Roach's Project

2008-07-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Roach has started an internet project. It is entitled "List 5." The byline is: "A daily subject for you to List 5 of. Add a comment and you could be in the book."

In the about section it states: "List 5 is where I will list a new topic every day for one full year, and compile the answers into a book. It’s an open project so anyone who wants to comment can. The key to is to list just 5 things and only the best ones will make it into the book. Don’t be fooled, coming up with five answers for some questions is harder than it seems.

This is a totally interactive site so you are allowed to answer however you want, including simply listing 5 items; however, what will truly differentiate your answer from others is the personal stories behind them. Why do you feel that way? What made you choose that certain thing? Obviously, my entries will be a little longer than most, and not everyone will feel the need to open up quite as much. It doesn’t matter. Make your list however you are compelled to, since it is yours not mine."

I think it's a pretty awesome idea, so you should check it out and contribute. I have.

I'm still here

2008-07-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

It occurs to me that I haven't really posted in over a week and it was not the most positive message, so I wanted to let everyone know that I am doing fine. Things are smoothing out. Work is still stressful, but that isn't going to change. The things with the boy are confusing, but I don't really care anymore so it doesn't matter. I'm sure I will post something interesting soon.

Letting it go

2008-06-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

Out of site out of mind. I have removed several posts because I don't want to look at them anymore.

Did you know

2008-06-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

That when a child of approximately four years old hops up and down around her mom saying "I gotta pee," "I gotta pee," "I gotta pee" that it is probably a smart idea to listen to the child and rush them to the bathroom. Or, if you want to you can ignore the child and go on doing something else and then you can turn around to see that child peeing on the floor. Have no worries, though. You're friendly children's librarian will clean up the mess while you take care of your child that is now repeating over and over "I'm just so sorry."

It took all I had in me not to tell that mom just what I thought about her. I felt so bad for the little girl. She tried to tell her, but her mom was just so involved in something else she ignored her. How embarrassing for the little girl.

I am shocked and amazed everyday by the lack of consideration by some parents out there. It makes liking my job very difficult at times.

Oh, dear Lord.

2008-06-05T22:11:00.001-07:00

I ran around all day today and was quite busy at work. All this running around made me a bit sweaty and I was looking forward to coming home and enjoying some quality couch time in my comfortable apartment.

Cruel, cruel fate.

I walk in the apartment and it is hot. I get that sinking feeling you get when it dawns on you that your day just got more complicated. The air is out. It is hot. So, so hot. Poor Teddy is wondering around the apartment panting and looking miserable. Basically, he is a dog version of me. Hopefully this will be fixed tomorrow. If not, I will not be spending another night at the un-air conditioned G-Unit Mansion.

Summer Movies so far

2008-06-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

My new goal for the next few months is to see as many summer blockbusters as possible (at least the ones that interest me). So I've decided to share my opinions, but no spoilers, with you.

In order of viewing:

Iron Man - *****
I really liked this movie. It had a perfect mix of humor, action, and awesome special effects. Robert Downey, Jr. was really good and kinda hot. I think this is the type of movie that appeals to all people. Very recommended.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - **3/4
Hmmm. Well, this one was a bit of a disappointment. I think the storyline was good to a point and then they lost me. I'm sure most of you have heard what the movie is about, but out of respect for those who aren't in the know, I will just say that I thought they could have done something better. Plus, there was a fight scene in the jungle that was a tad bit ridiculous. I think most people will see it to appease their curiosity and if you've already seen the first three you might as well see the last one.

Sex and the City - ****1/2
Yes!! I loved it! I've heard mixed reviews, but I thought it was well done. It was a lot like the t.v. show and I thought that was a positive thing. The story was good and it was great to see the girls again. It made me a little nostalgic for some girl time...and some man time. I recommend to all the ladies out there.

This is funny

2008-05-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

I know that I post stuff from YouTube periodically, but I actually saw this orginally on Larry King and was quite happy to see that someone else must have found it as funny as I did. To catch you up, this is video taken from Larry King Live last night about aliens. I have watched it several times (I tivo'd it) and I laugh and laugh. The roommie is also a fan. The good stuff starts around the 53rd second. I hope you think it is as hilarious as I did...

