We'll climb that mountain when we get there

There must be something wrong with me because on some level, climbing Mt. Everest actually appeals to me. Now before you go all "is this the same prissy girl I know?" on me, I know this is not actually a realistic thought. Not that I don't believe that I could do it (with years of training and a desire to be tortured) but I know that I don't really want to live in a filthy base camp, eat yak for dinner, get frostbite and possibly die. But put all of those minor details aside and the adventure and challenge of the whole thing makes me want to sign up.

It started when I read Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. Although the book is actually about one of the worst climbing disasters in Everest history, the details about the mountain and the climb itself are fascinating. It's a great book. My interest has once again been piqued with the premiere of Discovery Channel's Everest:Beyond The Limit show. It's good stuff. What is so interesting is that while I am watching this show and thinking how much it makes me want to take up mountain climbing, my Uncommon Husband says "No part of me has a desire to do that." Funny how two people watching the same show can be inspired and repulsed at the same time. (well, maybe not repulsed but it sounded good) Anyway, Uncommon husband can stay home and play golf while my adventurous father and I climb Everest, visit the pyramids in Egypt and go on a safari in Africa. (all things that Uncommon Husband does not want to do but I think sound great - except for the dying on Everest part). Since Everest is not something I will actually try, I will continue to watch the shows and read the books. It kind of surprises people when I start talking about Everest's "Falls" and the "Hilary Step." I'm uncommon so you never know what you might get - Manolo Blahnik and Chanel or Everest and skydiving.

On another note, NaBloPoMo starts tomorrow! I have joined over 3,000 bloggers who will be posting daily during the month of November. It should be fun. Uncommon husband thinks I keep saying NAMBLA - which apparently stands for "North American Man Boy Love Association." Ridiculous garbage he heard on South Park (which I hate). Not so much the same thing ...

So Last Season

I need a new header for my blog. Currently I am looking generic and boring and if we compared this to fashion it would be like me wearing something that is "so last season." This will not do, however, since the theme of my life is now "too tired to move" I am thinking that for now, I shall remain out of date with my template blog. so not cool, but what's a girl to do?

Here's Your Motivation

I was reading through some other blogs tonight and I read something that I find to be particularly true. This blog discusses the motivation that suddenly appears to make your house look perfect when you have company coming over. I keep a pretty clean house generally but I am really bad about stacking things here and there. I make piles of papers I need to file, magazines I need to read, catalogs I need to save for no reason at all. The busier we get, the bigger the piles become. The only good thing about piles is that they are easy to shove into the closet or office when someone is coming over. I have ridiculously high standards to what constitutes "acceptable" appearance for the house before someone comes over. I am told this will change once I have children. I keep hearing that - I feel like having children is going to turn my life upside down and shake it (but in a good way, lol).

Until then, I will continue to invite no one over because I never feel like the house is ready. I keep thinking if only our house was bigger I would entertain more ... I don't know though because it's not effortless for me. As soon as someone accepts an invitation I'm worrying about what to garnish the drinks with, what kind of brie to buy and if the crackers are fancy enough. I don't know why I do it to myself, it would be more fun if I'd just buy some frozen mini quiche and a bottle of wine.

Insanity

I think I am going to try a few of these things out in the next week to let off some stress :)

1. At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars, see if they slow down.
2. Page yourself over the intercom but don't disguise your voice.
3. Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.
4. Put your garbage can on your desk and label it "IN".
5. Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.
6. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sexual favors".
7. Finish all your sentences with "In accordance with the prophecy".
8. Don't use any punctuation.
9. As often as possible, skip rather than walk.
10. Ask people what sex they are. Laugh hysterically after they answer.
11. Specify that your drive-through order is "to go".
12. Sing along at the opera.
13 Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme.
14. Put mosquito netting around your desk and play tropical sounds all day.
15. Five days in advance, tell your friends you can't attend their party because you are not in the mood.
16. Have your co-workers address you by your wrestling name, Rock Bottom.
17. When the money comes out of the ATM, scream "I won, I won!"
18. When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot yelling "Run for your lives, they're loose!"
19. Tell your children over dinner, "Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go".
20. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat - with a serious
face.

Useless Knowledge

Did you know that Donald Duck's middle name is Fauntleroy?

Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.

