Meme I Stole From Kelscraggly

GRUB-OLOGY

What is your salad dressing of choice?
Red French/Catalina/Western….depends on where you’re from on what ya call it.

What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
Culver’s

What is your favorite sit down restaurant?
Giordano’s

On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
20-25%

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
Crab

Name three foods you detest above all others.
Coconut, Canteloupe, peas

What is your favorite dish to order in a Chinese restaurant?
Hot and sour soup

What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Depends on the location of the pizza joint. Iowa – Pepperoni. Chicago – SAUSAGE!

What do you like to put on your toast?
Canadian Raspberry Preserves

What is your favorite type of gum?
I love them all.(well except grape)

TECH-OLOGY
Number of contacts in your cell phone?
More than Mr. Chep

Number of contacts in your email address book?
Work - So many you just might gag.

What is your wallpaper on your computer?
Home: Clouds. Work: Daisy (Both photos I took myself)

What is your screensaver on your computer?
Default

Are there naked pictures saved on your computer?
Well Mr. Chep and I share computers….so hard tellin.

How many land line phones do you have in your house?
One

How many televisions are in your house?
Two

What kitchen appliance do you use the least?
Blender

What is the format of the radio station you listen to the most?
XM Radio - online

BI-OLOGY
What do you consider to be your best physical attribute?
Smile

Are you right handed or left handed?
Right

Do you like your smile?
Indeed

Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
Teeth (not wisdom)

Would you like to?
Not really…

Do you prefer to read when you go to the bathroom?
I’m too quick to read.

Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?
Smell…

When was the last time you had a cavity?
A year ago

What is the heaviest item you lift regularly?
My fat butt out of bed.

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
Briefly when I hit a fence full speed.

MISC-OLOGY
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
NO.

If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?
Not sure I would.

How do you express your artistic side?
Preparing candies.

What color do you think you look best in?
Blue

How long do you think you could last in a medium security prison?
Mama Chep would kill me before I made it there.

Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
I worked in a park and mowed regularly so bugs were on the menu often.

If we weren’t bound by society’s conventions, do you have a relative you would make a pass at?
NO.

How often do you go to church?
Oye..NEXT?

Have you ever saved someone’s life?
If you count giving blood…then yeah.

Has someone ever saved yours?
People have saved my ass…

DARE-OLOGY
Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000?
Tax free?

Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
Sure.

Would you have sex with a member of the same sex for $10,000?
Do I get to choose?

Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
I have had dismemberment insurance and never did – so I’m thinkin no.

Would you never blog again for $50,000?
Yeah – but I’m not sure I could give up the flickr.

Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000?
Not sure I could do that….

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
Yeah – I love me some hot sauce.

Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
Nope, couldn’t do that.

Would you shave your head and get your entire body waxed for $5,000?
My hair grows fast – and most people pay to have their bodies waxed so SURE!

Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000?
Yes.

Toasted Cheese

Named after the sandwich Grandma R. used to make. Here's the make-up:
*2 slices of bread. Toasted
*1 slice of american cheese
*30 seconds in the microwave.
***Hot***Gooey***kinda soggy***
Pretty much sums up my day - so here it is.

Rattle, rattle, rattle.
The smell of Limburger on my face.
Must be time for Pepper (Jack) to get up.
It's already 80 degrees at 6:00AM. Damn gonna be a hot one.

A little shredded wheat and the paper get me going for the day. Iowa news - a little on the dry side.

The boss left me a message - out sick. Hopefully he'll come back as a Fresh Jack.

I wrote 1 report, fixed a major curd, and when I stepped out at lunch it was 107. Talk about Frying Cheese!

Pepper (Jack) and I had lunch together - and on my way back to work - Hickey called me, he was one brick shy of a full load. Freaking out over work. I got the (Texas) Longhorn smoothed over and started to churn away at my second report of the day.

After word that we might get storms I made a call down to Maytag (blue cheese) to talk to Mr. Chep about dinner. We decided to take both cars up to the north side and park in the garage at the mall to protect them from the baseball sized hail on it's way to CR.

Dinner at a chainy, Irish wanna be pub. Had me a blue cheese burger, with some sort of nasty gravy on it. I do not recommend combining gravy and blue cheese. Ick.

We avoided the rain, wind and potential hail and headed back home.

