Done with December

So, December is almost over and I've only blogged once. Either, I have a really boring life or a really exciting life and don't have time to blog. Really not sure myself which one it is....

A Blissful Birthday

This last weekend was my birthday and I have found some friends here in Sheridan that made it pretty special which I needed since I didn't have any family around for it.. We had a great time out on the town and I met a lot of wonderful people.


This is Pappie. He's a funny old man.

Thankful for Thanksgiving

Well, I'm back from a wonderful thanksgiving break in Jackson HOle. Not only did I get to see all my family but I also got to meet my new nephew. He was so precious (and smart) Trip started out great. Met the family in Casper and we all drove up together. Of course my nieces and nephew had to all take a turn driving up with cool Auntie. They totally trashed my car. I looked in the back yesterday when I got home and couldn't believe the mess after just a few days. The weird part is that I smiled when I saw it. We stopped at the Dubois gas station and I forced everyone that was half way willing to take pictures witht he huge jackalope. Then onward to Jackson.

It was so great seeing baby Sophia and little Warren. Dessa was doing great for just having a baby. We did lots of great things. Got to go to a wonderful dinner at the country club on thanksgiving day, got a pedicure unlike any pedicure I've ever gotten before, spent time playing with the kids, climbed in Dessa's hot tub after dark and totally FROZE getting out of that thing. Dessa and Chris rented the beautiful house next door so we wouldn't all be confined in her house and that was really nice. We were all able to spread out. I even got to take a nap for the first time in a LONG time. Didn't get many work calls either which was no inconveniance but nice to kinda disassociate from that part for a while.

I tend to get a little stressed with work; like most people but my stress falls into a different arena than most peoples. Not that I'm anything special by any means, but it's a different world that people don't typically understand so, the nap was something I don't often experience. There's so much more that I'd like to say about work, but have to completely stray away from anything work related so I'll stop there.

Either way, Jackson was a great time and I absolutely loved every minute I spent with my heart; my kiddos. And my family, but you can't really pick them up and snuggle them.

A Little Of This, A Little Of That

This was a wonderful worker that I met out of Crook county. He is hardcore left winged and I am the polar opposite. We had amazing debates but were able to just let it stay at that: just debates.



Wow! A lot has happened since last week when I blogged. It's been a long week for me. I got sick Sunday after coming back from the colony. Just woke up after a nap and felt a little cold bug, but pushed through it only to wake up Monday morning feeling even worse. I headed out for Cheyenne for my last week of meetings. I think I kept getting more and more sick because every night I tried to push it more and more. I have met some really great people in my trainings and we've spend about a month together all in all so we have really started to get to know each other. Last time I went, I got my ears pierced. This time, four of us went and got tattoos. I got my seventh flower to represent my seventh precious Angel: Warren William Reimer. I have a flower tattooed on me for each niece and nephew and with this new addition, got him a red flower. So, back to that new addition. I finally got a call on Thursday night letting me know that my sister was going into labor. ABOUT TIME! At 3:38am on Friday morning I got a calling and was told that I had a new nephew. So excited to meet him this week. However, I continued to get sick, but once I got back to Sheridan, had to go out with my friends. My main goal over the past few months is to really start making a life for myself here and I finally met some new people last weekend and wanted to solidify our friendships by at least making an appearance since they had invited me. However, with this continuous sickness lingering over me, not sure if it was the right decision. I went out every night with my coworkers in Cheyenne and had a great time and really just should have came home and rested over the weekend, but I went up to my new friend's house and was handed a mic.

Last weekend I karaoked for the first time in my life and actually got a standing ovation so, the guy that runs the karaoke asked if I'd like to come record some songs. So, I went and had a great time, but my voice is SHOT! I literally had no voice the next day. I went out and karaoked again that night and it felt really good to have many people come up to me and compliment me. Singing is something that I have reserved for the showers or random outbursts in the car since I quit in high school, but was pleasantly surprised to have compliments given my direction. However, I've been paying for a wonderful night full of singing for the last few days now. MUST GET BETTER.

So excited to head to Jackson Hole and meet my new nephew and see my niece Sophia. She is so precious and smart. Also, grace, Jason, and the kids will be there as well making it that much more memorable. And, don't forget the parents. The ever loyal parents that will be there as well. Signing out.

I spent the day in the colony yesterday with a bunch of family from my grandma's side. I had a great time but was bummed when I heard they were having Walks and Talks for lunch. I love going up there to eat the food but was not real keen on the throats and feet of geese for the meal, so they made me my favorite... Noodle soup. It's unlike any other type of soup I've had and would have no idea how to make it but it's just amazing. Yesterday, on Saturdays, is also fresh roll day so we had tons and tons of fresh dinner roles. I went and saw my Aunt Katie and she had made homemade apple pie too. It tastes just like my moms. Funny cause Grace just posted on her facebook how grateful she is for my mom's pie crust recipe. I wonder if she realizes that recipe is from the colony and people pay top dollar for those pies.

