10 Random things I feel Thankful for.

1. I was lucky enough to be born in this country where I have virtually limitless possibility. The simple fact of where you happened to be born is one thing you have no control over what so ever, yet can be the single most significant factor in what kind of life you will lead. I could just as easily been born in Darfur, or any third world, war-torn country.

2. As many health issues as I honestly do have, and as serious as they may be, I am relatively healthy. I am strong, fairly fit, and in no real pain.

3. I have extremely wonderful and supportive friends.

4. I have a nice, comfortable house. In a really wonderful, tight-knit neighborhood. I can honestly say I know every one of my neighbors.

5. I have a good reliable car.

6. I have a decent education. I'd still like to go back for a different, more marketable degree, but the ones I have are okay.

7. I find a reason to laugh every single day, and try to remain positive.

8. Nick has a very stable job in these scary economic times. Mine....not so much. But I feel lucky that one of us does. I know couples where both of them have been laid off, and I would lose my mind if I were in that situation.

9. I've been disciplined enough to save money every month in my money market, stock account, and my 401 (k).

10. Barack Obama was elected President of the United States of America!!!

Bonus just for my dear friend Larry Klye:

11. Dear baby Jesus, I am thankful for alcoholic beverages! Especially when one must spend time with the family!

50 Random Statements:

1. I almost knocked Oprah to the ground running to the restroom once when I had the flu.

2. I think my parrot is much smarter and better company than all but maybe five people I know.

3. I am an environmentalist, yet drive an SUV and make no apologies.

4. I love all things purple.

5. I feel fatter at 115 lbs. than I ever did at 159 lbs.

6. My biggest fear in life is having a stroke.

7. My house is currently a pig sty.

8. I don't know exactly what the hell a pig sty is.

9. I always thought I was a dog person until I got my cat.

10. If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be Costa Rica.

11. I regret marrying at 24.

12. I don't regret not having kids.

13. I believe Barack Obama will do great things.

14. I'm secretly in love with Nate Silver.

15. I have a strange attraction to geeky men.

16. I may be critical of others, but I'm much more critical of myself.

17. If I had to chose between my husband and my iphone.....I think the iphone might win.

18. Secretly, I adore Anderson Cooper for being the host of the Mole.

19. I want botox for the wrinkle between my eyes. Smile lines are okay, frown lines are not.

20. I wish I had different parents.

21. I will likely die before I see 60, and I'm okay with that.

22. I love cheesy reality tv.

23. I own the book Twilight, yet don't want to read it just because it's the big thing right now.

24. My Grandpa means the world to me.

25. I'm much more sensitive and fragile than I'll ever let on.

26. I'm addicted to Costco.

27. I love going to the dentist.

28. Fresh cut grass is the best smell in the world....right after chocolate chip cookies.

29. I still miss my dog Hannah, who died 10.23.05, and my dog Misty who died 5.3.99.

31. I have a crush on Jim from The Office.

32. I've never been to Europe, but want to go very much.

33. I speak French and German.

34. When I'm stressed I have recurring dreams of clowns chasing me. (clowns scare the hell out of me!)

35. I know it's bad, but I like McDonald's food.

36. I'm terrible with the computer, but I'm a gadget savant.

37. I have an excellent memory.

38. I'm fiercely loyal.

39. I secretly like Miley Cyrus.

40. I feel guilty for being an animal lover, yet still eating meat. I know better.

41. I love shoes, purses, coats, and jewelry. A lot!

42. Diamonds go with everything, including jeans or pajamas. :)

43. Cruises are the best vacations.

44. I tend to pick up strays. Both animals and people.

45. I wear a mouth guard and a retainer to bed because I clench my jaw from stress.

46. I was happy when my parents finally divorced because it was more peaceful than living with the tension.

47. I don't really know my siblings.

48. I slouch, and hate that.

49. I fall asleep at Broadway shows even though I enjoy them.

50. I'm currently ignoring the fact that I need a pacemaker at age 37.

Stolen from Walt...cause that's how I roll.

