I've grown up in this state my entire life. Not ONCE have I ever caught a TARPON.... and I've fished, believe me. Besides that, let me just say that a tarpon is one UUUUGLY fish. True that.
State bird........ Yellowhammer... or YellowHammer... or Yellow Hammer. I don't know because I've never actually looked outside and SEEN a yellow bird of any sort. I see hummingbirds of all sorts - because my sweet husband loves to feed them. I think they're afraid of me (honestly) - I have no idea why. But I watch through the window.
Anyway, I was having to help my 9 yr old with a project on the state. Maybe things were different when it was assembled. I've never seen a TARPON nor a YellowFrigginHammer. EVER.
In my humble opinion, it would be more honest to have a BASS as the state fish and a CARDINAL would be a better representation for the bird. Then again, I do tend to lean towards the HOPE that when founded, Yellowhammers and Tarpon were all OVER the place.
Why do states need a "designated" fish or bird? Seriously.. it's sort of silly. However, I'd vote for "designated vermin" being the silly squirrel. They make horrendous last minute road decisions...... and "sweet" southerners sometimes have accidents trying to avoid them. LOL, I love animals, but I will not die for a squirrel. Shoot.. there it is... interrupting my own train of thought with my OWN train of thought. Weird.
Back to the project....... augh! I hate school work (I hated SCHOOL!) with a PURPLE PASSION... and you know, I don't know what that means, but I know it's above the normal level of hatred for school and/or it's projects - LOL!!! Goodnight to my sister & Joy!!! :))
-Kat
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
What DID We Do Before the Internet and Cell Phones?
I honestly don’t remember. I remember working at places and having “inter-office” type programs. I remember in 1989 thinking I worked for the hottest company EVER because we could send MESSAGES to one another (within the company) called – of all things – E-Mail. I remember hearing the tech-people say “The E in E-Mail stands for Electronic, as is Electronic Mail.” Wow.
Ok, backing up to the start of the day. The kids and I rush out the door – as usual - and I realize halfway down the street I’d left my cell phone. Again, I wish cell phones could yell and say things like “Hey! Don’t forget me – I’m on the kitchen table!”
I kept going - I figured I could survive. I’d get to work, use email & message my husband that I didn’t have my phone. I could also update my Facebook status from there (one of THE priorities of the morning of course). I figure for the sake of all of us barely being on time, I’ll take one for the team and go without MY RIGHT ARM for the day.
I walk into work and the bill file is all open and our phone company bill file is on top of the cabinet. I know those bills in there belong to the company I work for but honestly? I think it’s MY cabinet. I’m territorial like a small pit bull when it comes to my desk and its organization. So I’m about to say “What is this?!?!” with attitude when I look over and my boss is on the phone with his hands going through his hair.
You have to understand my boss. He is one fairly mellow dude. We are a perfect combination though can sometimes grate on one another’s nerves – but it’s rare. He is good at helping me see the need for a calm head in a situation. However, in those instances where less isn’t always more –say when your cleaning company just AINT gettin’ the job done – he says “GO GET ‘EM” and lets me loose.
So to see him all disheveled makes me stop and stand strong for what is undoubtedly very bad. It was. He says the unthinkable – the most unimaginable thing I could ever hear him say.
I hear the words – and here is whats going on in my head:
Those words were: “We are not connected.”
I repeat – we were/are not connected. This was NOT a drill.
So immediately I start to think of what part of my job can be done without the internet – filing? Ok, seriously I am NOT THAT bored- yet. So I start thinking of the other things this affects and what I need to do.
1. Call my husband.
Yes I actually CALLED HIM using the phone to tell him I didn’t have the phone today and we had no internet so he’d actually have to CALL THE OFFICE if he needed me. I’m surprised he didn’t ask for the number.
2. Call my mom.
Get her to to text my daughter at school and let her know that we are not connected. Although she knew I didn’t have my phone, HER LAST RESORT would be to call me – she’d email first. So she needed to know – and I had to rely on Mom to tell her.
