2010 in review

What a rough year..... ups and downs...smiles and frowns...

The bad....

I'm still in debt....it's true...no magical debt fairy has come to pay all my bills.

Summer is over

Winter is here

Wyoming football was terrible

Colts football -so many injuries :(

Elvis is still dead

My dad was in the hospital for 9 days

Friends moved away

I'm still not living some place tropical

My hair still isn't perfect

Shaving my legs ...yep..still annoying

And now..the GOOD....

It's the Holiday Season :)

My family was blessed with a beautiful baby girl. Molly :)

I get to spend 4 days all alone with Molly in a week and a half

I got a raise at work

My bosses told me "the office has never run this smooth and we give all the credit to you"

Elvis is still the King of Rock n' Roll

Tyler tells me he loves me

Someone else told me they love me

New laptop :)

I got a brand new pair of Dansko shoes

I haven't had a cold or the flu all year

My health is good

Basketball season is here

and I'm going to Graceland!!!

And ....my little Molly :)

Yep

I'm still alive.....in case you were wondering.

He could go allllllll the waaaaaay...

We have a newly found fall "tradition" on Saturdays.

YES, it has to do with football... :) Cowboy football and Tyler to be exact! I can't even explain the feeling in that stadium. You just gotta be there! Wyoming fan or not....the University does a dang good job of creating a truly amazing feeling at every game! So...of course we make our appearance at tailgate park (great place...so festive) and then the game (War Memorial Stadium..woohoo!) - enjoying every minute of that oh so awesome "Cowboy" atmosphere, but immediately after the game...thats when it really starts. hahaha.

Ok...new tradition!!!! We discovered that after the game and after the crew has removed the gatorade jugs and the team gear...do they lock the place up? No! They open the gates, allowing the fans on the field and soooo many people (of all ages) bring footballs to basically "play catch" :)

Last game, (the Boise St game.....what a sad and well....... it was a pathetic loss.... ) We joined the crowds forming on the field. Tyler didn't waste a minute, he got right to work showing off his arm. :) Tyler threw the football to me and some Boise St. fans were on the field and they couldn't believe his arm. Jaws dropping and comments flying.

A dad and his sons were tossing the ball around and after seeing Tyler throw the ball a good 30 yards...perfect sprial...right to me... his mouth dropped open, "there's a future quarterback" he said. Let me tell ya...that kid has a future in football, if he wants it. He throws bullet passes that will knock your socks off. He can even throw further than me. AND his passes....perfect sprial...everytime! He's amazing!

So....Saturday after the Air Force game........I'll be there...playing some "football" with my little buddy, Tyler!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL???

With Fall right around the corner........you can't help, but hear the word "football"

Honestly, I feel like all the "football talk" is geared toward this movement and that movement and this expansion and blah blah BCS. Oh shutup already! Now, I know, I know, I should care more, but seriously...I JUST WANT TO WATCH THE GAME! I know I should care about the revenue for the team and the school and so forth, but guess what?? As a spectator of the sport with the sole purpose of pure entertainment, it just doesn't matter to me. I JUST WANT TO WATCH THE GAME! You know..the sport that you literally draws you in with each and every snap - long passes, long runs, quarterback sneaks, defensive lines, fumbles, long field goals, touchdowns....it's ALL there! Raw emotion and excitement that you can't help, but jump up and cheer - thats true love...for.....the game.....JUST the game of football. Bottom line here folks...it really doesn't matter who is playing (NFL, college or high school) or who is predicted to win or who needs the win or this or that...I JUST WANT TO WATCH THE GAME!

Saturday September 4 @ 7pm, I'll be in my beautiful brown and gold at the GRAND re-opening of War Memorial Stadium.

Woohoo!!!! :)

Ohh and by the way...isn't she beautiful?

funny site

Some of these are just so funny..and so true!





I pulled them from a site called http://www.totallylookslike.com/, the best part..they have sooo many more! You gotta check out the Chad Kroeger look a like. hahaha

Didja EVER??

OHHH GEE...my mind wandered...sorry 'bout that guys..

Now seriously.....DIDJA EVER???? Awww..... :)

I saw the sign...

It told me to "VOTE HERE"

and SURPRISE!!! I did.

Why does it feel so good to perform your civic duty by voting?

Don't tell anyone, I voted for 2 write ins........... Elvis and Burt Reynolds. Shhhhh...

