Excuse Me!

Tis the season... for the flu! Which means flu vaccinations! Oh, joy...

Since I'm a teacher, I decided it would be wise to get a flu vaccine. So I made my appointment for Tuesday evening, after work. I've heard that some people get sick from the vaccine. Since I've never had one, I decided it would be wise to prep my class in case I did get sick. So I prepped the room Monday- made sure all my lesson plans and supplies were laid out. I knew it was early- if I did get sick from it, it wouldn't be until Wednesday. But I figured- what the hay! I'll do it early. Well, this morning (Tuesday, that is), I woke up deathly ill! ... Ok, not deathly, but pretty crappy none the less.

So I called in sick. At least my room was ready! I then figured the best way to not "get sick" (I'll refrain from using more descriptive words) was to sleep. Makes sense, right? Well, I finally woke up at 2:30 in the afternoon! My first thought was "Holy crap!"

So I got up, visited some blogs, talked to my sis on the phone... poor little Erica is sick. (Check out her site... I'm sure she'll post more details there soon.) I was checking out links from fellow bloggers. Came across this... Check it out! I had a good half hour of fun there. And I did some additions to the site. Added my profile and Becky's to the sidebar. I also added a thingy that tells me how many people are currently checking out my site. It took a while for me to figure out how to do it all. Gotta love html (note the sarcasm).

The crappy part of being sick and sleeping in is... I'M WIDE AWAKE! I just can't fall asleep. I laid in bed for an hour before giving up. So I took care of some banking, paying some bills. How fun! Now I'm here, complaining about crap.

Oh, yeah. About the flu shot... I called in and the nurse told me not to get it since I was already sick! So I had to reschedule for next week! Talk about ironic!

So, I need to ask a question. This blog isn't supposed to be about me... It's supposed to be about "funny, thought-provoking, and sometimes, just plain pointless" questions. I'll try to make it match my ravings.

What's the worst excuse you ever came up with for skipping work, having a project done late for a class, etc? Now, I really WAS sick today. But asking "when were you really ill that you called in sick" seems kind of lame. So we'll go for the worst excuse. Or most unique.

I have a good example of one... But this post is already too long! So I'll spare you!

Please excuse me for having such a long post! (pun intended!)

Another Parking Lot question

It seems like we've had a lot of questions lately about parking lots... specifically Walmart parking lots. well, here's another one...

I was at Walmart yesterday. Had to pick up the basics: milk, bread, canned green beans...

So, i was loading up the car afterwards. Taking care of erica. Yes, i put the cart back where it belonged. As i was put my groceries in the car, another car parked next to me. A little old lady and guy stepped out and oggled over Erica. (This happens quite often.) Then, they went inside.

I continued doing my business. Then, i see this shady-looking guy come walking up. Mid-twenties, white, shaved head, ratty green jacket. Hmm... I was a bit scared (I always imagine the worst-- like, what if he's gonna kidnap erica). But i said to myself: Its daylight out, and tons of people are around! But still, i kept my eye on his every move.

He walked up to the car next to me... the one that was just parked. He takes out his keys, and pretends to try to unlock it. I was watching carefully-- he didnt put the keys IN the lock, just kinda pretended to be. I think he realized that i was watching. So, he took a few steps away, pulled out a cell phone, and pretended to be talking to someone.

i wasnt sure what was going on. i KNEW it wasnt his car. but was he gonna steal it? or what? I hem and haw, fiddling with stuff in my purse, trying to think what to do...

~Do i yell to him: Thats not your car! It belongs to a little old lady and man!
~Drive away like nothing happened?
~Go inside the store and report what i'm seeing?

Well, i pull out of my spot. As soon as i start doing so, he puts away the cell phone. I drive to the other side of the parking lot, then drive back to see if the car is still there and if he's trying to get in it. As i drive by again, the car is there but he is not...

So...
?What was going on?
?What should i have done?

Lazy America

Yes, I am making fun of my fellow Americans. If you are a non-USA'er, feel free to dis us, too.

I am often taken aback by the laziness of the people here in the good ol' U.S. of A. Tonight was probably the worst case of laziness I've ever seen. I was spittin' mad!