This blog has all of these little factoids that I never knew I wanted to know but actually find very interesting. I wonder how he compiled all of this information, some people have too much time.

No words ...

I am so tired that I have no words. I organized a day-long leadership thing for the leadership program I went through last year and today was the day. 35 people, a charter bus and me making sure we had places to go and people to see. I was basically a one man show planning this day and I have been very stressed about it because not only was the day's focus not my specialty, but I've been kind of busy with a new job lately. Anyway, it went well, everyone enjoyed themselves and now it's done. My mom & sister are about 30 minutes from arrival and I am trying to muster the strength to get off the couch and feel jazzed again.

My house is looking cluttered ... yikes

Heros Among Us

My little brother (not so little anymore, he's 6'5 and almost 23 years old) is almost finished with fire school. Next month at this time he will officially be a firefighter. I am so proud of him I can't even explain it. He is such an amazing person - caring, brave, funny and just all around awesome! He has followed his dreams and his heart and I respect him so much. I am so lucky so have such a wonderful family. Last night he had a demonstration (pictures below) that I so wish I could have attended. I hope he knows I am supporting him from afar. He is a hero in many ways and I love him!

Can you keep a secret?

I'm sure most of you have heard of the Post Secret books but I was reading some of the secrets from the blog site and it's really a crazy concept. Millions of strangers sharing their secrets anonymously. It seems as though sharing these secrets actually prompts some people to change things about their lives that they are not proud of. It's such a cool idea and it all started with someone's idea for an art project. Where are all of my great ideas?

I'll tell you a couple of my secrets. I'll start with a silly secret. I eat candy until it makes my stomach hurt. Seriously. I'm like a little kid when it comes to gummy bears, sour straws or red licorice. I start off meaning to just eat a couple of pieces but I usually can't stop myself until I don't feel well. It's ridiculous.

Another secret ... I am afraid that I don't have a gift. I don't share this to make anyone feel like they need to make me feel better about this and don't think I have low self-esteem - it's just one of those things I have been pondering for a long time. Don't get me wrong, I am good at a lot of things, I just don't think I'm great at any one thing. Is being a generalist a gift? Some people can sing amazingly well, some people are artists, athletes, actors and writers, while others are brilliantly funny or creative. Hmm ... I am organized, I am a decent writer, a good student, a good friend (I hope). Are you asleep yet? All of these things are more attributes than gifts. If planning ahead is a gift than I've got that one but that makes me sound seriously boring. Maybe I have a gift yet to be discovered but I'm not so sure. It's not that I don't love my life and I am plenty confident in my abilities to tackle challenges and try new things but it would be nice if I had a gift that I could put my finger on.

That's my secret ... what's yours?

Death to the folding machine

I want to murder the folding machine. It has jammed repeatedly and eaten my newsletters this morning. I do not have time for this nonsense. It must die.

Please pardon the language in the song that accompanies this video but this re-enactment from the movie Office Space shows exactly what I wish to do at this very moment.

Make me laugh

I love truly funny tv. It takes something good to make me laugh out loud, I have never enjoyed stupid humor so when I find a funny show it's wonderful! One of my favorites is The Office. That show is laugh out loud!

Another good one is Ellen. She is funny without being crass or inappropriate. This clip was from last week and I thought it was hilarious and adorable! It's long but I love this kid!

The Big Debate

Well, we attended the debate last night and it was fantastic! What a cool experience! After waiting in a huge line and sitting in the ballroom for a few hours we found out it was all worth it. We sat in the section right behind where they were doing the Hannity & Colmes pre-show. We saw Steve Forbes and all of the other guests. We even found ourselves in the crowd on the TV so I can say I was officially on the Hannity & Colmes show (although no one else would ever find us without a pause button and some coaching). The debate itself was very interesting and lively. I feel like I came away from it with a better sense of who I like overall and I feel good about the candidates as a group. There are several of them that I believe would do a good job with the office which is not necessarily what I thought going into it. Right now I am leaning towards McCain or Guiliani. I really like McCain because he stands for what he believes is right and what is best for our country, regardless of how popular or unpopular that stance may be. I also believe he answers questions truthfully and directly instead of trying to give the answer that will please the majority. He has a strong background of experience in both government and military which is vital to being Commander i Chief. I was impressed with him last night. The only one that I felt was completely out of left field (literally) was Ron Paul. No thanks - I wouldn't be able to stand how whiny his voice is, much less his policy positions.

