Kelly's Corner---Show Us Your Singles 2013

HI! I'm Allison.

This is me. I'm a ripe 34, just turned a few weeks ago, and live in Indianapolis, IN. I am a true midwestern girl with values, morals and a good sense of humor. I am creative and love DOGS! :) You will very soon see after meeting me.

I am a high school Drawing teacher at the biggest high school in our state; I used to coach middle school softball and volleyball but have since realized how much I enjoy taking naps after school. True statement. However, I work part-time at a dog bakery, I'm a dogwalker now for the cutest Frenchie, and I'm also a local artist who specializes in--you guess it--DOG paintings!! I'm not obsessed, just love dogs and painting and making others happy with my work.

I am from Illinois but moved to Indy almost 8 years ago. I feel at home here but also feel I could feel at home in Charleston, SC....Denver, CO.....and other quaint towns. I am looking for a man who is manly...not metro, but still cares about his appearance and puts on a good shirt for the night. I also love a guy in a white or grey t-shirt and jeans. But mostly, I'm looking for a humorous, sarcastic, loyal, hardworking, kind and generous soul. I want that connection that I can't even write about because I haven't had it. I'm a good girl, well--WOMAN, and I want a good man.

So here's to SHOW US YOUR SINGLES 2013!!!! Good luck to all....maybe you've been called here for a reason unknown, and maybe you haven't, but you never know until you try!

Bragging Rights

I've always felt SOOO compelled to brag about the bargains I get instead of the expensive BS I buy because, bottom line, I don't BUY expensive BS. I always hear women saying "I have a Prada like that at home!" or "These wonderful shoes were on sale for $250!" and I cringe. I cringe BADLY when I hear these things because I can't fathom spending that much money on just one sole item. I like having lots and lots of shirts and jeans and bras and socks and coats and shoes....so obviously, being a teacher, if I want these things and lots of them, they won't be expensive.

Anyway, the point is...one year my New Year's Resolution was to just accept compliments on my clothing and to NOT disclose the wonderful bargain I got on it! So, for example, I wear a dress to dinner with friends. One says "Oh! What a cute dress!" I'm only allowed to say "Thank you!" not my typical response "Thank you! I got this for $8 at TJ Maxx!" I just needed to allow a compliment to be given and just accept it...period.

So....this leads me to this video. I saw this just now on a friend's Facebook page and had to watch it because he's a funny guy...figured, if he's posting it must be worthy of watching. HILARIOUS! I love it! Not only do I love the whole concept for the song, but I love the scenery, the cussing casually thrown in and I love the beat! Catchy stuff....peep it out, why don't you!?

Match.com

It's been a while, yes, I'm aware.

So, match.com.....ok, I get it. I'm going to be a believer and really make it worth my while this time. I say "this time" because I have tried it before. I just never really felt that I would meet my man online. I'm not a hater on this type of site or people who live by them, I just didn't have that enthusiasm for it to work out for me.

If you have ever joined one of these dating sites, step one is filtering the guys to get rid of the guys you know, you've dated, etc. I did this when I joined and it was fun and funny. I saw one guy, Zoolander, who I know is friends with my friends. So Zoolander...funny story. A few years ago (yes, YEARS), Zoo dated a girl, we'll call her Judy. At that time, I was dating Dude. Dude and I ended things, Zoo and Judy ended things and Judy and Dude got together...randomly. None of us knew each other like that. My friend, Kris, worked with Zoo and thought we'd make a good couple but Zoo always had Judy. But I wasn't too keen on dating my ex's new g/f's ex...whoa, long connection.

Skip ahead to now, well a few weeks ago. I see Zoolander on match.com. I emailed him and said how I knew him, through Kris and then of course through our weird connection of Dude and Judy. Btw, Dude and Judy are engaged and getting married next month. Zoo replied, blah blah, nothing big...didn't seem chatty. Kris urged me to continue the chatting so I did. Zoo replied and said he thinks we would have a lot in common but he doesn't think he could handle that I dated Dude. He said it took him a long time to get over Judy and he didn't think this would help.

What?! Seriously?! Ok, clearly he isn't "over" Judy...still. I was seriously so flabbergasted. Knowing my good friend, Kris, thought we'd always be a great match, then having read his profile and seeing all the things he is interested in and interested in a female, I didn't see how we couldn't schedule a date...we were a perfect match on paper. Not to mention, we have the great story of our ex's being engaged and how awesomely hilarious would that be if we hit it off and dated for real! Ha...that'd be hilarious. I couldn't believe he seriously dissed me that easily based upon one guy I dated who his ex happens to love. How does that even have a thing to do with me? I couldn't resist..I emailed him and said how unfortunate I thought it was that he wasn't willing to meet me and judge for himself instead of being willing to just judge me based on a guy I dated 3 years ago. Sidenote: Dude is a nice guy...he didn't give a good impression to some of my friends once, but other than that, he truly was a good guy...it's not like he's a woman-beating, drug-addicted criminal.

Anyway, Zoolander never replied. SHOCKER. Then, last week, at my second job, I'm watching a pretty intense hail storm at the front door because I couldn't shut the door til the hail died down. Meantime, a group of guys comes running in for shelter and Zoo was the last one. Little do you know how random this is. He lives a half an hour away from this little job I have, does NOT know I work there, and just picked this random store (a dog bakery, mind you) to run into. He did a double take while I just watched the storm and then went back to my baking. He knew me. He started being VERY nice and then thanked me for the shelter and said goodbye. Weird. How strange this whole story is...if I didn't know any better, I'd think God was saying "HELLO! I'm trying really really hard to get you two together but you 2 are being really uncooperative!" But I'm not doing a thing. If God is doing something, great, if not...great. I'll just sit back and be an innocent pawn in His game. Seriously weird.