The "Fall Cravings" Quiz Show

The fall season is slowly creeping up..... I can't help but find my mind wandering towards football, Elvis, Disneyland, Mickey Mouse, Peyton, and of course myself. hahaha. But in all seriousness, I understand the football cravings and Elvis comes into conversation by more people in the fall as the anniversary of his passing is in August (yesterday..the 16th actually) but the Disneyland...I don't get it. Wait I do, I just love it there, so of course I'm gonna crave it.

So in honor of my "fall cravings", I put together a little quiz. *answers to follow later

1. How old was Kristi when she won first place in a bowling league?

2. Where was Elvis born?

3. What year did Disneyland first open it’s gates? (bonus points for the date)

4. What year did Kristi leave Utah?

5. Where did Peyton Manning play college football?

6. When was Mickey Mouse born?

7. What is the name of Kristi’s favorite movie?

8. What record company gave Elvis his start?

9. How much did it cost to build Disneyland?

10. What year was the NFL formed?

11. How many times has Kristi been to Disneyland?

12. The Draft Board gave Elvis a two month deferment to complete what movie?

Good luck!

P.S. I got 100% haha

Disclaimer - in case you are wondering, yes I think about the leaves changing, , Cowboy football, pumpkins, and all that other great stuff!

Funny Friday

Need a home remedy? Or just a good laugh?

Follow these simple rules and apparently you'll be fine.

(Kids really do say the darndest things)

"Before giving a blood transfusion, find out if the blood is affirmative or negative."

"To remove dust from the eye, pull the eye down over the nose."

"For a nosebleed: Put the nose much lower then the body until the heart stops."

"For fainting: Rub the person’s chest or, if a lady, rub her arm above the hand instead ."

"For dog bite: put the dog away for sevral days. If he has not recovered, then kill it."

“For asphyxiation: Apply artificial respiration until the patient is dead."

"To prevent contraception: wear a condominium."

"For head cold: use an agonizer to spray the nose until it drops in your throat."

side note - picture of Elvis laughing, because well..it's Elvis week..DUH! :)

She's here!!!!

My dear sweet niece...Molly Emma Nelson was born last night (08.04.10) at 10:32 p.m. She was 7lbs 3oz and I can't remember her length, but she's perfect!!!

Can anyone tell that I'm in love? Aww........ I just want to hold her and kiss her and love her and spoil her. :)

After getting the phone call from Ryan, she apparently came pretty quick. 15 minutes and that little girl was here! (The doctor almost didn't make it from home) We quickly dressed and hurried to the hospital. Tyler was sooo excited! He asked me if Molly was gonna cry on the way home tonight AND before I could answer he said "Molly can sit right here next to me on the way home", what a cute brother. He's gonna be a good helper, I just know it! Ryan said this morning that Vicki didn't sleep at all last night, she's just too excited that her baby girl is finally here.

And so am I!!! :)

Tidbits....

Still no baby.......... grrrr I'm getting impatient...I want that little girl in my arms. :)

Former Wyoming great, Theo Ratliff signed with the Lakers.....there goes my "I'll never cheer for the Lakers" haha. Congrats Theo!!!

I love playing pogo.com.......online card games...FUN!

and guess where I'm going in October?

p.s. Pineapple is good...and so are pineapple tidbits.

Saturday...I'm in love!

Saturday is a special day....it's the day, I get to spend ALL day with Tyler.

Does anyone else get the feeling that I'm slightly obsessed with this kid? WELL guess what? It's true!

My Saturday

8am - I awaken and realize that Tyler is sleeping side-ways and his leg is draped over my waist. (he doesn't stay in one place when he sleeps...he's all over the place!)

9am - Tyler's breakfast request - eggs, no toast. I scramble up 3 eggs - he devours them. Is he done? NO, that skinny kid wants more, so I make him 3 more (as a compromise, he wanted 5) He's like Gaston (Beauty and the Beast) he ate those too!

10am - He helps me water my rock garden and my tomatoes. I got a little wetter than I usually get while watering...hmmm

11am- I showered and he played Wii with Janine. I think I heard a few "Janine? Why did you do that?" hahah

1pm - After playing a game with Kim, we headed out on our "adventure bike ride" THAT kid...his imagination is awesome! We rode around campus, chasing goblins, hunting for magical stones, deciphering our languages (we each had our own that we understood), finding the King of Jawaree, crossing rivers of hot lava, avoiding the flaming arrows of the hooded orcs, and spying on the enemies. Whew! We even avoided capture...except Janine. She got captured and this is SOOO funny. She had her hands up as if she were tied and she said "help...they are dragging me away" and Tyler looks over at her and says "you're not even moving, Janine!" He looks at me and says with one eye cocked and his dimple showing, "well she isn't!"