It was a great afternoon. I love the environment but could never imagine living there. I think the thing that I like (but would also probably drive me nuts eventually) is that you're never alone. There's obviously a huge sense of family and community; being part of something unlike anywehre else I've ever been. Family run in and out of all the houses. There's no such thing as a doorbell. Your house is your cousins house, your grandma's house, your aunts house, all your families house. So, people just run in grab some butter, run back to the bake house/kitchen house, run back over to borrow a newspaper and it just goes on and on. And that's what you do; all day long. The men don't come home until later cause they're all out in the fields or shops working. Well they come when it's meal time, but then leave to work again. Yesterday, though, after church and supper we all gathered at my cousin Kathy's house. And what a night it was. A house full of loud Germans all yelling in two different languages makes for a good night.

Dangling Darlings

Yesterday was the first day in my life getting to wear fun earings. How exciting! And yes... I did break down and repierce the left one so they are perfectly even now. oh OCD go away!

Friends Forever...

Kelley Farmer. I really don't even know where to start when talking about you. I'm not quite sure where the beginning of our friendship is. I guess the first memory I have of Kelley is going to Chesterfield shows together. I remember her telling me at one point that the only reason she was hanging out with me is cause she didn't have anyone else to hang out with at these show. She straight up said, "yeah, I'm using you." And it was love after that :) But in all reality, we really weren't amazingly close when you lived in Newcastle. By the time we started becoming close, you were preparing yourself to leave the state of Wyoming. You did, and you never looked back.

I the midst of everything I was going through during that time period of my life, the one thing that I definitely gained.... was you! There have been times that we have fought like crazy, not talked for weeks, and yelled at each other, but the test of a true friendship is if you can pick each other up afterwards and still care. We definitely have that one down. I know you haven't always agreed with the decisions I've made in my life, but you have bit your bottom lip and supported none the less.

When I think of our friendship, I think of a deep running connection more than crazy silly memories (although we definitely have them). I think of bawling on the phone with you year after year about my roller coaster life and sharing all the nitty gritty details with you. Kelley, thanks for being you!

Car Conspiracies

Okay, so I realize that I'm blogging, once again, about my car conspiracy theory. I seriously believe that cars are like a small child that you have to sink money into in order to just maintain and it really drives me nuts! So, this month, I will have spent approximately $800 on my car alone! It's crazy. First, I buy an extended warranty when I got the car and apparently, I have to get these regular scheduled maintenance checks done on it just to get that warranty valid. I've spent more money maintaining my car than that warranty cost. And every time I go to get that check up done (this time being a 45,000 mile check) they print me off some silly piece of paper saying that everything's fine. Really? NO KIDDING! I didn't have a problem before I brought it in and paid 200 dollars for you to confirm that! WOW! Surprise. Then, I have to get it licenced in Wyoming which is crazy expensive and that's on top of the monthly payment. Now, I get the monthly payment but why do I have to pay 300 bucks to get it registered in this state? It cost me 24 dollars in South Dakota.

It was kinda sad removing my SD plates. Not that I'm not happy where I was, but I hate change and actually thought, as I was driving home, how this would be the last time driving with South Dakota plates. Now, if I could just afford those cool UW plates.... Soon, Soon.

Friends Forever....

So, yesterday as I was driving home from Newcastle, I was reflecting on my friends and how, at almost 28, there are so few that I would count as extremely close friends that I could share just about anything with, and I wanted to take some time to commemorate some of them. So, I'm going to write a blurb about each one seperately as the days go by. Sisters: this excludes you guys... You're not just my friends but family so don't get butt hurt. I'm gonna start randomly so, tonight I shall start with ALISHA DOMINA-HATLELI

I remember the first time Alisha and I talked.... If my memory serves me correctly, a bunch of my other friends were mad at me in the 6th grade and we were standing by the principles office when Alisha and Angie Armstrong, so graciously said that I could hang out with them. Who knew that that conversation would play a major role in my life. To this day, I still get crazy texts from that ever so funky friend. You see, the thing with Alisha and I is that we bring out a seriously weird or some people say crazy side of each other. I find myself laughing hysterically with her for the most ridiculous reasons. You would think we were not lucid if you saw most of our interactions together. We definately have a serious side together though and can cry, talk serious, and now... talk mommy talk but for the most part, Alisha calls me a dork and I reply with, "you silly bisquit full of gravy." No one really gets it, but us; and I think that's how we like it. For example, this last summer we were in Rapid driving through the drive up window and she had a hair sticking out, I made a hand motion trying to demonstrate how her hair was sticking out and before you know it, we could barely pay at the drive up window because we were both laughing so hard. Really quite silly, but love every second of it. Some of the most memorable memories include things that I shall not post for the world to read as we were wild young teenagers enjoying every minute of the day together, but I shall bring up a few clues that only Alisha and select others will pick up on. Alisha: Smacking me over the head with a phone when I was talking to Mo and not thinking twice about it... as if it's normal to, for no reason, rip a phone out of someone's hand, hit them over the head with it, then graciously hand it back to them. Taking a bath in 2 two inches of water because you believe you have pnamonia. Poor Kimmy. Poor Poor Kimmy. God bless her soul. A horse stampede. Need I say more? A garbage can, Heather, Erin, and your dad elk calling at 3 in the morning. WITH YOU SOUND ASLEEP!!!! Your wonderful dog Billy. May he rest in peace.

