Of Mice and Men

Oh 2015 here we are again...and again, and again.

It would seem that the more I date, the more I am genuinely happy being single.  Im 34, and apparently I am the last woman on the planet who thinks she should be treated with respect and treated like she is special.  I believe that relationships are built on trust, communication, and genuine effort.  I know, I know.

With the advent of computers, smart phones, interwebs, and aps we have become so connected that we are absolutely disconnected from our fellow man.  When is the last time you were with someone and you put your phone down without feeling the need to pick it up?  When is the last time you looked into someones eyes and felt something?  When is the last time you printed a picture from the 1000s you took today?

We are probably the most photographed people in history, and yet future generations will have very few actual pictures from the past.  We can find everyone from all aspects of our life in a matter of seconds - a call, a message, a snapchat, or a text and yet we know nothing about one another.  It is a sad, sad state.

That brings me to my point.  I recently met a seemingly nice gentleman who had all the right answers, the sweetest compliments, and as a 32 year old male he had no baggage.  A perfect catch, right?  Wrong.  So wrong.  After talking for three weeks, we had our first date scheduled for lunch on Saturday.  So excited!!  We had been discussing more topics that the weather and how our days were, he sent sweet dream kissy faces, and I was sure I had found the last undamaged, thoughtful man on the planet.  Boy was I wrong.  Saturday morning as we were talking, I found out that my schedule had changed up a bit.  His response "oh good, I didn't really want to get up and get showered or dressed up anyways.  Here is my address, just come over and we can lay around and be lazy.  We can order lunch to be delivered."

Much to my chagrin, he wasn't kidding and he absolutely saw no problem with his new request.  While I believe that he meant it when he said he promised it wasn't a bad stunt to get me in bed, I still think it shows a lot about our current culture. I left him with the notion that I wasn't a 24 year old bimbo, drunk at a club and that I really wasn't interested in being a notch in his belt or a newspaper headline.  Instead of apologizing and reassuring me he had the best of intentions for our future, he instead said "well if thats what you think of me, then that is your deal."  Needless to say, I removed him from all forms of connection in my world.

So there it is.  Dating 101 from the Millennials.  It would appear a Tinder Match, quick text, pajamas, and take out are what is left of romance these days.  Picking a girl up for a date, opening doors (including the car), picking up the tab, sending flowers, and getting dressed are really no longer part of the deal.

Whole30 - Week 1

That same friend that convinced me to run a half marathon - yeah she also convinced me that I should do a Whole30 challenge.

I started this week, and so far what I have noticed is that I cook more.  My eating habits aren't really that different, other than no carbs or cheese.  The real kicker to Whole30 is no drinking.  Yup, this social butterfly gets to spend a month sober.  No wine. No beer. No martinis.

As a vegetarian, most of the things that I eat are "fake meat" or fresh tossed in some pasta.  Most packaged stuff in the grocery store has beef or chicken bullion in it, so those are already out.  Most frozen foods - same thing.  Most soups - you got it, beef and chicken stock.  Those are all foods outlawed  by Whole30 - I was a step ahead already. I have replaced pasta with eggs this week and I have noticed that I have more energy in the mornings.

I know that I don't have any willpower, so I don't keep sweets or chips in the house.  I will sit and eat an entire package and then puke all night long from a tummy ache.  Chips and Salsa or Guacamole are one of my favorite snacks.  But for 30 days, those are out.  PS "Porcine Spice" is ground pig skin, so Doritos and a whole bunch of other snacks were already out.  That being said, Jalapeno or Salt N Vinegar Kettle Chips make me happy, happy, happy!!

Over the last couple years I have listened to so many of my friends jump on the CrossFit and Whole30 bandwagon, and I had this impression that it was so hard!  That it was just an absolute life altering diet.  The truth of the matter is that those people had to be eating total crap ALL THE TIME.  The first week is in the books and I can say that I've noticed a few minor changes - the main one is my hands arent as swollen.  Im going to chalk that up to salt in the "fake meat" and carbs being eliminated this week.

Week 1... check!!

Mystery Solved?

A couple years ago, well 2009, a nice businessman sent me a friend request on Facebook.  I am always at different fundraisers and networking events, so I thought nothing of not remembering exactly where I had met him, but knowing I did infact know him.  I accepted the request and we chit chat at random.

About a month ago he sends me his contact info and asks if we can have coffee or lunch sometime.  I said sure, and that I would check my schedule.  I was busy at the moment and three weeks later, we scheduled lunch.