Dang Stereotypes

So a student asked if I was watching the new show on Bravo, "Work of Art: The Next Great Artist." I had seen the previews but hadn't watched any episodes. She told me about the first artist to get cut, how he had a very familiar style, like Keith Haring, and how he was let go because his work just didn't indeed work! That's funny, and totally understood because the premise of the show is the NEXT great artist, not the next great artist who can copy another famous artist's style. Got it.

So I tune in today. I see that episode...YES! Very excited. Let me just say the first artist cut (the Keith Haring guy) definitely, without a doubt, had the best piece of art in that group. I hardly recognized Haring's style in there and all they did was rip it apart. Oh, so the "Suck Lord" (another contestant) did a 3D wizard sitting inside a frame, on a purple cushion,very ugly, with (get this) "his style" aka splattering paint on the frame! Hello, Jackson Pollock!? A judge even said a sarcastic comment about that being his style! So those of you reading this and saying "Who in the bleep is Keith Haring OR Jackson Pollock?! SNORE!" I'm sorry....but you'd recognize their stuff..I'll give you a sneak peek below.

Anyway, the reason this is blogworthy is because I was thinking "What a fun competition to be on...I wonder what I'd do?" and I got to thinking but then I thought "Yeah right, I'd never be selected because I'm not the stereotypical, bohemian artist." Every person on this show has some ridiculous trend they are sporting whether it's a dumb scarf sitting atop this guy's head just laying there--DUMB--or thick black rimmed glasses with thick black eyeliner and an all black outfit, or seriously, paintbrushes sticking out of a girl's bun. Dumb! I mean, where are the normal artists or is that an oxymoron? I just don't think I would ever fit in and this is why I didn't go to art school. I wanted to SO BADLY but I really thought "I'll never fit in!!" because the Art Institute of Chicago was a school I regularly spoke with. It's weird I never acted on that dream because of stereotypes I learned and believed which still exist in my life and still hold me back from certain opportunities. I don't know, I'm not going to apply to be on this show but still...those stereotypes are becoming "truths" more than myths.

Finally feelin' it

So, it's been a while since I did ol' Jillian Michaels's 30 Day Shred, and I'm telling you, I must be in shape because I just finished it and thought "oh wow, it's done?!" And I barely broke a sweat. I'm telling you (another thing), this summer, I started running and I haven't ever sweat more in my life. I loathe running and just said "Why do I do this? I don't feel good or enjoy it while I'm doing it and don't feel good after." My friend just replied "Because you are burning calories!" True Dat.

Anyway, I started running to challenge myself. This is THE FIRST summer or time in my life when I haven't been able to lose weight by simply upping my exercise load. And now, with running (which I've NEVER done for an extended period of my life) and working out at the gym a few days a week, I'm still not seeing the results. However, I haven't given up hope! I know in my head that I'll be healthier and WILL see results eventually as long as I continue it. I think when the weather breaks--not that I want it to because summer is my favorite--but when the humidity leaves and we have cooler mornings and evenings, I think I'll actually be able to run a pretty decent distance. I'm excited! I could do a 5K now, but maybe in the fall I'll be able to do more and do it even more easily! I have no goal in mind, just to give my body a challenge and continue to sweat like a pig when it happens.

So, the moral of the story is when you hit age 32, the weight doesn't burn off like it used to! So leave those cupcakes and icecream for someone else! :)

Dawson's Creek

So I've figured out that being a teacher has some great perks, along with some not so great "perks", but one big one is having the summer off to watch Dawson's Creek episodes! Yes, this is my summer ritual. No, they don't always have the season I need ready for check out at the local library, but I've been able to catch up starting this summer with Season 3. This is the season that begins with Eve...the eve-l Eve. I watched a few episodes featuring Eve, and I got really annoyed by the slow jazzy saxophone music they played when ever Eve entered the scene.

It's actually pretty funny to watch this show. It is definitely nostalgic, the reason I watch it, but it's funny to see how far they've come with story lines, production, etc. It's just funny to watch it 10 years later, with very different eyes. I think "oh my gosh, why are they so dramatic?!" then think I must've been the same way at that time...the reason I loved this show originally: I could relate.

A friend was watching it with me Friday night and he had never even HEARD of the show. I about fell out!!! Who HASN'T heard of the show?! And he's around my age. We were blessed with the "Witch Island" episode...possibly the cheesiest of cheesy episodes in the entire series' life. I said "We can watch something else." And he said (already hooked on the Dawson's Creek charm) "No, I like making fun of it." Mmmm hmm, he didn't have to admit it, but I knew he actually was enjoying the show. I think he was watching more intensely than I was! I let it slide but was just happy to see DC still had it after all these years.

Additionally, I was at Big Lots (a personal fave of mine) last Sunday and found the DC Series Finale on DVD for $3! How awesome! I snatched up that puppy and watched it as soon as I got home! How I had forgotten so much from that episode. And I must now share the story of the night when the finale aired. Jodi and I were living together in Devonshire Apartments back home. We invited over Sweet to have a "finale party" because us 3 LOVED DC. Sweet arrived just in time to watch a horrible storm roll in. As DC started, we had tornado sirens ringing all over town, but no tornado, just wind and rain. Then, DC would flicker on and off and we'd all yell in unison "NO!!!!" because this was before DVR existed, not that it would matter since the cable was in and out! Ahhhh, memories....

Thank you Dawson's Creek and all your cast for getting us through our high school and college years!

New Love in my life

His name is Kirby, he's about 14 or 15 inches tall, 20 pounds, black and white and the cutest thing I've ever seen! Kirby is a French Bulldog and Boston Terrier mix and came to me from a Rescue about an hour away. Here is his story...


This is the picture I saw on Petfinder and thought "oh those ears and that chubby little body!" But wait, rewind...here is the situation. It was mid to end of April and I was trying to plan for my summer and getting a puppy to train while I was off of work. I had called on a Friday to the Boston breeder nearby and found out the mama was pregnant with pups so I was excited to hear my potential pup was being made! Then, the next day, I was waiting for a friend to show up to head out on the town, and while I waited, I searched Petfinder. I found Kirby, called "Frenchie" on the site, and immediately sent an email and my application. The next morning I received an email saying she received my app and she'd be in touch with the calls to my landlord, etc. After not hearing for another day or 2, I didn't want this opportunity to slip away so I emailed her and told her all the reasons I should be this puppy's new mom and had to brag on myself--which is always hard and embarrassing--but I knew it had to be done so I was a frontrunner.