After a 3 hour bike ride across the entire UW Campus, we made it back to my house, completely parched...... we rehydrated ourselves inside...and Tyler hydrated himself on the outside as well.

Oh Saturdays...I love ya! Come back soon!

Brush with "Greatness"

So with the big CFD happening, thats Cheyenne Frontier Days in case you don't know. OH AND hello...it's the Daddy of 'em All!!!! Back to my point, the hotels fill up like crazy in Cheyenne and little ol' Laramie gets quite a bit of the spill over. It's exciting....especially when you get to see the Gene Simmons - KISS tour bus at the Hilton! Ohh I feel so close to "greatness" hahaha..

Yes, KISS is playing tonight in Cheyenne and I won't be attending. I know, you are all extremely shocked since I've been obsessed with Gene since I was 9.....Gene and Burt Reynolds! I'm just happy that since I don't get to see him in concert, I at least got to see his rockin' tour bus. I think secretly he's staying in Laramie because he knows his biggest fan lives 11 blocks away! Hello? It makes sense.

*Disclaimer - Kristi is really not obsessed with Gene Simmons....don't get any crazy ideas in your heads, but she does love her some Burt!!

New Blog...for the girl in us all!!!

My friends and I order handbags and jewelry, wallets, and all that fun stuff from a place in China. Every time we order, we invite any interested individuals to order "pretty lil things" with us. It's been a huge success, not only do we get glamorous, but our friends do too! We came up with the great idea to create a blog of the selections and so forth that we can order, rather than creating a gigantic email --that most of the time would come back as undeliverable. Very frustrating!! So here it is...our new blog...feel free to stop by anytime. Updates almost daily! BROWSE ON!!!

*if you are interested in placing an order with us, please email us -mailto:-kjkinspirationsboutique@gmail.com :)

http://www.kjkinspirationsboutique.blogspot.com/

KJK Inspirations Boutique features an assortment of designer inspired* handbags, wallets, jewelry, and accessories…without the designer price tag. If you’re like us, you like to have the freedom to change accessories to match the season, your outfit, or even your mood! Browse through our posts here, and feel free to email us any questions or requests. We’re sure that you’ll find something that you can’t live without!

*DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise indicated, all KJK Inspirations products are designer inspired, or replicas of the actual designer items. KJK does not represent any handbags or jewelry as being genuine or name brand articles.

My new hero...Tony Horton

If you haven't heard of Tony Horton....WAKE UP!!! He's only the amazing guy behind P90X! What a fun fun fun set of workouts. The strength I'm gaining and the flexibility...it's almost unreal. OH and Joe has totally grown on me, the pirate guy is hilarious, and Dreya Webber...makes me nuts! Enough of that though, let's talk about why Tony Horton is my new hero....

Tony Horton is my hero because I can do pushups now! Woohoo!

Tony Horton is my hero becuase "I love love love it till my daddy takes the t-bird away"

Tony Horton is my hero because at one point he needs to "adjust my shirt" sometimes..just like me. hehe

Tony Horton is my hero because he has taught me to "BRING IT"

Tony Horton is my hero because he too knows to make things "cushier"

Tony Horton is my hero because I'm a pro at downward dog and upward dog

Tony Horton is my hero because even he has to push his own personal pause button sometimes

Tony Horton is my hero because my arms look GREAT.

Tony Horton is my hero because it kills me everytime when he says "I think I split my pants"

Tony and P90X....is just awesome! I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!

*Tony's one down fall..... the shameless promotion of the P90X recovery drink at the end of every workout.

Movie date

I went to see Toy Story 3 in 3D with the cutest boy in town.....Tyler!

And yes....I cried!
I'm sorry, but that Andy..he really knows how to rip a the heart strings. No crying from the tough kid next to me, but I did hear a few giggles AND even caught him wearing his 3D glasses up on his head. Ding bat!

OH and Tyler lost his front tooth. It had been loose for quite a while and finally one day, his mom said "Tyler that tooth HAS to come out, it's dying" Janine, the brave and tough gal that she is..offered her help. He wanted Janine to use a string to pull it out, 1st attempt the string came off, 2nd attempt, string fell off again. Janine said "let's try it one more time" and Tyler agreed, but insisted they would try the slamming the door technique if pulling didn't work...AND if the door didn't work. This is hilarious... he said "I'll just use my remote control car" hahahaa...what a kid! Janine got the string (dental floss) tied up around the top of the tooth and 1...2...3....and the tooth flew across the table. He was in shock at first, but then he relaxed and actually thought it was pretty cool. The tooth fairy is pretty dang good these days. He got a whopping 5 bucks for that tooth! I got a dollar and a couple quarters...if I was lucky! Oh the changing times...and the rich folk. hahaha

P.S. 2 weeks.... YAY!!!!!!!