Last Friday we had lunch, it was just small talk about business and current events - nothing Earth shattering.  It was pleasant talking to him and legitimately learning more about his business.  Because I am scatterbrained, it took me until today (Tuesday) to thank him for lunch.  At random, he throws this into conversation:"So this may be an awkward moment, but did you and I hook up once when you were in college?"  ** DING DING **  Well, now that we have that little tidbit out in the open - I have to admit that I wasn't sure.  He reminded me, yep.  He remembers.

Anyone have the first clue as to what I am supposed to do with this newly gathered information?

The rational version of my brain wants to say he was just clearing the air.

The woman version of my brain wants to say he was casting a net.

Go Girl!!

Back in November Lisa asked me to run over and sign her up for the Go Girl 1/2 since it was the last day to register as an early bird, and of course since she lived in Willard I gladly went.

Now, somehow in the course of signing her up, I too signed up.  I am not a runner - I am a dog walker.  Yes, I am a dog walker.  One of the arguments used against me was that I walk several miles a day, so I had the stamina to run a half marathon already.  Uhhhh ok sure.  Did I mention I am a dog walker, not a runner?

Our first training run was a disaster.  I was in pain.  I was in tears.  I hated my friend Lisa.  Running 3 miles - a measly little 5k, about killed me.  Now mind you, I went into this training run thinking "I walk 5 or 6 miles a day, running 3 will be a piece of cake".  I was SO WRONG!  So So So very wrong.  Did I mention I hated my friend Lisa?

May 10 at 1:50pm in the Bass Pro parking lot.  We're picking up our race packets - complete with race bibs and shoe chips for timing - I still hate my friend Lisa, only now I'm hugging her and trying not to vomit wondering if its too late to just bow out gracefully.  We are going to do this...we are going to meet in the morning at 6:45am and we are going to finish a half marathon!!  WEEEEEEEE

I hate my friend Lisa.  :x

Saturday May 11, 6:45am.  Go Girl starting line in the Bass Pro Parking Lot!! we're warmed up, geared up, and ready to run! I just want to puke and run far far far away from the starting line.

All in all the first mile wasn't that bad - I found my pace and got my stride down.

Mile 2 is just ahead...ooohhh and so is the turn off to do just the 5k!  I could run the 5k and call it good.  What the hell - 3.1 Miles is an accomplishment in itself.

Mile 3 - I was in awe of "Brentwood" and both old/new "Southern Hills" flower beds that were already planted and filling the air with amazing scents.  Goo - sweet they have goo at the water stations.  I probably should have brought my own, but woo hoo they have goo for us!

Mile 4 - Hey we are like super close to my house - I can go straight up that hill, oohhh a hill, yeah nevermind Ill keep running the course.

Mile 5 - Ohhh Dancing Mule coffee...oh wait, they have goo.  Thanks for the goo!

Mile 6 - Yeah we are like half way, I so have this!!  Holy crap Ive run 1/4 marathon!!  More goo!!

Mile 7 - Im getting tired, this is insane and why on earth am I all the way over in Roundtree??  Where the hell is the water and goo, I demand more gooooooooo

Mile 8 - Hammons Field ok yeah, downtown. Im downtown.  I need to be allllll tttheeeee waaayyyyy on the Southside.  Im tired. Im hungry.  This is stupid.  I can't do this.  I don't want to do this.  LISA I HATE YOU!  The tears start and I lose my breath as we round the corner to the Shrine Mosque.  Am I seriously having a panic attack while running a half marathon...holy crap I need to get it together before I fall on my face or pass out in the middle of the street.

And then the angle of mercy appears in the form of a water station volunteer - she hands me a bag of magic beans.  They are called Honey Stingers.  She also gives me goo and Gatorade and says I'm so close to the 10 mile mark I cant give up.

Mile 9 - One more mile, one more measly mile and I've hit 10 miles.  Its Saturday morning at I've run 9 miles...what the hell have the rest of you slackers done??  Shit I'll bet everyone else is still wiping the sleep from their eyes and drinking coffee.  Ha Ha bitches I so have this!  (as a side note what the hell are in those honey stingers??  Xanax??)

Mile 10 - 10 miles.  10 miles.  Ha ha ha at this point all thats left is a 5k.  3.1 more miles and I'm done.  soooo really a half marathon is just a 10 mile warm up for a 5k.  I'm 30 min from the finish line.  All the sudden my feet are moving quicker and I'm no longer counting my steps.  Ohhh more goo!! Mmmm goooo.

