hate things. Things are either going great or they're over. It's either too full or empty. If I had a nickel for every time I uttered a phrase like "this is the best song EVER" I'd probably be writing this blog from the comfort of my lanai in Jamaica. So maybe "a few of my favorite things" will be the title of this adventure. Not sure. I also haven't decided if I'm going to do this in a journal or on here. I think it would be fun to it on here and possibly even easier...plus it might inspire someone else.

Well I'm off...to make my list. Happy New Year!!!

Random Ramblings...

So my book club friend and I were talking about different books today. She told me that her favorite author is Jodi Picoult. I mentioned that another girl we work with said how disappointing she was. Then again...the latter person is Ms. Pessimistic herself so I don't put a lot of stock in what she says. Of course after Amy (book club friend) told me how brilliant Jodi Picoult was I HAD to read something of hers. I checked the library but no dice there. All checked out. Now...I have this horrible problem where if I get something on my mind that I want (ie: a book, a song, a movie, etc) I MUST have it...immediately. Its definitely not a good trait to possess, but one I possess anyway. Amy said she'd bring me the book tomorrow but that just wasn't going to work. What would I read tonight? Well I ended up going to her house to get it. I think Jodi has 16 books and I hope she's as good as everyone says, so I can have something to read for a long time. This particular book is Nineteen Minutes. From what I got from Amy its about this boy that was picked on horribly his entire life and eventually he snaps...and becomes a school shooter. Being a bleeding heart liberal (as my boss/friend so kindly put it today) I am sure I will find this book especially interesting. While I obviously don't condone killing (I'm against it in ALL ways, shapes, and forms...not just against it in a way that suits my beliefs) I do see why these people turn to these horrific crime. Kids can be cruel...horrible. Bullying should be a no tolerance offense. I was never bullied...but I was the victim of incredibly hurtful words in middle school...and I remember the name of the kid that did it as well as the words that were said..and the class it was in. Mrs. Callendrella to be exact...and I don't remember ANYTHING...much less middle school teachers names...so needless to say...I'll never ever forget. Anyway...I feel for those kids being bullied just as much as I feel for the people affected by these senseless shootings. I will let you know how the book is...and if you have read her books, please let me know what you thought!!!

I have an obsession. A horrible obsession. A very very fattening obsession...but this one ranks right up there with my obsession for Flav-o-ice popsicles. You're probably dying to know what it is. Well...it's Cheddar popcorn. Seiferts to be exact. OMG...I could eat this popcorn like its my job. I probably have a corn stalk growing in my stomach as we speak.

All those years of watching the Price is Right finally paid off!!!! My bloggy friend Girlville had a contest to guess how much she sold at her greats aunt's estate sale. Seeing as how I've never been to an estate sale I honestly had no idea...so...in true Sarah fashion...my guess was $1. You know...from Price is Right. I won, I won, I won!!! YAYAYAYAYAY me!!!!! I am so greatful for my bloggy friends!!!

Well...I guess that's all for tonight. I really thought I had more to say than this...but guess not. :(

Book Club...