This is when I fell upon Zilla's contest.

So here it is. My days are so dull I had to integrate cheese in the story. Boy do I have a boring life.

Shellsburg Big Day Parade

Shellsburg Big Day Parade
Originally uploaded by Chepner.

I spent the morning (90 degree morning I might add) in Shellsburg, IA at their "Big Day" parade. (No Mr. Chep didn't go, he was required to stay home and rest - he's been sick.)

My friend "E" grew up, and still lives in Shellsburg, as do his very cool parents.

It was a wonderful morning and I captured some very interesting shots...this being one of my favorites. Check out my Flickr account for more shots!

Tidbits from Zilla

I took this from Zilla....she told me to tag myself...

In My Fridge:
Homemade chicken soup from last night
Diet Coke
Raspberry preserves from Canada
Jalapeno/Cheddar Brats

In My Purse:
Lipstick
My-pod
Nearly dead cell phone
Wintermint Gum

In My Closet:
10 pair of shoes most people could use as skis
2 Bridesmaids dresses
2 Letterman's Jackets (circa 1992 and 1995 - sweet!)
Handbeaded sequin shawl

My Car (this week...it's Mr. Chep's truck)
Hamilton College camp chair (from this morning parade)
XM Radio
Wirestripper and screwdriver
Dog hair

I tag Kelscraggly...she likes these things! :)

Like Father, Like Son...Part Duex

Grandpa and Uncle Dorsey
Originally uploaded by Chepner.

This is grandpa and Uncle D.

Both sailors....for life.

Good luck Uncle D in the Mackinac Race!

The life of a Sailor

DCP_0484
Originally uploaded by Chepner.

Grandpa has always been a sailor. Always will be.

He is now 85 years (young) and still owns and sails a 22' Atlantic City Cat Boat. He passed his love of sailing (and boating) on to his children and grandchildren.

Grandpa's only son, "Uncle D" is preparing to sail in the 2006 Mackinac Race. He has been successful in years past and I wish him luck in his 29th run in the Chicago to Mackinac race.

I boat (as you all know ...Mr. Chep and our fishing trips!) but I haven't sailed since college (Iowa doesn't have much in the way of sailing waters, nor do I have a sailboat) but I did take sailing in college! (Writermom has a photo of that somewhere - as do I)

But anyway....

It's amazing to me that Grandpa will even get on a boat, much less sail one.

Why you ask?

Sixty-three (63) years ago, Grandpa was on the USS Helena when it when it was struck by 3 torpedoes in the Pacific ocean and sank on July 6, 1943.

He shared his story in the local paper on May 30th of this year. Sometime when I have a little more time I will share his amazing story.

Tonight I want to wish my Uncle D the best of luck in the race - and a speedy recovery to Grandpa so he can get back on the water.

The Old Salt

Thanksgiving 2005_0342
Originally uploaded by Chepner.

This photo was taken in November of this year. He is now a spry 85 - and LIVID that he can't drive (well for the time being - his eye is swollen shut from the shingles)

This past weekend I picked him up and took him over to my mom and dad's (his daughter's) to eat lunch and watch baseball with my husband.

My grandfather, an avid White Sox fan has never been to see a game. No, don't mean he has never seen the new field, I mean he has NEVER been to a White Sox game.

It is my goal to get him there this year.

In case you hadn't heard the Chicago White Sox won the World Series last year, so trying to find tickets for my grandfather, my husband and me (in lower level seating - Grandpa doesn't get around really well) is next to impossible.

So if you know of anyone that has weekend tickets they are looking to sell send them my way!

Is this WWII? No it's Indiana.

It's 9:00am. There is a loud BOOM in the distance. I am starting feel like I am living in an episode of M*A*S*H.

July 1, 2006, Indiana made it not only legal to purchase fireworks in the state, but to blow off your hand...I mean shoot them off.

If you are wondering to what I am referring; Indiana was always able to SELL fireworks, but before your purchase you were asked to sign a waiver stating that you were going to leave the state to shoot them off **wink.** (Illinois it's legal to shoot them off but not possess - hence the millions of firework stands along the Indiana/Illinois border)

Not the case this year.