I could go on and on, but Alisha, I so appreciate your friendship. The fact that we don't have to see or have contact for months, yet can still bring out the high school fun lovin' side of each other without any expectations. I still can't believe you're married and HAD A CHILD!!!! Thank you for being a part of my life; thank you for going on a double date to prom, skipping school with me, letting me crash at your house for days on end, and thank you for just being you. I LOVE YOU!

Oh and one last memory, skipping school, having Mrs. Peterson call your house looking for us, me stupidly answering the phone (in the days before caller ID was invented) and then driving a hundred miles an hour back to the school, walking into the office and I believe my exact words to Mrs. Peterson were, "Oh come on Mrs. Peterson, you know how it is. Sometimes you just need a break." Then busting up laughing when she didn't just "know it is". She was not happy. Not happy at all with us! Love you Alisha.

And So Is The Season of Snow

I regret to inform you that I am blogging about snow. GRRRR! I HATE SNOW. However, on my way to Worland on Tuesday I encountered my first snow flake this year and within a half an hour, I could barely see the road. It is officially upon us and I am officially depressed about it. WHY DID I LEAVE YOU INDONESIA!?!?!?! Ok, not that bad :)

Spice and Pipes. WOW!

This week I was in Cheyenne this week and one of my coworkers drove me 3 blocks up the road into the local CENNEX to show me something. I was shocked to see what I saw.... There, sitting at the register, was a LOLLIPIPE. That's right ladies and gentleman: A real pipe made out of lollipop; making it legal to sell to kids. No need to be 18. And not only that, it works. It has a carb on the side of it, and actually has a hollow hole all the way up to the bowl. Below is a better picture. I picked the grape flavor but they come in all different flavors and colors. The white straw is to stick in the hole at the part you would suck out of. That way, when you're sharing your pipe with all your friends, no one gets the lollipipe sticky from their saliva. It also comes with a little bag to store your pipe in and a little box. Grand total for the pipe: $5.99. They sell them right next to the "spice". Spice is also legal for all ages and can be bought at any convenience store. Basically, it's synthetic THC (marajuana). It will get you high but hasn't been out long enough to do any studies on the harmful affect to the body. When I went to buy the lollipipe to show people, the lady asked if I wanted some spice to go with it. I couldn't believe it. She showed me the spice and one of the names is "Chronic" which is also a general name for good weed.

There was only one lollipipe left and she made sure to let me know that they would be getting more by halloween. This is what we're up against folks! I was so appauled and couldn't believe my eyes. You might be wondering why spice isn't illegal. Statuate states specific drugs that are illegal and spice, at this point, does not fit into any of those statuates. It is illegal in 11 states thus far though and hopefully will be illegal in your state soon. So, if you see a kid walking around with their lollipipe smoking spice, don't call the cops cause.... IT'S ALL LEGAL! Amazing what our world is coming to. Thanks mom and dad for never letting me "smoke" those fake cigerettes from when I was young. This is just another more provacative version of that and it disqusts me. However, I suppose you couldn't get high off of candy cigerettes but, although it took some years, those candy cigerettes probably laid a lot of the ground work and was the gateway for the wonderful lollipipe

Piercing The Ears

So, after all these years I finally got my earlobes pierced. When I was like 14 I got a piercing up high on my ear. That was the first piercing I ever got. Jared Sallee's mother posed as my mother at Sturgis Bike Ralley of all places for me to get that one done. And I do still wear an earring in it. The second piercing I ever got was with Alisha Domina downtown Newcastle. We got our flubber pierced. Ok, that sounds bad but it's the little cartilage part on the inner part of your ear by your cheek. The next piercing I got was another above my first piercing but it always hurt and closed up eventually and the last piercing I got was my nose. That was when I was like 19 and thought I was cool. But I took that out shortly after getting it done as well. However, lately, I have been wanting to wear cool dangling earrings but never got my lobes pierced so wasn't able to.


