July 31st, 2008 by Kateastrophe

I should be packing or spending time with my husband.  Instead?  Facebook and the blog.  Don’t even worry, I so have my priorities in order.

So . . . um . . . I sort of was asked to re-publish one of my favorite posts on a really cool new blog project.  It’s called Bloggers Annex and it’s a new blogging venue to encourage and publish great writing.  I’m flattered and honored that it’s founder(s)(? not really sure who/what they are exactly . . . it’s kind of anonymous ) sought me out and asked me to join and publish.  I’ve mentioned that my writing has been suffering lately and I’m hoping this will start my creative juices flowing again.  So um . . . like . . . go check me out . . . like . . . if you wanna.  Like.   It really is my favorite piece and it is a very special story about a very special family.  Sorry if some of you have already read it.  For those of you who haven’t . . . I hope you enjoy.  Anyone looking for a venue to publish their best stuff, join in the fun!  It’s just a brand new baby blog, but I think the idea is a fabulous one.

I leave tonight for the Bay Area and I’m very excited to see my friends.  I’m not particularly excited to spend three whole days next week in technical training, but I’m going to try to make the best of it.  Apparently without any clothes since I STILL HAVEN’T STARTED PACKING.

Ok I’m packing now.  I swear.

July 28th, 2008 by Kateastrophe

We did practically NOTHING this weekend.  And I loved it.

You might have noticed that I’ve been running around the planet like a chicken with my head cut off for the last . . . oh . . . three months.  Sitting around and being a lazy butt was exactly what the (hypothetical) doctor ordered.

I guess I did SOME stuff.  Like improve my score on Link’s Crossbow for the Wii.  I’m totally kicking Matt’s butt.

I also won TEN Free Cell games in a row.  That takes talent, people.  Pure talent.

We watched “The Technology of Batman” on the History Channel (could I be a bigger nerd?)

Our neighbors invited us over for peanut butter chocolate pie (um, SO good) and then he told us he had the creepiest X-Files ever on his DVR.  THE INBRED ONE (officially called “Home”)Does anyone besides me remember the terror of that episode the first time you watched it?  (Hannah and Jewels, I’m speaking to you specifically.)  Also the fact that it was only ever aired on TV as a re-run ONCE for a Halloween special because it was THAT SCARY??  Yeah, twelve years later?  It’s just as bad.  And creepy, and gross.  And weird.  And the song “Wonderful, Wonderful” by Johnny Mathis is ruined forever.  I just got the chills thinking about it.

We also went to church (not unusual for us in general, but we’ve been either out of town or out of commission for a while) and discovered that Angie, one of Matt’s best friends growing up, moved into our neighborhood and goes to church with us!  We were so excited to see her!  The world is seriously such a small place.  It’s almost creepy sometimes.  The last time we saw Angie was at our wedding.  Now we get to see her all the time.  So great.

I made chicken asparagus risotto that Matt actually liked!  He never likes risotto.  Ever.  I’m totally addicted.  That has posed a problem because I’m the cook and when I ‘m in the mood for something, he usually just has to deal with it.  I’m always in the mood for pasta or risotto and he considers both side dishes, not a main course.  See the problem?  Well, now I’ve at least sort of solved the risotto issue . . . until he gets sick of it!

I finished the book I’ve been devouring this week, “The Life of Pi.”  It was really great.  If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it.  It’s odd in a very . . . amazing, redeeming sort of way.

Now I am going to re-read the Twilight books before the fourth one comes out on Saturday.  That’s right, all three of them.  Good thing I have an airport and a plane ride in there (and that they are in semi-large type).  If you haven’t read the Twilight books and you’re a girl, you should RUN to the nearest bookstore.   They’re not necessarily the best written or most amazing books I’ve ever read, but they are the most addictive and entertaining.  Definitely worth reading, especially before the movie comes out in December.

Also, on top of being a boring person this weekend, I’ve realized that my blog is a wee bit boring right now.  I’m working to remedy that . . . I am writing (finally!) the next part of my long forgotten Soap Opera Saga as well as coming up with some other (hopefully) interesting topics.  We’ll see.