12 quirks...

2008-05-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

I decided that since I got tagged twice - once Lydia and once by Angela, I would go ahead and list 12 sorta short quirks/little know facts. I hope they're not too boring...

1. To make a sandwich the bread must match up. I want all sides to match and the mayo needs to be spread evenly all over the bread. Think of it like wall-to-wall carpeting, it must go up to all edges.

2. I'm scared of pool drains. I don't even like to swim over them. They literally give me the willies.

3. Although most people who know me casually would not believe it, I can cry all the time. I think the ASPCA commercials for homeless dogs is just about the most heart wrenching out there.

4. I can tell you how old most celebrities are. I'm not sure why, but is just an odd talent.

5. I can wiggle my ears

6. I read an average of 4 books a week. I would say I easily read 200 books a year.

7. I love true crime shows. I am fascinated, yet repelled by evil in the world.

8. If you have spent the night at my house, I have probably checked to see if you are breathing.

9. I get my feelings hurt a lot. I rarely say anything and just try to get over it.

10. I am more nostalgic, hopeful, loving, and traditional than even my closest friends probably realize - I just don't show it because I am afraid of being rejected or laughed at.

11. I was very unpopular until the age of 13. Up to that point I only had two friends. To this day I am grateful for all of the friendships I have.

12. I love biographies. I love reading about people's lives and the times they lived in. (I am currently watching a PBS bio on Harry and Bess Truman)

I tag...

Peyton (you should post a blog, it's been a while)
Susie
Roach (I guess you could list them in the comments...)

List 6 quirks about yourself
Tag some people to do it too
There are some other rules, but I forgot what they were...

Just a note

2008-05-24T14:49:00.001-07:00

I got tagged by Lydia to list quirks about myself, but I'm going to wait until after Memorial Day to do it. Try to hold out until then...harhar.

Just a note

2008-05-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

Although the people who read this blog (all three of you) most likely don't do this, I feel it is my duty to society to advise against this...

When one is thinking one should keep one's mouth shut. When it is hanging wide open it just doesn't make one look that smart. It makes ya look like a dumbass.

I hope someone has stumbled upon this blog today and will keep their mouth shut in the future.

Back from the beach...

2008-05-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

Several friends and I headed down to Gulf Shores this weekend. We left around midnight Friday night and got back Monday night. It was a quick trip, but a little something to calm me before the craziness of Summer Reading. I called work today to check in and see how things were going and I just shouldn't have done it. Seriously, why did I call in? It's not going to make me feel any better. I'm not going to be able to fix anything and all it does is make me feel guilty about not being at work. Literally, I took 2 vacation days and I feel guilty. It's ridiculous. I hate the summer. That is one thing about being a children's librarian in a public library - you lose your summer. You learn to dread it and I all think about is summers of days gone by. Why didn't I appreciate summers off? I'm going to have to wait until I'm 65 to have another summer off.

If you can't tell, I seem to be suffering from vacation blues.

Just 'cause

2008-05-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

I was asked to make out a list of the 10 books that I would want to have with me if I was stranded on a desert island. I decided to share them with you. You're welcome...haha

A little note about my picks: if you are looking for a list of books that expand the mind and make you think, then this isn’t the list for you. If I’m stuck on a desert island, then I want to have some great books to take my mind off of my plight.

Sarah’s Child by Linda Howard (she is from Gadsden, AL)
Not exactly upping the ante intellectually, but it is a great story packed with a little bit of tragedy, alpha masculinity and just a great romantic story. I have probably re-read this book at least 100 times.

Beach Music by Pat Conroy
Pat Conroy is a great southern author who is capable of highlighting the beauty and flaws of the region.

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward
The love story is hot and the plot is quick - great book to read when whiling away your time on an island.

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris
His brother, Rooster, is an outrageous riot and whose outlook on life is nothing if not unique. Don’t miss “Rooster at the Hitchin’ Post.”

Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock
This is a Young Adult novel, but it is one of the most heartwarming books you will read.

