Sunday, December 21, 2008

Dentist

So I had a dentist appointment on Thursday morning. It was not fun. I got two fillings at 8am and then had my regular six-month cleaning. I was pretty nervous going in, but the fillings really weren't too bad. The shot was just a dull pain and then I was numb, so I didn't really feel, much...just heard a lot of drilling. The dentist said that the first cavity was really small and the second one was worse and went all the way to the nerve. He said we are going to keep an eye on it and if it gets worse, I'll have to get a root canal. WHAT?!?! I freaked out a little when he said that. That is, as much as you can freak out when you are lying down and someone is doing stuff in your mouth that is numb on one side.

He proceeded to finish with the exam and then explained a little further about the cavities. The bigger cavity really wasn't that big. My tooth nerve was just higher than what is normal, so that's why the cavity had reached the nerve. Typically, a cavity of this size wouldn't have been even close to reaching the nerve. That made me feel a little better, that the cavity wasn't as bad I originally thought. I still have the threat of a root canal b/c of the problem with the nerve. Yuck. My teeth are still just a little sensitive. I'm just hoping that the filling takes care of the cavity...I'd like to avoid as much dental work as possible. Plus, these stupid fillings cost me $165. :-(

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

1. What time did you get up this morning? 6:35am
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Nights in Rodanthe
4. What is your favorite TV show? Sex and the City
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Cereal or toaster waffles or oatmeal
6. What is your middle name? Nicole
7. What food do you dislike? Lima beans
8. What is your favorite CD at moment? Lifehouse, as always
9. Favorite sandwich? Chicken Salad
10. What characteristic do you despise in people? Sucking-up, brown-nosing, kissing-ass, being fake
11. Favorite item of clothing? Jeans
12. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? European cruise might be next…
13. Favorite brand of clothing? Macy’s, Kohl’s
14. Where would you retire to? West coast
15. What was your most recent memorable birthday? none too memorable lately…25 still sticks in my memory as a bad one though
16. Favorite sport to watch? College basketball
17. When is your birthday? March
18. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night person fo sho!
19. What is your shoe size? 7
20. Pets? Tally and now Chester
21. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? I have a day off on Friday!
22. What did you want to be when you were little? Speech pathologist, then forensic pathologist
23. What is your favorite chocolate? Milk
24. What is your favorite flower? Sunflowers and hydrangeas
25. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? December 19th
26. Favorite soft drink? I don’t like soft drinks…but diet coke if I have to pick one
27. Favorite restaurant? Texas Roadhouse
28. Real hair color? Brown
29. What was your favorite toy as a child? Monchichi…LOL!
30. Summer or winter? Summer but I like spring too
31. Hugs or kisses? HUGS!!!
32. Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
33. Coffee or tea? Tea
34. What is under your bed? DUST, storage container with sheets, sometimes a kitten named Chester
35. What are you afraid of? Making the wrong decisions
36. Salty or sweet? Salty
37. How many keys on your key ring? 6
38. How many years at your current job? 2.5 years…3.5 at Miami
39. How many towns have you lived in? 3
40. What are your answers? What are your comments?

Monday, December 08, 2008

Chester

I found this kitten this weekend. It's name is Chester for right now and John wants me to keep it for him until he gets out of AIT. Then he plans to take care of it. I'm almost sure that it's a girl, so the name might have to change.


The little kitten was so cute and meowing when I got home from work on Friday night at like 10pm. It was like 16 degrees outside, so I brought it into the house. Tally is pissed and there's been quite a bit of growling and hissing. I'm interested to see if they will adjust to each other though. For now, they are in separate rooms and together only when supervised. Isn't Chester cute?!?!!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

There is no reason

to go back to Lawton, OK. The BCT graduation was nice and everything, but Lawton is kind of a dump. It reminded me of Hamilton a little. Check out the photos on Flickr (link is on the sidebar). John has 8 weeks left of training and does get to come home for Christmas.

Tomorrow is my third Thanksgiving in Oxford. I'm not too excited about it. I would rather be at home with family like most everyone else. Happy Thanksgiving.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Oklahoma

Wow. Has it really been that long since I posted? Geez. As always, I've been busy with work. Things are crazy when football, ice hockey, and basketball are all going at the same time. Tomorrow, I'm headed to Oklahoma. It sounds weird, I know b/c most people wouldn't go to Oklahoma on purpose. I'm going for John's basic training graduation at Fort Sill. I'm nervous to see all the Army stuff and about missing the Michigan hockey series. I haven't missed a hockey game in 3 years, or many sporting events for that matter. Yes, I know that the operation will go on without me. Unusual for a Tuesday, I have everything ready for the hockey games to the point where it should run smoothly. I can't believe Thanksgiving is almost here. Again, I will be here in Oxford, preparing for another football game on ESPN. Go Miami! I shall see what the Army is all about (yikes) and what Oklahoma has to offer.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Homecoming

Clearly, I'm old and out of shape. My calves still hurt from marching in the Alumni Band on Saturday. I guess you use different muscles when marching high step, than when running, walking, or climbing stairs. Still got the 8 to 5 down though...probably always will! 22 1/2 inch steps! HIT!