So after I did those two things and my boss finally got off the phone with the phone company after doing numerous tests with a laptop, it was determined that our modem was shot. So he leaves and I’m sitting here wondering what to do. Not filing – that’s for sure!
Oh! I know – I can go to my games! Then I realize my stupid games require the internet. Thpt! So I go to the computer games. I go to Solitaire. I turn on the sound. Unfortunately, this is NOT Windows 7 or Vista. Those cards do NOT make the shuffle sound even. After two rounds of the most boring solitaire ever, I’m done.
I am seriously wondering – back when we were first introduced to company-only email in 1989, and didn’t really know what cell phones were – what in the heck were we doing? I’m talking about when the “internet super highway” was merely a back road waiting to happen once some trees were knocked down. Some of you who stumble across this probably don’t even remember a time like that.
This situation is a LOT like when your power goes out at home and yet nearly every time you go into another room you flip the switch anyway. There are a few friends I would call to pass the time, but guess where their numbers are? Not in my head like they used to be – they are in my contact list on the cell phone. A “phone” is actually a funny thing to call it since I never use it to make calls. It is for instant messaging, texting, emailing, Facebook, games, etc.
Well, my boss just walked in from Wal-Mart. Apparently the modem we use is carried ONLY at Wal-Mart and the phone company. So he is now in the process of trying to get us back online. For those of you who are old enough to get this: I feel like little Gilligan and Skipper just walked in & said “Hey, little Buddy! I just found a way to build us a ship and get us off the island!”
So wish us luck. If the new modem works, you’ll know because you’ll be reading. You’ll also see a picture of a choir singing “Hallelujah!” below. Wish us luck!!
-Kat
Ok, backing up to the start of the day. The kids and I rush out the door – as usual - and I realize halfway down the street I’d left my cell phone. Again, I wish cell phones could yell and say things like “Hey! Don’t forget me – I’m on the kitchen table!”
I kept going - I figured I could survive. I’d get to work, use email & message my husband that I didn’t have my phone. I could also update my Facebook status from there (one of THE priorities of the morning of course). I figure for the sake of all of us barely being on time, I’ll take one for the team and go without MY RIGHT ARM for the day.
I walk into work and the bill file is all open and our phone company bill file is on top of the cabinet. I know those bills in there belong to the company I work for but honestly? I think it’s MY cabinet. I’m territorial like a small pit bull when it comes to my desk and its organization. So I’m about to say “What is this?!?!” with attitude when I look over and my boss is on the phone with his hands going through his hair.
You have to understand my boss. He is one fairly mellow dude. We are a perfect combination though can sometimes grate on one another’s nerves – but it’s rare. He is good at helping me see the need for a calm head in a situation. However, in those instances where less isn’t always more –say when your cleaning company just AINT gettin’ the job done – he says “GO GET ‘EM” and lets me loose.
So to see him all disheveled makes me stop and stand strong for what is undoubtedly very bad. It was. He says the unthinkable – the most unimaginable thing I could ever hear him say.
I hear the words – and here is whats going on in my head:
Those words were: “We are not connected.”
I repeat – we were/are not connected. This was NOT a drill.
So immediately I start to think of what part of my job can be done without the internet – filing? Ok, seriously I am NOT THAT bored- yet. So I start thinking of the other things this affects and what I need to do.
1. Call my husband.
Yes I actually CALLED HIM using the phone to tell him I didn’t have the phone today and we had no internet so he’d actually have to CALL THE OFFICE if he needed me. I’m surprised he didn’t ask for the number.
2. Call my mom.
Get her to to text my daughter at school and let her know that we are not connected. Although she knew I didn’t have my phone, HER LAST RESORT would be to call me – she’d email first. So she needed to know – and I had to rely on Mom to tell her.