So today a girl I work with asked me if I'd want to be in a book club with her. I've always longed to have a purpose in life. Okay, a purpose isn't exactly what I mean. I just mean that I have never in my adult life been a part of something. My momma is in stamping clubs, and bunko clubs, and reading club, and garden club, and day lilly club...and I, her 31 year old daughter have nothing. My mom is cooler than I am. There are so many things I would LOVE to do but I am the kind of person that needs guided. I don't take the initiative to do those things on my own. For example, I'd love to take a basic cooking class, or take dancing lessons, or go to a stamp club, or take a painting class, or a sign language class (that one is particularly important to me because Casey's daughter is autistic and I have read/heard that autistic children sometimes communicate by sign language), or so many other things. I have always known people that are in book clubs and it always seemed so fun but they were usually older than I was and we probably wouldn't have been on the same page (no pun intended) with our choices of books. Its going to be nice to have something for me in my life. I don't really have anything that's mine. I blog, but that's just because I love to write. I tailgate...but come on...that's not really a "thing". This will be something that holds me accountable...and I love that. So...the first book will be The Doctors Wife. I know my bloggy friend Pam is a huge reader so maybe she can give me suggestions or reviews. I have already done my due diligence and have called the library and it's on reserve for me to pick up tomorrow. My momma will be so proud of me. No wasting money on buying books (it's one thing if it's a book you love and will read several times over). I was trying to figure out what book I could pick...although my turn probably won't be until at least after April. I guess it does no good to pick a book now when all the good books will have changed by the time it's my turn. but...I did find this great website...and I think I am going to set a challenge for myself. This website is a list of 100 top book club books. My goal is to have read at least half by this time next year...if not all. I am a slow reader...and I have a tendency to lean more towards tv than books, but I'd like to get away from that and read more. The #1 book on their list is The Help which my momma's book club is reading. Momma loved it, so maybe after The Doctors Wife I'll get that one. We'll see.

Question...

Any of you heard of The Company Store? And if so...any comments about it???

And stupid question...but what is the difference in a coverlet and a quilt???

Randomness...

Please excuse the randomness but this will be an uber random/long post.

Three nights ago I was getting ready for bed and I took Reese out to potty one last time before we went to bed. Reese, much like her mother, has the attention span of a gnat, and when she sees something she is easily distracted from the task at hand. On the way inside Reese started growling and barking at my patio. I turned and noticed a shadow, which I then realized was a black cat. Knowing that Reese thinks she's much tougher than she actually is, I quickly dragged her inside and closed the door. I have never seen a cat running around and I've lived here for over a year so this was kind of weird. I looked out my blinds on the patio and the cat was gone so I looked out my front window at my door and she was sitting on the front porch. This particular night it was super cold outside. I put Reese in her cage and went outside to see the cat. Now...let me interject a few points before I continue. I have owned three cats in my life. Once as a child and two on my own will as an adult. All three cats were loving...not like a good majority of cats that are stuck up and snobby (non-cat people know what I'm talking about). However, sometime in my old age I became allergic to animals...both dogs and cats...however cats wreak much more havoc on my allergies than dogs because it's actually the saliva (yes, I've done my research) that causes the allergies and cats are constantly licking themselves. So needless to say, with the allergies came a dislike for cats. Well that and I also in my old age began not liking animals that shed. Luckily for me, Reese is a single layer fur dog and she never sheds...ever. I digress. I went outside and this was the prettiest cat ever. I literally FELL in love. She (I am calling her a she although I'm not sure of the sex) was all black with these yellowish eyes. I actually sat on my sidewalk in my t-shirt and sweats and couldn't stop petting her...and I never pet cats because if I do there goes the eyes and nose. She just purred and purred like she was in Heaven. And she'd circle around my back and rub her head on my leg. I got up and walked to the front of my building. The precious cat followed right at my feet. I was kind of hoping it would get some sixth sense and realize where it's home was...but no such luck. Kitty followed me all the way back to my apartment...not missing a beat. If all cats were like this cat (personality wise) I would love them all...despite my allergies. I felt horrible because I wasn't sure what to do with Kitty. I had no litter box and couldn't bring her in because Reese would flip her lid...so I left her outside and quickly came in to call Casey...my farmer-esq boyfriend. Casey said that whatever I do...don't feed the cat otherwise I will be the proud owner of a cat and dog. I asked if I could go back out and pet the cat some more and he said that was fine...just no food. When I went back outside...the cat was gone. :( That was a long story for nothing.