What Your Love of Twix Says About You

You are a generous and caring person. You are soft hearted. You're the type who needs a partner. You just don't feel right on your own. You are more fragile than outward appearances would suggest. You tend to be a pushover. You are very sensitive and easy to break.

What Does Your Favorite Candy Say About You?


Ok, I'm not going to lie....this is actually frighteningly accurate about me!! Everything except the "needing a partner and not feeling right on my own" is pretty much right on. :) What kind of candy are you? Is the description accurate? Let me know!

Birthday Happies!

It's my birthday today so I'm playing hooky from work! Well, not really. My boss knew in advance that I wouldn't be there...so I guess that's not really hooky. I'm having lunch with a friend and getting a massage later today! I can't wait!

I had a nice relaxing weekend. Didn't do that much. Socialized with a few friends, got a few presents. You know, normal birthday stuff. Went out for dinner, and had a major cheat day yesterday....and the scale only says I'm up 1.2 lbs! Yay for me! My friend Bree gave me the book "Twilight" for my birthday, which I've heard a lot about....so I guess I'm joining that cult.

Speaking of books, I got a chance to read most of Drew Ferguson's book The Screwed Up Life of Charlie the Second this weekend. If you get a chance, read it. It's a great book. I guess Drew listens to podcasts, so he offered to send us each autographed books to read, and we are participating in a podcaster's book club. I'm recording with Archerr tomorrow, and David That Blue Jeans Guy later this week. I think it's really cool. Who'd guess an author listens to our silly show? :-)

I've started getting some presents from my Amazon wish list, which is really awesome! I'm really thankful for all my friends that I've met online, many of whom I've had a chance to meet in person! You have all touched me and enriched my life, and I'm grateful for you!

It sounds like my birthday will be celebrated for most of this month, and who doesn't like that?!? I'm going up to see my Grandpa in Park Rapids, MN next weekend. Who doesn't love an extended celebration? I know I do! I'm really excited to go see my Grandpa. I adore him so much! He is the one person in the world who only sees the positives in me. I'm perfect to him in every way. He makes me feel loved in it's purest form. He also spoils me with yummy junk food, and worries that I don't eat enough. (yes, I was a picky eater when I was little...obviously I outgrew it, but he still worries) I think I'll go to Grandpa's after work on Friday. It's a 3.5-4 hour drive, and I think I'll come home Sunday afternoon. Nick's family are having a birthday party for me on Sunday evening, so I wouldn't want to miss presents.

The following weekend I'm having dinner with my friend Susan, so the birthday celebration continues at least until then. :)

Now the negatives; Nick's parents are scheduled to arrive in Minneapolis from North Carolina this Wednesday! Ugh. I guess it's his cousin's wedding this coming weekend. I don't know his cousin, and I've been excused from having to attend. I'm really grateful for this because I really HATE going to Nick's dad's side of the family. There are a lot of really weird people who don't know much about boundaries. The last time I attended one of these family functions, his aunt Marcella, who I've only met once before this, at my wedding, felt the need to ask me about my gynecological health. Really? Is this appropriate conversation to make with a virtual stranger over a 4th of July picnic? Yeah, I didn't think so either. I'm not sensitive about my health problems at all. I really couldn't care less, but it was just so invasive because I don't even know whis woman. (Nick's mother loves to call everyone she's ever met and gossip about this kind of thing. Ugh) At the time, I had just had 2 miscarriages, but since then I've had a tubal pregnancy rupture, and emergency surgery. I'm sure that would be a wonderful topic of conversation for the wedding reception, right? I mean who doesn't love feeling like a medical freak of nature among strangers? No, thanks. I think I'll head to my Grandpa's house and steer clear of the crazies.

It's been 2 years today.

This blog entry is just for me, and I just wanted to acknowledge it. I'm not going to say anymore than that.

Look! We are cartoons!

Our fabulous, adorable, super-sweet listener Candy made us cool new avatars! I think they are pretty cute! Thanks Candy!

Mmm cupcakes!

Because these make me laugh....and who doesn't love a cupcake?? (these pictures were brazenly stolen from Walt and Eric...thanks boys!)