Mile 11 - ohhhh cowbell!  This crowd rocks!  More goo....banana flavored, warm snot! I will take it!  Is that sunshine??  OMG SUNSHINE STREET!

Mile 12 - I can hear the announcer.  OMG ONE MORE MILE!!

Mile 13 - holy shit I'm done!!  OMG I'M DONE!  OMG OMG OMG  I am randomly grabbing hands with the closest people to me - one of which is a stranger  but who cares!

FINISH LINE!!  Did they just announce my name?  Is that a medal going on my neck?  Why am I crying?  Did I actually run a half marathon in 4:02?  I'm not last!!  I need water! Water!! SMOOTHIES!!  Smoothies in etched flutes! Im not dead!  I can still feel most of my body parts! Awww carnation!  BANANAS!  Massage for my legs!!  More Bananas!  More smoothie!  HUGS FROM EVERYONE!  Bananas!  HUGS!  Pictures!!  This is so cool!

What I have learned from this is that its a mental game you play with yourself.  There were people on the course with me, at water stations, and along the sidelines cheering me on and encouraging me with every single step.  There were friends texting me as I ran.  The only person telling me I couldn't finish was myself - so for anyone who thinks that they can't do something, they are so wrong.  I'm 32.  I'm fat.  I'm short.  I've had knee, back and shoulder surgery.  I've been in 3 car accidents with whiplash and multiple injuries.  If I can do it - anyone can do it.

Snub Queen

In order to tell the whole story we have to jump in the "way-back machine" and return to February 2010 when I first set-up at the hunting show.  I know, it isn't that much of a jump, but it is far enough back to make a difference.

Every February there is a trade show dedicated to hunting, fishing, and everything outdoors put together by Arc of the Ozarks!  It is a great 2 day show that is the perfect way for me to reach the working class who have dogs and like to take off for quick trips.  The booth layout of the event has been almost identical every year.

I have always been between the dog food guy and the turkey calls, and across the isle from another turkey call guy and the fly rod guy. Yes, I know, it is a rough way to spend two whole days!!  Surrounded by very sweet, kind, attractive men.  I vaguely remember there being a cabin with a bunch of deer heads hanging on it at the end of our isle, across the walkway.

Now lets jump to November of 2012, about 3 months before the 4th year of the above mentioned trade show.  I sponsor an event supporting Arc of The Ozarks, and as such had tickets for their gala event.

I was informed that I was a "snub queen" at that gala event.  When my "date" checked us in on Facebook at the event someone commented on the check-in that my date was with the "snub queen".  In all fairness, he had a point, I had in-fact snubbed him for about three years - snubbed him to the point that he was within ten feet of me at a trade show three years in a row and I didn't recognize him, know his name, or know anything about his company.  Needless to say, I was cordial to him and even proceeded to flirt with him a little as the night (and glasses of wine) progressed.  Thankfully my date was a good friend of both of us, and he made light of the situation! Before I made it home that evening he had started sending me messages.  Very sweet and flirtatious.  I was mildly interested and of course flattered.  I did a little research and found out that he had a couple kids and was on-again, off-again with the mother of his 2nd child.  Seemed to me that not only was he not my type, but the baggage and drama were over the top for me.  Looking back...he was FOR SURE not the guy for me.

This brings us to February of 2013 - trade show that started it all.  Our booths are across the way from one another, as they have been the last 3 years.  Man A is flirty and funny - and I repay the banter as to not redeem myself as the snub queen. At least I acknowledged Man A existed this year.

Some People Shouldn't Own Pets

I was walking Jacoby and came upon an Aussie laying in the middle of the road. He was soaking up the sun, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

When he saw us walking, he sauntered over to say hello.  He had a great personality and walked a mile right by my side.  When we returned to Jacoby's home, the Aussie waited by the door for me to return.  I checked his tags since he hadn't gone back to his home (I thought perhaps he was just out and lived in the neighborhood).

He had a 2012 Rabies tag from Country Club vet clinic, yay!  He had an ID tag with his name "Thompson", his owners name, phone number, and address, YAY!  BAZINGA - this sweet boy was going back to his home.  And a third tag which read: "This dog is NOT lost. He lives on 30 acres. He wonders away, but will come home on his own." 

I debated taking Thompson back home so that I could express my lack of enthusiasm for the owner's regards for Thompson's safety.