For awhile now I have been thinking I am more moderate than a conservative Republican. Although I do have very strong opinions on the environment, Darfur & genocide, gun control (not elimination but CONTROL), and some social issues, I have realized that I am still pretty conservative overall:) I guess I have bucked that label because I think it has very specific meaning to some people and I don't think I fit neatly into a box with a label. Just when you think you've got me figured out I like to pull out some liberal opinions!

On another note - I ran into a few sorority sisters at the debate and they got me down next to the stage (they had "all access" clearance) so we could have a photo taken in front of the podiums to send in to our Sorority's national magazine. If and when I get a copy, I will post it! We could not bring cameras or cell phones into the room so I am depending on the reporter that Jamie knew to get us the photo. Anyway, enough rambling for now I just wanted to share the experience while it's still fresh. It was great and I hope to do it again in the future!

A prisoner at the hotel

I might be blogging a lot today because we are prisoners at our hotel. We can't leave because we would never be able to get back in to park before the debate. We do not want to get stuck taking a shuttle from the convention center down the street, we'd never get out of here tonight! The doors do not even open for the debate until 5:00 and we have to check out of the room at 1:00. I broke down and bought Internet access because I have to have something to do!

The hotel we are staying in is fabulous but they charge for everything. Literally, it costs per person to even use the gym. It's not like the rooms are cheap so I guess they figure if we can afford to stay here they might as well bleed us for every penny they can get. We stayed at a Hilton Garden Inn a few weeks ago and although it wasn't a luxury hotel it was much nicer than anything else in that price range. They give you free Internet access, gym use and cookies. I don't get it ... however, although I'm whining I am still a hotel snob and I'd do it all again next weekend :)

The people watching downstairs is interesting. Everyone has stickers and buttons for the candidates on. I feel like I'm missing out because we aren't going to all of the events associated with the convention. That's where Nate & I differ. I feel like I have to attend everything or I'll miss something good, he wants to avoid all of the extra stuff and get right to the main event. We're going with his preference on this one because I'm sure he's right and those meetings are probably extremely boring. I can't help but feel like I'm missing something though!

Fashion Show

In a few weeks the "Whole Night of Food & Fashion" show will be held at Whole Foods in Sarasota. My talented aunt is the photographer again this year and the promo photos are very cool. Like last year, they used real fruits & vegetables to create the accessories for the models. You can check out the site here and the behind the scenes of the photo shoot here.

I'm looking forward to the event, should be fun for a good cause!

Off to O-Town

Well, we are going to Orlando today for the Presidency IV convention and debate. The debate will be tomorrow night on Fox News and it should be an interesting weekend. I am looking forward to the whole experience and hopefully meeting the candidates and hearing them speak will give me some clarity on who I might support.

We are going to skip several of the events and do our own thing for part of the weekend. We are not big fans of Orlando in general. I think part of it is that growing up in Florida, Orlando never was that big of a deal. Also, when you don't have kids - the whole city seems like a circus. Everything is so commercial and tacky! I do love Disney World though! Nate does not feel the same sense of magic I do about it and I blame his parents for never taking him as a kid. That should be a crime!

We were planning on going to Sea World today but the weather is calling for scattered T-storms (the first in weeks) so now we might have to go for plan B. I think Plan B is Bass Pro Shop, which to me is the equivalent of getting poked in the eye with a stick for an hour. I have to pretend to be patient though, otherwise Nate will point out all of the days he sits in the leather recliners outside of Ann Taylor while I try things on. We might go to the Mall at Millenia afterwards so that will feel like rehab after Bass Pro Shop. Gucci, Louis Vuitton & Jimmy Choo ... oh my! Too bad I can't buy anything :(

If you think you're having a bad day

Yesterday afternoon I took some volunteers to our shelter for a tour. I am so glad that I went because it was a dose of perspective that I needed. The shelter is full right now - 27 women & children. The shelter is very nice but seeing all of the kids there and knowing why they could not be at home was heartbreaking. It also made me remember why our work is so important. I feel so fortunate to have been born into a loving family. The things that are happening in those children's families are going to affect them forever. There are so many factors that cause the women to go back into dangerous situations and it is very hard to imagine what their lives are like.