Now I guess I’d better work or something.  Or something sounds good.

July 25th, 2008 by Kateastrophe

First . . . I may or may not have cried when it was announced that Will was leaving So You Think You Can Dance last night.  That is, by far, my favorite show on TV and having the BEST DANCER they’ve EVER had get kicked off?  Makes me want to kick America’s butt.  (Um, that was not a threat.)  He handled it much better than I did.  I was sort of a teary mess.Second, it’s my best girl Sheila’s birthday!! Woot!  Our Mom’s grew up together (and look and act like sisters)  and we’ve known each other since we were tiny babies.  I like to call her my angel.  She’s amazing and wonderful and I try to be more like her every day.  Happy Birthday, B!  Go rock those yellow heels!

Thirdly . . . is anyone else as excited to see Step-Brothers as I am?  Every time Matt and I see the movie poster we just start laughing uncontrollably.

Fourthly, my sister’s birthday was yesterday.  She’s all growed up and 24.  That makes me feel old, quite honestly.  It’s no secret among those that know us that we didn’t so much get along when we were younger.  We sort of hated each other.  And now?  She’s my best pal.  I love that girl with all my soul.  I’m sad I wasn’t with her on her birthday, but her sweet husband took mighty good care of her and I’m glad they have each other.  Aga Birday, Tofutti!!

Fifth, remember when my Mom was missing?  Well she’s been missing again . . . only this time because she submerged her phone in water.  I hadn’t heard from her in TWO WEEKS!  I finally called her husband’s cell phone and left a message that I had been eaten by wolves and was calling from my grave.  She called me this morning.  Phew! She’s alive.  And getting a new phone today, thank bob.

Sixth, I am wearing eye make-up for the first time in two weeks!  It’s such a relief.  I look much better with eyes.

Seventh, I am truly, totally and completely addicted to Facebook.  It’s like internet crack.

Eighth, work is so fun right now.  I love the projects we’re working on, I love the people I’m working with . . . I love, love, love it.

Ninth, I get to go to San Francisco next weekend to see my lady Adrienne (the one who introduced me to Richard of Soap Opera Sunday fame)!  Ok I’m actually there because I have to go to training in San Mateo for three days (that’s going to SUCK) but I get to see Adrienne!  And Hayden!  Oh yeah, and Kyle!  I love those guys.  Also, I love shopping with Adrienne.  Just sayin’.  H&M, here I come!!

Tenth, Matt and I decided to take up tennis.  We bought rackets (mine is PINK!!) and go over to the outdoor courts when it (sort of) cools down at night (cools down my @#%.  102 is not cool!).  It’s been really fun (and really hot) but we sort of suck.  And the walls of the court aren’t high enough.  I hit four balls out the other night.  And there are lots of bugs.  Grasshoppers and moths and other . . . yucky desert bugs.  And one flew into, then got stuck in MY EYE.  My recently surgered, still sensitive eye.  It was like . .. flitting around, caught in the inner corner of my right eye.  I had to PULL IT OUT.  It was nasty and hilarious, all at the same time.  Matt just laughed and laughed.  Then tried to hit me in the face with a speeding tennis ball.  Awesome.

Well, I guess that’s it.  Randomness purged.

Have a wonderful Friday and an even better weekend!  Mwah!

July 22nd, 2008 by Kateastrophe

You guys are totally sick of the blurry talk, I know.  But guess what?  IT STILL HASN’T GONE AWAY.

I underestimated just HOW blurry life would be when the doctor mentioned that it would take my eyes four to six weeks to settle into perfection.

FOUR TO SIX WEEKS OF THIS?  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  I may or may not be getting a bit frustrated.  And sick of being mocked for sitting with my face an inch from the monitor.  Also, 20/40?  So shouldn’t be the legal driving vision.  I’m SURPRISED THE ENTIRE WORLD HASN’T DIED IN A CAR ACCIDENT.  20/40 is NOT good vision.  Neither is 20/30 for that matter, which is apparently what I’m seeing.  IT IS BLIND.  AND BLURRY.