Shades of Twilight by Linda Howard
I read this book about 12 years ago and it was my first Howard novel and I continue to re-read it periodically.

Harry Potter and the…(fill in the blank here); books 1-7
Considering you must read all the books to find out what happens, I have decided to only count it as one.

Corbin’s Fancy by Linda Lael Miller
This is a light-hearted book that features the classic clash of a hard-headed woman and hard-headed man.

Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
This Young Adult apocalyptic thriller will surely take your mind off of your desolate desert island.

Once in Paris by Diana Palmer
I own all of her books (well over 100 and counting) and this is probably favorite. It’s on my re-reading shelf.

Like Manna from Heaven

2008-05-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

The roommie won another prize!! This time it is something way cooler than a gift card. She won an Amp/Mountain Dew mini-fridge! That's not all...Amp is a primary sponsor of Dale Jr's car and the fridge is decorated with all Dale Jr. and #88 stuff (that's his number). We are going to put it in the living room. No need to get up for a beer anymore. Tears are literally in my eyes as I type this. I love sweepstakes!!

Does anyone

2008-05-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

watch The Soup on E!? Joel McHale is hilarious and his observations of the stupidity of celebrities is awesome. If you don't watch it, give it a try.

The last sign you're a loser....

2008-05-09T22:37:00.000-07:00

I would say the first, but let's face it when you reach this level, it's clearly the bottom of the barrel.

It's Friday night/Saturday morning and I am enjoying a Tivo marathon. That's not bad enough, people...do you wonder what has brought on this tivo watching? Well, I've upgraded from the old tivo and I need to clear it out before I hook up the new one.

I'm going from a regular tivo that records only one program at once to a dual tuner. I can now record two programs at once! I am amazed by technology. I have no idea how it works, but I love it! This really fits into my First Waver Theory. No Cable, No air conditioning, no beer = Katie a shell of her former self.

Screw growing old gracefully

2008-05-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

I just watched the Oprah show with Tina Turner and Cher. Whether or not you are a fan of either of these ladies, they sure have turned the notion of getting older on its head. Tina Turner is 68 years old and still has a killer pair of legs. I swear that woman has sold her soul to the devil and it was worth it. Cher ain't half bad herself and she looked quite good in her red mini-dress (although the red boots she was weraring weren't my favorites...) So, as I was saying they are a testament to how good women can look as they age. It is so unfair how men seem to get better looking and women start looking like dried up prunes. I've decided to include a YouTube video of a classic Tina performance...

From my blog to....

2008-05-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

The draught is over!! The roommie won something! Her boyfriend called while she was at work today and said that several people he knows (his mom for one) had gotten gift cards in the mail from a phone in contest and he wanted me to check the mailbox. I checked and there was an envelope and I could feel a gift card inside (I didn't open it). Yay! This is just the beginning. Trips, cash, cars!!

The sweeper within

2008-05-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

So, there's been a bit of a trend happening at the G-Unit Mansion. The roommie has become a "sweeper." Do you know what this is? It is someone that enters sweepstakes and other contests for fabulous trips and other prizes. Part of this was inspired by her bf's mom. So, I guess you want to know what she's won, right?

nuthin'.

When this first started she was entering some big ticket contests, but after the draught I believe she is down to t-shirts, cups, and butter. Seriously, it was just a mail in rebate for Land O' Lakes finest, but I think she'll take anything at this point. I am quite supportive of the new hobby 'cause I hope that if she wins some awesome trip for a group of her friends I will be included. How messed up would that be if she won an awesome trip (not for two - obviously, she would take the bf...) and then had me stay behind to take care of Bad Kitty? So wrong.

Fingers crossed, people. There are some sweet NASCAR prize packages...

I love Facebook/Myspace

2008-04-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

sometimes...

I just connected with an old friend from childhood/high school. This probably would not have been possible but for Facebook. Peyton and Ashley, it's someone you know, too :)

That Oprah

2008-04-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

There seems to be some sort of Oprah backlash these days. I guess it is just one more thing for conservatives (sorry to generalize) to pick on and use as an example of how the evil liberals are taking over the world. What.Ever. I really don't have too much beef with someone who donates millions to charity every year, gets people to read books, and general attempts to put a positive message out there. I guess some people think she has too much influence. Well, I consider myself a person that thinks for myself and I am not going to do something just because Oprah told me to. Anyhoo, this post has diverted from my original intent...