I debated taking Thompson up to Country Club Vet so that they could perhaps express a lack of enthusiasm for the owners' regards for Thompson's safety.

BUT I decided to take him to animal control where the owner could pay a nice fine for his lack of regard for Thomson's safety. (Of course this was contingent upon the grounds that if the owner didn't respond, that they call me and I'd find the sweet boy a better home).

The moral of the story is that if you are going to have a pet, please take care of the sweet baby.  Its life is precious and we make a pact with our pets that we will watch over them and protect them.  We do not live in the middle of the country where it is safe to let your dog roam.  We live in a growing city with people who are speeding, texting, and otherwise distracted.  There is a reason fences, both standard and underground electronic versions, exist.  There is a reason we have leash laws.  Too many times pets are out and get hit by drivers who simply did not see them - and that is a tragedy.  As a pet owner and professional pet sitter I do not understand why anyone would let their dog roam at will.  Clearly Thompson has been out and returned enough times that the owner felt the need to make a tag expressing his lack of concern about Thompson being away from home.

PLEASE be a responsible pet owner.  PLEASE keep your pets safe and secure.  It is our duty to protect our furbabies from pain and hurt.

Truce

In lieu of a New Years resolution, I made a New Years truce.

Back in April, there was a small (read epic) turn of events between myself and a nice frat boy.  He and I had met through a networking group and had been flirty with one another for a few months - neither one of us were available, but there was no harm in flirting or being friends.  

While heavily intoxicated he was belligerent.  Belligerent is putting it mildly, but I should not beat a dead horse.  He was blackout drunk and being a jerk.  No less than a dozen people apologized to me for his behavior and I haven't spoken to him since that day.  Which I was PERFECTLY fine not associating (or even acknowledging him every Thursday morning) with such a douchetard!!   

As it would turn out, I did speak to him again.  

New Years Eve I went to Flo with several friends to ring in the new year and see "Big Iron Band" play.  As we're all sitting, enjoying martinis... in walks frat boy.  I literally saw him and muttered "of all the jerks to walk into MY bar on New Years Eve, it has to be that douchbag".  Clearly I was not impressed he was breathing my air, around my friends, or listening to my friends' band play.  About 32 seconds later I hear "Hey I wanted to come say Happy New Year!".  WHAT?  Did you just come over and speak to me?  THE NERVE.

Long story longer, he slid into the booth with my friends and I, and proceeded to make small talk.  I was over holding my tongue, and proceeded to let him know (surprisingly, in a calm and not Earth shattering voice) how disgusted I was with his behavior at Rockin Ribs and what the was a reason I hadn't spoken to him in  eight months.

He apologized profusely and stayed to toast at Midnight.  SHOCKING - no really, I was shocked.  I was shocked he let me tell him how I felt.  I was shocked he apologized.  I was shocked he stayed.  I was shocked he wanted to count down to 2013 sitting next to me, surrounded by my friends, in one of my favorite bars, listening to my favorite local band....

Our Toast: "Happy New Year.  A truce and a new beginning to an old friendship."

Stage Fright...

It is NO secret that I love Jazzercise. I first started Jazzing when I was a sophomore in college.  I've gone off and on throughout the last 12 years - stopping for a knee or shoulder surgery, a car accident or three...you know, just taking a break.  LOL

Well often when you open your big mouth and request a certain song the instructor will ask you to come up on stage and do the routine with her.  Its just one of those Jazzertraditions.  This morning I decided to text Beth and ask her if "Womanizer" was going to make an appearance in her set today.  AMAZINGLY ENOUGH - it was there, on the front of the curve just waiting for me to show a little crazy!  :)  **disclaimer: I am not a Britney Spears fan, but I LOVE this song and the routine that goes along with it!  In true Jazzerstyle, Beth cues up the song and without even looking at me says "we have a special request for some old school Britney and the requester is going to come up on stage with me RIGHT???"  Of course she knew I would politely decline and smile, like I have for the last ...uhm decade.  Well much to my surprise the entire class starts hooting and hollering - and I crumbled to peer pressure!

Yep thats right....in my cute little black yoga pants and **sparkley** purple jazzertog top, I took the stage for the first time EVER!  EvEr EvEr!!  I think Beth was more surprised than I was.  She even commented after class that she was so excited and happy I joined her.

I love my jazzersisters - and all the cute comments on my Facebook wall.  You girls are the best!!

Changes...