I once heard Oprah say on one of her shows that only like 4% of women die without their earlobes pierced. I wanted to be one of those 4% but then I thought to myself, "Who really cares if I'm part of a statistic that means absolutely nothing." So.... after all-day meetings in downtown Cheyenne, my fellow coworkers dragged me to the mall to get er' done! I wasn't worried about the pain at all, but was much more concerned as to whether the holes were going to be even. I made the lady stand there for like 15 minutes while me and my friends examined the little purple dots to see if they were lined up and after that time, I still think one is lower than the other. Oh well.... In 4 weeks I shall be able to wear some dangly earrings.

Pet Peeves At Their Best

Ok so I have this pet peeve and I've had it for a long time, but lately, with all the meetings I do and all the group discussions I'm in, it seems to be rearing its ugly head. I can't stand it when people ask questions at unrealistic and inappropriate times. For example.... If I'm in a training and the trainer says, "Yeah, we're gonna have to run a little late since we didn't get to everything I wanted to cover." I don't want to hear every one's personal dilemmas with that. Here's what normally happens: A trainer will announce that to the group of 30 or whatever and inevitably, there's that one person that raises their hand and wastes my time by asking, "Well, I was gonna go to lunch with a friend and I have to meet the plumber at 5. Can I go a little early anyways?" I DON"T WANT TO HEAR YOUR PERSONAL QUESTIONS!!!!! Wait until it's break time and ask the trainer then! I don't care that you have a plumber coming to your house and I"m sure none of the other 29 people in the room do either. Like, don't people think to themselves first if this is an appropriate time to ask specific questions that only relate to themselves? I guess not cause this happens all the time and I just want to scream, "ASK AT A BETTER TIME!"

And Once Again...

Nothing new to report. Sorry guys. My life has been consumed with work. But this weekend should be a good one.... Abby's birthday party. Stay tuned.

Attached are some favorite pictures of me in sheridan.

Todays Top News

I must admit... I have nothing new to report. Got back from Worland on Friday evening and the rents came on Saturday. Spent a bunch of money, got a new table, made my mom take me shopping, then off to work. I worked all Saturday morning and was in again this morning bright and early. I did force myself to stay home from work on Sunday though. Now that I'm salary, overtime doesn't have to be approved and the work's got to get done sometime. I don't like being behind on things. Especially paperwork. It will haunt me all weekend, so I'm sure I will spend time going on when I don't have to in order to get it done. My life is officially boring again and I'm slipping back into the 8-5 work. WHAT A DRAG!!!

However: I'd like to state, for the record, it's still far better than my situation in Indonesia was! And I'm really starting to love Sheridan

And the Thunder Rolls and the Lightening Strikes

Yesterday was a beautiful day and Cory and I took that opportunity to go into the Big Horn Mountains. It was great laying there while he fished and it was so nice and warm. Obviously the Big Horn Mountains don't feel like home yet but I wonder if they ever will. I am so partial to the Black Hills and this may wear off in time but I think part of why I loved them so much is because I view them as something like a fort in my backyard. They're small enough to drive through in just a couple short hours and I've been in almost every part of them over and over again. The Big Horns are just that... BIG. Not as big as the Rockies or anything but big enough to have passes that close in the winter and interchanging lanes. I don't think they'll ever feel like a big fort full of fun trails that all connect and merge in my mind. But, they offer much more than the hills such as snowmobiling like crazy, fishing of all kinds, backpacking in for days at a time, and awesome lodges all over. It was great getting out and spending some time in them. The last time I remember camping in them was when I was probably 12 years old with a friend's family. Loved them then and I'm sure I will begin to develop a relationship with them again :)

After returning home from the mountains, we raced to a local bar that would have the WYO game on television since I couldn't find it on my tv. We arrived a half hour late, but I immediately sat down and watched while Cory found all his Sheridan friends to hang with. The game's excitement didn't last long as we couldn't seem to close any plays and get the game done. We did show up though which is more than CU can say against CALI! Now that was just embarrassing... But, at the end of the game, an older gentleman approached Cory's friends and was talking about something. I wasn't sure what he was talking about but heard him make a remark while pointing in my direction and I immediately thought he was taking a cheap shot about my looks and some of my flaws. After asking others if he said what i thought he said, and being unclear on their responses, I became extremely defensive and started yelling at him asking if that's what it took for him to feel like a man and said other things that weren't so nice before Cory stepped in and told me that was enough and to chill out. I was so upset that I was actually shaking a little and totally unable to concentrate on the end of the game. After being given a while to calm down, Cory approached me and let me know that the guy may not have said what I thought he said and, in fact, he wasn't even referring to me at all. I felt really bad hearing that. Usually when I lash out, which is not often at all, it's very calculated and certainly I have been wronged in someway. Let me just say, I know that even if I have been wronged by someone, it DOES NOT give me the right to lash out at them in return. I know that. However, those that know me know that although I have a high strung personality, I don't get mad like this often. And if I do approach someone, it's usually thought out. Either way, I'm just saying that when I realized this may have been a complete misunderstanding, like a big girl, I put on my big girl pants and immediately found the man that I had yelled at and told him that if it was a misunderstanding and if he hadn't said what I thought he said, I was wrong and I apologized. He was very receptive and told me that he thought it was a misunderstanding on both of our parts and he even went on to tell me he thought we were going to be good friends. We actually ended up talking for quite a while. I am sure I will never see him again, but I was left questioning why I flew off the handle so quickly; and for the first time, was completely wrong in a situation like this making it even that much more wrong. I have no good answers,