That Thursday, Peg called me (but I was teaching) and left a voicemail. I listened to it on my break and almost cried! I got a little teary eyed because I was so excited to hear that she chose ME for Frenchie! It was such great news! A student of mine and my student teacher were in there with me and I was screaming, or just celebrating loudly, and they were so excited to hear what news I got. Peg said when she read my application (out of 60 received!!!), she just knew I was the one.

I kept in touch with Peg and she said he was to be neutered Monday and I would get him Thursday. I immediately puppy-proofed and went out and got the things I thought a puppy would want.
Peg then called to say "He's really doing fine in recovery, I'll just bring him up Tuesday!" So I was even more excited! They showed up Tuesday and the minute he got out of the car I was in love! He immediately flipped to his back and wanted his big belly rubbed! I, of course, obliged and just loved him! We came inside to do paperwork and move him in, and show him his new home.
Do you think he settled right in and knew this was his home?

By the way, he hasn't laid in that bed since the first night when this picture was taken...he is probably thinking "that is for dogs!" and chooses my couch, recliner, or bed to sleep on. For example, this is his new favorite spot he just discovered days ago...
He's just so stinkin' cute I can't get over it! He had a few faux pas to overcome, such as he thoroughly enjoyed having his own feces for a snack, but only if he did it inside. Then, that was all done in secret and I'd only know he had eaten the evidence because it smelled horribly and so did his breath! That was gross but I think he's outgrown it now, PLEASE Lord. He also had one night where I awoke an hour early because of a nightmare, so he was up, then I went back to sleep and when I woke up for the morning cuddling, my feet discovered a cool wetness on the sheets. He had pottied a spot on my beautiful and expensive Anthropologie comforter the size of a car tire, which soaked through both sheets, the mattress pad and into the mattress itself. UGH! But I forgave him and soaked it all with soapy water and it's fine. :) How can you not forgive this face?

In the days following, Kirby received several gifts from his loved ones. Treats and toys galore! And I'm being serious, he LOVES every toy he has! He loves to chew on the chew toys, but then loves to chew a squeaky one and throw it around and chase it. I am so thankful, so blessed, and so happy this little boy came into my life! I've never loved an animal so much because he is just the sweetest, cuddliest, best puppy!! I can't say it enough.



I forgot to mention the most unbelievable part of his story. This little boy, they assume, was born right around Christmas or the first of the year, so he's now about 6 months old. He was in a kill shelter for around 2 weeks in the South, like Mississippi or Alabama, and no one even took him! I mean, a CUTE PUPPY in a kill shelter?!?! FOR 2 WEEKS?!?! And no takers?!?! Now I know it's because he was just waiting to come home to me, his real home. I love Kirby, he's come at the perfect time in my life and I just love him! (Did I mention I love this dog?!)

Ha ha...this cracks me up! My friend and her baby came to visit and Kirby wanted to be as close to her as he could be, but this time, he was just sitting....WAITING to get up there near her! My friend took a pic when he got up there and was laying directly next to her. He's also wearing his fashionable "party" bandana! Why not?!

And to end the story, this is a picture of a box of blank cards my sister bought me for Christmas this past year, right when Kirby was being born, and got it because she knew I loved French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and especially a combo of both. How perfect is this? It looks like him!

So over it

What is this rule that we are supposed to love family no matter what and always keep them close and protected? No. I don't think so. Yes, I think so for those who you love and those who need your support and help and are at least respectful, but heck no to those black sheep family members who embarrass you, disgust you, and totally disrespect and take full advantage of you. I'm over it. OVER it.

Why should I--a hardworking, responsible, self-sufficient person--have to carry the weight of one of my family member's mistakes and conscious BAD decisions?! I shouldn't. I have made my own decisions, be those good or bad at times, and dealt with the consequences or reaped the benefits--mostly I can safely say, I've been able to reap! :) So why should I have to continue to be screwed over because it's "family?" I'm not and I'm stopping it tonight.

Then, as I tell this person I'm done and no longer allowing them to walk all over me, they seriously have the nerve to ask how they screwed me over? That saddens me. Really, you don't know? You don't remember the bill in my name that you racked up to $1700 and is sitting in a debt collector's office? Not fair...not fair that my credit risks being affected from me trying to help my family out. I just shake my head in disbelief because I don't know what has happened to this person. But I do know that I'm done dealing with it and done being treated like doo doo. :)

Ahhhh, writing is liberating!

Mama was right

My mother is my confidante and the person I call about ANYthing (and everything). I find a weird spot on my body? I call my mom and she quickly reassures me it's normal and to do this or that. I need a good recipe? I call my mom and she has 20 available. And I have a break up...mom's on the other line, not saying much BUT she's there and that's all I need.

So, my mom recently gave me a good piece of advice...joking...but I'm going to take her up on this. I call her and tell her any riDICulous story from work and she just LAUGHS and then says "thanks for the story!" (or today she said "Thanks for the chuckle!). She told me after a couple of stories, "You need to write a book about these stories...you'll forget them and NO ONE will believe you!"

It truly is unreal...I can't even believe some of the stories have happened but they HAVE because I've been there! I wish I could tell the tales here but I can't...too risky and it's not worth that. Being in education, WOW, you really have to watch everything...the public is ready to POUNCE on you! So just look out for Spooky Winters in the future...the title of my book will be something along the lines of "Crazy Sh*t I can't even make up!"