The feature tune we played was Tubthumping by Chamba Wamba. This tune was popular my freshman year of college.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

10/11/08

Rachel did not blog on Saturday, October 11, 2008.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Better Week

This has been a better week so far. I found out that not taking my medicine really does have an affect on things. I'm not quite the mess that I was last week. Things are still hectic, but not quite as overwhelming.

In case there are some readers out there who don't know, John is in Oklahoma right now for basic training. He's been gone for about one month. He's going through basic training for the Army and will serve in the Ohio National Guard once training is finished.

My dad, sister, and I all finished the State-to-State 5k, without dying and we all made it across the finish line without walking. It was a good weekend and I'm glad they had the chance to visit. You probably read about it on Rachel's blog.

As you can see, I'm slowly (very slowly) posting pictures from our trip. Eventually, I will get through them all.

More Wichita and Denver

Keeper of the Plains in Wichita, KS











Shuffleboard at an Irish Pub in Wichita, KS
Fourth of July












John in downtown Denver, CO






Thursday, October 02, 2008

This Week

REALLY REALLY SUCKS!!! I can't even express how bad it's been. OK, maybe I can. I've had to schedule an extra appointment with my therapist for Monday. It can't be good if you have to schedule extra appointments when you already go once a week.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Friday Fat Check

x - 4

Too bad I couldn't do this during the contest. Maybe I'll weigh every other week.

My dad and Rachel and I are doing a 5k on Sunday. My training this week got swallowed up by my job (along with most of anything I want to do in my personal life in the past 3 years), so I'm going to really have to push myself to finish. I'm really excited to have them visit though!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Sex and the City: The Movie


I pre-ordered it last week and wasn't expecting to get it until September 23rd or 24th, the actual release date. I got it in the mail yesterday (yay Amazon!)! Of course I watched it last night. Amazing! It was just as emotional as when I saw it the first time. OH it is SO SO good. I plan to watch go home and watch the audio comentary with our favorite writer and producer, Michael Patrick King.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Sedgwick County Zoo

Wichita, Kansas - I met some really good friends here, Emmit and CJ. I'm not sure, but I think this is CJ in the pictures. Seriously, I could have stayed here ALL day and probably visited them everyday if I had the opportunity. They were just so adorable, I wanted to reach out and hug them. And actually, I got about as close to hugging them as I possibly could. Their eyes are so pretty. My wish is that I could have a giraffe live with me and watch him/her eat mulberry leaves in my yard. I couldn't stop smiling and really didn't want to leave and probably wouldn't have if I hadn't been with several other people. Giraffes RULE!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

First Stop












St. Louis - Gateway Arch
I think Rachel and I look a little alike in these photos.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Back to regular life.

We are back. One week ago today, we were just starting the last day of our trip. I'm very unhappy to be back, I must be honest. Everything at home is still a mess, so it will take me awhile to sort through all the pictures (we probably took 3 or 4 thousand). The trip was amazing!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Two weeks down, one week to go...

A quick update from the road. The trip is going really well. We've seen lots and lots of sites and still have a lot to see. Tomorrow morning we are riding a train to the Grand Canyon and spending the day there. This is a picture at Arches National Park in Utah. We went on a hike that reminded me a little of the Lord of the Rings journey. The view was spectacular.

To the left is Zion National Park, also in Utah.
We got a really awesome view of the Hollywood sign!
This is all I have for now. More adventures are to be had...

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

This is it

The last day of work before the big trip! It’s pretty exciting. We’ve been getting ready all weekend: cleaned out the car, waxed the car, bought a new tent, packed my suitcase, did lots of laundry, etc. I may or may not be able to post while I’m away, so wanted to do it before I left. I plan to take thousands of photos, a new 8GB compact flash card is on the way!

This trip is really important to me. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for years, ever since I made up my “To Do By 30” list, so it’s pretty amazing that it’s finally here and we leave tomorrow morning! My parents really did a great thing by traveling with Rachel and I across the country while we were growing up and I treasure those experiences and the opportunity to visit so much of our beautiful country. I’m so thankful that now I’m doing it on my own and realize how much goes into planning a trip of this nature. Here’s to safe travels!

SATC

It’s so horrible of me to post about the movie one whole month after seeing it. I love love loved it! I actually ended up seeing it twice in one day (with different people and at different theatres). The first time I cried, I laughed, and I got angry…so much emotion comes with the acting and writing of this series. The part with Charlotte yelling at Mr. Big in the street seemed so REAL to me. It was fabulous to be reconnected with my four great imaginary friends. I can’t wait to own the DVD!

