Patriotic Duties

Today I paid my civic duty by making the trek to the polling booth and voting. I typically like to vote on Election Day, but decided I'd vote a few days early. I have a couple of observations that I would love to hear the readers input.

First of all, as I was next in line to get my ballot, I had to wait a couple of extra minutes because someone had come in who was disabled. Apparently, people who are disabled don't have to wait in line. Now, honestly, this doesn't bother me because I'm a pretty patient person and I wasn't in a hurry, but people who are disabled can wait in line, too! Heck, I tell my students (all impaired in some way) to wait all the time. Perhaps my years as a speech therapist has allowed me to not feel as sorry for one who is disabled as much as your average Joe (shout out Joe the Plumber).

Secondly, as I was waiting in line, a former student of mine was waiting to vote. Now I assume it was his first election (come on now, I'm not that old) and a couple of family members were waiting for him. Remember, if they were a student of mine, then they were impaired in some way. As he made it to the front of the line and was getting his ballot, his mother went up to the front with him and took him back to the polling booth. Okay, so this is my problem. I am all over everyone's right to vote, but I'm thinking it crosses the line when one has to walk another through the process. Now, I think it's one thing when there is some fine motor situation and one needs help filling in the box or hitting the right key on the electronic ballot, but I assure you this was not the case. It makes me feel as if someone had two votes to give instead of one! Wouldn't that be nice?

Random Comments

I realize it has been awhile since I have posted. The last couple of months have been crazy and if I were to post, they would have been written with bits of rage.

Anyway, I do have some random comments to make from observations I have made in the last few weeks.

1. It makes me laugh when I see people at church trying to sing along when a new song is being introduced. It's especially funny when you hear people's voice going up when the tune actually goes down. It's also funny when you see their mouths moving and they are on somewhat of a time delay compared to the worship leader. Yes, sometimes my focus is not where it should be.

2. Being bitten and spat upon by human children (that are not mine) is gross.

3. A lack of shared political beliefs in either presidential candidate brings forth apathy about the upcoming election.

4. Dogs are boys and cats are girls. No matter what you say, I'll always believe it.

5. Finally, while I love the unpaid vacations you get in education, I'm tired of new responsibilities without increased compensation.

Oh yeah, and go Cowboys!

And Now It's TIme For the Story Gal

These are the pants that Marci wore.

Do you see the hole in the pocket of the pants that Marci wore?

Imagine Marci's face when the principal informed her of the hole in the pocket of the pants that Marci wore.

The good news is
I can laugh at this
But never again, will I not check the pocket before I walk out the door.

Just Another Day at the Grocery Store

The other night I had to stop by the grocery store and pick up a few things. All I needed was Kashi Crunch, skim milk, bananas and diet coke. But I couldn't pass up a slice of chocolate cake that looked so good from the bakery. I know, it's quite sinful, but sometimes a girl has gotta get her chocolate fix!

I certainly didn't feel great about it, but just couldn't put it back! So as I'm trying to pay and get out of there, the young, male cashier says to me, "I hope you enjoy your milk and chocolate cake, but you can make up for it with your organic cereal!" In shock--and a little bit of insecurity --I said, "yes, I'm very healthy."

I suppose if the cashier's job is to call out the item as he/she scans it, it just might be a good diet program for me (sounds like a best seller to me). That was embarrassing! Let me honor my right to eat whatever I want in private, please! That is no way to treat a lady!

"One World, One Dream"

I have been enamored with the Olympic Games ever since my dad bought our first apple computer back in 1985 and with that, the Olympics game. I wish I could remember the name of it, but I do remember clicking the up and left arrow keys over and over in order to attempt to beat my brothers' times at the 400 meter race. The graphics weren't the best; in fact, as I recall the "runners" looked a bit like this (<). Looks like a person to me! :)

The first Olympic Games I remember watching was in 1988 hosted by Seoul, Korea. I can remember watching the opening ceremony and getting goosebumps as I watched the American flag followed by the 600 athletes representing our great country! During those two weeks of the Olympics I would watch as much of the Olympics that was aired (yes, even wrestling and weightlifting--and I hate those sports). I would go to bed at night pretending that I was a world class gymnast about to compete in the All Around competition, or I was a swimmer participating in one of the relays (not to brag, or anything, but I always won gold--I was a pretty big deal)!