If you've read one of my earlier posts, you would have learned that my biggest pet peeve is people who leave their shopping carts in the middle of the parking lot. Well, tonight I was at Walmart, doing some school shopping (I have to buy Christmas decorations for my classroom). After I loaded my car, I went to put my cart in the little cart-carrol (I think that's the name for that caged in spot in the parking lot designated for shopping carts). As I was doing that, I passed by the car that was RIGHT NEXT TO the carrol. They had loaded their bags, and were getting into their car to leave. They had left their cart in the middle of the lot, right behind another car! How LAZY can they be?! All they had to do was take 3 short steps to the carrol with the cart! But no! They just left it there! I was spittin' mad! Grrr!

I wanted to go up to them and rant and rave about their laziness... But I thought that someone that lazy was probably also someone who would be very mean. So I didn't say anything. But I DID walk over, grab that shopping cart, and put it away for them. They saw me do it, but they didn't say anything either.

Question One: What would you have done?

A. Nothing- I'm just as lazy as them!
B. Nothing- I'm not a confrontational person.
C. Politely told them where to shove it.
D. Take that cart and rammed it into their car.
F. Something else.

Question Two: What are some other lazy things you've seen people do?

A Flame Rekindled

I went to Walmart tonight with my sister-in-law. We had to get some last minute items for T-day. As I was pulling into a parking space, I saw a sight which made me scream out in joy:

"CLARENCE!"

He was my first true love. Yes, Clarence and I had many special years together. Good times and bad, he was always there for me. Then I went off to college.

And then I got that dreaded phone call from my parents- Clarence was gone, and gone for good. My heart was broken! ... But all is fair in love and war, for I had already bought myself a new one- Percy.

Yup- Percy was far superior in so many ways. I mean really- I'd much rather have a 2001 Ford Taurus than a 1995 Plymouth Acclaim. But I still from time to time miss my little Acclaim. My parents had taken Clarence and donated him to some group that gave cars to people in need.

I was elated to see him tonight. And he hasn't changed one bit! In highschool, Becky and I shared Clarence. We went through a phase where we bought all these random bumper stickers and put them all over Clarence. And there were a lot of window clings too. When I saw him tonight- they were still all there! The new owner even kept all the window clings! Even the one that was for my college! Crazy!

So here's the question: What was your first car? Did it have a name? What ever happened to it?

FYI
Since tomorrow is T-day, and I have 25 people coming to my house and staying until Sunday, I probably will not be posting for a while. Feel free to answer this question and previous questions as well. Just cuz they're old doesn't mean they're any less cool!
Have a great T-day!

I'm late!

No... not that kind of late! I'm late leaving for work! Ahhhhh!

Quick question:

What's your favorite Thanksgiving food? Stuffing? Turkey? What?

Worthy of Being Worthless!

So, I came across this thing today. It shows you how much your blog is worth. I thought I'd check it out. I didn't think it would be much. I mean, I think my blog is awesome... But do others? I'm sure it's not much more than $300. Well, here's what it came up with.

My blog is worth $2,258.16.
How much is your blog worth?

Interesting, huh? I was very surprised! I wonder where they get that $ amount from. Is it just made up? Or derived from number of viewers and commenters?

Tell me what you're worth. (In my book, yall are priceless!)Should I phrase that into a question? Ok, let's try this- "How much is your blog worth?"

Shhhh!

I have to be very, very quiet. I am supposed to be cleaning! But here I am, slacking off.

For Thanksgiving, everyone seems to be coming to my house. Ok, to my parents' house. (Yes, I still live w/ them. I am currently looking for my own place closer to work.) But back to the story at hand. I have a lot of family from Georgia. They are all coming up Wednesday and staying til Sunday. ("They" meaning aunt, uncle, cousin and fiancee, cousin and husband and 3 kids.) When I was living in GA, I lived with my one cousin (the married one w/ kids). I sure do miss them! Oh, and also coming are my brother and his wife and baby,my sister and her husband and baby, my cousin and her husband and baby, my aunt and her son and his girlfriend, and my uncle and his wife. I think that's it.

So we are in the process of super cleaning the house. I've found an excuse for my current absence: I have to email some parents of my students. So here I am. Just call me a liar.