I am also thankful for the many blessings in my life. I am working on our holiday program where people and businesses adopt the families we serve. One of the moms wrote down laundry detergent and a lawn mower for her Christmas wish list. I can't imagine not having such basic things ...

Don't get me wrong, although yesterday was humbling and gave me perspective - I still feel like I am in a car where the accelorator is jammed. I can't stop and I'm just flying through traffic, trying not to run into anything major! I need to slow down for just a minute please!!

Media coverage is a wonderful thing (only when it's good)

It's nice to see that I didn't work almost 70 hours last week for nothing. We were in the paper again this morning!

I've got so many clips to scan from the last two weeks and I have to say that thank goodness I have something tangible to show from all of this because I am exhausted. I'll actually blog something interesting later but I had to share my victory with cyberspace:)

Hallowhocares?

I am the Halloween Grinch. I don't like Halloween and apparently that is an unpopular position.

I was at the gym today and the girl on the treadmill next to me asked what I was going to be for Halloween. I told her I don't dress up and you would have thought I said that I eat babies. She was shocked and appalled! She didn't understand and she said "but it gives you a chance to be someone else for a day." Well, again maybe I'm weird, but I like who I am and I don't really want to be someone else for a day. Especially not "slutty red riding hood" or "little bo take a peep" I'm probably going to offend someone with this opinion but what's the deal with everyone wearing slutty costumes? It seems like it's less about creative and fun costumes and more about how much skin you can show.

The other thing I think is stupid is that it seems like it becomes a bigger deal each year. It used to be trick or treating was the big thing but now there are smoke machines for the front yard, Halloween Horror Nights, and all kinds of other junk.

I know that I'm in the minority but I'm okay with that. People should respect those who don't like to holiday instead of making it seem like they are crazy. I know it's harmless fun for most people and another reason to party but there is a dark side and I'd rather put all of my holiday spirit into Thanksgiving when I get to be with my family and celebrate all that I have to be thankful for and Christmas where we celebrate the birth of Christ. People can't accept it though, they try to shove their orange plastic pumpkins down my throat ... ughh.

Interesting articles related to this topic; History, costume ban

Small victories

Well, although I feel like I am moving backwards through my "to do" list, at least we've had good media coverage. This weekend was fab as far as coverage goes!

I am soooo looking forward to this weekend! My brother is coming to visit and it's going to force me to take a much needed break. Yeah! I'll try to be a more interesting blogger tomorrow. I'm tired and boring right now.

The Kingdom

We saw the movie The Kingdom last night. It was really heavy. I don't really know how I feel about it because I liked the message that came out of it at the end but it took a lot of violence, and the subject matter was all too real. The movie is based around an act of terrorism in Saudi Arabia and it some of the scenes were deeply disturbing. I can handle violence when I remember that it's just a movie but this was the kind of stuff that is happening and was about the people that will stop at nothing to spread their message. I can't say that I disliked the movie because I agree with the message at the end. What troubled me was that it reiterated that there is no simple solution to the situation in the middle east. I'm all for peace but when you're dealing with crazies they don't accept rationale messages of "let's all be friends." Blowing each other up isn't the answer but talking seems futile in some of these situations. I'm not really getting to a point with this, I'm just sharing some thoughts that the movie provoked.

Thank goodness I don't have to solve the world's problems. However, according to the elderly woman next to me in the produce section today, who we vote for in the next election will directly affect the cost of blueberries. She was mad that they were $4.99 and she would not listen to my logic - blueberries are out of season, of course they are more expensive! It was pretty funny, she kept talking about it whenever I passed by her on another aisle. Blueberries are on my list of things to ask about at the presidential debate in two weeks :)

Last weekend (feels like a month ago but it was just 5 days ago) we went to St. Augustine. It was a nice trip even though there's not much to do there and it was a quick trip. Spending time with my family is always fabulous!

5 benefits of being a workaholic

You make new friends ... with the night cleaning people at the office.

You lose weight ... because you either forget to eat or you eat super healthy because you pack your lunch - no time to stop and pickup something, must keep typing.

You save money ... there is no time for Target or Publix (the drawback is that you run out of important things like milk and pretty much everything else).

You don't worry ... you only have time to think about work & sleep.

You get lots of stuff done ... however, there's always more waiting.