Admittedly it has been a while since I've blogged.  I spent the first week of September doing final prep for my vacation and then I spent a month traveling, when I returned home in October I was busy with final prep for a couple charity events and of course the holiday season.  Needless to say - its been a whirlwind.  While I was traveling I had a lot of time to think - which I needed.  I learned a few things - or at least wrapped my head around the concepts since I was removed somewhat and could view things from afar.

I learned that the people you value most in your life and that are the closest to you, are often the ones who cut you the deepest and do the most damage.  I learned that when you hire friends or business associates, they are the ones who turn out to be the worst employees and firing them is overly dramatic.  I learned that sometimes you really do have to just let go of people in your life.  I learned that standing up for myself - even to those who are supposedly your best friend - is ok and more than necessary.

** I had forgotten I had even started this post.  It is now July.  July 4th - so I guess I should echo that the sentiments above are truer today than they have ever been.  The last six months of my life have been amazing!

I have reclaimed my life for me - Im learning to say NO to overbooking myself, Im learning that it is OK to let my other sitters do the work that I contracted them to do, Im learning that having fun is part of life and an added bonus of working hard all these years to build an amazing business!

There will be more blogs...and more about where my life is going.  Just know that more than ever, its my life - on my terms!

Love you, Mean it!!

Four Tires on The Track Please

Being from Daytona Beach, FL it would only make sense that I sponsor a race car (or five, as the case may be).  Last night proved to be one of the most frightening nights at the track to date!  The driver of the #25 car was nearly flipped on his roof in front of thousands of fans.

Thankfully he lived to tell about it with little more than a headache.  While coming out of turn four a lesser skilled driver thought it would just be easier to tap him, in order to get his car lose so he had to slow down, than pass him like a real driver.  The result - one of the ugliest crashes this season!

Thousands of dollars worth of damage to the car - but that is nothing when we could have lost an amazing young driver with a lot of life left to live.

Today we are thankful for safety gear and God's hand in not letting gravity take over.

Where Fun and Fitness Come Together

Since I moved to lovely Springfield - there have only been a couple things that were consistent in my life, no matter what, one of those is Jazzercise.

The women of Jazzercise really are a little family - it doesn't matter what time of day you take class, which instructors you prefer or even which class format is your favorite.  Everyone really does get to know one another and we have fun in and out of class.  Its more than 55 minutes of working out to your favorite songs of today and yesterday - its shaking your booty with your besties while laughing, singing and burning calories!  Can I get a "Wooooo"!!

Tonight we had practice for the Springfield Cardinals game.  Tomorrow night just before the game starts we get 10 minutes of life in the lime light out on the field to strut, shake it and of course do the funky monkey.  :) 

Sunrises Mean Its A New Day

I was out with Carlos the wonder puppy this morning and the sunrise was AMAZING!  That big ball of warmth was poking out over the trees (and the Girl Scout Building) with vivid pink and orange rays just bursting in every direction.

It makes 5am wake-up calls TOTALLY worth it, I love my  job!

Don't Buy A Malibu

Actually more appropriately don't buy a cursed Malibu.  On a whim one day I took Nina dog and we went car shopping.  I bought a shiny new-to-me Chevy Malibu.

I loved that little car the minute I got behind the wheel - it got 26 mpg, it was comfortable in town as well as on the highway, it handled like it was on rails and most importantly - I could fit the Danes in the back seat WAY better than I could in my S-10. 

I stopped at the store on the way home, got a nice bottle of wine and stuff to make a yummy dinner.  **snicker** So maybe I bought the car and THEN thought I should inform the live-in boy friend of my purchase.  **grin**  Needless to say all three years after I bought that car it was brought up that I always did what I wanted and didn't consult him - I merely informed him of my decisions.  RED FLAG #1

Four days later the boyfriend and I were downtown having lunch when a tornado came through - hmmm it produced "Sonic Gusts".  To this day I have no clue what a "Sonic Gust" is, what I do know is that they cause your windows to shatter because of the pressure and forces and blah blah blah.  YEP...that's right kids.  I lost the windows in my new-to-me-still-have-the-temp-tags Malibu. RED FLAG #2. 