Summer of 69....er 2010

Can you believe June is already coming to an end? Seriously, where does the time go?

Well, it's been a while since I posted, sorry 'bout that guys! Instead of posting a 256 page novel about where I've been, what I've been doing, who I've seen, or any of that jazz over the last few months, you get the quick snap shot of "Kristi's happenings"

1. I went on a picnic
2. I laughed till I cried with friends
3. I planted a beautiful rock garden
4. I survived a crazy crazy hail storm
5. I taught another girl, the basics of accounting
6. I made myself an ohhh soooo delicious fruit smoothie
7. I started my P90X adventure
8. I "camped" in my backyard with Tyler
9. I rode my bike
10. I dyed my hair
11. I washed both my cars
12. I went hiking in Medecine Bow
13. I was nominated as one of Wyoming's Professional Women
14. I cried
15. I watched Season 2 of Golden Girls
16. I drove around with the top down on my G6
17. I signed up for a dance aerobics class
18. I rediscovered my love for plums
19. I grilled pineapple outside...mmmmmm!
20. and to beat all.........I got a phone call from a cute little 7 year old boy.....asking me if I could come to his house to play. Ahhhh.... :) Getting asked if I can "play" at my age...it was very sweet. Of course, I couldn't say no.

Now on to future happenings....

I'm going camping this weekend, if anyone wants to join up with me, PLEASE DO! I'll be in the cute black and gray and red tent up near Rob Roy Resevoir and Fox Park. :)

Stay tuned.....instead of just being adored by a 7 year old boy...I'm going to be an Aunt to a darling baby girl in about 5 weeks!!!!!!! I'm positive I'll be her favorite as well. hehe.

p.s. I'm gonna try to be better at this....I promise!

Don't ya hate it when?

True Story..... (haha)

The other day I stopped by the grocery store on my way home from work. I wanted to get in and get out as fast as possible. After racing through the store, I make it, with time to spare, to the check out. Hmm...the regular check out lines are extremely long - but hey it's 5pm, isn't everyone grabbing last minute groceries for dinner? So after surveying the scene, I opt to go through the self checkout line because I'm thinking...this HAS to be faster. Oh yay, looking good, it's now my turn. I start scanning......and I swear...every other item I try to scan it says “please wait for assistance” and while waiting each time for the “clerk” to swipe their stupid little card, enter their stupid little password, and blah blah blah…I glance over to the regular lines checkout lines… and I'm not kidding...EMPTY!! That guy that had the the overflowing cart, who was also behind 2 other people with nearly full carts...is walking out with his groceries all nicely bagged! ugh..don't ya hate it when that happens?

Ok, I realized...there are so many things that "I hate it when...."
So for your enjoyment, I've compiled a list of "Don't ya hate it when...."

-Don't ya hate it when you're in the check-out line and someone sneezes on you or coughs on you without covering their nose or mouth?

-Don’t ya hate it when someone walks out of the bathroom and you KNOW they didn’t wash their hands? Ewww..

-Don't ya hate it when you're trying to sleep and suddenly mother nature calls, why does she have to call at 3am?

-Don’t ya hate it when you're watching your must see TV show and the power goes out …and you miss the last 2 crucial minutes

-Don’t ya hate it when people start a story with “true story”

-Don’t ya hate it when people think it’s cool or hip or funny or something to use the word “jeeesss” instead of just saying “yes”

-Don’t ya hate it when you pull up to a 4 way stop and the idiots don’t know what “right of way” means?

-Don’t ya hate it when people say “anywho”

-Don't ya hate it when you wake up from the best dream and try as you may...you can't get back to dreamland to pick up where you left off?

-Don’t ya hate it when people still think it’s funny to say “not”

-Don’t ya hate it when you jump into the shower and someone without fail flushes the toilet and that burst of cold water makes you about crack your head open.

-Don't ya hate it when your "straight face" causes people to randomly ask you "are you okay?"

-Don’t ya hate when you are fully enjoying your Friday night and suddenly the wave of tired hits you and you swear up and down it’s 3 am…only to find out it’s 10:15

-Don’t ya hate when you see a cop and you immediately freak out …even though you know you’ve done nothing wrong?