Side note: I've recently been thinking about "the one who got away" from college. Gosh, I'm sure everyone can think of THAT guy they had back in the day and still wonder "I wonder what he's doing, where he's at, how many kids he has..." Good ol' Justin Olson...he was my love. For a while, though, he had no idea. Or heck, maybe he did and thought I was crazy, but in my head, he didn't know. :) The best thing is, I wasn't psycho and we actually built a good friendship over time and got to know each other. He had a girlfriend the whole time, BUMMER and sad face, but I respected that so we were friends. I always loved that boy, though! LOVED. Even the guy I dated a bit in college said "I'm only worried about one guy in your life...JUSTIN!" He knew about my love for JO because we were friends before dating and he knew of the love stories I told.

I am so happy that I have a guy like this as a memory. He made my days in college...just to see him driving on campus, out at a bar, or at the baseball house...I just got very very happy. I won't bore you tonight with the details of our love story (ha ha), but maybe some day I'll just blog about the story from start to end. What's really heartbreaking is that the night I graduated college, he was trying to get the girl driving us home to take us to his place and she refused (because she was in love with him, too! Who wasn't?!), so when she dropped me off, I closed the car door and bawled all the way to my door. I knew I may never see Justin again and I was just so heartbroken. :(

BUT, good news, I did..many more times. We kept in touch, called each other when I was in Champaign (and he was still in school) and when he was in Chicago. When my little Nokia phone rang and I saw his name pop up, my heart skipped a beat. Why couldn't that have worked out? Maybe so I'd still have this funny little love story in my heart and hold him that high regard just always curious about what might have been. Hmmm...Justin...I hope he's well! I'm totally blogging about this entire story in the near future, so stay tuned. Night!

"Warrior"...a word I've heard a lot lately

Across the country we keep hearing the tragic news of police officers being shot--wounded or fatally wounded--in the line of duty. Never...EVER have I heard of so many horrible happenings. One of these was an officer here in Indianapolis, Officer David Moore. Let me recap the story in my eyes...

I woke up that Monday morning at 5:30 and turned on the tv to let the news play a little, hear the forecast, and wake up a little. First thing I hear is an IMPD officer was shot Sunday, 4 times--2 in the face--and was not stable enough yet for an MRI. I see his picture flash on the screen and think "David Moore? IMPD Officer? Oh my gosh..." and I texted my friend, D, to say "Please tell me the Officer David Moore who was shot is not your husband's friend??" She didn't reply for hours because she was at the hospital, it, indeed, was him.

Now, this all was happening Monday, January 24th. Rewind almost 1 month to December 29th...D and G got married. 50 people invited to the wedding. Guy sits right in front of me during the ceremony, then picks the seat right next to me at the reception. We meet, then get into a heated discussion about Hooters, which left a sour taste in my mouth. This guy: Officer David Moore. I felt crushed just thinking of this sole meeting...I met this man one time, at 2 close friends' wedding, and my only recollection is being kinda b*tchy to him because I was defensive about being an ex-Hooters girl! How awful of me...I hate that that is my memory of him. My friend, D, called me a few days later to say she heard he "offended" me and I said "no! Believe me, I wasn't offended..." so it was just all unnecessary.

So, to present day. Dave was so much I obviously didn't know...a superior athlete, an awesome Christian, a savvy writer, an amazing uncle and son. With the horrendous ice storm we experienced on the day of his funeral, school was canceled and I was able to walk just 2 blocks to attend. I am so glad that I did. This funeral was monumental! To watch the officers file in 2 x 2, all in uniform with their hats in palm...the sight itself was so honorable. The dignity they all displayed was unbelievable...and such a wonderful thing to see. I must give major respect to whomever planned this funeral because it was done so well without any flaws. Towards the end, the 21 gun salute, Taps, Amazing Grace on bagpipes, the horses walked in to pay respect (which they were all soooo well-behaved and were so scared with the gun salute, it hurt my heart too), the all-staff salute....all of the policemen and women were standing with their hats on and arms posed in salute to Officer Moore. There was so much pride in that room it made me cry. Then, the wonderful slideshow of pictures that played perfectly with Vince Gill's "Go Rest High on That Mountain"....oh my, I haven't cried like that at a funeral since probably Adam Wagner's funeral. (Except Adam I knew and those tears were more emotional and personal, and Moore's were more emotional for seeing how everyone supported him and his service...same with Adam, but just there were so many similarities a lot of emotion rushed back.)

I just looked up pictures again tonight and I cried just seeing it all again. Indianapolis lost a good man in such a senseless act of violence. If you wish to see the pictures, here is the link:

http://photos.indystar.com/galleries/11817-funeral-service-for-impd-officer-david-moore

Inside 9/11

No matter how much time passes, the hurt and devastation of 9/11 does not fade. I saw a commercial for National Geographic TV for a special titled "Inside 9/11," and I decided to record it. I'm just now watching it and it brings me to tears to re-watch the towers being hit, hear cries of pain and terror, see pictures of smiling pilots and flight attendants who passed that day, and to see little dropping dots from the flaming wreckage KNOWING they are desperate people overtaken by fear. It's heartbreaking, and the images still sting as though I am seeing them for the first time.

It's awesome, yet saddening, to listen to the survivors' stories and see the scars the day left upon them. I specifically remember where I was...we all do! I was leaving my apartment in Urbana, IL, driving to open Abercrombie & Fitch for the day. On the radio, a deejay was giving the breaking news and I remember thinking "WHAT is going ON?!?!" Because they were saying it was a low-flying plane and just an accident. Then, minutes later, the 2nd plane hits and you just knew it was an attack. I got to work and just turned on the tv as I opened the store and followed the news to keep hearing the story develop. A few hours later, we got the call from home office that the stores were closing. We all went to a friend's house and sat together on the couch to watch the devastation that just happened to our country. It was unbelievable. Then everyone freaked out about gas and my sister and I (later that evening) sat in her living room and watched out the window at the people lined up down the street for blocks just to get gas.