Monday, June 16, 2008

12 work days before vacation!!!

This is probably the best picture that john and I have taken.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Friday Fat Check on Friday!

OK, we're getting somewhere.

x - 3

I think that's the correct amount since Christmas. I've lost two pounds for the contest and three overall. I wish it was more, but it's a start.

This picture is of Terri and I at the AMF Hall of Fame Celebration. We were suckers and volunteered again this year. It was fun to see the people associated with the foundation and work with the silent auction for our fourth year. I hope to do it again next year!





I also need to put up a photo of Jonathon b/c his 3rd
birthday is today. Happy Birthday Jonathon!!!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

A few good things that have happened in the past week:

1. Potchy and I had an excellent Saturday afternoon and evening – shopping, campus walk, dinner, and conversation. We already planned our next get together that I’m excited about…it’s good to connect with friends again.

2. Saturday was lunch for a friend’s birthday, too bad Terri couldn't make it.

3. I finished two books, My Friend Leonard by James Frey, and The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold. My Friend Leonard is even better than A Million Little Pieces and The Almost Moon is a slow start, but turned out to be a good read.

4. Natdog made a surprise visit last night in Oxford! Colerain’s graduation was last night and her first group of students have made their way through high school. It was great to see her after such a long time. Her little man, Bryce looks cute and I can’t wait to me him, hopefully next month.

5. This weekend has been something to look forward to and getting me through these past couple of trying weeks. I finally get to see Rachel (first time since Christmas, it’s been way too long), check out her apartment in Kent (away from China town), visit Miranda (the fat cat who will spend the entire time under the bed), try out the Barberton library and outdoor amenities, relax at a bonfire, walk the local trails, and Sex and the City: the Movie is scheduled as a matinee on Sunday. I can’t wait. I really want to see the movie, but I don’t want it to be over! I forgot to mention Ray’s, a trip to Kent wouldn’t be complete without going to Ray’s. Hopefully this weekend will be a bit of a retreat away from all the disappointment here in Oxford. Everyone at work has been in a bad mood and in general, it’s been a struggle to get through the days.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Late, Late, and Late

CONGRATULATIONS TO LORI!!! She passed her board test and is further on her way to a career in dental hygiene.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MDOG!!! Hope your day was good.

Friday Fat Check
x - 1.5

It was a really crappy week overall and I'm glad it's coming to a close and that there is a three day weekend.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Friday Fat Check on Monday

Wow, I'm really terrible at this. I lost one pound this week.

x-1

The weekend was a pretty good one. We camped out in the backyard, read a book, played outside, sorted through a TON of pictures, and walked uptown, among other activities. It was nice to have two whole days off in a row and do what normal people do on the weekend. I wish I had some pictures to post from the weekend...I need to take my camera with me more often.

Monday, April 07, 2008

Fat Friday Check - Late as Usual

Well, I'm still at 0% weight loss for this contest. Earlier in the week I had lost one pound, but managed to gain it back by Friday. :-(

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Friday Fat Check on Easter

So, I weighed yesterday and am now status quo. I gained one pound last week and now I'm right back to where I started. This is an ugly cycle.


On a more positive note, it's kind of been a nice Easter so far. The morning got off to a rough start, with little to no sleep and we were running late for church. Jonathon went to church with us this morning for the first time. He also had little to no sleep, so you can imagine how fun that is for someone who is almost 3 years old (and the adults with him). He's a really good little guy and had a lot to look at with all the people in church and the stained glass windows and what not. He's pretty shy, but tried to go to the kids room to play with John. They were gone for a good 15-20 minutes and then came back part way through the sermon. They were kicked out! They wouldn't let John stay with him and there's no way that Jonathon would feel comfortable enough with a roomful of strangers to let his dad leave him. I think that if kids are new to a classroom, they should let the parent stay with the kid until they warm up. We'll see. I'm sure it will get better with time. He said that he liked it and would like to go back. I'm excited for him and for John.


When we got home, we ate lunch and then noticed there had been a visit from the Easter Bunny!
There were two Easter egg hunts, one inside (like my family used to do every year) and one outside (like John prefers). It was a fun time had by all. I had the job of hiding the eggs, which was cool b/c I've always been a seeker of eggs. If I do say so myself, I did find some pretty good hiding spots outside. Jonathon had a blast. We ate some jelly beans put stickers on some eggs before I had to go to work and they went to see some of their extended family.
Now I'm sitting here in the office, waiting for a softball game. We're running at least an hour behind in this weekend's tournament. Hope every one has a Happy Easter!!!