-Don’t ya hate when you thought you had clean socks, but you don’t

-Don’t ya hate it when the “low fuel” light comes on and of course it’s raining/snowing

-Don’t ya hate it when you wake up and think “ok…today is Thursday…good thing tomorrow is Friday” and then you realize it’s only Tuesday

-Don’t ya hate it when you pull into a full parking lot and like a beacon of light you spot an open spot and when you get there, the idiot on the left took up 2 parking spots

-Don’t ya hate it when it’s Friday and you finally understand the meaning of “time standing still”

that dang itch....

Will someone please tell me why I get that dang "itch".....you know the itch...the itch to go on a trip! Now granted, I just got back from a lovely trip to California, but I want more. More more more!

Here's what I've considered....

Memphis, TN - Wouldn't a trip to Graceland and nothing, but Elvis be soo awesome?

Helena, MT - Fishing, the mountains, the relaxation....how can you go wrong?

New York City, NY - ohhhhh wow!!!! So much to say here...it's on my "before I die" list.... if not now.

Birmingham, AL - to visit Lacy Lu of course!!

Somewhere in Ohio - Sorry Sarah, I don't know the exact name of the city you live in.

Cruise, Cruise, Cruise - I'm talking Bahamas, baby. White sands, blue blue water.

Denver, CO - I know...this one is off the charts fun. Here's the ticker...it's cheap.

Salt Lake City, UT - I miss my gang, I really do!! I need a reunion!!

Or......the one that will probably win.....

Laramie, WY - OHHHHH aren't you all jealous now?

I do need a trip...so suggestions and invites...along with plane tickets are MORE than welcome.

Misheard lyrics...

So I'm listening to Elvis (surprise, I know) this morning and the song "Return to Sender" came on and I couldn't help, but giggle. My sister, used to sing the words "Return to Sender...dad-dress unknown..."

I know we've all sang songs with the wrong lyrics or if you don't want to claim "singing" the song..maybe you misheard the lyrics. :)

Here are a few misheard lyrics...

CORRECT LYRICS:
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right

MISHEARD LYRICS:
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be de-vita
showin s’not funky showin s’not right
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right

CORRECT LYRICS:
Oh, Oh big ol' jet airliner
Don't carry me too far away

MISHEARD LYRICS:
Oh, Oh big ol’ Jed and Elijah
Don't carry me too far away

CORRECT LYRICS:
Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race.

MISHEARD LYRICS:
Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the anti- human race.

CORRECT LYRICS:
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer.

MISHEARD LYRICS:
I'm stuck here with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his wage
And no message could have been any clibber.

CORRECT LYRICS:
She's got electric boots, a mohair suit,
you know I read it in a magazine...

MISHEARD LYRICS:
She's got electric boobs, a maha suit,
you know I read it in a magazine...

AND here it is……(with the lyrics that I understood)……the song I love, love loved as a kid…

All the old Beijings on the tombs
They do the sundance, don’cha know
If they move too quick (oh whey oh)
They're falling down like a domino.

All the buzza men by the night
They got their money on uh-buh
Gold crocodiles (oh whey oh)
They snap their teeth on your cigarette.

Foreign types with the hooga pipes say:
Ay oh whey oh, ay oh whey oh
Walk like an Egyptian.

The blonde waitresses take their trays
They spin around and they cross the floor
They've got the moves (oh whey oh)
They drop your drink, then they bring you more.

All the school kids so sick of books
They like to punk in the midda bend
When the buzzer rings (oh whey oh)
They're walking like an Egyptian

Can you sing the correct lyrics? Can you name that song?

Oh and Sarah…sing “pimples in the sand”… PLEASE!! :)

Zeroes

Ok, maybe I'm a late bloomer on this funny bit...especially since it has 2 million some odd views.

Either way...it's a hilarious! Check it out!

Mascots..

I was reading an article on MSN today about "Menacing Mascots", the article starts out by saying "For every lion, tiger and bear mascot in the 2010 NCAA Men's basketball tournament, there is a mascot that might not be as easily tamed...." And basically...it's a check out our top ten "menacing" mascots. You know...the kind of mascot that they wouldn't want to get caught with in a dark alley. Ya know what I say? Menacing, Schmenacing...I want a COOL mascot. I want a mascot that I want to be caught with in a dark alley because he's tough, he's not dirty or evil, he's a do-good-er and he's an all around good guy and well.....he's flat out cool !! I want a mascot that when you see him coming, you can't help yourself and somehow you are suddenly your feet yelling "GO Pokes!!"