I was watching the show today and she followed up about a show she did about puppy mills. I swear nothing is more sad than poor little dogs who have been mistreated. It makes me so mad when people abuse animals. They are so trusting and have no idea what is going on and I can only imagine the confusion and betrayal (even if people don't think they can feel betrayal). I guess the point of this post is just that half the time I watch the show I end up crying. I'm such a sap.

It should be a holiday

2008-04-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

Ah, Talladega weekend in Alabama. Love it, love it, love it. For all you skeptics out there...you just don't get it and, perhaps, never will. That's okay because it is something that provides me with true pleasure. I love sitting on my couch being able to watch the race, read the Sunday paper, clip coupons, talk on the phone, and blog. That's how I watch a race. It's a long haul to the end so you gotta be prepared with food and alternative entertainment (i.e. beer and a nap) for the inevitable caution flags.

P.S. I know it's sad, but if you remember this post then you can appreciate how this made me feel. I got hit on last night. Twice. It was just a nice affirmation that I am not the lease appealing person in the world, there might actually be two or three less appealing people...I kid, I kid. No really, it was just nice.

It was a good week

2008-04-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

As I am a superstitious person (when it comes to acknowledging good things) I am a bit hesitant to admit that I had a great week. As you know, I had my "snow day" on Monday, went to work on Tuesday, went to a conference on Wednesday and Thursday and then went to work Friday. All in all, it was an easy week and I know that next week will be harder, but it was nice to just a have a week to coast.

Currently, I am reading The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs for my book club. I'm a little over halfway through the book and I think it's my favorite so far. I would recommend it to the ladies out there.

I've been giving more thought to the writing idea and I think I might pursue the idea of writing about working in a library. I think I will use some of my own experiences and expand on it from there. No worries, I don't plan on "dooce-ing" myself.

So that's it in a nutshell.

A whisper turning into something louder

2008-04-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling the urge to write. I haven't really said anything about it on here because I'm not sure what I want to write. Perhaps short stories, ala David Sedaris? Something scholarly to get published in a journal (in this case it would be something I wrote when I was finishing up my Masters in History and get it polished for formal pub)? I don't even know where to start. I write periodically on here, but nothing very disciplined. I've thought about setting up a work area in my apartment, but I'm not sure I would want to stay secluded somewhere away from a t.v., which is what I would have to do. I went to an author's luncheon for work today and was really inspired by a couple of the speakers. I feel like I am being sent a message from my environment. I know that sounds a little "Oprah-y" but it's really how it seems.

Snow Day in April!!!!!!!!

2008-04-21T10:08:00.001-07:00

Not really, but there was a water main break so my boss closed the library. Yay!!

It was shaping up to be quite the productive day as I went to the gym this morning and did a good 45 min on the arc trainer and precor and then I took a shower and had a salad. Now with the work news I am thinking about seeing a movie. Hmmm what to see? I just saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall last night (run don't walk, btw) so I'm not sure what I would go see. I'm kind of feeling the idea of a nap though. Hmmmm, must think, think, think.

I recommend the book...

2008-04-19T23:05:00.000-07:00

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist...

Here's a link to the www.amazon.com page.

Next up on my teen reading extravaganza...Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

P.S. Nick and Norah is being released as a movie on Oct. 3rd (my bday - a coincidence? I think not)

You Are Here

Roach's Project

I'm still here

Letting it go

Did you know

Oh, dear Lord.

Summer Movies so far

This is funny

12 quirks...

Just a note

Just a note

Back from the beach...

Just 'cause

Like Manna from Heaven

Does anyone

The last sign you're a loser....

Screw growing old gracefully

From my blog to....

The sweeper within

I love Facebook/Myspace

That Oprah

It should be a holiday

It was a good week

A whisper turning into something louder

Snow Day in April!!!!!!!!

I recommend the book...