but as I was driving to Worland today (I'll be here in a hotel room for 6 nights) I racked my brain trying to remember the last time I got that mad and finally remembered that it was in a very similar situation (this time me actually having the right info) in downtown Denver with, once again, another man. He had handed me an empty bottle being a jerk. I thought he had bought me a drink and was handing it to me but upon accepting it from him, I realized it was an empty bottle. He just walked by me, didn't say anything, but put out his bottle for me to grab. I thought he was being a gentleman and had bought me a drink; however, it was an empty bottle that I received and he just walked away thinking he could get away with it. I remember thinking, "You've messed with the wrong B**** buddy!" Instead of just setting it down and mumbling under my breath about how rude that was, I turned him around, spouted off a few things and went to hand him the bottle back. When he would not reach out to grab it and actually threw his hands back like, "I aint touching it", I promptly dropped it in front of him and it shattered all over the floor. When going outside to cool off, the man happened to be standing out there as well. I told him to keep his distance and security approached me asking if there was a problem. After talking to them, the man was not allowed to enter the facility again that night. But, that was the last time I can remember being that upset.

Both situations including an older gentleman. If I saw a therapist, that might be something to examine... hmmm... Either way, I put my Cory in a very awkward situation and I think partly why I was so upset last night is because I thought this man had disrespected me in the presence of all his friends. And when I ended up being wrong, he was left standing there, in the middle of it. I mean, lets not kid anybody, I have a loud personality and can be quite a drama queen, but most things I do are pretty well thought out and scrutinized by myself before embarking upon. But situations like this surprise myself. Especially when I have taught anger management for years. I can't seem to identify my trigger, but I do see the pattern in my anger. Three situations I can in the last couple years. Two of which I have shared... the third, also involving a man. I don't know what to think about that but I think part of it is a product of my career path. I am called so many names on a daily basis and have to stand there shaking my head and saying "I'm sorry you feel that way." So when I think someone has disrespected me on my time, not at work, it's almost like a button is pushed saying, "you can actually lash out back!" But that doesn't make it okay either. The thunder rolled for a while last night and the lightening crashed, but I made amends and can only try to act on facts and not feelings next time around.

And oh... the Cowboys lost :( BUMMER!

Fun at Farmers Market

OOFTA! What a long day and I'm still awake. Had four meetings at work today and I think 5 yesterday. My planner is completely filled already and next month is stacking up as well. It's been busy and I haven't gotten the chance to blog as much as I've wanted, but am out doing things which is even better for me. After work today I called my cousin and she told me to come down to the farmers market where I was swiftly put to work selling corn, pies, homemade bread, etc. Stayed there until 7pm then they took me out to dinner. It was quite pleasant and we had a good time, but I'm glad to be home relaxing now. AND SO READY FOR THE WEEKEND!

And One last thing... (here's your shout out Cloyd) I'd like to say thank you to JC. Without you and your help I wouldn't be the person I am. You inspire me to be a better person! Ok, Ok... God bless and GOODNIGHT!

Finally Here, FInally Settled

Well, it's been quite a while since my last blog entry. THings have been CRAZY. My last day in D.C. I started to feel a little sick. Just a little scratchy throat. No biggy. Or I thought... I was down and out for three days. Literally couldn't get off the couch. And getting home from D.C. was no fun feat either. Got to the D.C. airport with plenty of time to spare. Things seemed to be going well and the flight was on time. We boarded and began to make our long taxi to the runway. Almost there, we all the sudden stop. And for five minutes we all sit there until the captin finally announces that there is a mechanical problem and we will have to taxi BACK to the gate and have mechanics come fix it. It will be at least a 20 minute delay. An hour and 20 minutes later, we finally left. Which made things difficult for me because by the time we arrived in the twin cities, my connecting flight into Rapid City had already taken off. So, I had to head to the rebooking desk and when I finally got rebooked.... I had an 8 hour layover. TO top it off, I kept getting sicker and sicker by the hour. When finally arriving in Rapid and getting to my vehicle, what do you know... the low tire indicator light pops on. I didn't even care and drove home regardless of whether I was ruining a tire or not. That was one long day.