Such a horrible day and something unthinkable...how can such horrible people exist on this planet?! And among everyone else?! A man who worked at the ticket check-in counter just spoke about how he checked in one of the terrorists and when he spoke to the man, the man just glared at him and he said he just felt anger and a horrible feeling when this man looked through him with a cold stare. He said he mentally slapped himself for letting them pass and not going with his instinct of looking like a terrorist. Can you imagine feeling like you let this happen because you didn't go with a gut instinct because you didn't want to offend someone? Gosh no, what a hard position...and a very hard thing to live with forever. It even showed surveillance using the hand-wand for extra security for some of the men and not catching the knives they had. I will never complain about security measure our airports take to ensure our safety. There is absolutely no reason those pilots and flight attendants should have ever been at risk for their safety because they were doing us all such a huge convenience in travel...please, continue to check us, even if we appear naked on your screen, I DO NOT CARE, I want everyone to be safe.

Forever Friends...on Facebook

So what is the deal with people, who were TOTAL strangers in high school, now wanting to be your friend on Facebook? It's really puzzling (*annoying) that they all of a sudden want to snoop in my business, I mean, snoop in SOMEONE ELSE'S business :)...but never uttered a word, or maybe just a one, in high school. This is by no means a "I was a dork in high school and no one would speak to me".....heavens no! It's a "We never spoke in high school because we weren't friends" type of thing...nothing bad there, just didn't know each other. It's weird to me. And you better believe that I quicker-than-shooby doo wop deny them because, again, that is weird. I know Facebook allows us to be in someone's life impersonally by just viewing pictures and reading comments, but I won't allow it for a stranger. I already have almost 600 Facebook friends, and that alone is ridiculous.

So....to all you creepers, weirdos, stalkers, or nosies....don't request me even if all you know about me is we shared a common hometown, because I will not allow your cyber friendship. Nope...not gonna do it. However, you CAN "like" my artwork Facebook page! ;) Stalk away!

House for Sale...AND, Sister for Sale

Almost 6 1/2 years ago I bought a very cheap house in my hometown and it has been a good little house to me, a friend, and now my sister. When I bought the house, it allowed me to live cheaply but also while investing in my future by paying a mortgage to myself....well, eventually, when I knew I'd resell it. After 2 years, I moved to Indiana and my friend moved in by herself. She took great care of the house and things were good. Fast forward two more years and my friend purchased her house. I kind of freaked out about paying the mortgage and my rent here, but my sister wanted to move in. I never ever thought or planned on leasing to a family member because I know how that goes...I've heard WAAAAAY to many stories about how it goes sour and families break from it. But, ya know, I needed the money to pay that mortgage and protect myself. My sister and her two kids moved in and things were fine. Then, her b/f was staying there, with his two kids visiting overnight more than half of every week. During this time, I visited only to see an ugly 70's couch just chilling in the driveway, toys everywhere, a trampoline that is 1/2 broken in the yard, 2 big black dogs in the dog run which was now all mud and feces, and plenty of other trashy things in view. It was pretty devastating and embarrassing.

Fast forward again...b/f has moved out because he grabbed, pushed, and held a knife to my sister's neck (nice, huh) and she filed a restraining order against him. Ok, he and his kids were gone. Oh, did I mention...this is only a 985 sq. ft, 2 bedroom house built in 1915? Yep. And all of these people were living there. And 1 bathroom. Yikes. So, anyway, sister pays rent late every month, and one month couldn't pay it all....the same month I told her to take off $40 for a birthday present. SIGH.....so, she's late and I never EVER make her pay a late fee, I just do it. I charge her enough to cover the mortgage/escrow and home warranty payment. That's it. But whatever, I don't need to MAKE money off of her, but I just want to cover the minimum. So, OH YES, how could I forget?!?! When she moved in she asked if I could keep the power in my name because she owes $2000 in her name....yes, that's what I said...I didn't add an extra "0." I did not want to and I was not going to do it...I work hard to keep my credit in good standing so I'm not about to ruin it for my older sister with 2 kids who can't be responsible enough to pay her s%#t. Well, my mom said "please do this....if it gets out of hand I will help only because you are helping her." My mom has already helped, paying half of a $1000 bill. The bill is still high and as of January 31st, we had a deal to turn off the power in my name and she needs to figure it out. She agreed and said she'd pay with taxes. So, I remind her last week and of course she "can't" because she wrecked her new b/f's truck and needs to pay for that.

I don't know what to do. If I turn it off then I'm basically turning it off on my nieces, too. Also, I'll still have the balance in my name. My mom said "I'll help you" I said "ME???? It's not mine!" I appreciate her willingness to help but my sister is 35 and a mother of 2, where is her responsibility in this??? If we pay it it only shows her she can do this dumb stuff and keep escaping the punishment. Her b/f bought her paint and stuff to freshen up the house and do her own thing. I offered to help because I want the house ready to sell in the spring. I drove home Friday after work, told her I was ready for Saturday's paint party, and she said ok. That night, at 10 til midnight, as I slept, she sent me a text that she wouldn't be ready to paint so we couldn't do it. Also, her facebook status said 2 things that night "Can't wait for the weekend with my man!" and then "Date night!" I'm over it....what do I do? Please offer real suggestions...not "kick her out!" because what will I do for the mortgage?! :(

2010 Recap

I'm going to attempt, yes attempt, to recall a memory (good or bad) from each month in 2010. Here goes...(enjoy!)

January: GOOD memory! Started the year off RIGHT in Ennis, Ireland, in a small pub called Cruise's. Rang in 2010 with a cute Irish band, in a cute pub, in a cute village/town, with NOT cute Irish men. Nice, but not dream boys you hope for! In fact, one was quite offensive with his sexual advances. Ick. Oh, January.....you were a fun start.

February: The Superbowl...not a pleasant (aka BAD) memory. Who knew I would ever be emotionally involved in a football game?! I could've bet I wouldn't be. BUT I WAS. I left that party and didn't even want to speak to anyone because I was just sick that the Colts didn't win. I just honestly never dreamed they wouldn't win, so I wasn't prepared for that outcome. Sad. Sucked. Boo on February (only kidding).

