Something to Look Forward To

So, in the last two weeks, I haven’t blogged much, have I? Again. I want to apologize for that. I do have a valid excuse though, outside of lethargy! My itteh bitteh red Lenovo, dubbed Lenny, has been acting up on me. With my vast knowledge of electronic expertise (which is basically… zero) I have determined my dear netbook needs a new adaptor. I will soon be on the hunt for one so I can be blogging more regularly again. So here is a quick rundown of whats been going on in my life to hold you over until I am able to post a few other updates.

I did manage to complete every item on my List of Seven and the basket/bookshelf concept is working fabulously for my harder-to-store clothing items. Also, with my new extra hangers, I have less clothing on the floor and more in my closet.  We did get a rental car, and it did cost us an arm and a leg, but… oh well, right? We had wheels!

Second, Scott had a good time out here in Salt Lake City. (Well, at least from what I can tell he did!) Since he was only here for two and half days which in terms of length equals exactly not long enough, we hit some of Salt Lake City’s main attractions, ate at my favorite restaurant, and I took Scott to experience IKEA for the first time. Perhaps he was not as enchanted with IKEA as I am, but I know he found certain items fascinating, if not useful. Pictures from this trip are forthcoming.

I have a new “roommate” in my apartment. Her name is Evie. If you are my facebook friend, perhaps you know a little bit about her. No, this roommate isn’t the same one who replaced Angela. This roommate is much smaller than the rest of us. And again, details will be coming soon!

Next week, I am traveling to Indiana to be in my friend Racheal’s wedding. I am excited to possibly see the Notre Dame campus and actually be in Chicago for the first time in, oh, thirteen years.  I also will be enduring the bad side of time change. Rach’s wedding is early on November 7th, so I will be waking up at 5 am Eastern Time to get my hair done.  I am currently in Mountain Time, which is two hours behind Eastern Time… yeah, you do the math. I will be waking up at my body’s equivalent of 3 AM. I might be the first non-alchohol consumption related undead bridesmaid in the history of Indiana. Oy.

Lastly, I have an exciting month for November on my blog. I have decided I will do NaBloWriMo instead of NaNoWriMo. I thought they both occurred in the same month, but suprise! They don’t. NaBloWriMo actually happens in October, but hello, I am a little late for that, aren’t I?  so I will participate in NaBloWriMo at the same time of NaNoWriMo to honor the spirit of NaNoWriMo… are you getting that? In so many words, I will try to blog every single day in November. Remember when I did that in May? Well, lets see if I can do it again.  Friends, I need some topic ideas. I will probably resurrect What in the World? and tell some some stories, but what kind of things do you want to know about my history? Lets really make me work NaBloWriMo!

Iowa Girl

I am an Iowa girl in more ways than one. I wasn’t just born there. I don’t just still love the state. I don’t just pine for it on a regular basis. I am also in love with Iowa sports.

Don't Mess With Herkey

Not just any team, though…. the University of Iowa Hawkeyes is where my allegiance lies.

Iowa girl through and through

I know, I know, there are two other teams to cheer for in the realm of Iowa state schools, the Iowa State Cyclones and University of Northern Iowa Panthers. The Panthers are in Cedar Falls, which borders my hometown, so they get a free pass. I do back ISU, especially when it comes to playing one of my least favorite teams. the Nebraska Cornhuskers. But still, my Hawkeyes are where its at. After all , Iowa is the Hawkeye State for a reason, yes?

My Hawkeye fanaticism is hard to maintain out here in the Mountain West football, where people in Salt Lake City have the “Holy War” rivalry with BYU and Utah (by the way, GO UTES!) Big 10 teams take a back seat. Iowa is one of the smaller Big 10 teams, so they don’t get as much attention as teams like Michigan or Ohio State and are rarely widely televised. I could catch their games on ESPN or ESPN-2 from time to time… but I don’t have cable.The devastating fact of the matter is… I have not seen an Iowa game in two eyars. I know, shame! So to keep up with the games, I have score updates sent to me from ESPN by text message and look up the highlights later.

Until today.

