Hmm… do I feel a multiple posting session in my future today?

I’m thinking yes.

Want to know something funny? The Stillwater, Oklahoma person is someone I know, but it’s someone other than who I was thinking (thank God!). What a small world. Megan, I had no idea you guys were in Stillwater. How great. I’m sure you love to be so close to OSU for game days (I’m throwing up a little as I type that).

I also want to say hi to some new friends! Hello to:

Mel (I hope your work day went okay),

Lydia (We <3 Texas and will probably end up there one day. I hope you and the little one have a good day!),

Amanda (Yay! Another football fan’s wife! Mizzou is a great football team and I bet they end up representing the North for the Big 12 game. If you ever start that blog let me know!),

Anna (Boomer Sooner! We’re hopefully going to follow the Sooners to their bowl game this year. Maybe we’ll see you there!), and

Jill (Jill! I wondered what had happened to you! You’ll definitely have to start blogging again now that you have a little one on the way! Congrats to you and Donnie!!)

That was fun. So we have new friends now guys.

Okay. I need to start working (I have a post all about that later today)!

More to come today…

Yeah, so what’s up with that!?

Did you guys know The Great Delurk Day was October 3rd?

ME EITHER!

Granted, there’s probably like 10 of these days throughout the year, because really, who regulates a “national day” devoted to delurking?

Anyhow, I didn’t participate in last year’s great “delurk” post and vowed to myself I wouldn’t miss the next Delurk day.

(yes, I really vowed. I stood tall and proud and proclaimed that surely I would not miss out on 2007 National Delurk Day.

Then I saluted my computer.)

So I don’t freaking CARE that I’m 13 days late. It’s delurk day, darnit! I said so!

So, you guys know what to do. Leave a comment (click on “share the love") and come out of your lurking state. Let’s be friends!

That’s all you have to do! So easy!

Just say hi! (<- see! We even talked about how easy saying "hi" is in yesterday's post! I was just getting you guys warmed up to the idea to do the same and I didn't even know it!) Where are you from? What do you do? Any weird habits? Any embarrassing moments?

Piece of cake!

I'm particularly interested in all my Okie friends that visit. Stillwater, Oklahoma who are you? I'm having terrible nightmares that you're someone I know. Please, please I urge you- prove me wrong! ha ha

I'm also curious about the Kuwait readers. I know my sister P is one, but who are all you other people? Delurk!

I look forward to your responses. I've really been wondering who some of you are and I finally look forward to finding out-

So don’t let me down!

To be fair- afterall, I’m “forcing” you to delurk- you can ask me questions too since I’m asking you some. I’ll answer them tomorrow

Delurk!

PS-To all you you guys that didn’t celebrate Delurk Day on 3 October either, we can make this our day.

What are you doing still reading? DELURK ALREADY!

<3

MUST

NOT

LEAVE

WEDNESDAY’S

POST

UP

ON

A

THURSDAY.

TOTAL HERESY.

Do you ever wonder why you post?

Take today, for example. I spent my entire work day writing.

Writing, writing, writing.

Why in the world would I want to sit down and write something else?

Why do we post? Why do we write stuff when writing is what we do all day? Therapy? Obligation? Fun?

Who do we do this for? We sit at work all day long pushing paper for “the man” and then sit down all over again to post. Do we do this for ourselves? For our blog friends?

I guess it’s all of the above depending on the day and circumstance. I guess today I feel like I’m writing out of sheer obligation. I have absolutely nothing to talk about, yet sometimes I feel this is yet another “task” in my daily duties.  I love posting and would consider it a hobby, but do you ever wonder why you feel the need to post sometimes? I do.

Then again, I’m probably the only one who thinks about all this stuff because I worry about everything. E-VER-Y thing.

Today I had a bit of a revelation: You (generally) can’t rush quality. Unfortunately the majority of people I’m surrounded by don’t agree. I joked with someone about this very point todoay. Just think- if Da Vinci was rushed to complete the Mona Lisa she might have been smiling with big crusty yellow teeth- and while I’m sure people would stand in front of the portrait and stare for hours on end, I’m pretty positive it wouldn’t be for the same reasons they do now. Or Britney Spears. Do you think “Gimme More” would be the sheer genius it is because she rattled off the lyrics in about two minutes flat? I think not!

Okay- kidding about the Britney Spears thing. How dare I use her name and Da Vinci in the same paragraph right!?

Anyway, I was trying to think of a nice way to write that to someone… I couldn’t think of one. I should just use that, huh? Especially the Britney Spears thing. They would LOVE that.

Kidding.

Sort of.

The girl I work with is on vacation. You know what? I think she planned her trip on purpose. I think she had a secret meeting with the Powers That Be and paid them to tell her when things would be busy. Do you guys have coworkers that do that too? Man, I gotta get the number for those guys. I would have planned a vacation too! I feel a little jipped. If you guys have that number, share the love.

The fact that my family will be vacationing in Oman for Eid this weekend doesn’t help either. Did you know Oman is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places in the world? Um, little jealous. I think they must have called those Powers That Be guys too. Darn it! I’m telling you- I gotta get that number! Oh- and we get Molly. Boz and Lucy were excited to hear that. You say the word “Molly” and their ears perk and they start jumping around and getting all silly. It’s freaking ADORABLE. It’s like when I hear the word, “Will” only I don’t slobber as much as the pups do.