March: Softball tryouts at school....GOOD memory. Good only because the previous year we had the Bad News Bears as our team. I mean it...tryouts were unreal. We, the coaches, gathered at tryouts and said "Really? How do we even do cuts when we want to cut more than we want to keep?" So, 2010 brought us an amazing week of tryouts. We had a really good team and a wonderfully positive outlook for the season.

April: Spring Break, always GOOD times! Spent it right here in Indianapolis but it was amazing. We had a random unseasonably warm week and I definitely took advantage of it! Not to mention, Indianapolis was host to the Final Four. This meant tons of people were in town and tons of stuff was going on. Perfect week to be off! Oh, and on top of all of that, Butler was in the Final Four! So Indy was hopping. I met Bill Self and we reminisced about U of I. I also met a coach from South Dakota. Very cool guy, we had a fun night (his friends, my friends) at Howl at the Moon! We kept in touch for a bit. Good time!

May: Oh May, how could you ever be bad! Such a GOOD month of memories. For starters, May is great because it's the last month of school til summer break (awesomeness). Next, warm weather is coming, the Reds trip, Relay for Life, it's my birthday, days are longer, the Indy 500, Memorial Day, flowers are looking great, people are out on bikes and walks, the Indy Mini's going on, I mean, it's an amazing month!!! My best memory was my birthday and the end of school. I just love that time of the year because it means my favorite season, SUMMER, is here! I remember spending my birthday at the Rathskeller with my buds, listening to ALO outside...then a huge thunderstorm came and poured buckets of rain but I danced in the rain and enjoyed it! RAINDANCE! (what movie is that from??) Then went to Louisville for the weekend my girl Dara and spent a wonderful, relaxing weekend sipping sangria at her dad's pool.

June: GOOD GOOD GOOD. Started it off with a fun Girls Weekend to New Buffalo, MI. Stayed in a cute little town, nice hotel, visited wineries, ate some good grub, rode bikes and just enjoyed the local bar, The Stray Dog. June also is terrific because I spend my days soaking up sun and reading at the pool. Love it! Road-tripped to Minnesota for my good bud's wedding. Then, back home for another wedding, 2 friends. YAY! Then, had a sad memory for June, too...Larry Hurt passed away. Bad.

July: 4th of July, absolutely GOOD memory. Boating all day on Geist. Beautiful, picture perfect day to celebrate America's birthday! Or, as we called it, Merka's Bday! Great day, enjoyed dinner at Bella Vita on the lake, and enjoyed an overhead display of fireworks on the boat! Also, our volleyball team was ranked 1st but lost in game 3 of the championship. :( And of course, a new little bundle of joy was blessed to our family! My niece had a baby girl, Kada. Last but not least, I got a new job!!! I was hired at the high school in our district as the Drawing teacher! So exciting. AND, I was featured in Indianapolis Monthly in the pet spread they featured that month. I, yes..little ol' me, was mentioned (the only pet portrait artist in the spread!) in the spread for my painting business!!!

August: GOOD! Celebrated Stephanie's birthday at St. Elmo for Devour Downtown, then headed out to Vegas the next day. Had a great time there...didn't win $ but it was still fun! Got lots of sun and pool time and had a good time. School started and I was happy to be in my new spot and reconnecting with former students. Also, I didn't coach volleyball so I was happy to have that free time!

September: GOOD! Had my first art show at Monon Coffee Company and it was very positive. I met a new photographer friend and sold some pieces. This really boosted my business and sales. Whoo hoo! This is also the month I found my awesome new loft. SUCH A GREAT MEMORY OF 2010! I love it. It was clearly fate the way it all worked out and I'm so thankful!

October: A good month because it always plays host to a GOOD holiday....HALLOWEEN!!! Yay. My good friend, Bitty, came down to visit on Fall Break, and Halloween was fun! I was Sookie Stackhouse, NO, not Snooki from Jersey Shore, but Sooki from True Blood! Awesome. Had a fun party to attend. Also, had a VERY warm October so that is always nice. :) Also took a trip to IKEA with Steph and got lots of great great GREATNESS! My photog friend, John, mentioned last month, he got me another show at Hubbard & Cravens coffee shop, which ended up bringing me a LOT of orders, especially for Christmas!

November: Another great month. Thanksgiving=great. Met a cool new guy, always a plus. Put up my Christmas tree=best ever! And just had a nice month. Stressed a little (a lot) at work with getting my failing students' grades up. Otherwise, good November even if it was cold. Steph and I also applied for the Lilly Grant this month for our dream trip through Turkey and the Greek Islands! Fingers are crossed (figuratively, not literally or else typing this wouldn't be possible) and won't come undone until February, the end of February. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE think our idea is worthy!

and that brings us to December, which was literally just yesterday. Good good month. Christmas shopping, wonderful holiday decorations everywhere you go, unfortunately a lot of snow but that's ok, the holidays and fun with family and friends! December also marked the 1st ever party I had (which I already blogged about!), so of course December was a GOOD memory. I still am so happy when I think about that party...it was just such a good GOOD night of fun with my friends. Christmas was great, and New Year's Eve was great. Oh, and my buddy Dara got married a few days ago! Obviously, fun!

I'm such a blessed girl...and I am so thankful to have these blessings! Thank you!!! 2010 was a GOOD year! I hardly have any bad memories and that really says so much! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Do you find it weird?

Do you find it weird that we (ladies) will go undress to our birthday suits for a perfect stranger in order to get airbrushed with self tanner to feel a tad bit better about ourselves/appearance? I do. But heck, I sure did it tonight with no qualms. I think it's just so funny that it's part of the business they run..."hey, ladies, come in here, get naked in front of this stranger and have her stare at your body for about 5 minutes while she airbrushes you and your crevices!" Yikes. Weird, but it's a pretty lucrative business, charging $30 a session! EEK!

1st Party....SUCCESS!!!