I have grown up a lot since then, but to be honest, I still sometimes like to daydream I'm about to compete for the gold! I can already feel the anticipation creeping back. So many questions will be answered in just two weeks. Will Shawn Johnson make history and win U.S. gold for the Gymnastics All Around? Will Michael Phelps win every event he enters? What about Dara Torres, will she win another gold--as a 41 year old she will be swimming yet again (I think that means, I still have hope)? You can be sure I will be watching these current Olympic Games, feeling like a 13 year old again, daydreaming I'm about to kick the ball in the goal to break the tie for the gold medal game--or whichever sport tickles my fancy at that moment.

Here's to being a kid again! Drink up everybody--it's Kool-Aid time!

265,320 Minutes

It's been 178 days since my beloved has left me! Alone and in despair I've had a difficult time moving on, though it seems that the world has moved on! The following is just a smattering of important events (good and bad) that have occurred in this beautiful world of ours in just 178 days:

• Senators Barack Obama and John McCain will be the presidential nominees
• China was hit with the 19th largest earthquake (8.0) of all time where over 69,000 people were killed
• The Mavericks have lost in the playoffs...again
• The Baylor Bears played in their first post season NCAA Tournament in a few decades
• Two great political analysts have died in Tim Russert and Tony Snow
• The 4000th death of military personnel has taken place in Iraq
• The polar bear is now an endangered species
• California has banned transfats in restaurants and New York is requiring nutritional information to be posted in all restuarants
• Roger Federer has been defeated in two consecutive Grand Slam Championships by Rafa Nadal
  On a personal note
• I have broken a bone and it has healed (mostly)
• My brother and 4 of his children have all turned a year older
• My parents have begun their final term in HK
  

I could go on and on! But the fact of the matter is my countdown is almost over until my beloved returns! In just 4 days football season officially begins with the Hall of Fame football game! I have to admit the sports geek in me has already been plotting my draft day strategy for our upcoming fantasy football league. In eager anticipation I've been perusing the sports sites to find out what others are planning. Will they go the RB-RB-RB route or RB-WR? What's a girl to do? For now, I'm going to go to bed in anticipation of what a new season will bring!

Enchanted

The other night I was telling my friend Kelly about this guy that I met who I thought was amazing! I told her that I wish I could just skip all the preliminary crap and just get married. She agreed and took her finger, moved it in a clockwise motion, and moved time forward. Then POOF! I found myself married! How exciting! Interesting experience!

Later, I was telling my friend Heather all the details and then asked her how she was doing! She informed me that since I met this guy and married him, I hadn't spent anytime with her! This admission made me feel so bad! I decided that perhaps I was putting my own desires ahead of everyone else! I apologized and told her I wish I could change that, so she took her finger, moved it counterclockwise, and moved time back--and POOF again, I was just plain old single me again!
If you haven't already figured it out (hopefully by sentence 3), this was a dream I had the other night. When I woke up I thought about the dream for a little while and it made me wonder which things in my life I would sacrifice even though I desire it so much! I don't know the answer, but I think it's a really good question to think about for a little while!

One Stroke At A Time

I decided that my bathroom needed an update! I was tired of the white bare walls and decided that it might be fun to paint! I've never painted before and I never thought it would take so long! I only thought to purchase one paintbrush (see image). Jaime and I would alternate holding the paint tray and painting as our arms got tired! Thanks, Jaime for the help! I couldn't have (and wouldn't have) done it without you!



The following post has the before and after pictures!

Rate My Place

Before


After

Let Me Muse

I've always wondered why people use terms of endearment for people that they don't know. I must admit it doesn't bother me quite as much as it does others. But, I have noticed that I think about it less when it's an older woman and think about it a lot when the woman is my age or younger!

The other day I was at one of my favorite restaurants in Lewisville called Tierney's Cafe. I was completely ready to order! I knew exactly what I wanted when the waitress looked at me and said, "what can I get for you, little lady?" "Um...Uh...Um.....oh, yeah, I want the...." Her use of "little lady" caught me so off guard that I couldn't remember why she was talking to me and what I wanted. I looked around at my friends who were with me and I could see they were trying to hide their amusement!