Also, the not wearing make-up part has been great for my morning routine, but not so great for the rest of the world considering MY FACE.

In better news, the president of my company noticed yesterday that I have “Woah, green eyes!  I didn’t know you had green eyes.  And they’re cool!”  It only took FOUR YEARS.  Four long years of trying to get him to look me in the eyes when I’m talking to his ADDness.  We’ll put that in the progress column.

ALSO, I SHOULD ONLY TYPE IN CAPS FOR A WHILE BECAUSE IT’S SO MUCH EASIER TO SEE!!!!

July 19th, 2008 by Kateastrophe

Being able to buy movie tickets almost a week early?  SO sweet.

Showing up for the 9:40 pm movie close to two hours and still not being even close to being the first in line?  A little weird.

Waiting in the movie line for an hour THEN being told they opened up a second theatre and you can be the first ones in?  A total hit.

Sitting in the row of seats with the metal banister in front of them? Best seats ever.

Convincing the theatre manager to let you leave and go get Gelato for four people in to shorten the wait time?  Excellent.

Forgetting to wear a cape like some guys at the theatre?  Kind of a bummer.

The energy of an opening day crowd?  Unmatchable.

Seeing the preview for Terminator Salvation and realizing that’s Christian Bale’s voice? Very exciting.

Two and a half hours of The Dark Knight, some more Christian, the amazing final performance of Heath and the bat cycle?  Totally and completely worth every minute of waiting and anticipation.

Seriously people, it was THAT GOOD.  Go see.  Go on.  Go!

July 17th, 2008 by Kateastrophe

(Ten points to the first person that recognizes the obscure movie quote in the title.  And it doesn’t count if you’re Julia or Rhonda.  Just sayin’.)

Well hi!  Life is still a bit blurry, but after the band-aid contacts come off in an hour or so, I should be operating at about 80%.  Way better than 0%.  Ha!

In huge, fun news, I finally bought the plane tickets for the biggest vacation we’ve ever been on.  Now it’s official!  In October, Matt and I are spending two weeks in China.  We have a huge list of things we want to do in Shanghai and Beijing, and luckily, I happen to have a father who lives in Shanghai most of the year who can show us around and who has a place for us to stay for free there.  He also happens to have a full time driver who happens to love me and will happen to be driving us around to show us the sites (and the shopping)!  That’s a lot of happening.  Ahem.

GETTING there is ridiculously expensive, but once we’re there it won’t be too bad.  I’ve been saving and saving and saving and I think it’s going to be completely worth it.  The weather that time of year is supposed to be perfect and there are so many cool things to do!  First and foremost being shopping, naturally.  Specifically shopping at the custom tailors to have some sweet clothes made for us.   I am in the process of cutting out pictures of cute, modest dresses and shirts to have made.  Matt is going to get some dapper suits and work clothes and, and, and . . . yeah.  Also, PURSES!  Be still my beating heart.

Anyone who happens to have BEEN to China, let me know what your list of MUST DO items are.  Anyone who has great style, send me pictures of what I should have made!  Anyone who wants to come along in my suitcase, lemme know!!

So um, this blog entry was sort of dumb, but uh . . . oh well.  Ha!  I’ll blame it on the blurry.  That excuse is only going to work for another hour, so I might as well make use of it!

July 14th, 2008 by Kateastrophe

Som, um untilll the blur goes waya I migh t be laying off teh bloggging.

Yeah, I think thats a super idear.  Gor my sannity and yourz.

July 12th, 2008 by Kateastrophe

Ok so I’m not blind . . . just blurry!! The surgery went PERFECTLY and honestly? I thought it would be way harder, longer, more painful and crappier recovery. My vision is slightly blurry and my eyes feel pretty scratchy, but other than that? Not a thing wrong. Yay for Dr. McCullouch.