That being said...let me introduce you...to THE coolest mascot .....EVER!!!
Don't argue with me...you know I'm right.

The one...the ONLY.....Wyoming's PIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISTOL PEEETE!!!!!

Can you say cool? I love that guy!!!!!

Wacky Week

To put it simply, I’ve had a wacky, wacky week!!

Let's summarize...

Monday – Mondays are Mondays, I really could stop right there. You know, I actually consider petitioning to end the “work on Monday” thing, but poor Tuesday, it would just end up taking the wrap. Me and my soft heart, just couldn’t do that. Well, my Monday this week, started out semi normal, UNTIL Cindy walked into my office to give me some papers and I said “my mouth is on fire”, and of course she asked me why and I proceeded to tell her that I had a burrito for lunch and it was to say the least…really HOT! Warning Wacky ahead………… she said “ohh well because that’s healthy!” Huh? Umm…what? The fact that my burrito was hot, really had nothing to do with whether or not my burrito was healthy or not. WACKY!

Tuesday - My Tuesday started out normal, just like my Monday. No surprise there, UNTIL the evening rolled around and we all packed in my trailblazer and headed to the Wyoming basketball game. Warning Wacky ahead…………Wyoming beat Air Force!! We actually won! We ended our losing streak!! Ahh..what a feeling! Hard seasons are rough on the heart. Anyway…WACKY!

Wednesday – Now Wednesday, just when you thought things couldn’t get any wackier. My Wednesday was just a tiny bit busy, not only was I working on billing, but I was also slapped with two Supreme Court briefs. Conclusion……briefs suck! The afternoon begins to roll around and I’m finally seeing some light. Yay! So I’m walking down the hall to deliver some paper on a case to Cindy. As I turn the corner, the bathroom which is across the hall from her desk and on a normal day, just an empty ladies bathroom, but not today.... Warning Wacky ahead…………someone and when I say someone, I mean a small boy about 4 or 5 is sitting on the toilet, WITH the door open and he’s grunting. Yes GRUNTING! Ok I’ll say it…… WACKY!

Thursday – Matt brought his dog to work. Matt went to court. Matt left the dog alone in his office. Why would Matt do that? (think Dick and Jane books) I’m calmly working at my desk, the office is relatively quiet. ROOF ROOF…….Skeeter (the dog) begins barking and barking. How disruptive! I can hear the dang dog clear in my office. Warning Wacky ahead……Knowing that Matt is not in his office, what’s the best thing to do? Oh of course, pick up the phone and page the dog to be quiet, right? Exactly! So, I picked up my phone and paged into Matt’s office, “Skeeter? That’s enough of that…stop!” The barking ends. I’m so proud of myself, Skeeter has stopped barking and it’s quiet. ROOF ROOF ROOF………ugh! So, I pick up my phone and page the dog again. “Skeeter….stop that, please. Matt will be back soon!” The barking ends. Did Skeeter finally realize that the voice in the phone was dead serious and that he should stop barking for good? Noooo!! I ended up walking to Matt’s office and consoling the dog for a bit. Officially, I guess I’m a legal assistant, a bookkeeper, a dog-sitter, and the “voice in the phone”. What a day!! WACKY!

Friday - Friday is finally here and I can safely say, nothing wacky has happened yet. Maybe that’s why I love Friday so much!!!!!

It's a "birthday" work in progress.....

As tradition goes, since I'm so creative, I'm the lucky one to make Tyler's birthday cake each year. I have pictures of all of them somewhere in my unorganized files. *Note to self* organize your pictures on your computer....before it gets out of hand! Each year, he picks something different and my quest to make the "coolest" cake begins.

Tyler's lifetime of birthday cakes

1st birthday - Fish
2nd birthday - Spiderman
3rd birthday - Pirate Ship
4th birthday - Power Rangers
5th birthday - Transformers cake w/ flames
6th birthday - Broncos themed

This year he was a little more indecisive. First he told me he wanted a "Vikings" cake, then it was a "football" cake, and totally unsports related as you can get...his final choice was a "snake made out of cupcakes with licorice for the tongue" cake. OH yes, he was that detailed.

So here is the cake so far..... (don't judge too quick...like I said - work in progress)

I'll have it completely done by 6pm tonight for his "birthday dinner/party"

HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY TYLER AARON!!!!!

("finished" pictures coming soon)

Everything happens for a reason...