So after I did those two things and my boss finally got off the phone with the phone company after doing numerous tests with a laptop, it was determined that our modem was shot. So he leaves and I’m sitting here wondering what to do. Not filing – that’s for sure!
Oh! I know – I can go to my games! Then I realize my stupid games require the internet. Thpt! So I go to the computer games. I go to Solitaire. I turn on the sound. Unfortunately, this is NOT Windows 7 or Vista. Those cards do NOT make the shuffle sound even. After two rounds of the most boring solitaire ever, I’m done.
I am seriously wondering – back when we were first introduced to company-only email in 1989, and didn’t really know what cell phones were – what in the heck were we doing? I’m talking about when the “internet super highway” was merely a back road waiting to happen once some trees were knocked down. Some of you who stumble across this probably don’t even remember a time like that.
This situation is a LOT like when your power goes out at home and yet nearly every time you go into another room you flip the switch anyway. There are a few friends I would call to pass the time, but guess where their numbers are? Not in my head like they used to be – they are in my contact list on the cell phone. A “phone” is actually a funny thing to call it since I never use it to make calls. It is for instant messaging, texting, emailing, Facebook, games, etc.
Well, my boss just walked in from Wal-Mart. Apparently the modem we use is carried ONLY at Wal-Mart and the phone company. So he is now in the process of trying to get us back online. For those of you who are old enough to get this: I feel like little Gilligan and Skipper just walked in & said “Hey, little Buddy! I just found a way to build us a ship and get us off the island!”
So wish us luck. If the new modem works, you’ll know because you’ll be reading. You’ll also see a picture of a choir singing “Hallelujah!” below. Wish us luck!!
-Kat
Saturday, August 21, 2010
I'm Terrified PMS Doesn't Exist & This is Simply My PERSONALITY
Yeah, the title pretty much says it all.
Today I got up excited because my "New & Improved" favorite computer game was being delivered. YAY! So I'm all good. My husband even woke me up sweetly when he had breakfast half-done. So I can't lose, right? Right.
So the game arrives - YAY! - And everyone's settled so I load it onto the laptop and start playing. AWESOME. An hour goes by...
My husband announces that he's going to the grocery store - the one I *said* I was going to go to LAST NIGHT, but didn't. Mhm. I just got "too tired"... but he knew that. However, I'd also mentioned that I was going to get the ingredients for my spaghetti recipe. Of course, by not going means I didn't GET the items.
It all showed up with ONE sentence. Funny how it sneaks up on you like that sometimes, hm? You're having a great day - minding your own business - then BAM!!! There it is. Well here goes...
After RETURNING from the grocery store he said "...I thought you were going to get the ingredients to make your spaghetti?" and of course I said "Well, I *WAS* but then I didn't go."
THEN IT HAPPENED.... (Yes, me... continued):
"So please tell me you aren't saying you DID NOT get the ingredients - knowing I didn't go last night - and you were THERE???” He said he wasn't sure of the ingredients. Then the beast, who was FORMERLY ME, said "And you couldn't CALL OR MESSAGE WITH YOUR PHONE?!?!?!"
After that he went to the grocery store - again - and he wasn't in such a good mood. I don't know why... LOL. Thankfully, he's a SAINT and when he got back gave me a great big hug and cooked pork chops for everyone.
You know, I am now determined that one of these posts will actually make me sound like an angel one day. For everyone else's sake I hope that day comes soon!!! I’m more certain than anyone in the house that tomorrow will be better. Seriously…. I promise.
Until then....
-Kat
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Why Did God Entrust ME With Children?
Well, even I don't believe what happened to me today.
Just keep this in mind for later - I got a new Blackberry *just* last week - the one with keys but without the trackball.
Well, my oldest - a teenager - and I were in a fight (as usual these days, sadly). She was saying I didn't have to worry about her anymore - that she was going to live with her Dad (she's said it a million times). So after what seemed an entire morning of fighting, I bit my tongue as I grabbed two boxes from the front seat to move to the back. I sat my phone on top of the car as there was no room on the passenger side until I moved the boxes.