Then yesterday I was watching an episode of America's Got Talent and Sharon Osbourne (who happens to be British---as well as, by the way, my favorite character on SNL's Celebrity Jeopardy) used the term "darling" towards a 9 year old boy. I realized that terms of endearment sound much better with a British accent! I don't think I'd mind being called "darling" by Sharon Osbourne! I actually might like it---secretly.

Breaking Free

I had an experience yesterday that justified cause to stop and celebrate a small turning point!

I was driving around town running errands when something very odd happened to me! I was at a stoplight and I heard a knock on my passenger side window. I turned my head and saw this attractive guy in sunglasses knocking. Strange! A little intrigued, yet slightly afraid, I rolled down the window. He handed me his card and simply said, "in case you know of anyone who might be interested." There was a honk a couple cars back and I looked up and the light had turned green. The man ran back to his car and drove off. As the car drove by I noticed that it had US government license plates. I picked up the card he handed me and it was a recruiter for the US Army. I didn't really know what to think because I'm pretty sure it is not a normal setting for one to give one's card to another!

A few hours later, I couldn't get this rather curious event out of my mind. What would prompt someone to get out of their car in the middle of the street and give someone in another car their card? I decided that I had to call and find out! Now, there have been many situations where I have wanted to call someone or a business for whatever reason, but have chickened out in the end! This time, I had my 2 readers in mind! I knew that they would want to know what happened and I would not disappoint.

So, I prepared to put on my best investigative reporter voice and dialed the number....then hung up and paced my apartment a few times. After hanging up and pacing for about 30 more minutes I finally dialed and it began to ring. At this point, secretly, I'm hoping that since it was 5:30 no one would answer, but much to my unpleasant surprise, I heard the voice on the other end. I asked for the good "staff sergeant" and my hopes that he was not there almost came true as the secretary said, "I'm sorry, he's not here, may I take a message?" "That's okay, I replied, I got his card today and I might just e-mail him instead." Phew! E-mail, I can do! "Oh, wait," I hear on the other end, "he just walked in!" At this point my heart is giving me a full workout! My armpits are sweating and my hands are clammy! I hear him say something on the other end and I began my previously rehearsed dialogue.

It went something like this..."Hi, my name is Marci and I was the girl in the car at the stoplight earlier today (I didn't know how specific to be as, again, not quite sure if that was a normal form of recruitment)." He indicated he remembered, and I went on "well, I've been thinking about what happened, and I had to call. Not because I'm interested in joining the army but rather because I have to know if knocking on one's window, handing out their card during a stoplight is a standard procedure for army recruiters." Whew, I did it! Now I just had to wait for his response. I sensed that he may have been a little taken aback, but his voice disguised any insecurities he may have had as he informed me that "we do what we can to get the information out there." What? You've got to be kidding me! I don't believe for a minute that this is standard procedure! This was not the reply I was thinking I would get--although, I didn't really know what reply I would get! So, I said, "well, Sir, I just have to say that is a potentially threatening situation to be put into." He assured me it was not his intention to scare me and then his next comment was absolutely laughable! He proceeded to ask me if I knew of anyone that might be interested in the army! I told him I did not and wished him a pleasant 4th of July Holiday!

I have to say I was very unsatisfied with the phone call, but I have to take him at his word, I suppose! At this point, I'm sure you're wondering what my small turning point was. It is simple! I made the call! I did it! I put away my fear of potential rejection. For those of you who don't know, I'm terrified of rejection. I'm not just talking in relationships, but any form of negative response. I take it personally! It's one of the reasons I have such a hard time making decisions when friends ask me what I want to do! Secretly, I'm afraid they won't like my idea and I'll get my feelings hurt!

I'm interested to know what you girls think?

Hypothetically Thinking...

WARNING: THIS POST IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. PROCEED WITH CAUTION!


