Thank You

I'm grateful for people that have welcomed me into their family. The Kaletas and Donohues, Lempas and Lallensacks who all make sure that I am now family instead of "crazy single old maid." I'm not only grateful to be loved. But also because this is not something I want to be one day: This American Life, episode 346.

Go NASA

NASA named a bully galaxy "Death Star Galaxy"....

Commercials

The Toyota commercials are bugging me.

1. An insurance company would never pay to replace a car that was sabotaged.
2. If it did, the insured could probably be charged with fraud.
3. If you want a new car, buy a frickin car.

All I want for Christmas....

Winter Wonderland

Wish List

I realize that I put things I wish for up for all to see all year long. I also realize that not everyone who checks out my blog will be buying me a Christmas present. But I put together a list for my parents to hand out to family members, so I thought I'd post it here too.

Blue Suede Shoes, size 8.5

Reading Is Sexy shirt, size M (mine is dying)

Striped Socks

I love edge brownies!

Typwriter jewelry or Scrabble jewelry

Coins

And as always, the Amazon wish list.

I have a Lane Bryant account because of their fabulous lingerie for a fuller figured woman. As with most places that have their own charge customers, I get a lot of mail advertising specials that are coming up. I generally discard them because Lane Bryant specializes in larger sizes and most of the specials are about clothing rather than lingerie. The last catalog I received from Lane Bryant is titled "Lane Bryant presents Figis Gifts in Good Taste". What is it? It's candy. That's right folks, Lane Bryant sold their charge customers' names to a mail order treat catalog to make their large customers larger.

Meanieheads.

Clutzy, I am

I walked into a wall today while attempting to point out a fashion faux pas.

It snowed.

It isn't the first snow of the season. But it is the first snow that the roads sucked and my car needed to be cleaned. And as I was clawing at the snow topped with ice last night, I thought to myself: The most romantic thing that could happen right now is for someone to clean my car off and dig out my tires.

HAPPY DECEMBER!

24 days and counting.....

The Game

Packers v. Cowboys. Not exactly a rivalry, but both claim to be "America's Team". Both cannot be "America's Team", so it comes down to a Thursday Night Football game, televised in Milwaukee, Green Bay and Dallas only to determine who will earn the title.

Both teams are 10 - 1. One team is lead by a beloved quarterback that is have a miracle season despite his old age. One team has a volatile wide receiver that melts down when he has any difficulties to overcome. Both teams have overcome.

We will be having pizza. Or maybe chicken.

Puppy

Isn't the puppy the cutest! I definitely want one of my very own one day.

Puppy's first Thanksgiving.

Kari and I can't serve ourselves pie.

Great lunch today.

If you didn't know

It has been "Holiday 2007" for about three weeks now. I am now tired of "Jingle Bell Rock", "Zat You Santa Clause" and "Snow". My store is on slate for lots and lots of walks from everyone - the new regional manager, the regional lp manager, the ceo, the vp of lp... you name it, they are coming to my store. And they are coming on different days and looking at different things. I find it amazing that our visiting "helper" from corporate would be shocked that we would have open to close coverage from lp on Friday. I also find it amazing that he didn't think we would be productive unless he brings a second controller. I'll take it, but that's a dangerous assumption that would be interpreted as a bet if I knew him better.

Yesterday started the, "Oh. My. God. I just watched a new hire do...." with the doing ranging from giving massive discounts, take a pair of earrings or fall asleep in the stockroom. Yes folks, I have rested enough. This is my time of year. The bright light you see, that is me!


So, contrary to corporate advice, I'm wishing you Merry Christmas one day before Happy Thanksgiving.

Nice.

Reason

Reason # 8,763,094 why I hate Starbucks.

Womanifesto

I have never considered myself a feminist or an advocate of women's lib. I never truly felt I needed to be. How selfish I am.

I am not the only woman who has been too drunk to speak up for herself in college.

I am not the only woman who was subjected to asshole boys grabbing her breasts at her first high school party.

I am not the only woman fighting an uphill battle in a male dominated field.

I am not the only woman that threads her keys, pointy side out, through her fingers for self defense even in broad daylight.

I am not the only woman who struggles inexplicably with weight.

I am not the only woman who finds reprieve from her so-called "imaginary" PMS with the magic of birth control. I am not the only woman who has cried at work for no reason.

I am not the only woman who doesn't care if she gets married and has children.

I am not the only woman who loves everyone in her life this hard.

I am not the only woman who needs to talk about these things to understand and live better.

Call me. Email me. Write me a letter. Let's talk.

Me too.

This woman's story on NPR stopped me very abruptly today. I do not have the same faith, or the same exact views on faith. But I have traveled a similar journey of questioning. I am thankful I questioned early enough to not marry someone that did not deserve me.

I wonder how many people are hurt by legalism and stereotypes. I am a Christian. I am probably a "bad" Christian, but I am a Christian. When Barbara talked about visiting her mother's church and bringing her tattooed and pierced children, boy did I identify. I have visited many churches. Many churches decided, based on my fashion, piercings and walk that I must not be a Christian. The minister preached salvation messages directly at me because "the Lord told him that I need Jesus." Really? Listen carefully to Jesus and look with your heart instead of your eyes next time. Thanks.


Post updated with correct audio link. The second half of the show is the interview with Barbara Allen.

Goals

What a better time than the almost end of the year to set goals.
1. Minimize checking work email from home.
2. Declare all hours worked, even if you pilfered work home to do.
3. Finish the bleeping Wicklander book already.
4. Actually continue to go to the gym 3 times a week
5. Meditate

The unfortunate thing is, I have not picked easy goals. We'll see how I've done come January!