Back in 2003, I felt like I needed to move back to Laramie. At that time, I really didn't know why, but I packed my bags and here I am. It's been 7 years and it hit me today, I KNOW why I was supposed to move back. I needed to be a part of a little boy's life. I needed those big brown eyes looking at me, his contagious laugh to enjoy, and those little arms wrapped around my neck. Tyler Aaron will turn 7 on February 22nd and to save my fingers hours and hours of typing, simply put - I love that guy so much!!!!!!

The other day, I was putting laundry away and Tyler walked in my room. This is how the conversation went.

Tyler: Kristi? What is your favorite picture hanging in here?

Kristi: ..I like them all. Do you have a favorite?

Tyler: My favorite is that one.

The "favorite" picture

Awww....... it's my favorite too!!

And even though he's slowly changing from a little boy to a big kid, he STILL without hesitation will climb on my lap to sit close to me, take my hand while walking through a parking lot, follow me around the house to do what I'm doing, and of course he lets me smother him with hugs and kisses. Everything happens for a reason......nephews happen for a reason!

Turn up your radio...

Ever hear a song come on the radio or whatever and it instantly triggers a memory of some sort?

I learned today…that the part of the brain known as the medial pre-frontal cortex which sits just behind the forehead…..well it’s constantly acting like the host of your “Memory Lane” show. So next time you hear a song and that memory of your first kiss, or that slumber party with your friends, or maybe that long road trip as a kid pop in your head….it’s that lovely pre-frontal cortex. Good ol’ pre-frontal cortex!

I could name so many songs and the memory within each song, but so as not to lose your attention…here are 3 songs from my childhood that recall a memory…EVERY SINGLE TIME!

Song # 1 “99 Red Balloons” by Nena

Memory -- I remember my brother and I would dance around. Well I was dancing, (concentrating on my naturally awesome moves) I don’t know what he was doing. Near the end of the song, we would both run to the couch, sit down, and in unison our arms would raise slowly up from our sides. It was our BIG finale, apparently! So now every time I hear that song, the memory of the “couch finale” is without fail….right there in my mind’s eye.

Song # 2 “Jump” by Van Halen

Memory -- I remember thinking my brother was the ultimate cool kid. I wanted to do anything and everything he did. So naturally when he would throw in the old 45 of “Jump” and play air guitar, I was right there! Except being the natural genius that I am, I incorporated using glitter batons as guitars. I want to say even Ryan thought it was cool and joined in the baton use. We would run around playing guitar - jumping from the couches and sliding on our knees. Oh the awesome slide on your knees while playing guitar! So yes, every time I hear that song, the memory of “air guitars” is without fail…right there in my mind’s eye.

Song # 3 “Walk like an Egyptian” by The Bangles

Memory -- This song was totally the “it” song! I honestly didn’t know a cooler song….EVER! My girlfriends and I would pretend that we WERE The Bangles. We had a tamborine, a whistler, and our “baton” guitars and jean jackets!! My dear sweet friends were kind enough to let me be Susanna Hoffs, the lead singer. Haha. Or maybe I was bossy and they were afraid of me. Haha… I’m not bossy! Who, in that day and age, didn’t think it was cool to “walk like an Egyptian”? You know you did! So yes, everytime I hear that song, the memory of “Egyptian dancing and my girlfriends” is without fail…right there in my mind’s eye.

Now get out there...turn up those radios and enjoy memory lane!

Monday blues..

I've got a terrible case of the Monday blues...

Sadly, I wish it had even the slightest bit to do with the game yesterday.....it doesn't though. :(

I don't want to be at work today.

I don't want to be in my "work attire"

I don't want to listen to other people talking.

I don't want to smile.

I don't want to be awake.

I don't want to anything.....well besides crawl under a blanket and watch a good movie!!!

The cure? Most people say "just be positive..." Easier said than done.

So here is my list of ways to Beat the Monday Blues

1. Talk to a friend - I do this even if it isn't the Monday blues, sometimes I pause to text/email/call a friend even if I've got something as simple as the "gosh this hour is rough" blues. No matter what where your "blues" originate .....pause to "phone a friend"

2. Listen to happy songs – a tune can totally affect your mood. My computer should automatically turn on Michael Buble' every Monday morning.......that guy...how can you be sad and lethargic listening to his amazing voice?

3. Dance - Seriously...have you ever seen a sad unmotivated person dancing? Or if you don't want to dance.....JUST move!! I'm lucky enough that I have a secluded office. I take breaks to stand up, stretch, move around. I take breaks to complete 3 or 4 sets of different reps of different forms of exercise. If you don't have an office to yourself, take a bathroom break, or go for a little walk up and down a couple halls in the office. Bottom line - get your body moving, you’ll feel happier, I promise!