This morning I woke up to my cat making very strange noises. I was a little groggy, so it took me a few seconds to figure out what was going on! I turned toward Dot and saw that she was staring intently at the ceiling. I looked up in the direction to which she was so intent and saw a blob. It looked like someone had accidentally smeared paint as it was the same color as my accent wall. I wondered why I had never noticed it before! Everything is a shapeless blur without my glasses so I put my glasses on and saw that this "blob" was making its way down the wall at this point. My first reaction was to curse the fact that I don't have a roommate (or spouse) to kill it for me; and secondly, looked around for a shoe to take care of the deed myself.

Following my successful mission, I began to wonder from whence it came and how many more there might be around my 800 square feet of fun! I looked at it closely and my mind began to wander! I began to think about how the frequent baths I have given my pets has washed away lots of fleas down the drain. What if I was watching evolution as it happens? Is it possible that all those fleas could morph into one medium-sized cockroach (at the very least, it sounds like a good B-grade movie to me)? Is that such an outlandish thought? After all, fuzzy caterpillars evolve into beautiful butterflies, why can't dirty fleas turn into nasty cockroaches? Man, I'm gonna get rich with this discovery! Just remember folks, you heard it here first!

That Flea-Bag Dog

This is what that human put me through today because that stupid excuse for a dog couldn't stay away from the fleas! She not only gave me one bath, but two! Then, once I was all dry, she had the audacity to rub more stinky stuff on me and get me all wet again! Doesn't she know that cats bathe themselves? I'm not the one who rolled all over in the fleas! And, before she put me in that round thing filled with water, she
had the nerve to sit me down and cut off my nails
so I couldn't even use my claws on her! I got my

revenge later when I threw up a hair ball on her carpet! Ha ha!

I don't know. Sometimes I like that crazy human but most of the time I just want to get out. I'm sick of my confinement! I swear, one of these days I'm going to make a break for it and I'll be foot loose and fancy free! Although, that would mean I won't have that nice litter box and great food! The dog's not so bad when he's not so flea-infested! On the other hand, maybe I'll stick around for a little while longer! I'll keep you posted!

I Think I Could Do Better "Then" That

I must be on a word kick lately!

One of my biggest pet peeves is when published words are misused when they should have been edited. There are two popular songs I hear on a regular basis that drive me crazy every time I hear them! The first is the song by Carrie Underwood called Before He Cheats. The lyrics say "I might've saved a little trouble for the next girl. Cause the next time that he cheats, you know it won't be on me." I can't listen to this song without thinking about this line! Carrie, I love you but, he won't cheat on you if you're not with him anymore!! However, he might cheat with you if you are not with him.*

Next we have the new Taylor Swift song, Our Song. The lyrics are "our song is the slamming screen door, sneakin' out late, tapping on your window. When we're on the phone and you talk real slow cause it's late and your mama don't know." Okay Tay Tay, I know you're young, but I'm not sure how talking "real slow" is going to keep your mama from hearing you on the phone. Perhaps talking real low might help, however!*

*The lyrics used in this post do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of the author. Kids--cheating is wrong and you shouldn't ever sneak out of your parents house late at night---or anytime, for that matter.

Word Forms

Today, while shopping at the Wal-Mart, I was perusing the doggie treat aisle. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a woman coming with her shopping cart. Before I could move out of the way I heard her say, "Can I be over there?" My initial reaction was to respond, "Not if you're over here," but I suppressed my urge and moved aside.

Growing Older and Wider

I always thought I would be one of those women who would choose to grow old "naturally." However, now that I am in the throes of growing older, I'm rethinking my initial intent. As my hair is getting seemingly more grey, I color my hair a bit more---and it's not just for fun anymore. Also, my laugh lines are showing through so I decided to buy anti-wrinkle cream. Since that didn't seem to work, I now wonder how much an eye lift would cost!

I also find myself marveling at why it is that tops which seemed to fit quite fine a couple of years ago seem to be a little too short and perhaps a tad too tight! It must be some preservative in the thread that isn't working--right? Not to mention the pants in my closet! I wonder how much a tummy tuck would cost (can they do that to my butt, too)?

I do find myself thankful for the little life lessons (some of them were big, actually) I learned while in my 20's. Lessons such as we're all human and never be surprised at the mistakes people make as you just might make those same mistakes someday, life is not centered around me, it's okay to not be okay, it's just not okay to stay that way, and on a lighter note--there is nothing like a night out with just the girls. Thank you, Jesus, for the lessons You teach!