Anyway, that’s all I’ve got. I need to go home and get out of writing mode. What a quality-filled post!

not.

<3 More to come…

I feel completely uninspired today.

What a WONDERFUL way to begin a post, if I do say so myself.

Uninspired. Yet, for some silly reason, I feel completely obligated to this blog and the fact that

I

HAVE

TO

POST.

It’s as if last night I got all dolled up and met my blog at the altar to exhange vows. I think I said something about, “I will update you from now until all eternity.”

Then we danced to “Keeper of the Stars” while everyone watched and ate bad buffet food.

Crazy aunt Margie totally got down to Super Freak too. Oh my gosh, it was freaking hilarious.

My blog looks pretty darn good in a tux, by the way. Although, blog, I wouldn’t have gone with the bowtie.

Mrs. M, can I use my blog marriage pictures for the album you’re putting together?

Okay, okay, enough stupidity for one day.

If you dare:

Uh- Jenny? Am I doing this too early?

If I am- I’m sorry! I saw a couple other people posted theirs so I thought I’d follow suit!

Plus, who isn’t excited about Awesome Autumn, right?

Before I begin, you must be warned that I recently got a new phone with a really great camera.

That’s all I’ll say. You’ll understand the warning soon enough.

I was so excited to receive my AA gift this past Tuesday. My gift came from a good friend of mine too- so that made me all the more excited to open my gifts!

RJ- you kept a good secret!

Want to know something crappy!? RJ did a beautiful job making all these super cute labels to go along with my gifts- but sadly I’m not at home and I’m trying to recall what everything stood for in the AUTUMN acronym. AND- instead of waiting to post when I got home like a normal person would, I just have to post now.

Makes sense, right?

So RJ, my love, I’m sorry I’m killing the acronym you created. Please have mercy.

Okay- let’s get on with the post.

I received some really great gifts from RJ. The fact that she knows me made my gift really sweet and personal. For instance she got me “A” book on the “wholy” land (remember? I can’t say the “h” word because the government flags that sort of stuff) since she knows I’ll be in the area this fall.

She also got me the “U"ltimate cheesecake recipe. Uh-YUM. If you know RJ you know she’s an amazing dessert maker. I looked at the recipe and felt a little overwhelmed. RJ- come help!

She also got me a new nail polish color. I love the color, it’s super pretty. Not only is it perfect for fall, but it’s OU red!

RJ also got my doggies a surprise! Unlimited fun for the doggies!! How cute!!

Then they started fighting.

I had to take the bone away.

For like 30 seconds. I’m so mean.

Ha.

I also got the cutest thing ever- a PINK John Deere hat. I <3 it RJ! I never wear hats, but I'm totally in love with this one. I had fun… as you can tell:

Middle East 4 EVAH

Well… Maybe not 4 EVAH.

at least for a couple more years.

AND-

as you already know from yesterday’s post-

RJ sent me Dove chocolate. <3

Me? Share with you?

Ahahahahaha

Life is Beautiful.

Would it be bad if I ate these all at once?

Hey! What happened? There’s only one left. :(

AHA! The chocolate bandit is found!

I then grounded her for life.

It’s okay. We’re cool now.

and I’m happy again.

THE END

RJ- I love your gifts! It’s been so fun knowing you. Thanks so much for all my goodies. I’m SO excited about my book. It will really come in handy on my trip- especially since I can’t access any websites that has to do with “that country” from Kuwait (the government blocks them). thanks a million!

I had such fun playing. Jenny- you’re so creative.

As you can see, I love my new camera phone. Sorry for all the freaking pictures. I was just as annoyed as you were.

Have a great day! 

Well my Awesome Autumn ladies- my gift was officially sent out today! I was sorta sad to see it go! Jenny, would it be okay if I took it back and addressed it to myself and became my own partner? ha ha. Just kidding.

kind of.

I had lots of fun playing- just as I did last time. I look forward to my package arriving, and I look forward to my partner getting hers!

I’m writing to apologize.

I am forced to run a retraction of this post.

I’m embarrassed and ashamed of providing you faulty information. You should all know hard I try to provide you with quality and accurate informative blog posts (ha).

The truth is, when I stated that my new manager was 71 I was incorrect.

71 is still young, fresh, youthful…

My manager is, in fact, 75.

To be exact- he will be turning 76 this year.

Yes, that’s correct, 76.

Not 71.

I’ll let you check your pants now because I’m sure, like me, you just crapped all over yourself.

Sorry for the error. I guess I was giving this spring chick extra credit.

That is all.

My Sweet Blog Friend Jenny sent me the sweetest surprise this week!

Jenny, you have AMAZING timing. I was sitting at work, dreading the thought of filing, missing Will, and anxious to go home.

Much to surprise I had a package in the mail! A sweet surprise from one of my favorite bloggers in the world, Jenny. It was a birthday gift, “5 months late” as she stated.