September 18, 2009 - I was minding my own business, sitting at a red light about to take a sip of my **perfect** cup of coffee from the Dancing Mule (shameless plug - they are by far the best coffee shop on earth) when a mindless nineteen year old was too busy texting to see my Malibu.  Not only did he crush the rear of my shiny silver car, but he spilled my coffee in my Coach purse (read perfect cup of hot coffee now drowning the contents of and ruining a limited edition signature Coach purse).  There are several rules dedicated to this incident  **NOT HAPPY**  RED FLAG #3

November 23, 2010 - I had just left the lawyers office from settling the September accident and was on my way to Nixa to take two of my most favorite pups for a walk.  Ok...take note, its over a year later and I just signed the papers to settle the Sept. 18 2009 accident.  Duly noted??  I was sitting at the light when **WHAM** mindless sixteen year old was texting and freaking out because her baby brother was choking in the backseat  (There are rules about this too - lets move past asking why she wasn't pulled over trying to help the choking kid) nails me!  Yes thats right, the very day I settle accident #1, I am hit again.  RED FLAG #4

January 25, 2011 - AGAIN sitting at a red light (there are about a dozen red light rules).  A very nice lady pulls out of SAM'S and plows into me and two other cars.  **SIGH**  Yes that is correct...accident #3 in sixteen months.  Uhhuh...I may or may not have had a minor meltdown (read major freak out) when I realized that I had just gotten my happy little Malibu back on New Years Eve from the previous accident. RED FLAG #5.

Well the shiny silver paw print encrusted Malibu was put to rest and promptly replaced by a Scion Xb...also paw print encrusted!  **shakes pom-poms**

You Have A Choice

The most wonderful thing about the USA is freedom.  Particularly freedom of speech - I have a blog and I can write whatever I feel the need to talk about.  Since there are no names associated with this blog - the only thing you can do is read it, form an opinion and move on.  You'll never actually be able to know who or what Im talking about.

That being said, if you are offended by a post or think something is about you - well than that is your own choice.

Its MY BLOG...

I haven't really blogged anything in about a month now - the main reason being I just didn't have anything nice to say.  Now since this is my blog, and for the most part it is anonymous - I can say what I want to say!

Here is an update - I could care less about certain subjects.
Lets start with infertility - I don't want kids.  I am very comfortable in living my life in the style that I have grown accustomed.  That being said...most of the stuff that you women OBSESS over mean nothing to me.  I don't care that you can't have kids, I don't care about your cycle, I don't care about your miscarriages or failed adoptions.  I DON'T CARE!  I don't want to hear about them in EVERY SINGLE conversation we have - especially when we are out in public around people you've never met before that are my friends from other circles.  Did I mention I don't care??  Oh and the fact that you can't have a single conversation - ever - without mentioning your infertility makes me not want to spend any time around you or even answer my phone.

You're being "busy and overbooked" - yeah lets go ahead and throw it out there that if you volunteer for something and then spend every chance you get complaining about said commitment and how you don't have the time for it or you have no idea why you said yes -- do yourself and the commitment a favor and step down from the position. 

Having suggestions for improvement on an "international replicatible system" for a networking group is asinine.  If you look at a chapter or group - and are given documents with a Code of Ethics and Contract For Profitability before your membership is completed, it is safe to say that you know EXACTLY what is expected of you and to what standards you will be held accountable.  If you don't care for one or two of the items it is worth mentioning, however if you disagree with the entire intent, purpose and system of doing business than perhaps that is NOT the group for you.

Divorce - now who am I to judge, I have never been married.  I am now single after being in a seven year, serious, committed relationship.  For over a year I wanted out of that relationship and when I finally decided it was time to get out, it took me another three months to finally get my life together and get out of the relationship.  My point is that after being miserable -I got out.  I did what was right for me - I evaluated things from my perspective, my morals, my dreams, my life in general.  It seems to me that if you're unhappy and  counseling hasn't made things better, than perhaps divorcing is the best option.  Why suffer through life with someone who isn't making you happy??

That ladies and gentlemen is just a snippet of how I really feel...if you don't like it, well then move on to the next post which is probably back to the bubbly happy me.

No Really, Be There!!

When someone has a baby...you be there for the person.  You help them overnight, take them meals and ice cream in the hospital, send flowers, bring presents for baby, run to the house to feed the cat and grab things mom discovered she needed, bring them home from the hospital and run them around because mom can't drive yet, hold the cute little monkey for a while.  Its sort of what friends do - there is nothing to gain, there is nothing motivating you.  You just do it because its the right thing to do and you be glad in it.

Now that we know what to do, there are a lot of things you don't do: be selfish, be rude, be stand-offish, divert attention to yourself, start fights, cause drama, refuse to be supportive, refuse to come visit, play games, play guilt trips, create more work for mom, break a water main in the subdivision so there is no running water (that was random, but nonetheless SO happened).