Even though getting older and wider is a tough trade-off for those life lessons, I guess those life lessons make it worth it and I can honestly say each year I'm a little older and wiser. Let's hope my 30's are filled with life and lessons as well, just not as difficult! But you'll still find vain me saying "here's to making enough money to combat the appearance of growing older."

Cheers, everyone!

What Would You Think?

Picture this:
1. An accident on the side of the road.
2. A white man with a cowboy hat
3. An Asian man (possibly from India)
4. A pick-up truck
5. A Honda Accord

Did you automatically assume which man drove what car? I did! When I came upon this scene I laughed and thought how funny it would be if the guy with the cowboy hat drove the Honda and the Asian man drove the pick-up. It made me stop and think that perhaps I was guilty of racial profiling. Don't get me wrong, it was a very funny thought, and of course I made the right assumption. But, I realized that there are so many assumptions I could make that may be considered prejudiced. Not that all these assumptions are always true, but that doesn't stop me for often thinking them! For example, all Chinese people are good at math, all black people can dance, Jewish people are good with their money, all white women love to shop (okay, maybe that one should be all women), and the list could go on and on and on!

I guess my point is that race seems to always be an issue! Will there ever be a time when we can look at a person and never see them as part of a certain race? I don't think so! It's kind of sad, really.

How Many Times Has This Happened to You?

The other night my friend Heather and I ended up at one of our favorite haunts in Plano. I love this place because it's smoke free and you don't have to worry about smelly clothes and hair when you leave! Anyway, Heather and I ended up befriending two girls from Kenya, one guy who was so into Heather that he bought us a round of drinks and his buddy who was so high on some type of substance to the extent that at one point he asked Heather if she was speaking English, one married guy who asked me to dance (loser), one drunk British birthday girl who decided to lift up her dress to show me the Rolling Stones tatoo on her hip---twice, and two recent college graduates that we talked to for so long that before we knew it, we were closing down the place!

Anyway, illegal substance guy was so high that a bottle of Dom Perignon and 650 dollars later, he was ready to leave (thank goodness); but the DP was fun--especially since it was free!

It's great to be single in the city!

No Subject

My foot is a bit swollen tonight. I guess I've been doing a little too much these last couple of days and my dog stepping on the exact spot of the fracture probably didn't help any!

Okay, back to the topic of dating...

I was trying to think earlier about the last time I had a crush on a guy and to be quite honest with everyone I can't remember! What a great feeling to be so smitten with somebody that you wonder what they are doing every minute of every hour (unfortunately for me it was usually one-sided and it was perhaps stalkeresque at times)! Anyway, why is it that I have this idea in my head of what I'm looking for and when he's not a complete package I give up?

My aunt stated the other night when questioning me about life and love that perhaps God has called me to the gift of singleness. Hmm....is that really a gift? What? No life partner? Dare I say it...no sex? No children? Growing old alone? My response to dear Aunt Barbara (whom I adore, by the way)? "Dear God, no!" I've wondered lately if this is the time when I end up settling! I hope not! A friend of mine just got married in December and when they got back from their honeymoon her husband got really sick and was recently diagnosed with transverse myelitis (swelling of the spinal chord that affects every aspect of functioning). If that could happen to her, it could happen to me. I want to be quite sure that if I get married I want to be so in love that I wouldn't mind taking care of a sick husband.

I really don't have any answers, but as for right now, my current friend is sweet enough to warrant a fourth date, I suppose!

Have You Had Your Break Today?

Today was supposed to be a nice fun day down in Dallas to watch and experience, for the first time, the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The parade was all well and good, we even managed to run into some people that we knew. After the parade we went to lunch and finally were making our way back to the car.

On our walk back towards the car I tripped on a curb and in my head I'm thinking, "concrete coming towards you, catch yourself!" I managed to catch my fall with my other foot, which then landed on a second curb and that's when I felt the pain! The pain was so great that I couldn't talk and everyone was crowding around me asking me if I was okay and I still couldn't talk! I was having mental images in my head of my upcoming race that won't happen and all the soccer games I won't be able to play for awhile! Sharon kept asking, "are you okay? are you hurt? is your spirit broken (that one made me laugh in my head)?" She told me later she thought I was embarrased by tripping in front of everyone (which I was--but at the moment that wasn't the problem). I finally managed to speak and informed the crowd I needed to sit down.