It was the just the therapy I needed- some “smelly good” and a pretty little flowery card. It totally made my day- and it smells great! It will forever remind me of my sweet blog friend,

my “real” friend,

Jenny.

Jenny and I go “way back” to the early days of the nest when people barely left comments and life revolved around life immediately after the wedding. Here we are now, a few years into our marriage, leaving comments as if we were on a frequent writer plan, and on our own sites.

Isn’t it funny how most of us have never met (unless you’re lucky enough like some bloggers who have!),

have rarely if ever spoken on the phone,

barely email,

probably don’t even know each other’s last names or where we grew up,

couldn’t pick each other out of a crowded room,

yet count one another as friends, real life friends.

Heck, most of my blog friends are far closer to me than my real ones these days. I guess it’s because we’ve made this whole online “long distance” thing a priority whereas other people that don’t enjoy this computer box as much haven’t.

I’m thankful for the friendships I’ve established here, so very thankful. I’ve met some of the most beautiful, colorful, and genuine people through this venue.

Jenny, thanks for the reflection today. You are always so loving, nurturing, and thoughtful and that continually comes out in your blog. I’m so blessed to know you.

to my other blog friends- thank you. In a lot of crazy ways, you are my refuge whether you know it or not.

Have a great day. I wish you happy surprises!

<3

I’m sitting in Starbucks with my mom and dad while P gets her hair “Platinumized.”

This is my third time to go to Starbucks since last night at 11:00

And it’s not even 3:00 today.

I’m feel a little shaky right now.

Well, I saw Willy off last night which was a bit sad. After I gave him a big hug- (sans the kiss because of the crazy rules around here), we all went Starbucks- because, as you all know, there’s not much more that makes a girl feel better than an iced vanilla latte with 6 Sweet n Lows.

Oh- and a cannoli from Johnny Carinos.

P and I stayed up talking until about 12:30. It was nice to get to hang out and be with her.

Want to know a secret? I swear somtimes she’s the bigger sister. The girl is so travelled and wordly and interesting. I feel like a little kid sitting indian style on a round multi-colered carpet saying, “Tell me a story from you life!”

Anyway, I survived my first night and did okay. I practically suffocate poor Will at night, but I tried my hardest not to accidentally cuddle with P.

Ooh! Want to know a crazy side story?

When I was in high school I was on this youth trip and had to sleep with this adult sponor lady that came with us because we were all sharing hotels. Well, in the middle of the night I turned over and started spooning with her!

Oh my gosh- how freaking embarrassing. She totally freaked out. What can I say? I’m a nice girl.

Anyway, no accidental spooning incidents last night.

This morning I got up and my family all went to the beach club where they’re members. I used the gym facilities. It was weird working out with boys. I love my women’s gym because I feel like I “own it” when I’m working out. All the other ladies in there are pansies and I feel like I’m the only one that takes weight training seriously. Anyhow, I was proud of myself for “owning it” at the gym today, even with burly men around.

Okay, before I go on I have to ask you guys somehting. Why do we feel the need to tell the internet our ENTIRE business? I have no idea. It’s so strange.

Having said that, I weighed myself at the gym today and about died. I’ve never in my life been so heavy. I felt sick with myself. I know it’s just a number on the scale, and a lot of it is because of the muscle mass I’ve put on, but the number was staggering. I can still wear sizes that make me feel really good about myself, but seeing that number made my eyes pop out of my head. I guess what I really need to do is take a body fat test. I know I’ve gotten really solid over the past year, so I think that would put my mind at ease.

Anyway, after freaking out over the weigh-in, I nervously got into my swimming suit and went to the beach with P. We sat there for about 30 minutes but then I was miserable and sweating all over myself, so we agreed it was time to leave. It was 127 and not even 11:00! How freaking miserable. To beat the heat we went to Starbucks and got iced lattes.

Afterwards I went home, got cleaned up, and here I am, again, at Starbucks. When P gets done I’m not really sure what we’ll do. I desperately need to do shopping for summer clothes and all the malls are having incredible sales. My sister is also determined to take me out to eat at a place I normally wouldn’t go. Will and I are pretty boring and stick to Chilis, Hard Rock, etc. However, that’s mainly because he’s so picky. Tonight I’m up for something different.

I know this was probably boring to read, but I figured it would be good for me to chronicle this time without Will, and what better place to do that than my blog?

Ooh! Want to know something random that just triggered in my brain when I wrote “blog?”

I totally had a dream last night that someone I work with was reading my blog. I know of a couple people that do, but this was someone I didn’t know. How crazy I just now remembered that.

Anyway, today has been fun. I miss Will, but it’s nice to be able to spend time with my family too.

Will should be in the Big D tonight. He’s going to stay the night with his brother the vet, and his dad is going to meet them both down there. I hope he’s having a good time too. I’m sure he is. I’m off to check my email now. I’m hoping he was able to write while he was in Amsterdam. He “HAD” to check his fantasy football drafts, so I’m also hoping he was able to send me a hello as well.

So that’s about it. I hope you guys are doing well. I’ll be sure to keep my blog updated as I continue to bach it a while longer.

Have a good day, I wish you lots of smiles and Starbucks lattes.

<3