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Again, Friday Fat Check on Saturday

I forgot to post yesterday. I did weigh in though. I'm now more than status quo.

x + 1

Also, check out the new feature at the bottom of my blog...a countdown to the SATC movie. I just watched the trailer and man, it looks amazing. So exciting! I had to watch it twice to catch everything. Carrie's wedding dress is absolutely gorgeous and Big is even more handsome than I remember. The most shocking thing was the short clip between Steve and Miranda. Please don't let it be so! From the looks of the trailer, I don't think Michael Patrick King, Darren Star, and SJP will disappoint!!!

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Friday Fat Check on Saturday

I'm status quo. Blah. My goal is to work out three times this week, starting tomorrow because it's my only day off. We'll see how that goes. I haven't been eating too terribly bad this week, hence the status quo.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Taxes

Yesterday, I got Turbo Tax in the mail from my dad. I get home, grab my laptop and I’m stoked to load the program and get my taxes done and filed. Turbo Tax copies into my applications folder. I double click, nothing happens. I repeat this process several times before calling Rachel to see if she had problems loading it on her computer. Nope, she did it at the parents house and didn’t even put it on her own computer. Darn. Talk to Tdawg. He doesn’t know why I can’t open the program. Then I asked him to look and see what the operating system requirements are. Bingo. For MAC OS X 10.4.0 and above. Yep. I have MAC OS X 10.3.9. Of course. My computer is getting to be junk. I can’t even update my iPod on my iBook b/c my operating system is too old. Bummer.

Next step, I loaded the Turbo Tax program onto my work laptop and was in good shape. This morning, I mailed off my tax return and feel great that it’s finished. I’m even more excited about this extra tax break we are allegedly getting in May. This will really help with the plans for our cross country road trip!

Friday, February 22, 2008

Fat Friday Check

Well, I took a few steps back in the weight department. On a positive note though, I actually did a little jogging this week. I jogged after work Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This is also an attempt to get myself to leave work a little earlier...a somewhat normal time. Plus, I was Swoop on Thursday before I jogged, so that's a little extra sweat. Even if I gained a little weight, I'm still happy about trying to get back in the swing of things.

x - 0.5

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Here you have it

I played video games last night. I tried to play Lego Star Wars and Guitar Hero. I also tried Guitar Hero at Christmas with our cousins. John seems very eager that everyone know this information b/c I’m not a huge fan of video games and generally think they are stupid.

Rachel has posted about this also recently, but let me give my perspective. I don’t understand video games. I’ve never been good at them and never had any experience with them. Our family never had any video games, so I didn’t grow up around them. When I have the controller in my hand, I am clueless on what I’m supposed to do. Last night, I could barely move the little lego guy around the screen and just got all jumbled up when trying to jump, swing a light saber, and use The Force. It’s a pretty pathetic sight and probably very frustrating for someone who can actually operate through a video game. Guitar Hero was a little bit better, maybe b/c I have somewhat of a music background. I still have a hard time though, since you aren’t really playing the melody and it’s sometimes hard to hear the part of your particular guitar.

I guess I can see how these things can become addictive and time consuming. Mostly, I would rather spend my time with other forms of entertainment, but it was fun to play a little bit last night. I definitely still don’t like the war games where people are brutally shot down with machine guns.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Friday Fat Check

OK. I'm going to join Rachel in the Friday Fat Check posts. I'm going to have my "x" be my highest weight since Christmas and just go from there. My goal is to lose about 25 pounds this year. I hope that it's possible. I guess we are going to start another competition, but I have to be serious about it this time.

x - 2

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day

This year for Valentine's Day I got two stuffed giraffes and two dozen roses from someone that I love and who loves me back. That definitely beats last year when I received one dozen roses from some creepy older Chinese man that I was not and am attracted to whatsoever. It's cute to have a guy that is more excited about Valentine's Day than I am. Thank you John, I love you! (sorry if that is too sappy)

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

cross country road trip

it's finally happening and i'm so excited! below, i will list the tentative plans and over the next few months, hopefully, i will give more details and plans as we get closer. Sweet!

July 2 – prep day
July 3 – St. Louis, Kansas
July 4 – Kansas, Colorado
July 5 – Colorado

this is a picture of Chester Copperpot....aKa Kramer.
July 6 – Colorado
July 7 – Colorado
July 8 – Utah
July 9 – Utah
July 10 – Las Vegas
July 11 – Las Vegas
July 12 – Arizona
July 13 – California
July 14 – California
July 15 – Arizona
July 16 – Arizona
July 17 – Colorado
July 18 – New Mexico, Texas
July 19 – Oklahoma, Arkansas
July 20 – Tennessee
July 21 – Kentucky, Ohio
July 22 – Day of rest
July 23 – Day of recovery

Monday, February 11, 2008

not giving up


no, i'm not giving up, though maybe i should. i now have a digital camera, so i should try to post more pictures.

this is the first picture i took with my camera. here is my dad wearing his new headlamp. i still think it's a pretty funny picture. haha.