I hopped over to the curb and sat down and grabbed my foot. Someone had a cooler with ice, so I was able to immediately ice my foot. Another person had Advil, so I took 3 of those! Cristin went to get the car (which was a mile away) and Sharon was going to stay with me. I was a bit uncomfortable with all the attention and I assured everyone that they should go on ahead to their parties and my friends would take me to the doctor; so they all left with their well-wishes and statements that it's probably just a sprain. As soon as they left I started crying and told Sharon, "it's not just a sprain."

We made it to CareNow and sat down for the long wait. We finally made it into the waiting room and the nurse came into check my temperature, blood pressure, weight and all that normal stuff which I though quite unnecessary as it's clear why I'm there! (On a side note, I was quite pleased with my resting heart rate --64.) After she left we waited...and waited....and waited. I think we were in that room for an hour and a half before the PA came in. I can't complain, though, because conversation was good and time passed fairly quickly.

I have to say, I was hardly impressed with the PA. She checked the range of motion, which she thought I had full range of (I didn't). She felt around and asked if it hurt (it did). She then said, "I think it's just a bruise. Do you want to have an X-ray?" Are you kidding me? You're telling me that I can't stand on my foot because of a bruise? I've wasted my friends afternoon because of a bruise? "Yes, I'd like an X-ray." So they take the pictures and a few minutes later the PA comes back in the room and says "It's fractured!" To be honest, I was slightly relieved to know that I was right! So now, I have to go to an orthopedist and make sure it's not any worse!

I'm quickly learning how difficult it is to get around on a fractured (it's not even fully broken) foot! Sheesh! Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

The Age-Old Question!

The other night I was driving home from a date and I was reflecting on the evening and wondering if dating ever changes. Experience tells me it doesn't, but maybe it just doesn't for me! I've never been a big dater, really preferring to stay at home and watch a movie or play cards with friends. My friends and I have often discussed how dating is so awkward and uncomfortable. Especially the end of the date, there's always that question going through your head, Do I kiss him...hug...shake hands....or just walk away? So, as we're saying goodbye, he leans in for the hug and turns his head and kisses me right on the neck! I uncomfortably pulled away and said, "Okay, see you soon!" Now, upon reflection, this is the same thing I would have done as a 16 year old! Some things just don't change, I suppose. You'd think I should have learned to be savvy in the ways of dating, but clearly, I haven't!

I also started thinking about how choosing a mate changes as you get older. I don't think I would choose the same person today that I would have chosen 10 years ago. I wonder how many people end up settling because someone happened to be there when they were lonely, or wanting a family or for whatever reason. But then again, what is settling? I've never been of the frame of mind that there is only one person out there for me (funny since I still haven't found someone...one would think it wouldn't be that difficult), but rather there are many people whose personalities work well together. After all, love is a choice, right? And marriage is a commitment and you must be able to work well together so the importance of passion, or rather the level of passion has decreased as I've matured.

I'm going to continue this frame of mind in a later entry. I've many things floating around in my head.

On a side note....I'm going to consider giving up watching college sports (really just Baylor). There must be something wrong when while watching them play, my heart beats more beats per minute then when I'm running! I HATE being so freakin' competitive!

Rage

These are things that fill me with rage at the moment....

1. Baylor can't win anything--except sports that no one cares about!
2. I will never go back to the IHOP on Round Grove Road because of our poor service this past Sunday---and since it's the closest one---no more corncake pancakes for me.
3. Stupid people
4. Uninformed stupid people
5. Our soccer team can't win!

Why am I filled with rage? Perhaps it's because Baylor just blew a friggin 7 point lead with 3 minutes left in the game and my heart is pounding like mad! Or perhaps it's because I have a very odd cycle and my hormones are acting up---40 days people!

I need to learn to not be so competitive....Just Breathe, Marc!

Today my evaluation team, which includes a licensed psychologist, sat down with some parents and informed them that their child has a mild form of Autism. We've done this so many times, and it's not always easy, but today it really hit me hard!