There have been a couple times this week when it took all I had to hold my tongue because sometimes people need to be slapped.

That is all.

Be There!

When you're laying in the pool with a friend who starts having contractions, you sorta start keeping track of things.  When you and that friend head out for dinner and the contractions get stronger and closer together...you really start keeping track of things.  And of course when the fireworks on the 4th of July end and the friend says "hey lets head down to Labor and Delivery now, shall we"...you sort of go without hesitation and of course you stay for moral support!

Now I must confess...children are not exactly my forte.  (Read I don't even really like kids and don't know the first thing about them)  I had the privilege of learning first hand about 100 more reasons why I have NO desire to have children.  For roughly 24 hours I watched a friend go through every single emotion humanly possible and enough pain to scare me half to death.  She did it like a champ though...I'm proud of her!  (Read I have absolutely no idea what it is like to be pregnant, be a single mom or go through actual child birth - nor do I wish to learn.)

Joy: FINALLY having her body back, being able to hold little Owen, and of course the simple fact that he was a miracle baby that she thought she would NEVER be able to have.
Exhaustion: Mental and physical.
Sadness: That the baby's dad is a total asshole and loser, the loss of her mother and the fact that she couldn't be there during this most AMAZING time.
Fear: Its not only frightening to go through child birth, but its really scary to think about being a mom.
Happiness: For family and friends sending texts and love constantly!! 
Pain: That goes without saying - refer back to YAY for good drugs.

I will say that of all the people on earth that I could have shared this experience with, I'm glad that it was her.  Giving birth is really a lot of hurry up and wait...there is "checking", "effacing", "membranes", "contractions", "breathing", "positioning", drugs - oh there are drugs!  Thank GOD for pitosin, epidurals and phenegran.    No matter what you think will happen or how you think things will come along...it really boils down to mother nature and that kiddo taking their course of action in accordance with their plans! But it is a really neat thing to experience (read its scary and time consuming, sometimes icky, but a miracle all in itself.)

Having not quite wrapped my head around the whole thing - I'm just happy that I could be there to support her, hand her ice ships and squeeze her hand during the process!! Most of all I'm excited that baby Owen is here...healthy and perfect!  I mean...look at the little foot!!  **sniffle**

Enjoy The Little Things

The landscapers wife was out of town for a couple days (a week or so ago, I'm a little behind in blogging).  THAT was delightful!!  The poor guy was working like a dog trying to get a big project done, but nonetheless made time for me since the wife was two states over!  (I shouldn't giggle, and yet I do.)

It was nice to be able to swing by and say hello, it was even nicer to be able to curl up in his arms.  Kissing under the moonlight on the porch.  Sitting there while he rubbed my back.  Actually enjoying our time together not worried about anything but one another.

Indeed - its the little things that make me happy.

You Can Fire People!

I did a promotion in March with HalfPriceOzarks.com - it is an affiliate of KY3.  I had an amazing response and as such have 17 really good new clients come from the promotion!!  One of the clients that I received, however; has been a pain since day one.  I spent countless time on the phone with her answering questions and talking to her about service.  She had a million questions and seemed to be quite high maintenance.  I explained that I had a sitter who lived less than a mile from her residence, was delightful as well as licensed, bonded and insured.  After a few conversations and answering all of her questions she asked me to have the sitter set up a consultation for her and her pets.

He did so.  The consultation went well and service was provided as requested.  Upon her arrival home she said he was delightful, the pets were well cared for and even sent him a tip to show her appreciation for services rendered.

She called again for service, when I called her sitter he declined the job.  I thought it was odd since he was so close to her home.  He said simply I he wasn't available for her service.  I assigned a new sitter.  This time after the consultation I got a phone call voicing some concern that she is somewhat overbearing, course and very very meticulous about her 5 birds.  I took it with a grain of salt and moved on - I mean, after all - if someone is hiring an in home pet sitter they care quite a bit about their pets.

After this service I received a long detailed email explaining that she didn't feel her sitter fed the proper amount of fruits and vegetables to her birds.  Upon speaking with the sitter, I learned that since the birds weren't eating all that was put out the sitter put out less food so that it wouldn't spoil since the client had expressed multiple times that birds are quite susceptible to botulism.  Makes perfect sense to me.  Way to look out for the well being of the birds and go above and beyond.  EXCELLENT!  Uhm the client did not see it as such - but rather than my sitter was neglecting her birds and not following her instructions.  She paid her invoice in full, without a tip this time and requested this sitter not provide service for her again.  Okay Dokay.