The sad streak of not watching my team play ends tonight. Tonight…. I get to watch my beloved Hawks play my least favorite team…. the Michigan Wolverines.. because it will be nationally broadcast on ABC. I didn’t think it could get any better, oh, but it does!! The game is at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, the Hawkeyes home stadium. So I can see the Hawkeyes? At Home? Playing my least favorite team? Sign me up!

Kinnick Stadium

This game is so in the bag!  Why, do you ask? Well, the Hawks are undefeated so far (YEAH!!!) and there is something akin to magic when they play at Kinnick with one of the “scary teams”… they usually win. Michigan is historically a “scary team” but I think they are now just a bunch of punks resting on the laurels of old success. Need some help? Check out this record. On top of that, last week they were schooled by their in-state rival Michigan State and one of their golden boys is injured. Michigan? YOU ARE IN FOR A SPANKING!

Bring. It. ON!

Theology Bimbo

I think that most of us that make regular use of Facebook are aware that it can be a potentially volitale networking tool. One minute your posting something on your wall and then a full-on digital debate breaks out among your friends.

With that, such an occasion almost occurred yesterday when Scott posted this blog on his profile yesterday.  Rather than go over the intracacies of the issue here, I will leave you to read the article if you so choose. Anyway, back to the post. One of Scott’s “friends” commented on the post, basically saying, “You actually believe this Scott?” Being the miniature pit bull I am, I jumped out from behind Scott’s legs and started yapping defensively at the one who dared to ridicule my beloved.  First though, I read the article to make sure  I backed Scott for reasons that went beyond loyalty. I drew my conclusion on the matter and responded to his friend expressing my view. Within a few minutes, his friend brushed off my critique, saying that since I am Scott’s girlfriend, of course I agree with him!

Wait a second, did he just ASSUME that I AUTOMATICALLY parrot Scott’s thoughts? Oh, no he didn’t!!

Perhaps some of you reading this blog out there in the intertubes don’t know me very well. Perhaps some of you know me very well and are scoffing at this dude’s comments. Whichever you are, I will tell you right now… I am a very independent thinker. I very rarely follow without question. Depending on the situation, this can be a good or bad thing.

  To be fair, this gentleman (if he deserves that title?) has never met me before. If he had, I am sure he would not have made that borderline chauvinistic response.  Surely, anyone that knows me would not think that for a minute…right? I let myself grumble and grouse for a few minutes over the insult, then I replied to his comment,  elaborating on my argument in favor of Scott, while employing  a bit of mild sarcasm to respond to this person’s outright brush-off that I share a brain with Scott.

Before I go any further, I adore Scott. I think he is a great guy (obviously!), but we don’t agree on everything.  We both find this perfectly acceptable.  In fact, the good-natured debates that spring from our minor disagreements seem to make our relationship more interesting! At least, neither one of us complain….

Wait, wasn’t there a story involved here? Back to that…

Within a short time of my reply, I felt guilty.  I hadn’t consulted Scott before I jumped to his or my own defense. I called him, and not only had he found my response perfect, but he was just as indignant as I. Scott wrote his friend a private message asserting that I drew my theological conclusions on my own. Scott stated was offended by his friend’s comments and demanded a public apology.  (By the way Having a man who defends your intellect is HOT!) Before we hung up, Scott told me he wouldn’t be dating me if I was a bimbo without an original thought. Well, thanks darlin’, cause I wouldn’t be dating you if you didn’t have a mind of your own, either. I said so before we even met, way back when I wrote my “husband list.”

Well, back to Scott’s  friend.  The “friend” responded to me once more on the blog comment.. There was no apology. He didn’t really attempt to defend against my argument, and addressed his statement that ticked Scott and I off by simply saying so many of the people he knows will tailor fit their views to that of their signifcant other. I will have to admit, I did that in the past… and was not a happy person at all. I am with someone who hasn’t tried to change me beyond spiritual encouragement in my conformity to Christ. He has no desire to push me into a mold I don’t belong in… and it’s refreshing.

After his friend’s last comment, I let things go. Why bother?

Last night was my church’s midweek prayer meeting. As I relayed the story to our small gathering, everyone laughed. My dear family from Jordan Valley responded with, “This guy must not know you very well!” to sarcastic comments like, “Yeah, Scott tells you exactly what to think and you just listen.”