Saturday night we spent most of our time indoors, so the sound of the M-80 wasn't noticed (actually we were up in the "ghetto" so often I thought they were gunshots.) We did notice on our drive home an unusual amount of neighborhood fireworks being blasted into the air, but thought nothing of it.

Sunday morning there was an article in the paper describing what fireworks give you the most BANG for your buck...which fizzle - which flop; including a note saying that fireworks were now legal in the greate state of Indiana.

Sunday afternoon the fire sirens in the town of Lowell went off 4 times. Papa Chep was driving through town and went by one of the THOUSANDS of firework stands and saw 2 police cars and an ambulance.

Something tells me next year there will be a town ordinance against shooting fireworks off in town. Until then, wake up Indiana to the sound of bottle rockets and firecrackers....IT'S LEGAL!

Like father, Like Son

Rinsing it off
Originally uploaded by Chepner.

See we do pick up good habits from our parents!

Shortly after this shot Mr. Chep soaked me with the hose.

Our neighbors must think we are 12!

I'm Draggin....

Carrie and Kelly
Originally uploaded by Chepner.

I blame these 2 for a fun night out that has left me tired, tired, tired today!

Oddity for today

You know you don't wear skirts enough when you wear a new skirt (with cute shoes) and your boss says...

"WHOA - nice shoes"

I had many compliments on my outfit. Made me feel pretty.

It was a good day!

It's been a week

Grandpa and Mama Chep

Well...this week has been a little more eventful than most at work. This alone has kept me busy, busy, busy!

Anyone looking to run an MA department at a small Iowa school???

I can't complain though, my mother has been working her tail off to help my grandfather (85) get over a case of Shingles. She is more than busy....it's a good thing she has the summers off.



Taking care of a parent can be difficult not only physically, but emotionally as well. Taking care of my grandfather - is a whole different ball game.

Grandpa still lives in the house that he built when he got married many, many years ago. He has encountered more in his 85 years than most people can dream about. He has been on his own since 1996 when we lost grandma. Since then he has learned to cook (not great - but he keeps himself fed), pay the bills and even continue to send Christmas cards (not without some help from mom of course.)

He makes me very proud to have him as a grandfather. One day I will tell his story. Today it's about mom.

Mom is the only of her 3 siblings that has stayed in the immediate area. In fact she lives across town. So when grandpa got sick last week - it was up to her to make sure he got to the doctor. When his only good eye swelled shut, it was up to mom to travel across town 4 times a day to put eye drops in his eye to reduce the swelling. She is doing a wonderful job taking care of him despite his grumpy disposition.

So here's to mom - and her devotion to her dad.

Keep your chin up mom....he doesn't mean to be grumpy. OH and we will be there this weekend...so you have that to look forward to!

WOW...the UK does it up right!

I have a wedding to go to next weekend.

As I was searching online for this couple's bridal registry (at a nationwide store that is) I stumbled across an interesting link.

Yougotbeer.com

Now this link is no longer functional. BUT as I searched for a similar site I did locate this:

http://www.buymeabeer.com/

Talk about fun and easy! Too bad it's a UK exclusive (London to be exact)

Anyone up for making this a US reality? I'd buy the first one....

Relay for Life - Walk for a Cure

June 16 and 17 was the Linn County (Iowa) Relay for Life.

The Relay for Life it is an overnight walk designed to raise money and awareness about cancer. The walk in Linn County was from 7:00pm - 10:00am and over the past 16 years has raised over 2 million dollars for the American Cancer Society.

As you may or may not know I was part of the entertainment committee - helping to get mascots, prizes, and local police and fire departments on site at the event. I also was a participant in the Relay walking approximately 5-6 hours. Some of those hours I was on "Prize Patrol" but 2.25 hours (2:45AM - 5:00AM) was spent walking non-stop.

This year, our event raised $310,ooo - our best event to date and I have many of you to thank.

My goal was $100. Not a large amount, but as my mother pointed out: I'm not good at raising money.

Well the generosity of my Blogger friends proved this to be untrue.

Not only did I reach that $100 goal.....I exceeded it, by raising a total of $195.00!! *Second highest on my team I might add*

BIG THANKS go out to my supporters...thank you ALL for your donation to the fight against cancer.

