Don't Cry K - 30 isn't all that bad!
Yes - that's correct. My kid sister turned 30 today!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY K!!!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
HAPPY BIRTHDAY K!
Friday, August 18, 2006
Friday Feast
Appetizer
What color is your car? Today: Blue (Mr. Chep's truck) Normally: Pewter?
Soup
If you could wake up tomorrow with full training in another occupation and a job in that field, what would it be? Some sort of researcher - like the Martinez on Criminal Minds...I love her.
Salad
How many times in your life have you had the flu (or something similar)? Who seriously knows the answer to this question? Even I don't - and they all say I have OCD!
Main Course
What is something that has happened to you this week that you didn't expect? See previous post.
Dessert
How old were you when you had your first kiss? Funny thing....Mr. Chep will probably meet the guy next weekend when we are home! I was 7. He chased me around the gym until he caught me.
What color is your car? Today: Blue (Mr. Chep's truck) Normally: Pewter?
Soup
If you could wake up tomorrow with full training in another occupation and a job in that field, what would it be? Some sort of researcher - like the Martinez on Criminal Minds...I love her.
Salad
How many times in your life have you had the flu (or something similar)? Who seriously knows the answer to this question? Even I don't - and they all say I have OCD!
Main Course
What is something that has happened to you this week that you didn't expect? See previous post.
Dessert
How old were you when you had your first kiss? Funny thing....Mr. Chep will probably meet the guy next weekend when we are home! I was 7. He chased me around the gym until he caught me.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
The Guilty Conscience
I know....I've been a bad blogger. I've been at the gym. :-)
Why is it when your boss asks you to "close the door" we all assume it's going to be bad. Even if we haven't done anything wrong???
Is it something that our parent's ingrained in our skulls at a young age? Is it the cliche...."We need to talk" talk?
Whatever it is....it gave me a heart attack today.
I went into S's office today to file some paperwork in the manager's file. S is a busy man so I try to keep my visits to his office minimal and short.
S: Hey Chep (he didn't call me Chep....but he has) go ahead and close the door. I want to talk to you before I get a million people in my office today.
Ah Crap....I think I saw him with one of those communications forms up earlier today....I wonder if that's for me...I see him whip one of those bad boys out and give it to me..I start to panic.
S: I want to read this.
**OK - don't show that you're worried - grab the paper....pretend to read....scan for diciplinary action.....wait....did I see a "exceptional on there??" I look up and see S just grinning....I start to re-read.
Basically he was telling me his good performance is due to my performance.
He got one of these too....it was a communication for commendable performance. He had gotten a written communication from the Academic Dean for commendable performance at his job and for an exceptional file audit.
He turned around and tossed me a compliment stating he couldn't have done it without me (not in those words....that would be hokey) but you get the idea.
I must admit it made my day. Heck I would have to say it made my week.
Why is it when your boss asks you to "close the door" we all assume it's going to be bad. Even if we haven't done anything wrong???
Is it something that our parent's ingrained in our skulls at a young age? Is it the cliche...."We need to talk" talk?
Whatever it is....it gave me a heart attack today.
I went into S's office today to file some paperwork in the manager's file. S is a busy man so I try to keep my visits to his office minimal and short.
S: Hey Chep (he didn't call me Chep....but he has) go ahead and close the door. I want to talk to you before I get a million people in my office today.
Ah Crap....I think I saw him with one of those communications forms up earlier today....I wonder if that's for me...I see him whip one of those bad boys out and give it to me..I start to panic.
S: I want to read this.
**OK - don't show that you're worried - grab the paper....pretend to read....scan for diciplinary action.....wait....did I see a "exceptional on there??" I look up and see S just grinning....I start to re-read.
Basically he was telling me his good performance is due to my performance.
He got one of these too....it was a communication for commendable performance. He had gotten a written communication from the Academic Dean for commendable performance at his job and for an exceptional file audit.
He turned around and tossed me a compliment stating he couldn't have done it without me (not in those words....that would be hokey) but you get the idea.
I must admit it made my day. Heck I would have to say it made my week.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Thought for today
While on my way to work this morning they had a contest on the radio to win tickets to see Korn.
The callers had to answer questions in "lightning round" fashion.
The first 3 callers bombed.
The question you ask?
"How many states make up the continental United States?"
Caller 1: 50
Caller 2: 50
Caller 3: 52?