See why I love these people? At least they know better!

Two Down On The List of Seven

So, yesterday Emily Ann and I went to Wal-mart. and I was able to procure two things from my list.

Lightbulbs? Check! Crockpot? Double-check!

It's small, but it will do.

The crockpot isn’t very big, but it will be nice to have a larger and a small one depending on what I cook, yes?

I did hunt for baskets while at Wall World, but I didn’t find any that were to my satisfaction. I also forgot hangers. I will go basket and hanger hunting tonight at the dollar store and Big Lots that are both close to my work.

You might be thinking, “What? She already has done two things on that list? is she going to have anything to do all seven days?” One item on that list involves several elements and is more like a list of fifty all by itself. So to have two small things done yesterday was very empowering! (Yes, I am motivated by small things. Sad, huh?)

Now, here is an updated version of my list:

7 Things in 7 Days

1. Buy a new crock pot so I can make potato bacon soup. (My old on bit the dust in my last move. ) Task completed 10/5
2. Buy baskets for my room and hangers for my closet. So you know that shelf I bought for my books? Well, as gorgeous as it is, it is a shelving fail. Since I don’t have dresser, I decided to by large baskets to put in the shelf that I could put non-hanging clothes in and use my tubs for a different kind of storage. I also need more hangers for my closet since all my winter clothing has been taken out of storage. (I forgot I had so many sweaters…)
3. Buy lightbulbs. I swear, the lights in my apartment are going out right and left. A couple of days ago my bedroom light blew, and today it was my bathroom lights. I figure I should get a stockpile started, cause it is not fun to walk around my apartment in the dark. Completed 10/5
4. Price rental cars. I don’t have wheels of my own, and if Scott and I decide to take a trip to Park City, this might be the only way to do it.
5. Clean, vacuum, reorganize my room. I will spare you the details… but this really, really needs to be done. Really. Also, I want to move my bed.
6. Finish grocery shopping. I don’t want him to starve to death. (By the way Scott, what do you like to eat? Irene wants to know.)
7. Pick Scott up from the airport. Cause after all that work, I deserve a reward!

A List Of Seven

So, the last time I saw Scott was the middle of August. I was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was able to see Scott’s home and visit his church. I also was able see his tiny hometown of Avon, SD and meet his delightful family.  In some ways it seems like a long time ago, but in other ways it doesn’t. The “long time” is going two months without seeing someone you love.

Miss you....

Well, the time is going by, and Scott is set to visit me this time on October 12… that is just Seven More Days Away. That’s right, only! seven!! days!!!

Now, I could do a couple of things during these seven days. I could go ape-crazy for several days and then tie up all the loose ends of stuff I need to get done at the last minute, cause procrastination: that’s how I roll.  Or, I could constructively use my natural enthusiasm and energy (aka hyperactivity) by channeling into a productive mindframe. So, here friends, I will bring you a list. A List o Seven Things To Do In Seven Days.

7 Things in 7 Days

1. Buy a new crock pot so I can make potato bacon soup. (My old on bit the dust in my last move. )
2. Buy baskets for my room and hangers for my closet. So you know that shelf I bought for my books? Well, as gorgeous as it is, it is a shelving fail. Since I don’t have dresser, I decided to by large baskets to put in the shelf that I could put non-hanging clothes in and use my tubs for a different kind of storage. I also need more hangers for my closet since all my winter clothing has been taken out of storage. (I forgot I had so many sweaters…)
3. Buy lightbulbs. I swear, the lights in my apartment are going out right and left. A couple of days ago my bedroom light blew, and today it was my bathroom lights. I figure I should get a stockpile started, cause it is not fun to walk around my apartment in the dark.
4. Price rental cars. I don’t have wheels of my own, and if Scott and I decide to take a trip to Park City, this might be the only way to do it.
5. Clean, vacuum, reorganize my room. I will spare you the details… but this really, really needs to be done. Really. Also, I want to move my bed.
6. Finish grocery shopping. I don’t want him to starve to death. (By the way Scott, what do you like to eat? Irene wants to know.)
7. Pick Scott up from the airport. Cause after all that work, I deserve a reward!