She called AGAIN to request service and requesting her original sitter whom she spoke so highly about.  He again declined the job.  (I might point out again that he lives less than a mile from her home)  I had another sitter call her.  She told the sitter she had canceled her trip and hung up on the sitter.  RUDE!

I having just had my wisdom teeth out and not feeling overly inclined to have to bite my tongue emailed the client and said quite simply:

xxxx,
At this point I do not have any sitters available for you. xxxx said she called this morning and you were rude to her and also hung up on her.  You might try xxxx with "xxxx" at xxx-xxxx.  He has been in business for a while and is licensed, bonded and insured. 


Her reply:

My husband and I had already decided your services were less than acceptable and did not meet even our most minimal standards. 

As far as rudeness., I was not rude. I stated that we did not need services., Someone was to have phoned us last week and due to the fact no one phoned to make arrangements, our trip had to be cancelled. Rude is the fact you pretend to provide services that you do not have. 

I had many friends that were interested in how well your company did/or didn't do. Needless to say, your performance speaks for itself and will be shared. You may consider yourselves dismissed from our employment. I am sure my husband & I will have more to say, should you wish to phone to discuss this.

My reply:

We seem to be on the same page as far as your service is concerned - I wish you luck in finding someone who can suit your needs. xxxx who provided your original service lives less than a mile from you and did not wish to continue service for you.  You RAVED about how wonderful he was and even sent him a tip after service was completed.  If you wish to tell your friends how awful we are, that is fine.  We have a shining reputation and in 11 years of pet sitting you are the first client who has ever been less than pleased.


What I wanted to say was:

You have been a pain in my ass since day one; you want top notch service and yet want to negotiate the price, your original sitter that you spoke so highly about has declined to work for you for reasons unknown to me - even though he lives less than a mile from your home, you call constantly with questions that are clearly answered in writing on the website, in our conversations and in your pet sitting agreement.  If you feel the need to trash my company to your friends, please feel free to do so. If they are anything like you - I don't want to subject myself or my sitters to their ridiculousness.  Furthermore upon calling the sitter I recommended to you I found out he had already dismissed you and also doesn't want to deal with you.  Oh and if SO MANY of your friends had inquired about us, then why didn't any of them call?? After all you just LOVED your original sitter.

Don't Call His Bluff!!

So apparently there are no lines in the sand when it comes to certain people.  I am a very flirtatious person - this I know to be true.  A past client of mine from a former company and her hubby are both friends of mine on facebook - we are all chamber members and of course big animal rescue people.  That being said, its not uncommon to chat with either of them on facebook.  Its also not uncommon to say something that gets turned into a sexual innuendo by him...regardless of how innocent it may seem.  That is just the name of the game.

That being said two days ago he and I were chatting on facebook and he was more less taking the random flirting to a whole new level - it went from funny PG13 to XXX really quick.  By the end of the conversation I had been informed that he and his wife were separated and that he was more than just a little interested in getting to know me better.  Uhm, wait, what?  The ultimate cute and cuddly super couple is separated??  The iconic love birds are getting a divorce??  The two most supportive and loving parents on earth are no longer attending football games together??  WOW ...ok still processing that one.

Yesterday I was laying out at the pool when he texted me.  When I said I was laying in the pool he asked for a picture.  I of course sent him one...of my toes, the end of my floatie, a beer and the pool.  The caption "its good to be the boss".  He replied "Yes it is, glad I'm the boss - can I join you".  I laughed and said if he could find me he could join me, but he had to rub sunscreen on everyone's back at the pool.  (That is only funny because I wasn't the only one at the pool.  For fear of being rude and judgmental I'll refrain from describing the others at the pool.) The flirting continued but was more or less harmless...kinda. 

Anyways today he texted me and said "Good Morning Sunshine".  He was right around the corner from my place working on a water job.  He made the comment that if he had my address he'd take me to bed.  I laughed and gave him my address (thinking absolutely NOTHING of it).  Well I thought nothing of it until he walked into my apartment and proceeded to strip!

I apparently have no filter and no moral compass.  The foreplay was fun...he is very complimentary and all about making sure a woman's needs are met.  Enough said.  Nearly two hours later he was on his way back to the office...I suggested he stop at home and take a shower, taking time to wash out his beard.  Just sayin...I mean, after all, he does have a shop full of guys who work for him.

Do you think they have fans and iced tea in hell?