WriterMom (the most supportive friend a girl could have)
Jack (son of WriterMom and the coolest kid I know)
Zilla (the hippest chic on the block)
Fine Artist (world traveler and incredible artist)
"K"- Sista Chep (my awesome kid sista)
Mama Chep (the lady who made me the girl I am...thanks mom!)
Miss "A" at Hamilton College ($70 from bottles and cans collected over the course of the year)

The event had bands, clowns, magicians...even a Dude looks like a lady contest! One of our team members entered....and I must say was the prettiest man out there!


Thanks again to EVERYONE for their donations and support for the American Cancer Society!

Top 10 Reasons My Dad Kicks A**

• 10. He looks like William Shatner.
• 9. He gave me his denim blue eyes.
  8. He taught me how to play golf (My ability should not reflect his teaching skills...)
• 7. No one makes a better pancake!
  6. He's a smooth operator
  5. He embraces all types of music (yes even RAP...well at least the song "You Can't Touch This")
  4. He supported his kids in all their ventures
  3. He has the uncanny ability to turn cardboard into a million different objects...such as this dragon!
  2. He can "bust a move" better than most!
  1. He made me who I am!
  
  

2. Thanks for everything dad! I miss and love you!

Happy Father's Day!

Southern Memories

Although a little blurry - this is a photo taken when I spent some time in South Carolina on business a few years ago.

It's a giant Peach (in case you couldn't tell)

I visited with my friend "E" today, he took me out to dinner (where I received a lesson on the difference between Broasted, fried and deep fried chicken.) Little did I know Iowans take such pride in their cooking fat! "E" reminds me often I am so Yankee!

As we sat and enjoyed our broasted chicken we chatted about southern food. I was reminded of the 6 weeks I spend in Duncan, SC. It wasn't until working in the south that I realized the true difference between the northern and southern states. I had visted other states before, but hadn't spent this much time working in another area.

When I moved to Iowa, I noticed a pretty big difference in the work ethic, and the pace that people worked, but other than that, people were similar....just a little nicer than NW Indiana.

South Carolina was a TOTAL change in what I was used to.

While working in Duncan, my main job was to hire employees for a facility we staffed. I was not prepared for the different culture of the area.

People called me maame.
There were people that looked at the table when answering questions (like I was "above" them)
They ate their peanuts BOILED (which I didn't care for)
They ate their pickles fried (which I actually miss)
They had fried pig skin (or fat, can't remember - but it was gross)
They put coleslaw on their BBQ (which I still do to this day)
And the smell of Magnolia still makes me think of those HOT spring days.

Some people have the opportunity to be world travelers. I have been to the Caribbean when I was younger- but I have found that it's a different world just a few states south!

I am a slacker....

It's official.

I am a slacker.

The Relay for Life is next week (June 16 and 17) and although I got 8 different mascots, 2 Police Departments and the Fire Deparment to volunteer their time to this worthy cause; I have only raised $20 (thank you SO much Zilla and Mama Chep!) I am just not good at asking for money.

I have also failed to clean my house for the 2nd weekend in a row.

The shed needs to be painted (although I must admit the rain helped with that)

I DID however do laundry and my friend E did clip the dog.

Maybe next week will be a little more productive....and hopefully a little more profitable for the Relay for Life!

Food for Thought

My friend Lego and I had McD's for lunch today.

While we were enjoying our Big Mc's a group of painters walked in.

Lego asked, "Why do think painter's wear white?"

So after much discussion - I decided to ask. These were the answers they gave:

• "We are actually part-time doctors"
• "Not sure, so we can tell what color we are painting?"
• "Because that's how it's always been"

Because that's how it's always been? What's up with that? I did some research and found a few answers. But I'm curious.....

What's your theory?

Chepner Returns!

This will be a brief post...I am still doing laundry and unpacking from the trip.

It was a wonderful visit - 6 days of peace, quiet and great fishing.

I will write more a little later when I have more time.

One thing before I go - Mr. Chep wanted me to inform you that the glove is for the protection of the fish.

Off to Canada

Well, Mr. Chep and I head for Canada this afternoon around 1:00pm.

The first leg of our 635 mile trip will take us to Cloquet, MN which is just outside of Duluth (that is after a short stop in Owatonna, MN to visit Cabela's.

It should be a much needed vacation for both of us.

I just hope my dream I had last night about forgetting all my clothes but my PJ's doesn't come true!

See you in a week or so!