There you have it, my list of seven things to do to keep me accountable with my remaining time. Now that I have a Sweet Camera I can chronicle my progress and you all can keep me accountable… because we all know the purpose of a blog is to keep other people accountable to mediocre goals.  Let the mediocrity preparation begin!

Angela’s Moved Out

One Thursday evening I bounced into my aparment,happily chatting away wit my friend Kristin,  when Angela stepped into my path with these words, “I’m moving.”

Stopping mid-sentence, I told Kristin I’d just heard some vital information. Temporarily providing Angela with my attention, I asked, “You’re what? When?”

Angela was moving to Dallas. Not as a theory, not as a threat, not as a dream, but as a reality. Angela’s company offered her a position as a trainer in Dallas and needed her there October 18th, so she was leaving October 15th

I finished my conversation with Kristin and found the other Emily. All we could do was smile. It was our dream come true.

A bit later, I went back to my room when I overheard Angela crying. I cringed, knowing that I would be escaping the house as much as possible the last 20-ish days she was set to live with me, because seriously, what life change can be drama free with her? I tried to avoid hearing her, but sometimes it can’t be avoided when her speaking volume is piano forte. Angela was on the phone with Rick’s sister, attempting defend her move to be with Rick. In my last post, I mentioned Angela dumped him fifteen years ago for the man who became her first husband. It seems as if Rick’s sister wanted some sort of assurance that this was not going to happen again. Angela was more than happy to provide it. How?

By calling several people and having a conference call with Rick’s sister to “prove her love.”

The first call was Angela’s mother. Her reply to her daughter’s hasty decision to move, “I’m happy for you… for now.” Angela became defensive and said Rick was her true love, and I quote, ‘We will be together for always and forever. Amen.” Angela and her mother went around a few more times when Angela called her father next and announced her reunion with her one true love.

“Well, that’s nice sweetie,” was Angela’s father’s reply. “You have a job, right” Angela explained her promotion and hung up. There was one more call to make: the all important call to Eric to break up with him.

Yes, she broke up with him over the phone. With her new boyfriend’s sister on the line as well. And the phone on speakerphone. I will spare you the ridiculousness of her words and say this… Eric took it well, and Angela attempted to provoke more dramatic responses from him. After this conversation, I’d had my fill. I grabbed my hoodie and took off for Chuck and Irene’s, preparing to hide like this for three more weeks. Angela did me a favor, though. She spared me the drama by moving out much sooner than expected.

Friday morning, I received a text message from my landlord Dolly. “Angela is moving out early. “

“Are you serious?” I replied. “This is even better than Oct 15.” Dolly felt the same way about Angela that Emily Ann and I did.

“This is the 3rd time she has changed her story. First she said she wanted to move because of her grandma being sick. Then it was to be with her long-lost love. Now its because she is so depressed she can’t stand to be here another minute.” Drama much? Dolly and I made plans to show the apartment for Saturday so we could find a replacement roommate faster… or at least be more careful about who was moving in. I floated throughout the rest of the day… my life was going to soon be much simpler.

When I came home that afternoon, Angela was packing. I said hello and we exchanged a few curt words I asked her why she was moving so fast. She told me her job wanted her sooner. I asked about her daughter, how did Katie feel about all of this, now that she wasn’t coming to Colorado Springs. Angela replied that Katie was moving to Dallas next May when school let out. I shrugged my shoulders, and went upstairs to grab some things. Angela didn’t need help packing, so I decided not to be around to indulge her drama. I spent the evening at Chuck and Irene’s again, where I hung out with my friend Josh around the fire pit.  When I came home that night, I found this:

All that was left was her empty room.

I feel like an awful person for saying this, but I was so relieved… Angela was really gone. She left as dramatically as she came, and moved out as swiftly as she moved in. Mercifully, the only word I have received since the move is a rambly voicemail with instructions on what to do with her mail and and a text message with her new phone number, which I immediately erased. When I say I want no contact with her, I mean it.

In other news, my new roommate moved in yesterday morning. She has not displayed any erratic behaviors. Let’s hope it stays that way.