I was pretty upset because I had so much to do before moving. I was unable to pack anything until the day we moved because I was so sick. In the midst of it, another indicator light kept coming on in my Kia, so my father graciously offered to take it to Rapid City for me to have it fixed and to have the tire fixed. Thanks dad! So, the next morning we packed everything up and as I'm walking out the door bawling, I get a text from Verizon telling me to contact them. I thought, "oh, I must be late on my payment and just need to call the payment center" So, I call the payment center literally on my way to my vehicle to leave, and get told I have a balance of $496! I thought, there must be some mistake. So I call as we're leaving Newcastle to talk to someone. I finally talk to an actual human being and am told that there is no mistake, that the charges are for texting. I thought I had an unlimited texting plan but apparently I don't and text 1,800 times last month with my limit being 500. Ouch!!! I was fuming the whole way to Sheridan about it, but resentfully paid the bill AND changed my plan to unlimited texting. Then... (yes it doesn't stop there) as we're leaving Gillette, I realize that something feels funny with my steering wheel. I look down and the people at Kia PUT THE THING ON CROOKID. I was so mad that now I was inconvenianced with that as well. So, I will have to go back to Rapid soon to get that pulled off and put back on CORRECTLY soon or it will drive me nuts!

The actual move itself went just fine. Had me moved in and I pretty much had everything put away by the end of that day. Thank God I was feeling better. So, I had a few days to relax before I headed to my first day of work. Once everyone left me in SHeridan, I found myself standing there not knowing what to do or remembering what it was like to have my own things, alone time, and my own bed. However, I couldn't think of anything to do so was glad when one of my good friends popped by for a quick visit on her way through. I was really excited to actually get cabel and internet cause I had NOTHING to do, so finally the cabel guy arrives at the beginning of the week and when he goes to hook up my internet, everything seemed just fine and it showed full internet connection, but my computer wouldn't access a web page. YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME! That guy spent two hours at my house trying to figure out what the problem was until telling me I would have to take it to the computer store. SO I wisked it down there real quick hoping there was some simple solution but was sorely dissappointed when I was told that they would have to keep it for 3 days and I would have to pay near 200 bucks to fix it. After such a steep phone bill as well, I was not excited for this inconveniance either. NOt excited at all. But, I need me some facebook and blogging so I left it and got it back just a couple days ago.

Oh yeah, I also locked myself out of my new garage in the last week and I locked myself in it as well. That's a whole other story though.

Work has gone great. Very different being in a managment position and staff coming to me for the final decision, the kids looking to me as the leader, and having the authority to be that leader. It's a lot of responsibility though and I find myself sad when I'm handing all my fun activities to the line staff and seeing how excited the youth are to do such a fun activity and know I don't get to teach it. Now, I go to my office and have other responsibilities while the direct care staff teach my fun activities. It's like I have passed the torch. I have so much to learn but am excited for the challenge.

Sorry I have no pictures up for this one. How BORING! BUt, I've been so busy and really haven't had time. Now that I have a computer back and some time on my hands, you will be hearing from me more on this thing. Unfortanately, I will not be able to share all my fun stories from work and I"m sure you can imagine they can be pretty colorful working in a place like I do, but because of strong confidentiality policies, just can't share anything. Hopefully my personal life remains exciting. I am going to start reffing volleyball within the next couple weeks. I"m sure I'll do something horribly wrong and have a great story to share about how a parent started screaming at me etc, etc, etc.

So Much Smithsonian

Today we went to finally the famous Smithsonian museums. It was a must being in D.C. I first went to the American History Museum. It was really interesting and I think my favorite part was seeing the First Ladies dresses they wore on the day their husbands became presidents. Michelle Obama's was there already and it was interesting to see how fashion has shifted throughout the ages. I also really liked seeing the American flag that was used during the Revolutionary War and how it inspired our Star Spangle Banner. I went as soon as it opened so there wouldn't be so many people. I got to wonder at my own pace and browse where I wanted. Then I went to the Natural History Museum. This is the one with the huge dinosaur bones. It was so super packed! I couldn't barely see anything. I first saw the jelly fish display. It has been my favorite animal since I lived in Coos Bay. I used to walk the beaches there and see these little clear looking objects that resembled a clear rock from a fish tank all over the sand. I found out that they were washed up jelly fish. I was so fascinated and since then have really thought they were cool. So, it was the first to catch my eye. I actually bought a jellyfish preserved in glass like a paper weight that glows in the dark from the museum. Only of the very few souvenirs I have bought.



After, I walked down to meet my friend by the river where there was a fish market. It was definitely an authentic fish market. Full of guys throwing fish back and forth and selling live crabs by the dozen. We ate (of course I didn't eat there since I hate seafood) but then we came back up to the museums. I decided to hit up the American Indian museum since I have a passion for the Natives. I watched an amazing film in a circular theater, with the whole ceiling showing the movie and four screens in front of me and screens on the floor. The first thing talked about in the film was the Indians in the Black Hills. I was proud to know that I have grown up there and have worked with the Lakota people for a while. I really enjoyed that. I also found the Lakota exhibit and enjoyed reading about them. However, this place doesn't hold a candle (as far as authentic artifacts) like Crazy Horse does. But, they had info on ALL tribes.