How do you tell a family that no matter how hard they work, their child will always probably struggle socially? And how do you explain that so many things that we learn naturally through situations, like knowing when someone is being sarcastic, or using an expression and it's not to be taken literally, won't be learned unless it's explained---and even then might not be completely understood. How do you tell a father that looks forward to watching their child grow up and play sports, that their child isn't as coordinated as most children? How do you explain to parents that it's nothing they did, that they did everything right, but their child is always going to be a little different?

I guess when it all comes down to it, our differences are what makes us unique individuals. I just wish it didn't ever have to be a difference that may be dibilitating.

That's all I got...

Trapped

I think I've discovered something quite profound about myself this evening! I feel like I am a 50 year old woman trapped in a 30 year old body. All I really want to be doing is staying at home, watching a movie, cooking dinner, playing cards or simply discussing events of the day with a significant other. Instead, I'm forced to go on awkward first dates that may or may not move on to a second, or perhaps a third if I'm lucky! This is where a critical, slightly jaded and snide remark could be inserted, but I'll choose to take the high road!

I wonder what my life would be like if my best friend or family member took me aside, blindfolded me, put a wedding dress on me and sent me down the aisle to wed Mr. Unknown. Instead of having an awkward first date, it would just be an awkward first year. It might provide for some really good blogs, at the very least. But I wonder if I'd feel trapped in that situation, too! Hmm...

On a side note, next Monday begins a new adventure in my life in the form of indoor soccer! I've joined a winter indoor women's soccer league! Next up? Spring co-ed kickball (no lie)!

You Wanna Pet My Heifer?

My parents and I spent Friday on a little field trip. The afternoon started out at the Kimball Arts Museum in Fort Worth where we went to see the current exhibit on the oldest Christian artifacts. It was pretty cool. There were signet rings dated from the 3rd century, and elaborately carved sarcophagi that depicted stories of the Bible. But the highlight of the afternoon was when we were looking at a stone carving Jonah and the "sea monster" and apparently my dad got a little too close for comfort and was reprimanded by the elderly gentleman employee. All in all, it was a good exhibit and I recommend it to anyone wanting to make a trip to Fort Worth.

Next on our day of culture, we went to the Stockshow and Rodeo. We were walking through the stockshow buildings and this 10 or 11 year old kid comes up to me and asks with a southern drawl, "You wanna pet my heifer?" I didn't really want to! But he was so excited about his heifer that I couldn't say no. So, he spends about 10 minutes telling me about how he has to show her for the competition on Sunday. As he's talking to me, this cattle owner is quickly prodding his cow along in the narrow aisle behind me. When the cow is directly behind me she decides that she needed to do her business---a lot---several times. I was praying it wouldn't splatter up on me or I was going to smell like poop for the rest of the evening.

The evening was completed by watching grown men rope calves, get on a horse for it to buck them off, and ride a very angry bull. If that's not entertainment folks, I don't know what is!

Boredom ensues

Yes, it's true! I'm the most boring pet owner around! Gilbert, I cannot throw your rope every minute of every day! I'm sorry! I have too many things to do---like watch Deal Or No Deal and The Amazing Race. And Dot, you cannot possibly be hungry! I JUST fed you 3o minutes ago. Quit chasing me into the laundry room as if every time I go in there I'm there to quench your hunger! In fact, that's just about the only time I see you run!

Stop looking at me like that! Seriously! Stop it!

Uninvited

I thought I was going to have something so great to post about today, but as it turns out, I don't! I thought I was going to have this great--yet somewhat exhausting day (I'll explain later) out at Texas Stadium watching the Dallas Cowboys hopefully beat the New York Giants. But instead, I'm forced to watch in my own home!

It all started when my friend, Mike (the Saturn guy,) asked me if I was interested in going to the Cowboys game. I assured him that I was, but monetarily speaking, it wouldn't be a good choice. So he dropped the subject and then called me yesterday and said he was bidding on tickets and wanted me to go as his guest! I quickly accepted. However I did have some reservations because his friends like to tailgate ALL day! They wanted to get there at 10:00 and then after the game go to the bar at the stadium and party some more! But--I didn't let him know my reservations!

