Migration

I'm okay with fall, don't love it in the general sense because fall is the preamble to the "hated season"--winter (boo!). I love hot, summer weather. Spring is my favorite season. But that's not what this is about. There are a few things I like about fall and one of them is the monarch butterflies that make their way through Oklahoma on the way to Mexico.

Last week I was one the escorts for Patrick's class one of our local nurseries and, wow, I think the butterflies were taking their morning break while we were there. They were everywhere and were just hanging out on the flowers. So beautiful.

This pic is straight of the camera--no editing, so you can see how pretty the colors are--naturally. The colors were even a little more vivid than depicted in this photo.

Get out into nature!

Workin' for the Money...Kind of

I decided to McLinky with the RHOK this week and the question for this week is: What is the worst job you ever had?

I had to really think about this because I've really liked most of my jobs. I loooooooved my job at St. John that I quit to stay home with the kiddos (I know, I still need to do a post on that decision), and I loved my job at Philbrook Museum of Art. I even liked the sprinkling of odd jobs I had here and there throughout college. So I had to dig deep...then I remembered it. The job I didn't like. Hated it!

What was it you ask?

A telemarketer.

I know, I know...you can't believe it! I sometimes still can't believe it. It was a very brief stint let me tell ya. Basically this is the story. I was in college and I had friends who had gone to work for this telemarketing firm that had moved into town. They were working very few hours and making great money (for college kids). So my BFF and I decided to give it shot. Here's the problem:

1. I don't like talking on the phone, I mean, I really, really don't like talking on the phone--even to people I love.

2. I don't like asking people for their money or time.

In telemarketing, those two things are required. So, I went through the 2 weeks of paid training. My assignment was to call people with subscriptions to Sports Illustrated and get them to renew their subscriptions. I worked my first night "on the line" and after night #2 I walked out the door and never went back.

And that was that.

Read some more Bad Jobs over at the RHOK.

Shake Your Booty--or Not

As you know, I'm a huge fan of Dancing with the Stars. I love dancing, was a dancer, and actually, I'm pretty darn good at it, too--but it's one of my hidden talents that you will NEVER see. Generally speaking, DWTS is okay for my 1st grader, Katie, to watch. She loves the show--that apple didn't fall far from the tree, at all. Sure, I have to explain a little bit to her about appropriate costume choices and dance moves, but overall, it's a show that she and I can enjoy together.

Usually on Tuesday nights we just kind of watching bits and pieces (it's just the results show, you only need the last 5 minutes). Katie, however, enjoys watching the guest performances and the dancing that goes along with it. So last night when I had to make a quick run to the grocery store during DWTS, Katie told me she'd tell me what happened when I got back.

This is what she told me about what I missed; "The girls were dancing and sticking out their booties and shaking them and their boobies. It was bad. Really not good, mommy. I can't even show you."

So she drew a picture of it instead.

I guess that booty really made an impression. Look at the size of that thing!

Notice the frowny face and arrow pointing at the girl--that's Katie showing how she felt about that dancing.

That's my girl!

Now...I just need to figure out how to explain to her that the Rumba and Tango (her fav dances) probably aren't appropriate dances for 7 year olds. I think I'll teach her to Jive tonight.

Double 1

Happy Anniversary to my husband!!

Eleven years.

And many more.

I love you!

Sunflower Visit

This past weekend we made a trip to my hometown and childhood home in Kansas to visit my mom and stepdad. It was a much needed trip. We had a great time and got to see our three wild boy cousins (my brother's kiddos). So here is a quick wrap up in pictures.

Made it to Kansas!

Fished

Fed the fish with Aunt Brandy

Took naps in the wagon

Caught some tiny fish

Chased frogs

Still fishing...(my Patrick has immense patience and sat out there waiting for fish to bite for hours)

Took our animals for a tractor ride

Wore mommy's 1980's era dance legwarmers--so sparkly!

Played dress up in mommy's prom dress and one of mommy's old dance costumes.
Wore mommy's old cheerleading jacket

What a fun weekend! I have some funny pics of my nephews dressed up in sequined party dresses, but I'll save them the embarrassment of a public viewing. Let's just say they were cute!

Also, when I got home my rockin' husband had remodeled our bathroom!! Not even joking. It looks great!!! He's so awesome and did it exactly like I described to him.

Have a great Monday!

A 6 month Resolution Check Up

Resolutions. Remember when we made them...10 months ago? Resolutions, goals, whatever you want to call them. How's it going? This is about the time of year (if not before) that most resolutions have been thrown out the door or long forgotten.

But fear not, my friends. In order to keep me on the resolution's straight and narrow, I put mine on this ol blog. Therefore, I can be kept accountable. Since it's been 6 months since my last update, I figured today was as good as time as any to let you know how it's going.

Here are my 2010 Resolutions made back in January and how it's going:

1. Work out 5 days a week.

This is pretty much a done deal. I've been running quite a bit lately and have even done a few races. So this is a big, fat "CHECK!"

2. Recycle more household items.

This one has actually turned out to be fun. Our recycling gets picked up every other Monday and most "recycling days" finds our bin overflowing. The best part is the kids have really gotten on board with it, too. If I throw something away that is recyclable they will quickly call me out on it and say, "mommy! that goes in the 'cycling!" Yay!!

3. Only one Starbucks a day.

Hmmm. For the most part I'd say this has been successful with my one venti decaf mocha, BUT...since I've discover the Toffee Mocha Frappaccino things have gotten a little interesting. Normally, though I will just opt for one or the other and not both on the same day. But, some days I'm cave to the pressure of the creamy, chocolaty sweetness.

4. Do 20 or more posts a month.

Well, just look at the number over there on the right and you'll see what an epic fail this one is. But, considering that each and everyday (I'm not kidding) I tell myself that I'm going to quit blogging all together, I think it should be considered good if I have 1 post per month. But I'll work on this. Starting today.

5. Read at least one book per month.

I pretty much do this. I've read some great books lately (and some really cruddy ones over the summer). I just need to do some book reviews--I'm a little behind.

So there you have it! Not too bad. If I can maintain for 2 more months (really 3), then I would say it was a good year on the resolution-front.

Oh--and the most important thing about today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOMMY!!!! I love her and you'll get a post about her this week. I have to convince her it's okay for me to put a pic of her on the www! She's silly that way.

Housekeeping Items

Today is housekeeping day. No, not at my house, but here on the blog...

1. Go over and visit my cousin Adrienne's blog, it's over there on the left...Adrienne in Morocco. She did a pretty long post on how things have been going for her. It's eye opening and you'll never be more thankful for a flushing toilet and a sink with water and soap. Leave her a comment...tell her how you got to her blog. I think she'd love some connection to the real world, so stop by and tell her hello.

2. I've got a contest coming up when I get to 20,000 hits. Watch for more details coming soon.

3. My husband is smokin' hot.

4. The end.

5. I love ya, readers.

6. Peace out.

7. I'm a dork.