I really liked working with the Lakotas but am excited to begin working with the Arapahoes shortly. They are so different in values, demeanor, and attitudes. It will be interesting to see the difference first hand.

The picture below is of a sign that I saw on a huge display at the Natural History museum. I read it and had to keep rereading it. It seems like just as much of a fairy tale to me as the story of creation. However, there are no displays at the museum to support this theory. But, everywhere I turned there were signs supporting evolution. This one struck me as I can't see how this is any more factual then the story of creation. Really? Am I supposed to be convinced?

Awareness at Arlington

So, yesterday we went to Arlington Cemetary. This is the one spot that I have been wanting to see since planning this trip. My sister told me how amazing it was and so, I put this one on the agenda and the "To Do" for me. I was not disappointed in the least. It was amazing. I was so excited to see the Tomb of The Unknowns. This is a place dedicated to all those soldiers that do not have graves and we only found remains for; therefor not knowing who they were. The tomb was eracted many years ago and has since, always had a soldier that guards the tomb. Day and night 365 days a year, A soldier marches across this tomb. In the dead of winter at 4 in the morning, you will find a soldier that shows respect by marching up and down The Tomb of the Unknown. And, not just any soldier. They have to be a soldier from the 3rd infintry with a completely unblemished military record. They have to be a certain hight and body size. On top of it, their march is examined under close scrutinty and they have to pass an extensive test with a 95% or better in order to take a march that lasts 30 minutes. It is seen as a great honor and privlege to be a solider from this unit that gets to show homage to those lost in battle at such an amazing place. It was extremely humbling and chilling to witness the Changing of Guards Ceremony. Every half an hour, the huge clock sounds and a Ceremony is conducted where another soldier comes out to march. It was dead silent with hundred of people there witnessing this tradition of respect and dignity. I have never seen anything quite like it and the pride I had in my nation, at that moment, shined.



I also saw a lot of disrespect take place here. There signs placed everywhere that said things such as. "Please be quiet." "Remember, these are hallowed grounds. "Please respect those that rest here" "No running" etc. However, with such a huge crowds and so many tourist groups, this did not take place. There were so many Asian tourist groups and I don't think they quite understand the pride and significance I place like this offers and the kind of respect that an American might appreciate here. I may not know the details about how our country was formed, but I do know the price that was paid with these 360,000 plus soldiers, and I understand the respect they deserve.

I also saw the eternal flame at Kennedy's memorial. The flame never goes out and is always lit. And I saw the famous quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you but for what you can do for your country."




Our day did not stop there. Next we headed to Alexandria Old Town in Virginia. We ate at the best Thai restraunt. I had so Bamboo Ew something or another. It was amazing. I checked out an antique store there since I love antiques and they were so expensive, I quickly left. We went to the River and walked around. They have an amazing art square there where you can watch the artists work. Then, we scheduled a cruise to take up back to Georgetown. It was beautiful. When we got home, I went down to the restraunt while the other two girls swam. I met some great people and spent the evening with them. DOn't freak out, mom and dad, when I tell you that I took a cab with them to this great Italian restraunt. My friends went for seafood and I will not eat it so, my two new friends offered to let me come with them. They were super rich. One being a cardio surgeon. We had a great dinner, and they picked up the tab for everything. I had an amazing evening and only spent 5 dollars of my own money. Now that's what I call Grand! They got me back to my hotel safely and I struck up a convo with a couple from New York. They proceeded to talk about politics and I finally had to cut them off and just leave for the room. I was so tired. But, met lots of interesting people.

Vacationing in Virginia

The last two days we have spent in Virginia enjoying the beutiful landscape and history that rests there. First, we started at Mt. Vernon. Home of George Washington. I am officially a horrible American as I had to have my friend from the Czeck explain who he was. Ok, I knew that he was a president but beyond that, I had to watch the informational video at his estates to learn who he was. I know, I know, that's horrible. Apparently in school I was too busy with everything but learning and, now, don't know much about our history. They made fun of my and my ignorance but it was all in good humor. We got to tour the house, see where he died, and witness where many important decisions were made. Before we left, we took a scenic cruise on the Platomic River. It was beautiful and definately worth the extra money.

This is the Manson at Mount Vernon where George Washington lived. We got to tour it, see the slave quarters, and all the other amazing areas on the estate.



On the cruise I bought a drink and it was $6.50. I wanted another one but didn't want to spend the money so I went back down to the lower deck and told the man, "Yes, can I need a free drink." And he obliged. :)


This is what is known as the Necessary or Privy in England. It's the bathroom that the slaves or others would use while on the estate and not near the house. I learned that not only was George Washington our first president but he also was extremely senstaive to hygine issues.