FIFTY-TWO?
Whoa.
The callers had to answer questions in "lightning round" fashion.
The first 3 callers bombed.
The question you ask?
"How many states make up the continental United States?"
Caller 1: 50
Caller 2: 50
Caller 3: 52?
FIFTY-TWO?
Whoa.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
US Cellular Field - HERE WE COME!
Well he did it!
Mama Chep forwarded my original post to her brother (Uncle D) who worked his magic and hooked us (me, Mr. Chep, Grandpa, Uncle D and Aunt B) up with tickets to the White Sox!!
I called my grandfather this evening and he was thrilled (well as thrilled as my grandfather gets!)
We won't be going until late August - which seemed like a long time from now, but when I put it in the terms of days (about 20) he perked right up! I think the only thing that would make him happier is if the doctor would tell him he could drive again.
I'll be sure to take tons of pictures!
Mama Chep forwarded my original post to her brother (Uncle D) who worked his magic and hooked us (me, Mr. Chep, Grandpa, Uncle D and Aunt B) up with tickets to the White Sox!!
I called my grandfather this evening and he was thrilled (well as thrilled as my grandfather gets!)
We won't be going until late August - which seemed like a long time from now, but when I put it in the terms of days (about 20) he perked right up! I think the only thing that would make him happier is if the doctor would tell him he could drive again.
I'll be sure to take tons of pictures!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Public Potty Talk
In the most recent edition of our school newspaper (yup I'm the editor, reporter and printer) I wrote an article discussing "professional appearance" on campus. This dealt with: dress code, personal hygiene, grooming and professional language. The idea was spawned not only from the lack of undergarments on students but the converstations overheard in the hallways very similar to this one found on Writermom's website **NOTE: if you have not read this - you should it's hilarious! (This means you "WB" when you have that girl you could very well have this conversation in your own home - so READ! That's an order!)
This is a true account of what happened to me while in the ladies room the other day at work. This was the MAIN reason I wrote the half page article.
I am sitting quietly in the ladies room, removing the 2 liters of water I have taken in during the day (OK - it wasn't 2 liters - more like 3 bottles and it wasn't ALL water - most of it was Diet Coke) but anyway....I am alone - well I WAS alone.
The door to the ladies room bursts open.
"I told you I have class today. I will be home to watch the kids before you have to leave for work"
(The stall door slams shut and the latch of the stall door slides into place)
"No Seriously! I will. I worked it out that way."
(The sound of pee running into the toilet at high velocity)
"He's doing WHAT? Well tell him to stop! He knows better"
(Flush)
"NO he can't have a cookie! Tell him to stop crying"
(Faucet runs for 10 seconds and then the hand dryer starts up)
"What? Hold on. I can't hear you."
(Door opens and girl exits - still blabbing away)
I am still sitting there. Shocked. Stunned really.
Writermom/Kelscraggly: I know what you are thinking. "In our long, late night converstations I KNOW you have taken our call into the throne room. Ah yes, but I have never taken you to a PUBLIC JOHN.
I am used to the chatter that happens in the ladies room. I went to college - I lived in a dorm. In fact, the girls down the hall would use the toilet, leave the stall doors open (with the mirror above the sink in front of them) look at each other in the mirrow and talk to each other....and every other girl that walked in the common bathroom to brush her teeth. (Yes it happened to me)
Difference you ask? Dorm. We kind of expected weird shit to go on the in the bathroom. We all knew each other on Harper 2. We RARELY let visitors use the bathroom. WHY? Because we all knew our floormates did odd things in the bathroom.
This chatty student not only shared HER bathroom noises - but MY bathroom noises with her friend on the other line. I felt voilated. Just a little less innocent.
I would like to say: "These kids today - they have no respect for others privacy." But I can't. My husband of 7 years (who is 3 years younger than I am) still "sits down" with the door closed and locked. (I like to think it's for his privacy and my safety) As for *** and ***- they have to remind themselves to close the door when they have company! (***Names removed to protect the guilty***)
Mom used to tell us that "Potty talk is not appropriate in public - espcially at the dinner table" Cordless phones weren't invented yet - so she didn't even think to include "Talking on the phone in a public potty is also inappropriate"
I'm thinking we'll cover that at my house!
This is a true account of what happened to me while in the ladies room the other day at work. This was the MAIN reason I wrote the half page article.