Understand, a typical teenager isn't one to be ignored - at least mine isn't - so in a continuation of a conversation I was CLEARLY TRYING to ignore she said "Mhm.... I'm GONE. I'm outta here!" Now please know that I'm not proud of it but I responded with "Why don't you just shut up and let's pretend you already are!?" then put the boxes in the back and angrily got in the car.
I went about 30 mph all the way down my street (about 1/2 a mile) turned right onto the main road and went a little ways. Once on the main road my speed increased to about 45 mph. Just as we were going around a big curve I hear a thump. My youngest (9) asked what the sound was, and I said it must have come from the tree we went under as we rounded the curve - then it hit me. My new cell phone.
I WHIPPED around and drove back the way I came and was looking on the opposite side of the road where I heard the sound. Nothing. So I WHIPPED around again in the opposite direction and looked again - still nothing. However, there were tons of cars behind me AND we're in a curve so I can't stop.
Now picture it... I'm freaking out - I just bought the phone last week(!). Of course, my all-knowing oldest in the back says "MUH-THER WHY DON'T YOU JUST STOP AND LOOK FOR IT?!" Sometimes I think "Wow. How did I ever walk around before I had her - I mean with shoes tied and on the correct feet?!" I just told her that unless she wanted us all to die together - RIGHT THEN - that I needed to just consider that phone GONE.
So I'm driving and start to freak about the phone - there's a lot of information on those sometimes - even after only a week! Also, will it seem suspicious that I *just* bought it last week and will be using the extended warranty (something I've never gotten before)? To top it off I'm still fuming - and really madder at myself for allowing my emotions to make me so crazy that I forget my stupid phone on top of the car!
We got about a mile down the road and I thought about the phone protector I had on it - it's made of that really tough hard rubber shock-absorption stuff. So, hoping against all odds I pull over and there is the phone - STILL on top of the car! What we'd heard was it moving slightly when I increased speed and turned the curve - but the thing was stuck to the top of the car because of that tough rubber - NOT A SCRATCH ON IT. It's a wonder I didn't lose it while trying to find it with all the WHIPPING AROUND I was doing!
It's a good thing I'm a firm believer in cell phone cases & not running around without them. The best one I've ever had is Otter Box. Funny name, huh? They have different kids but this one kind is really more for shock absorption and keeps the phone protected from all angles - made of this thick rubber stuff. It also apparently keeps them from sliding off cars even at 45 mph in a curve. But I digress... like the title of my blog, I stray from the subject - and randomly interrupt MYSELF a LOT.
Anyway, phone aside, if you're a mom you've probably had these days (or will at some point). Sometimes I seriously wonder WHY - in his infinite wisdom - God gifted ME with children. Please know before I say this that I say it much to MY shame, but sometimes the "gift" seems like that Chinese curse "May you receive everything you ask for". I did ask for them - and believe me, I've seen MUCH better applicants for the job!!! I can't even keep up with a cell phone during a stressful moment!!!!
Revelation... this just hit me... (See? This is why I need to write). Regardless that I could've pinched my oldest's non-stop/back-talking mouth this morning - it's a good thing she has one. God gave them mouths so that, unlike the cell phone, they can say "Hey, I'm on the roof!"
Well, I suppose that answers why they're still here & in one piece..... even if I feel like I'm in a MILLION sometimes!!
That's my day so far, and as I write this it's not even 9AM..... but it helps to have written this, which made me realize that my teenager having a mouth COULD be considered a good thing. Lastly, that I'm looking at my new phone right now - intact & without a scratch. At any rate, I hope your day is going much better than mine started..... :))
-Kat
Just keep this in mind for later - I got a new Blackberry *just* last week - the one with keys but without the trackball.