After, we headed back to D.C. and decided to try some food from one of the corners of the world. We settled on Ethopian food. I had no idea what I was ordering, how it would come, or if I would like it but I was bound to try something new. And boy, was it new. They don't eat with silverware. That was the wierdest part. They give you this sticky bread rolled up like tortilas and you use those to pick the "slop" up with. It was SO good though. I tried all on my plate. Some was good and some was not. The stuff that was good. Was very good.



After supper, we put our pregnant friend to bed and Lily and I walked downtown to a place that was known for good people watching. We sat there and had great conversation, met some local girls that I visited with, and finally ventured home after a long day. Very good time. Great company, and I always love meeting new people.

The Horrific Holocaust

Today we went to the Holocaust Museum. By the time I was at the last level of the museum, I just gave up and left. I could not take seeing another dead body and hearing about how horrible it was anymore. It is great that there is such a spectacular place to remember those lost and those that suffered at the hands of such tyrants but I could only take so much. I think my favorite part of it was the hundred of shoes they had piled up. The quote above them read something like "We are survivors of the holocaust. We are only survivors because we are made of leather and not flesh and blood." It was quite intense to think of all the souls that walked in those shoes. We were also given a little identification card upon entering of a person that was in the holocaust. I picked a male thinking the story might be more interesting since I knew most women and children were killed before others. As you go through the museum you are supposed to flip the page to hear the next part of "your person's" life story. By the time I finished my reading my identification card, I was dead. But my son lived cause I sent him away.

It was also really strange for me to hear about not just Hitler but all the Germans that stood for such mess. I also read many statements and quotes about those that were not actively involved in the NAZI party but that did nothing to either help or resist it. My mother is a full blooded German which makes me half. More than what a lot of people can say these days as there are so few people that are full blooded anything now. I have always been proud of my German heritage and still am, but would not have told a soul in there that I was German. It seemed as if I thought maybe I should feel ashamed, but I'm not. My friend from Europe went with us and we were talking about it. She said that Germans are still really hated around many parts of Europe and that Europeans do not hold a kind light up to Germans because of what happened. However, as history has shown Germans also tend to feel better than others and entitled to things that most nationalities don't even think about. A quote from Hitler I saw really struck me as I walked around that huge museum. It was out of a book of policies that Germans should enact on those from inferior races. It states, "... and the doctrine that it is divine law to obey the Germans." Then, just a little while later, I was passing through a doorway and on the side, I pass a Mezuzah. Those that know me know that I dated a reformed Jew for over 5 years. I thought of his family often in there. How kind they always were to me, their willingness to let me participate in Shabbot dinner, hearing the shabbot prayer, and seeing the mezuzah that would always be nailed into the entry to their house. And then, knowing that I am very much german, gave me a weird feeling.A torn feeling.

Anyhow, after hours at the museum we ventured to see the Capitol building and on the way passed the Supreme Court and many other regal buildings that look like a cheap knock off of what I think old Rome would look like. It was kind of ammusing when I was thrown into a picture with an Asian family. I remember being in Indonesia and them just being fascinated with white people; always wanting a picture with you thinking that you were famous. Well, yesterday, I'm standing by the Capitol and an Asian man speaking no English just says, "picture picture" pointing to his little daughter. So, I oblige and let him snap several pictures of me and his daughter with the Capitol behind us before his wife comes to take the camera and asks that I continue to stay so she can get pictures of her husband and another daughter that jumped over to take pictures with me as well. I just smiled and let them take their pictures. It was kinda fun. Then we went to botanical gardens and walked around before venturing back to our hotel. I didn't get to join any cool protests while at the Capitol, but that wasn't for lack of trying. There just were none going on.



Later that night, my friend and I met her friend from the Slovackian Embassy and went to a nice supper. We got in our nice black cocktail dresses and I finally felt like I fit in. You can SOOOO tell that we're a bunch of West Coast slobs in our flip flops and hippie attire. Everyone here, regardless of the heat, is in black pencil skirts, pen striped suits, nylons, dressy heals, and fitted vests. I can't imagine how these women walk for blocks and blocks in their heals. Everywhere you go, it looks as if sophistication just ooozes out of these people; or at least they all hold super important jobs. Oh yeah, another thing I have noticed that is different then the west coast is the use of Ipods in public places. So many people; old, young, business suits, sweats, jogging outfits, have ipods on. Wonder if they all just walk around listening to music or if they have a streaming news station playing. Can't imagine these old business men walking around listening to Frank Sinatra staight off of work. Who knows. But, dinner was great. The place we went was famous for their margaritas and so super busy. The food was amazing, and finally feeling a little bit of sophistication myself in my black dress was great!