So I'm not much of a party-thrower, but I felt compelled to throw one for my new place because I love it so much and the location is great, plus...everyone kept saying "When can I see your place?" So, there it was, a party had to be had. Early November I picked December 17th as the perfect day because it was the Friday that ended my semester at school (so I knew I'd be ready to party!), and it was a Friday in December, which is waaaay safer than a Saturday in December because we know how many holiday parties we all have. So, that was it...December 17th.

Can I say how perfect this date was? Well it was. My good friend, Meg, came over early and started putting together some apps and sangria. I got home with beer in hand (cases!) around 3:45 and we just worked from then on.

Apps and drink list:
Buffalo Chicken Dip (duh, this is a party MUST!)
Dill dip with veggies
Feta Cheese Dip (my mom's spectacular recipe...it's a breath-killer but I've met NO ONE who
doesn't like it)
Guacamole
Jodi's home-made Jalapeno Poppers (not fried, and apparently great and HOT!)
Cream Cheese with Sweet Pepper Jelly
Red Wine (every kind)
White Wine (Riesling and Pinot Grigio)
Bud Light
Coors Light
*Sailor Jerry was brought by TWO people, so we had that to mix!

Everyone brought a bottle of wine...sooo nice of people, but I did NOT expect that! They stocked my wine rack. Anyway, I couldn't believe that every single person in attendance was ready to party and NOT ONE Debbie Downer showed up (she wasn't on the guest list). It was just incredible how the night ended up. We drank and socialized here for a few hours and then headed to a bar in town, Living Room Lounge, which we like to refer to as the Danville Bar in Indianapolis. It's definitely fun on Fridays because of karaoke. We got there, and we hogged the dance floor the entire night. Everyone was still partying and just having an awesome time. I was very happy with the success of the night. It was so good to have my friends all together and having a blast as one group!

Earlier in the week I got a little sad because a lot of my friends weren't coming. I didn't understand because through the years I've attended party after party (bachelorette, baby, birthday, bridal, etc.) and the one time I have a party--first ever--they couldn't even attend. It hurt my feelings because some of them continue to think of a reason NOT to come to town every time I ask. I travel to see them many many times, so it'd be nice if they could do the same. And I don't care if some are guys and "they're GUYS, they don't think that way"...well, they should! Obviously, I got over it and enjoyed my party, but it doesn't mean it didn't leave a little scar on my heart because coming to my party "wasn't the most convenient" for them.

So, overall, 1st ever party was a SUCCESS!!! See pix below!!!

Jodi and Meg tying one on! Ready to hit up the town!

*Not really sure about this one...Meg loves her iphone but it gives a ghostly look to pix at times!

The Kitchen is THE SPOT at parties...

Kitchen, again!

...and MORE kitchen! Higg Dog and Meg having fun!

There, now you can feel like you were at the party! CHEERS! or Slante (if we were in Ireland!)

I'm bringing sexy back, folks

I must've just uncovered a secret sexiness and I probably shouldn't share the secret, but I will because I'm just THAT nice. This weekend, I unintentionally started a trend...to not shower. Yep, that's right. I woke up Saturday and immediately became the cleaning fairy in my loft. During that time, I started laundry in the building, and was truly becoming Cinderella with a scrubbing brush, suds and all. (sidenote: that scrubbing takes some real elbow grease! I think if I did that more often I may change from Cinderella to Popeye!) Then, I had to face the many unfinished canvases glaring, not just staring, but glaring at me because they know I've neglected them. Poor paintings, I'm sorry! So I began painting, then noticed the rolls of wrapping paper peeking out from under the couch...yet another reminder of something not done. Sheesh. So where in that ridiculously packed day was there time for a) a shower, and b) to brush my teeth?? I'm kidding...only slightly because I realized later in the day "OMG, I haven't even brushed my teeth!" But that's ok because I encountered no one and honestly, they looked and felt pretty clean. Don't worry, I brushed them extra hard and long before bed, AND did Crest Whitestrips! Go me!

I considered taking a shower after all was said and done, and even considered (for about a 1/2 of a second) to polish my toenails, but that thought vanished as quickly as it came. Instead, I thought I deserved a break. I chatted with a guy on match.com (yes, I'm on it, and no, I'm not embarrassed, obviously!)..he seemed cool, nice, "normal". Then, The Cuddler (my "double-wide" recliner) so sweetly called my name: "Baby, come take a seat....relax, you deserve it, you've worked so hard all day. Come!" So I did. How could I say no?

Today, I woke up and decided to snooze a few hundred times after the alarm, then skipped church! That is awful. It's ONE day a week.....ONE!...and I skipped it to go to the huge Reebok/Adidas Warehouse sale. Do you think I showered before that? Eee-er. No. Sho' didn't. Went to Lowe's, then Meijer. And here is where my day turned for the worse. Although, here is also where I apparently brought sexy back.

Meijer...a store I don't usually enter, at least not since college. I chose it above Aldi, being that Aldi doesn't protect their customers' credit card info and both of my bank account #'s and pins were stolen from there, Meijer seemed pretty appealing. I slip-slided through the parking lot, got a basket to shop, and got my goods. Looking for rice chex, I pass 2 employees....males. They are deep in convo. I only noticed them because they were blocking the aisle I needed. Timeout: Let me describe my outfit. I am wearing somewhat skinny jeans but not super tight, Ugg-alike boots, big sweatshirt, t-shirt hanging out, puffy vest, ear/headband for warmth, and my dirty hair is pulled back into the world's tiniest pony-tail. Correction, world's 2nd tiniest pony-tail because 1st place went to the security guard at the Reebok Warehouse...I think she got me on length, but I definitely got her on girth...that girl had to have a total of 10 hairs to make 1 pony-tail....sad. :(

Ok, timeout is over. I walk by the 2 guys, and 1 so rudely interrupts his counterpart to say "Damn, she is sexy as a motherf*cker!" And his eyes are all over my puffy vest and dirty hair. I pass, ignore the comment because he either a) thought my headband was soundproof, or b) wanted me to hear that. I could've hit myself at that point because the aisle with the rice chex was the one he was blocking. I walk into the aisle, only to pass Mr. Obvious and hear "She is sexy as hell!" Now, folks, was the appropriate response to these comments to:

1. Keep walking, ignore ignore ignore, and study the cereal aisle as though you are reading nutritional info on every box.