4. Laugh and smile. Recall the funniest memory or even a happy memory. I've got funny friends or I guess I could say clumsy. I just replay a Janine fall or a Reen fall. It's kinda like "America's Funniest Videos" in my head. Some research is saying that even the thought of laughing raises your endorphin (feel-good hormones) levels and a fake laughter provides similar benefits to a real one. So get laughing!!!

5. Buy something new for Monday – We all do our shopping on Saturdays, so next time you are at the store, pick something up specifically for Monday. A new pen, a new notepad, yummy new cereal, a chocolate milk. You could make it "chocolate milk Monday" Anything that would brighten your Monday. JUST don't drink your chocolate milk on Saturday. :)

6. Try something new - you’d be surprise how easy it is to feel energized by doing something you’ve never done before. so take a new route to work, not only is it something new, but it also exercises your brain.

7. Start working. The thing about work is, it’s usually not the work that makes us tired, it’s the thought of starting work that makes us dread the actual action of "working" Quit thinking and start doing!! Besides, in my experience, if you dig into all the work you have to do, the day flies and before you know it...... Monday is OVER!!

8. No errands on Monday - So when lunch time rolls around, do like I do.......relax. I make sure I go to the tanning salon on Mondays. Tanning is relaxing to me and plus it's a dose of UV rays which create happiness. IF you don't want to tan, do something relaxing. Read, take a nap, just don't run errands. The key here is - don't, by any means make your lunch hectic.

9. Plan something special for Monday night – meet a friend for dinner, rent a DVD. My day is always easier and more liveable when I have something to look forward to. (why do you think we have Family Home Evening on Mondays? hmmm....?)

10. If all else fails, rip open that piece of chocolate that you've been so good at resisting!!! And now.......breathe......ahhhhhhhh.......see? Feels better already?

I'm back, I'm back, I'm back....and GO COLTS!!!

Superbowl Sunday is just around the corner, all you football fans!!!!! Get out your Colts gear and let's rally around cute ol' Peyton Manning! And Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie and Joseph Addai and Reggie Wayne...and Dwight Freeney... JUST RALLY OKAY!! (and no..I'm not a Colts fan JUST because I think Peyton is cute and I'm not a bandwagon jumper either!)

I've been a Colts fan...well let's just say a long time. Just trust me on this one.

I'm going to step up on my soap box for just a minute.

I know the New Orleans Saints are experiencing their first Super Bowl berth, I understand that the Colts have been to the Super Bowl. I also understand that Peyton has a ring already. I know all this stuff. Now tell me, why do people root for the underdog? Why do they WANT the Saints to win?? JUST because they've never won? PLEEEASE!!!!! I hate people that pick a team based on those silly AND stupid factors. For example..Wyoming Cowboys...ohh my beloved Wyoming Cowboys, I will always be here for you...through thick AND thin! And for that, I believe that I'm a tougher and stronger fan than some fans out there. Because...now hear me out...Wyoming....we fight for what we get and we deserve what we get, when we get it. I can tell you first hand, that victory tastes so much sweeter when you work your BUTT off for it!!!! Some of those teams out there, like Texas or Florida....do they really know what sweet sweet victory tastes like? No! They know what victory tastes like and what they THINK sweet victory tastes like, but I would love for ONE of those fans to be a Wyoming fan for one year....follow your team through REAL struggles and then tell me what victory tastes like. Now back to my "picking your team with brains" rant, Wyoming is a lot of times....an underdog. I've NEVER NEVER, not even ONE time seen OR heard of anyone cheering for Wyoming to beat all these teams or beat so and so based soley on the fact that Wyoming is the underdog. Sure, Wyoming has never won the Rose bowl, Wyoming has never won the BCS championship game. SO why don't people cheer for Wyoming to MAKE it there? I mean...we are the underdog...so come on...all you "pick a team because they've never been there" fans....where are you when Wyoming needs you? HUH???? I'm disgusted with the lack of knowledge that most fans have when it comes to "picking" their team. Pick a team based on something other than "pity"!! Pbbt...I know the Saints don't want the Colts to just roll over and let them win.....OUT OF PITY! As for me, my brain, and my two hands, we will cheer for the Colts! The Colts deserve this JUST as much as the Saints....so HA! And GO COLTS!!!!!!

Stepping down from this here soap box now......

And there ya have it, the thoughts and ramblings of me....Kristi.

Now...aren't you glad I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack???