I just found out that before Toby left for Portland today he was able to stop in Newark and have lunch with the crew. However, they apparently decided NOT to invite me! Danielle, Carrie, Chris and Keane all went without me.

WHY!

Why would they do that? I feel like a spoiled blubbering brat right now, but I am so upset.

Labels: work

So, everyone I have talked to who has the cold I currently have, has decided it is some sort of cold mutation. Clearly, it has to be, because this is not your normal, everyday average run of the mill cold.

I'm sore. I'm miserable. I'm sneezy and stuffy and even itchy! I'm exhausted and having trouble breathing. AND IT WON'T GO AWAY!

On another note, I received season one of "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" in the mail on Friday. I absolutely love that show and watched it faithfully while it aired on SNICK as I was growing up. So now Braeden is asking constantly if we can watch it, he really seems to like it. Brian and I are helping him see that it is all good fun, nothing to be scared of and now he is enjoying watching it with us. Yay!

I also need to take a picture of the new earrings I have added to my collection. I have begun to buy earrings more and more because I really like earrings and well...I have eight piercings in my ears. =o) SO I bought these cool ones that are stars and they have a hot pink star in the middle. I wore them yesterday. Today I have long, silver, dangling things and they are so cute. Debbie at work admired them this morning. =o)

Oh, also big on the main events. Braeden has his first big boy bike. It is a Spiderman 16" bike with training wheels. He is doing very well on it. He fell a few times, but didn't hesitate to get right back up and keep riding. I took pictures, so I'll have to post them tonight when I get home. Yay!

So all in all, I had a good weekend. Except for being sick and for the period of time I wasn't so very friendly to Brian. Thank God he puts up with me. I'm so lucky!

Labels: brae, family, jewelry

You can put them together however you want, they are completely customizable.
But how cool is that?

I know it is supposed to be used as office furniture, but I'd like it for myself, for use at home.

Venue is designed by David Fox, and manufactured by uk based office furniture manufacturer Connection.

Thanks go out to the Design Spotter blog for being so awesome and in the know!

Labels: cool furniture

I have to tell you, I think I might like the day before Friday more than Friday itself. Thursdays are the promise for your Friday. Thursdays are your hope day. The day you know you're gonna make it. =o)

Anywho. I'm reading that China is finally letting the US FDA Food inspectors come over to see why so much dog food has been tainted. At first the refused admittance, but now they are saying the FDA is welcome to come and "exchange ideas." Sounds to me like they needed time to cover up the scandal and clean up their mess. Figures.

Ag Day is this weekend. It's a huge deal, a big event for the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. I'm hoping to attend with Brae and hopefully Brian, but I'm really concerned about how I'll feel since my allergies are so wicked bad and the CANR is a pollen haven.

I've decided I want to adopt all the orphans in South Africa. Yep. All 50,000 of them. I can't stand knowing the condition that exist over there. Even contributing to the charities, I still feel like I should be doing so much more.

Braeden is doing alright. I'm pleased by this because two of the children in his daycare have been sick this week. So for him to be holding his own is absolutely wonderful!

Labels: brae, life, news, work

Life is so good. The only thing I have to complain about is my wretched allergies.

I'm having articles published left and right, which is just an amazing feeling. You can check all of them out by going to the music section of my blog, because I put up some more links this morning.

Braeden was much better behaved yesterday than he has been in quite some time. And he's already into the swing of things with the garden, wanting to help his Pop Pop and Grandpop Willey. He's such a good little boy, always looking to see what he can do.

I've been keeping very busy with writing, reading, working and taking care of Brae. And it's all great, seriously, I feel so blessed!

And even though my allergies are terrible, I've got Bri to help with that, always looking out for me. =o) Thanks!

Labels: brae, family

I feel like my allergies get worse each year. Yesterday Braeden wanted to chase me and have me chase him outside. He was having so much fun, but it got to the point where I could hardly even breathe. And then I was all but disabled by the effects later on in the night. My entire body itched, even my throat and the roof of my mouth. I was so uncomfortable. But Brae loves to be outside. I don't want him to sacrifice anything just because I'm all types of defunct.

And I'm worried about Ag Day next Saturday because I really want to go with Brae and Brian, but I know I'll be so sick afterwards. There is only so much medicine you can take and truthfully it doesn't work very well for me.

But the weekend was gorgeous and so is today. All sunshine and warm weather, it's perfect, I just wish I could further enjoy it.

Brian was good to me all weekend. Bought me medicine, looked after me and watched The Food Network with me almost non-stop because that is all I had the energy or will to do. He's the best!

Labels: brae, funny, life

UD is going to now have a user group just for web developers. Brand spanking new and I'm on the committee. Our first meeting was this morning. You should have heard all of us talking about different styles and code. It was so much fun!

The group is going to be called Delaware Web Developers and the acronym is DEWD.
Haha, oh dear. Just think, I'm actually excited about this!

At first I was nervous because I had to go up to main campus and venture into Smith Hall. I knew I wouldn't know anyone and I figured I would be the youngest. I was right on both accounts. Once I finally sucked it up and started responding and giving to the conversation it ended up being a nerd blast!

Yay!

Labels: work

My brother came up from Florida yesterday and it is so wonderful to see him! Braeden missed him very much and they played together all night. I wish he could find a job closer to home, I really hate that he is so far away in Florida.

Grandmom and Grandpop came over for dinner and Brian was there, too. So we got to eat in the dining room which was fun for Braeden. Even though his Uncle Greg kept teasing him and saying he would take his food. We had some very interesting conversations during and after dinner. Including Google stock, pharmaceuticals and people throwing themselves on top of cars. Yeah...

Brae was in much better spirits yesterday and even slept in his own room most of the night. Things are feeling a little bit back to normal and everyone seems to be in good spirits which makes me feel unusually content. =o)

Natalie ran a half-marathon in Tennessee and came in second place for the women. She rocks, I'm super proud of her! I wish I could do what she does. But she does enough running for the both of us I think. Haha.

I received my first assignment from Spacelab.org. I'll let you know when they publish it. I'm pretty excited about this development in my life. The album they sent hasn't come out in the US yet, it will be released next week. Makes me feel special to know I have it and am being trusted with reviewing it. =o)

This evening I will be taking Mya to the vet to have the tubes removed from her neck. I'm hoping this will be a good thing and will alleviate some of her discomfort. It can't feel good to have that stuck in her, of course none of this experience has felt good. She is being such a trooper, I am very proud of her. And yesterday she was back to her barking self, so I know she is improving.

Labels: family, music, mya

Labels: funny

So, I heard back from Corey at Spacelab. And I'm so giddy I don't even know what to say. Therefore, I'm just going to share with you what he said!

OK Christy, I think we should try to channel your enthusiasm into something you can contribute to Spacelab. We can work together to combine your voice and passion into the Spacelab format and delivery. This will be fun.

I’d like to actually have you do some news writing alongside the reviews. You have the intensity and voice for it. Are you up for that? You’ll also get albums to review. I’m thinking of maybe 3 news pieces a week and two reviews.

I’ll put some stuff together for you this weekend. Welcome aboard. You may now start reinventing the future.

Corey Tate
--------------------------------------------------
Spacelab
www.spacelab.org
Reinventing The Future

HOLY MACKENZIE! See!? I told you Friday the 13th ROCKS!

Labels: news

For those of you I didn't tell immediately!

Spacelab.org is an online music magazine of sorts that does music reviews and concert reviews, that kind of thing. And their editor Corey Tate has read the music section of my blog AND he e-mailed me with questions, told me to think of it as a "digital interview" in hopes that I may become a contributing writer for their site!

Would it be appropriate to do cartwheels through the office?

Labels: music, news

For those of you wondering, Mya is home and on the road to recovery.

She has a wound in between her neck and shoulder. The gash is about four inches long and is very jagged. The vet stitched her up and she still has two tubes to allow for further draining. The tubes will be removed on Monday and her sutures will be removed shortly thereafter.

She is being very strong, though it is obvious she is quite shaken by the attack.
For a 10 lb. little dog, I think she held her own and has proven she is one tough cookie.

I have ordered a little monogrammed bed for and fully intend to pamper her from now on.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

Labels: mya, pets

Alright, so I'm not a HUGE dog person, but I do have a dog. A Maltese. She is beautiful; my pretty girl. I rescued her four years ago and she was in poor shape. Her tail was broken and she was infested with fleas. Needless to say, every tiny or huge bit of love she received was accepted with a fiercely wagging tail and excited little cougar sounding growl.

Right now, I wish I had lavished her with so much more love over the past four years.

Mya Maria was attacked by a lab this evening during dinner. The lab came into our yard, as it has many times before, but this time it caused trouble. I'm not sure what started it all, but the cry that escaped her little mouth was a piercing scream that will never leave my brain.

Mya is currently at the Middletown Veterinarian Hospital. She has a four inch gash in her neck, they stitched it up and have put in a draining tube. She is on antibiotics and will be staying there over night. I need to call in the morning to check on her and see if I can come pick her up. She apparently tried to fight back, some of her teeth are now missing.

I cannot even begin to tell you how upset I am. My head is aching thanks to all the sobbing I have done. The people who own the beast seem to be very apologetic. My Mom and I went to their house after returning from the vet. They said they are extremely sorry. Well I should think so!

Anyway...wanted to get that all out. Please pray for my pretty Mya.

Labels: mya, pets

Easter was wonderful, short of missing Bri. =o/

I had Braeden this year for Easter and that thrilled me beyond belief. He ate with Belle next to him at Grandmom and Grandpop's. You should have seen the two of them, cutest kids ever! Unfortunately, she had to leave before the egg hunt, but I made sure to give her filled eggs before she left.

The Easter Bunny left an enormous amount of gifts for Brae. GINORMOUS!
And I made out nicely as well, with some candy, movies AND a new book which I am thrilled about. It may be the next one on my list. Right now I am reading "House of Wind."

When Tristan and Jack made it over the hunt hiding began. Bobby helped me hide them and we did a great job. I thought it would take forever to find all the eggs. But the boys were really good! And they got so excited each time they found another one. I have some great pictures to share as soon as I find time to get them all together. Even Tristan was catching on, being the youngest we weren't so sure about him, but he knew what he was doing. Egg hunting must be genetic.

Grandmom's raviolis are the most delicious thing I have ever had the pleasure of eating before. She let me take some home and I have a couple in the refrigerator at work. Yay!

Bri, Brae and I watched "Eragon" last night and it is such a great movie. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasies. I want a pet dragon now. I hear they are rare. ;o)

Labels: brae, family

I designated myself to buy and fill Easter Eggs for the kids this year. Even though there are only five children young enough to hunt. It's fun to do this, I bought tinkerbell eggs, tye-dyed eggs, eggs with peace signs on them..very cool.

Easter and the Easter Bunny are trying to rival Christmas and Santa Claus in terms of commercialism. It makes me a little bid day. Both holidays are equally important in religious terms and it shouldn't be all about easter baskets and candy. But I do admit, it brings family together and the kids have a blast. I made sure portions of Brae's Easter basket were filled with gifts from the Easter Bunny's Family Christian Store. ;o)

I woke up with a fierce headache this morning. I am attributing it to climate changes..sinus pressure. But I'm not sure. I had such a fun night last night shopping in Wal-mart with Brian until 10:30 p.m. haha, don't be fooled, it is still far too crowded in there at that time.

I now have a new bed spread, sheets and pillow shams. Since Toby gave me his full-size bed a couple weeks ago and it has been adorned in twin-sized sheets until now. Good times. Red sheets, and a reversible red accented comforter. I love it!

Tomorrow I have Brae for the holiday. I promise a photo gallery of pictures for you, most likely complemented with music. ;o)

Labels: brae, easter

That's right. No connection, just need to talk about both subjects.

1. Hermione Granger. Remember the 1st Harry Potter movie where Hermione Granger had huge, frantically crazy hair? Yes. Well, I know how she felt then, because I'm feeling that way right now. My hair is out of control and should be feared.

2. Coyotes. Debbie, from work, just told me about the coyote who ventured into a Quizno's in Chicago. So, I hate to look it up and find out what happened. There are many article covering the situation, but the Chicago Sun-Times is who I clicked on first.

"The door had been propped open on the warm afternoon, and the small coyote entered and tried to nose its way to the food preparation area, according to employees."

Oh dear. Haha. The vision just cracks me up. Poor thing must have thought it was all a mirage or something. Maybe it isn't clear on what it means to be a coyote. Who knows? But props to the small wolf for being so bold as to seek shelter, food and cooler temperatures. Very well done.

=o)

Labels: funny, life

Someone please tell me this is not true.

They did NOT spend energy, money and time to create this ridiculous thing!

Smudge Guard

It has to be a joke. Seriously. It really does.

Labels: funny

My weekend ended up being so jam packed with things to do that I'm more exhausted now then when I left work on Friday.

Braeden had an Easter Egg hunt at Lums Pond. St. Margaret's Church held the hunt and you should have seen all of the kids. Brae was in the 3 to 4 year old age group and he was super excited. I took pictures which I will share as soon as I find time.
He ended up with seven eggs and I am VERY proud of him. Especially since the wind made the morning so bitter cold. And the whole family was there to watch him race around for eggs which made the experience all the more fun!

We went to Wal-Mart Saturday afternoon and by the time we got home we were so drained we fell asleep in less than 5 minutes. We woke up well after dinner time...which sort of caused a mess since we were still wide awake at 9 p.m. That ended up being a good thing, because now I have a new favorite movie. "The Pursuit of Happyness" is one of the most uplifiting and endearing movies I have ever seen. Knowing that it is based on a true story makes it all the more wonderful. All of the struggle and pain the father and son went through was difficult to watch, but I am so happy that I did. To see them rise about their obstacles and come out on top really made me feel good. I wish I could better describe it, but I just can't. You should go out and buy it or at least rent it.

Sunday we went to see "Meet The Robinson's" in 3D. Yep, we had ginormous glasses to wear and it was pretty cool. About half way through the movie, Brae took his glasses off. He said they were making him sick. Poor thing. The movie was cute, but a little bit long. I think it would have received better ratings had they tightened up the plot a bit more. But I did get a few laughs in and Brae seemed to enjoy himself.

Everything kind of went downhill after that...as it began to feel as though I had been hit by a MAC truck. I didn't have any energy and my entire body ached. I'm feeling better today, but man do I need another weekend already. =o/

All-in-all, I had a wonderful weekend. Super indeed!