I am sitting quietly in the ladies room, removing the 2 liters of water I have taken in during the day (OK - it wasn't 2 liters - more like 3 bottles and it wasn't ALL water - most of it was Diet Coke) but anyway....I am alone - well I WAS alone.
The door to the ladies room bursts open.
"I told you I have class today. I will be home to watch the kids before you have to leave for work"
(The stall door slams shut and the latch of the stall door slides into place)
"No Seriously! I will. I worked it out that way."
(The sound of pee running into the toilet at high velocity)
"He's doing WHAT? Well tell him to stop! He knows better"
(Flush)
"NO he can't have a cookie! Tell him to stop crying"
(Faucet runs for 10 seconds and then the hand dryer starts up)
"What? Hold on. I can't hear you."
(Door opens and girl exits - still blabbing away)
I am still sitting there. Shocked. Stunned really.
Writermom/Kelscraggly: I know what you are thinking. "In our long, late night converstations I KNOW you have taken our call into the throne room. Ah yes, but I have never taken you to a PUBLIC JOHN.
I am used to the chatter that happens in the ladies room. I went to college - I lived in a dorm. In fact, the girls down the hall would use the toilet, leave the stall doors open (with the mirror above the sink in front of them) look at each other in the mirrow and talk to each other....and every other girl that walked in the common bathroom to brush her teeth. (Yes it happened to me)
Difference you ask? Dorm. We kind of expected weird shit to go on the in the bathroom. We all knew each other on Harper 2. We RARELY let visitors use the bathroom. WHY? Because we all knew our floormates did odd things in the bathroom.
This chatty student not only shared HER bathroom noises - but MY bathroom noises with her friend on the other line. I felt voilated. Just a little less innocent.
I would like to say: "These kids today - they have no respect for others privacy." But I can't. My husband of 7 years (who is 3 years younger than I am) still "sits down" with the door closed and locked. (I like to think it's for his privacy and my safety) As for *** and ***- they have to remind themselves to close the door when they have company! (***Names removed to protect the guilty***)
Mom used to tell us that "Potty talk is not appropriate in public - espcially at the dinner table" Cordless phones weren't invented yet - so she didn't even think to include "Talking on the phone in a public potty is also inappropriate"
I'm thinking we'll cover that at my house!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
A Night at Geekville
It's official.
Brad and I are geeks.
We spent the evening watching Mythbustas. I have to say...I did learn something.
If you are throwing a party and you forgot to chill the beer - if you place your cans in salt/ice water it will chill your 6 pack (to 37 degrees) in 5 minutes.
The only way to chill your beer faster is with a fire extinguisher (2 minutes). Granted it costs a bit more - but it IS faster!
Party ON!
Sunday, July 23, 2006
What I learned this weekend....
Easy money can come with a price.
My good friend Kelscraggly works for a company that is privvy to new clinic study information before it's released to the public. The most recent study was allergy related and Kelscraggly thought I would be interested.
To qualify it was necessary for me to stop taking my allergy medicine for 3 days, go to Iowa City to get tested, and if I qualified for the study I could be eligible for the $300! SIGN ME UP! Help science determine if there is a better way to fight Ragweed and make some moola? Hells yes! Mr. Chep was concerned about me stopping my allergy medicine - but I assured him I would be fine.
That was Monday. On Thursday I went down to IC for the first step in the study. I read all the rules of the study and donated my arm to science. They placed 3 drops of stuff (yes that's the scientific term) on my arm and scratched my skin to let it "sink" in. This was the test to see if I was allergic to Ragweed. So I wait for something to happen. All of a sudden part of my arm starts to burn and itch. Holy good god. Talk about ITCHY! Much to my dismay - that was not the ragweed. Come to find out - Chep isn't allergic to ragweed. Huh. Ah well. At least I know what it isn't. There are only a hundred other things it could be....Kelscraggly says she will take me down sometime and we'll figure it out. NO kidding...I'd like to know why the heck I am taking the allegra.
As soon as I came back from the study I started back on my allergy medicine. Come to find out - it wasn't soon enough. I am now suffering from a stuffy head, sinus pressure and coughing like MAD. Grrr...
So two lessons here.
1. Allergy medicine is my friend.
2. I am not allergic to ragweed.
Saturday my friend "M" had a party at her house in IC. She had her husband have a beautiful house situated on a pond. Houses in their neighborhood are fairly close together. The people in the house 2 doors down leave the blinds open and walk around nude. We had a few "shows" before they realized it would be a good idea to shut the blinds.