I will attempt to write the continuation of my Soap Opera tomorrow morning, but for now, here is the Mr. Linky for any of you who are playing!!

July 11th, 2008 by Kateastrophe

I will never forget my pre-Kindergarten eye exam when they pulled my Mom aside and not so quietly whispered “your daughter desperately needs glasses.” And from about a week later on, I’ve had glasses.My first several pairs were HOTTT. Pink plastic old lady glasses. I wish I could find halway decent pictures. They were bad, bad, bad. My Mom thought they were cute. I just knew they were pink. Pink always equals cute, right? Since then I’ve tried my share of glasses, contacts, nothing at all (for two years. Seriously, I’m surprised no one died. I’m practically blind in my left eye). I’ve had a love hate relationship with my glasses. I do like the way I look in glasses, but I prefer the way I look without them. Contacts never worked all the way. I was either getting corneal abrasions (YOUCH!) or messing with weighted contacts that blurred every time I blinked. About five years ago I gave up on contacts all together and succumbed to a life of cute glasses and blind stumbling in the middle of the night. I gave up on cute sunglasses. I gave up on every being able to see clearly while scuba diving or swimming. I finally decided to embrace and love the glasses.

Then, six months ago, the news came that the laser technology to correct my wretched left eye had finally been approved. I could have laser vision surgery and NEVER WEAR GLASSES OR CONTACTS AGAIN. I decided to give it six months for the technology to be perfected (and to get on my company’s flexible spending account) and TODAY IS THE DAY!

At 3:20 I will be all valiumed up, watching the cool laser fix my retarded eyeballs.

Within a few weeks, I will have at least 20/15 vision, if not 20/10. I will be able to see myself in the mirror in the morning. I will be able to wear sunglasses all the time! I will be able to SEE!!!!

Goodbye, glasses. I would say I’ll miss you, but honestly, I won’t.

July 7th, 2008 by Kateastrophe

People, there are LARGE WILD TOADS on the loose in Arizona. Wild, ferocious attacking toads.

If you live here beware.  They are sneaky.  They might do any of the following:

• Jump into the large community pool at night for a nice swim
• Jump into the large community pool at night for a nice swim, unaware that they will become trapped and not be able to leave said pool
• Find the nearest tall dark thing, assuming it’s a way out of the pool
• Swim towards nearest tall dark thing
• Swim towards nearest tall dark thing very stealthily, from behind said tall dark thing
• Not be stealth enough because neighbor woman will  see it swimming toward tall dark thing
• Cause neighbor woman to freak out, screaming “what the hell is THATAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH” and jump out of the pool faster than a bullet
• During that exact moment, JUMP onto tall dark thing
• Tall dark thing is Husband who did not see toad coming (due to the stealthiness thereof)
• Cause tall dark thing (aka Husband) to completely FREAK OUT (and possibly think it’s a snake)
• Cause neighbor man to jump out of pool faster than his wife (and later claim he was “getting to higher ground to see what it was.”  Yeah right, pansy.)
• Cause Kate to try to RUN AWAY IN FOUR FEET OF WATER.  Kate does not move fast in water.
• Latch on to tall dark thing’s  back with claws and hang on tight as tall dark thing flails and screams in pool, still not sure what is attached to his back
• Finally realize tall dark thing is not a way out of pool, and most likely the surest way to death.
• Let go of tall dark thing
• Swim away very fast as humans laugh themselves into hysterics
• Swim towards trap door in side of pool
• Realize this is not a good idea and is next surest way to death
• Spend the next half an hour narrowly escaping hilarious human attempts to save from death by pool chemicals
• Finally succumb to capture in small cooler
• Freak out and jump all over inside of cooler making loud thudding noises, causing humans to laugh uncontrollably
• Escape from cooler and then hang out near a tree
• End humans desire to be in pool for very long time.

I wish I’d had a video camera.  In fairness to my poor husband, if that toad had jumped on MY back, I would have shat myself.  He just jumped and yelled a lot.  And we all abandoned him to deal with the toad by himself.  He is very brave.  And now we need our own pool.