Well, my oldest - a teenager - and I were in a fight (as usual these days, sadly). She was saying I didn't have to worry about her anymore - that she was going to live with her Dad (she's said it a million times). So after what seemed an entire morning of fighting, I bit my tongue as I grabbed two boxes from the front seat to move to the back. I sat my phone on top of the car as there was no room on the passenger side until I moved the boxes.
Understand, a typical teenager isn't one to be ignored - at least mine isn't - so in a continuation of a conversation I was CLEARLY TRYING to ignore she said "Mhm.... I'm GONE. I'm outta here!" Now please know that I'm not proud of it but I responded with "Why don't you just shut up and let's pretend you already are!?" then put the boxes in the back and angrily got in the car.
I went about 30 mph all the way down my street (about 1/2 a mile) turned right onto the main road and went a little ways. Once on the main road my speed increased to about 45 mph. Just as we were going around a big curve I hear a thump. My youngest (9) asked what the sound was, and I said it must have come from the tree we went under as we rounded the curve - then it hit me. My new cell phone.
I WHIPPED around and drove back the way I came and was looking on the opposite side of the road where I heard the sound. Nothing. So I WHIPPED around again in the opposite direction and looked again - still nothing. However, there were tons of cars behind me AND we're in a curve so I can't stop.
Now picture it... I'm freaking out - I just bought the phone last week(!). Of course, my all-knowing oldest in the back says "MUH-THER WHY DON'T YOU JUST STOP AND LOOK FOR IT?!" Sometimes I think "Wow. How did I ever walk around before I had her - I mean with shoes tied and on the correct feet?!" I just told her that unless she wanted us all to die together - RIGHT THEN - that I needed to just consider that phone GONE.
So I'm driving and start to freak about the phone - there's a lot of information on those sometimes - even after only a week! Also, will it seem suspicious that I *just* bought it last week and will be using the extended warranty (something I've never gotten before)? To top it off I'm still fuming - and really madder at myself for allowing my emotions to make me so crazy that I forget my stupid phone on top of the car!
We got about a mile down the road and I thought about the phone protector I had on it - it's made of that really tough hard rubber shock-absorption stuff. So, hoping against all odds I pull over and there is the phone - STILL on top of the car! What we'd heard was it moving slightly when I increased speed and turned the curve - but the thing was stuck to the top of the car because of that tough rubber - NOT A SCRATCH ON IT. It's a wonder I didn't lose it while trying to find it with all the WHIPPING AROUND I was doing!
It's a good thing I'm a firm believer in cell phone cases & not running around without them. The best one I've ever had is Otter Box. Funny name, huh? They have different kids but this one kind is really more for shock absorption and keeps the phone protected from all angles - made of this thick rubber stuff. It also apparently keeps them from sliding off cars even at 45 mph in a curve. But I digress... like the title of my blog, I stray from the subject - and randomly interrupt MYSELF a LOT.
Anyway, phone aside, if you're a mom you've probably had these days (or will at some point). Sometimes I seriously wonder WHY - in his infinite wisdom - God gifted ME with children. Please know before I say this that I say it much to MY shame, but sometimes the "gift" seems like that Chinese curse "May you receive everything you ask for". I did ask for them - and believe me, I've seen MUCH better applicants for the job!!! I can't even keep up with a cell phone during a stressful moment!!!!
Revelation... this just hit me... (See? This is why I need to write). Regardless that I could've pinched my oldest's non-stop/back-talking mouth this morning - it's a good thing she has one. God gave them mouths so that, unlike the cell phone, they can say "Hey, I'm on the roof!"
Well, I suppose that answers why they're still here & in one piece..... even if I feel like I'm in a MILLION sometimes!!
That's my day so far, and as I write this it's not even 9AM..... but it helps to have written this, which made me realize that my teenager having a mouth COULD be considered a good thing. Lastly, that I'm looking at my new phone right now - intact & without a scratch. At any rate, I hope your day is going much better than mine started..... :))
-Kat
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