So I have decided (feel free to steal my idea...i have yet to copyright it) to start what I'm calling a "new months resolution". Each month I am going to make a resolution to make a change in my life. November's resolution is to TRY to stop worrying about things that I can not control. I can thank the two marketing girls at work for this. These two girls, both in their early twenties are fairly new. Their job description says that they are to work 45 hours. Well unfortunately for me I sit next to a window so I see when everyone comes and goes. They should be coming in at 9 and leaving at 6...plus working events. Instead they come in at 9:15-9:30 and leave at 5:00-5:30...and take an hour lunch. Now I'm sorry...but how is that not supposed to be frustrating?? This has bothered me (obviously) a long time...then yesterday I decided I was done keeping tabs. They're not my responsibility so I'm not going to worry about it. I can't control it. And what good is going home mad every day and then dwelling on it all night?? So my resolution is to only worry about the things I can change and not worry about the things I can't. December's resolution is to stop complaining. Not sure what January will hold for me. I'll keep you apprised of how this is going for me.

A few weeks ago I started listening to Christmas music at work. I never realized that it's virtually impossible to be in a bad mood when you're listening to Christmas music. Granted anyone that walked by my desk would harass me for getting into the Christmas spirit before Halloween but as far as I was concerned, if they didn't like it, the world was a pretty big place and they could find someplace else to go. This has also led me to the decision that I am going to make this the best Christmas ever. I am not going to stress this year about getting the right presents. I'm not going to stress about going to the mall. I'm simply going to take the time to enjoy the season. I'm going to take the time to reflect on what Christmas is about. I'm going to give to charity, and give to every bell ringer I see...even if it is just a nickel or two. After all...doesn't it feel better to give than receive? I think we have all lost sight of what the true meaning of Christmas is about. It's about love...not about who got the newest version of an IPod. It's about giving...not about getting. I can honestly say that this is the first year I could actually come up with a laundry list of things I'd like for Christmas, but that being said...I'd really just like a new camera (because taking pictures is a passion of mine) and that's it. Sure a new perfume would be nice...but I have perfume. Sure a new blanket would be nice...but I have blankets...and a snuggie. I think this year I'd like to maybe do something different. Maybe I'll ask for donations to charities. Or maybe I'll tell people not to get me anything at all. I'm not really sure. I just feel like I'm about as blessed in my life as one person could be and I'm not sure that another trinket will really matter to me as much as maybe a new toy would matter to a child that's going without. I'm not trying to be a humanitarian...but over the last week I have come to realize what a difference a kind word can mean to another person...which leads me to my last and final random topic.

I answered the phone the other day and this lady was on the other end of the phone. She had the most beautiful southern accent (I LOVE southern accents). I asked if she was from North Carolina (I could tell by her area code) and she said yes, and asked me how I knew. I went on to tell her that I could tell by her accent. We ended up talking for 2o minutes. Just a random stranger and I. I mentioned how I'd always wanted to live in NC...preferably Charlotte because its an amazing city. At the end of our conversation she told me she wanted to get my name and number and she wanted to give me hers. She said she wanted me to come down and stay with her and her family anytime. They have a 5 bedroom house and only two bedrooms are being used. She said they'd help me in anyway that she could. I learned more from this woman in the period of 20 minutes than I know about some of my friends I've known for 6 months. As we were getting off the phone she told me how great it was to talk to me and she could just tell I was a wonderful person. It was after that that I realized how a simple word can make a friendship. My daddy never knew a stranger. In fact it would drive me crazy because we couldn't go anywhere without him talking to someone. Just a random someone. And sometimes these talks would lead to correspondence. And my daddy would never forget a person. If he meets someone on vacation you better believe he'll be going back to that same place the next year to see if they're still there. While it gets annoying at times it's also one of the neatest things about my father. He knows no stranger...but I know that his letter, cards, poems or emails have touched most if not all of the people that have been blessed to come in contact with my him I can't help but stop and think sometimes what an amazing world we'd be in if everyone took a little more time to make someones day. Just a hello could touch a person...but it seems like we're all too busy to exchange that one word. Maybe that will be my January resolution. Maybe I too can change a persons life!