When he called to inform me that he got the tickets I responded with excitement and asked him what the plan was. He told me that he would come pick me up at 8:45, where we would go pick up everyone else! Well, I am training again and I told him that I needed to run in the morning and that I would take an hour to run at 6:45 AM. Plenty of time to get ready, right? Well, our conversation was cut short because I arrived at my destination where he told me to call him when I left.

When I did leave, there was a text message that read "I thought you would be a little more excited to go to a Cowboys home playoff game..Your jog sounds like it was more important, so plan on jogging..."

I then responded that that was crazy. He then said, "Well...I guess I felt that you didn't want to go, so I don't want to go with you. Call me crazy but we shouldn't go together." A couple of more texts were exchanged, but essentially I was uninvited due to a misinterpretation of something I said. Keep in mind that the whole time we were texting, I was trying to call him and he wouldn't answer the phone.

This guy is so manic and I have dealt with his depression, but I really wasn't prepared for this at all! So this morning I woke up and texted him and said "Am I still uninvited?" to which there was no response! What a baby! I'm done with Mike the Saturn guy (who I was not dating anyway).

A Little Change

I was bored today, but wanted a change, so I decided that since my current monetary status is "penniless," I would color my hair on my own. The last time I did this I turned my hair pink. I think it turned out a bit better this time. What do you guys think?

My Life--the Documentary

The other day I was dining out with some girlfriends and we were talking about whether or not our lives would be interesting to other people. For example, what if my life was a reality TV show? Would it be interesting to anybody? I do have some interesting, yet sometimes embarrassing, things happen to me.



In fact, just today I had somewhat of an out of body experience where in the midst of the event I felt like I was watching myself from a distance wondering, "Hmm...what will Marci do in this situation?"



I was working with a couple of high school students today. We were playing a game and both of these kids are bad losers--just like me. Both of them had already expressed negative emotions when not performing well, but it humors me, so we went on with the game. One of the students was way behind the other, however, he had the opportunity to switch places with his opponent if he just answered the question correctly. Of course he missed the question and I must say I was not prepared for his response. I see his face contort and I thought--"ooh, he's mad." Then he slams his hand on the desk and says "!#$%it!!! I'm sick of this sh#$!" I look at the other student who is looking at me with horror written all over his face, and I look back at the emotional student and calmly said, "I sense you're upset (which was a little difficult to say with a straight face--but I managed)." He then hit the desktop computer, where I responded, "It's okay to be frustrated when things don't go your way. But this is just a game, it's really no big deal and I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't hit my things." After a few minutes he was able to calm down and we were able to finish the game.



I love it when things like that happen! It just makes my day a little bit more interesting. It was also fun telling my mom that story! Tsk! Tsk!

In My Head

Do you ever hear someone say something and the image in your head is so hysterical you wonder where it came from? I seriously think that my gift is a result of watching a ridiculous amount of television!

The other day my friend Kelly was telling me about how a parent told her that she was going to bring someone to her ARD meeting--but didn't tell her who she would be bringing! So, Kelly kept referring to the "mystery guest." Well, is it normal that in my head the mystery guest was walking around with a normal body and a block with a question mark on his/her head? Not unlike that of Jack from the fast food restaurant commercials.

Sometimes I think I'm too funny for my britches, while other times I think that no one understands my sense of humor! Just this evening, my own mother didn't recognize that I was being dreadfully sarcastic after she asked me a question with an obvious answer.

The Cole Linebarger Turkey Trot

This Thanksgiving my family decided we would rent a little cabin in the woods! We had so much fun! It was nice to get away for a few days where cell phones didn't work, but thankfully, we did have wifi--and cable, too! The highlight of the trip was the Cole Linebarger Turkey Trot (I told my nephew, Cole, that he needed to milk the name for all it's worth!). Before the event, I was determined to win, but just seeing everyone running/walking--grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and dogs--was so comical that in the end, winning didn't really matter anymore! Aren't we a handsome bunch with our Turkey Trot T's?

Little Gracie

Can you believe my little Gracie is 11 years old? As I stare at this picture I have lots of memories flashing through the recesses of my brain! It seems like yesterday that my family was sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner while my sister-in-law was having contractions! Isn't she beautiful?