Later that evening - the sirens were blowing and the firetruck whizzed by the house. So "S" turned on the scanner to find out what happened ("S" is an EMT). There were no flames - but an a LOAD of smoke. Come to find out the homeowner (who was not home) left a pot on the stove and it melted. The firemen had to "break-in" the house to remove the hazard and air out the house. In case you were wondering - the firemen left a note about the fire and what happened.
Lessons here:
3. If you walk around nude in your home...close your blinds.
4. A melted pot makes an assload of smoke.
5. If you are not home and the fire department enters your house - they leave you a note on your door!
I spent today on the couch (coughing up a lung) and checking the Mackinac Race results. My uncle's boat's name is Majic. No results yet, but I keep checking.
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend - and maybe you learned a little from my post today!
My good friend Kelscraggly works for a company that is privvy to new clinic study information before it's released to the public. The most recent study was allergy related and Kelscraggly thought I would be interested.
To qualify it was necessary for me to stop taking my allergy medicine for 3 days, go to Iowa City to get tested, and if I qualified for the study I could be eligible for the $300! SIGN ME UP! Help science determine if there is a better way to fight Ragweed and make some moola? Hells yes! Mr. Chep was concerned about me stopping my allergy medicine - but I assured him I would be fine.
That was Monday. On Thursday I went down to IC for the first step in the study. I read all the rules of the study and donated my arm to science. They placed 3 drops of stuff (yes that's the scientific term) on my arm and scratched my skin to let it "sink" in. This was the test to see if I was allergic to Ragweed. So I wait for something to happen. All of a sudden part of my arm starts to burn and itch. Holy good god. Talk about ITCHY! Much to my dismay - that was not the ragweed. Come to find out - Chep isn't allergic to ragweed. Huh. Ah well. At least I know what it isn't. There are only a hundred other things it could be....Kelscraggly says she will take me down sometime and we'll figure it out. NO kidding...I'd like to know why the heck I am taking the allegra.
As soon as I came back from the study I started back on my allergy medicine. Come to find out - it wasn't soon enough. I am now suffering from a stuffy head, sinus pressure and coughing like MAD. Grrr...
So two lessons here.
1. Allergy medicine is my friend.
2. I am not allergic to ragweed.
Saturday my friend "M" had a party at her house in IC. She had her husband have a beautiful house situated on a pond. Houses in their neighborhood are fairly close together. The people in the house 2 doors down leave the blinds open and walk around nude. We had a few "shows" before they realized it would be a good idea to shut the blinds.
Later that evening - the sirens were blowing and the firetruck whizzed by the house. So "S" turned on the scanner to find out what happened ("S" is an EMT). There were no flames - but an a LOAD of smoke. Come to find out the homeowner (who was not home) left a pot on the stove and it melted. The firemen had to "break-in" the house to remove the hazard and air out the house. In case you were wondering - the firemen left a note about the fire and what happened.
Lessons here:
3. If you walk around nude in your home...close your blinds.
4. A melted pot makes an assload of smoke.
5. If you are not home and the fire department enters your house - they leave you a note on your door!
I spent today on the couch (coughing up a lung) and checking the Mackinac Race results. My uncle's boat's name is Majic. No results yet, but I keep checking.
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend - and maybe you learned a little from my post today!
Friday, July 21, 2006
Meme I Stole From Kelscraggly
GRUB-OLOGY
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.
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
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.
Monday, July 17, 2006
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.
*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.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Shellsburg Big Day Parade
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!
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! :)
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! :)
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Like Father, Like Son...Part Duex
This is grandpa and Uncle D.
Both sailors....for life.
Good luck Uncle D in the Mackinac Race!
Both sailors....for life.
Good luck Uncle D in the Mackinac Race!
The life of a Sailor
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.
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.
Friday, July 07, 2006
The Old Salt
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!
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!
Monday, July 03, 2006
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!
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!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Like father, Like Son
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!
Shortly after this shot Mr. Chep soaked me with the hose.
Our neighbors must think we are 12!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
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!
"WHOA - nice shoes"
I had many compliments on my outfit. Made me feel pretty.
It was a good day!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
It's been a week
Grandpa and Mama ChepWell...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!
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