OR

2. Acknowledge him, say "Hi, your name is...(read his nametag), insert name here. I heard you say I'm sexy. Are you single?"

OR

3. Acknowledge him, drop kick him for being a pig and say "How's THAT for sexy!"

Well of course #1. But, this is what I don't get....when guys make those comments, do they truly in their hearts feel they are being complimentary to women? And do they think those actions get good reactions, like "Here's my #!" Same with honking the horn. Guys honk and holla at girls running/walking all the time....do they really think we're going to wave our arms to flag them down and beg them to return because we can't resist their studly-ness? Uh no. And I'm sorry if they HAVE gotten that type of response in the past.

So yes, I brought sexy back by not showering and wearing my baggy, puffy, most nonflattering clothing. That's the secret, Ladies, don't shower, wear hot clothes, a headband for warmth, fake uggs with the buttons falling off, and for extra sexiness, might as well not brush your teeth for a few days....it seems we should do the opposite for a change and we'll get a great response from the gentlemen! WOOT WOOT!

Tis the Season to be...broke? Yikes

It's one of my favorite times of the year....I absolutely LOVE sitting around in the evening with the Christmas tree just gently lighting the room....barely noticing it but knowing it's there providing a sense of comfort. I've always loved the Christmas tree being up. I used to beg my mom "Can we go get the tree TONIGHT???" And she'd be like "Let's go tomorrow." Then, tomorrow would come and I'd say "Tonight?" She'd sigh and be like "Alright....let's go (get this over with!)." I get it...now as an adult who is exhausted after work, but I still get excited and a burst of energy when I think about putting it up. I love the store windows decorated, I love the city streets decorated, I love the entire feeling December provides, all leading up to Christmas. I love going to church and feeling comfort there, with the advent candles and talking about Jesus's birth...and hearing about a live nativity with camels! Real-life camels! How amazing. And to add to all of this, I get to go out to stores and find perfect gifts for my family and friends. I love this! And TJ Maxx and Home Goods I can thank for providing me with those perfect gifts!

However, this year I seem to have gone broke. Here I am, still 5 days from payday, and I'm thinking "Crap, what will I pay for gas with...my business account, my personal account, or my checking account back home that I never use? Hmmm." I hate that. I hate being worried about money. But, I think I've figured it out. Moving into my new, amazing loft has come with a hefty price tag. Not only is rent $200 more a month, I pay for laundry and I have had (HAD? right...who is forcing me??) to buy some furniture and items (new tv, awesome chair, entertainment center, chest for the bathroom, stools for the island, area rug...shall I continue? NO...because no one is sympathizing with me!) So, when it came to me getting away from my selfish shopping, I went a little broke. That's ok because I got a nice present (not really, but it is nice timing) from my car loan saying I could skip a payment this month...yippee!!! Also, I'll be collecting some pretty coin here in a couple of weeks for the many paintings I've been doing. Double YIPPEE! So, no worries family and friends, I'll be getting all of you taken care of just in time for a grand ol' Christmas! Wrapping has been my duty lately and to say the least...it's not amazing. :(

Oh, and next week, I'm having a holiday/Christmas break/"loft"-warming celebration and having around 25-30 people over for drinks and food...so, I gotta stock up there, too! I can't wait though...I hardly ever host and I'm so excited to have all of my friends over. It's pretty exciting to see all of the people who are attending because it's such a great feeling to know your friends put it on the priority list during such a busy season. And to those who can't come, I'm not mad atcha...I wish you could come but I know it's also "Tis the season to be attend every DANG holiday party in town!" Seasons Greetings, all!

Grape Nuts

Mmmm...nutty. Actually, where does that name even come from?! (Yes, I know, ended in a preposition...sue me!) Grape Nuts are a favorite of mine; they are terrific and filling for a breakfast treat, and tons of fiber so you know what that means!!

Anyway, all cereals should really take notes from Grape Nuts. They package their cereal in a REALISTIC box by filling it FULL with the product...not leaving 1/3 of it for "air"...for cushion! Yea right. Also, Grape Nuts (GN) puts that full bag in a smaller box for better storage and, as stated above, it's realistic...no false advertising. I've never understood why chips and cereal are packaged with so much empty space for air. More cereals...rather, more FOOD products should take note here...GN definitely does it right and they're even a spectacular cereal. Not to mention, GN takes forever to get soggy from milk, a BIG BONUS! I think I'll go have some right now...jk...I'm already full from a white chocolate mocha! Tis the season!

And this year's costume IS....

Sookie Stackhouse! But not just ANY Sook, it's the waitress at Merlotte's Sook! Adorned with 2 fang marks on my neck, too. I love the show, duh, and I thought this would be a VERY easy costume (bought the shirt and apron at Hot Topic for a total of $40)...not to mention, I can wear the t-shirt after Halloween, and I can use the apron at work for my art supplies. DOUBLE SCORE for me.

Only thing left is a blond wig. I need to get a decent one, not a big nasty matted one because that is all I seem to find. I'm going to throw on some pantyhose (yes, I know, granny!) and wear running shoes and be set. I wanted a little name tag, too...and even some "flair" for my apron, like a button that says "Sookie is MINE!" -Bill C.

Ohhh, Halloween how I love thee...it's so fun and so many people get in the spirit. I love trick or treaters, I love pumpkins, I love bonfires and hay rides, and I don't mind an occasional scare but I can't get bold enough to say I "love" haunted houses. Ugh..no. Never. That's like saying I love to eat *$@%. NEVER!

Well, happy haunting to all of you....please feel free to share your costume choices for Halloween 2010!