So what kind of excuses do you come up w/ to get out of cleaning? If you currently live alone, what kinds of things did you say growing up at home w/ the parents?

I hope yall are excited for T-day! I sure am.

... Now back to the cleaning. I need to vacuum my room. Eek!

and who-- may I ask-- are you?

I couldnt fall asleep last night. Mainly because my daughter had been crying and crying. Even though she tired me out, i was wide awake.

So, i layed there, just thinking. And i wondered: "Who am i?" Really, could i describe myself in a few short sentences? In even just a few little words?

I'm 24, married, and a mother. -- those are just the basics.
I'm also emotional... to an extreme. i normally let my emotions guide my
actions. Which can get me into trouble.
But, I try to be wise, be kind to others, and to do whats good and
right.

Many of us have been blogging with eachother for awhile. We know stuff about eachother... but now, take some time to share w/ us WHO you are.

Til break-up do us part

What's the worst thing you ever did to a significant other when breaking up?

For example, in college I went out a few times with this one guy. I knew him from work. At the end of the semester, he wanted my home phone number so he could call me. I said when I saw him at work, I'd give it to him, as well as my address. Well, I skipped work so I wouldn't have to see him. I never heard from him again!

all i want for chistmas is my two front teeth

Ok, its not even thanksgiving yet, and already people have Santa Claus, reindeer, and snowmen scattered on their lawns. And when i went shopping, there are already holiday gifts for sale.

Example: I used to work retail at Victoria's Secret Beauty-- we just sold the perfume and makeup. ANYWAY, for the holiday season, we sold tree ornaments that had little perfumes in them. We didnt put them out to sell until after thanksgiving. ... well, i was at the mall Friday, and they were already being sold.

gee.

So, it makes me think: What gifts do i want this year?

Please share with us: What is one thing (or more) that you want as a present?

[sidenote: If you do not celebrate Christmas, you can still answer as to what is something that you really want to have.]


PS
Abigail updated her story on the Night Stalker post. make sure you check it out!

Night Stalker

I used to work at a summer camp... Did for 6 summer.

Many times, I had to walk across camp in the dark. I can watch scary movies and not be scared at all. But in real life situations.... I scare very easily.

The one night, I was walking along, all by myself. I'd forgotten a flahslight, so I walked by the light of the moon. I was crossing through a covered bridge. When I was just about to the end of it, someone jumps down from the rafters! I about crapped myself, I was so scared. It was one of the other staffers out playing practical jokes. From that day on, I was terrified of that bridge!

Well, one night I was walking across camp at night. I was passing by some trees. I got this eerie feeling that something was in there, lurking, waiting to attack. Like I said, I scare easily... But this time, I really did have a strong, bad feeling. I wasn't sure what to do.

What would you have done?

1. Kept right on walking... You're not taking any chances.
2. Stop and peer in... See what you can see.
3. Call on in... "Is anyone in there?"
4. Get a friend, and go back to investigate.

After a few answers from yall, I'll let you know the rest of my story.



UPDATE
Since I've had several answers, I'll tell you my story. There WAS a guy hiding in the trees. He was on staff that summer... I guess his way of flirting is stalking. (Note to guys- that DOESN'T work!) Well, I was going to walk on by w/out stopping. When I passed him, he came out of the trees and started to follow me. I saw a friend on the other side of the field, so I ran over to her.
I told my boss about it. He gave a stern talking to Stalker, and that was that. I personally think the guy should have been fired. Don't you think?
After that, the stalking ended... but he did start writing me these creepy little love letters. Gross!
I got my revenge... I started dating his best friend! I'm awesome!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Read the following descriptions of the 7 dwarfs. Take a guess at who you are most like. Then, take this quiz to find out REALLY which one you are...

Dopey: the youngest, sweetest, and silliest of the seven, and the only one to be completely bald and beardless; wears a too large lime green tunic and purple cap.
Bashful: evokes his bashful nature through a classic pose of shyness (hands clasped behind back, shoulders slightly raised, eyes upturned)
Sneezy: frequently shown with one finger underneath his nose, as if trying to stifle a sneeze
Sleepy: he wears a perpetually sleepy looking, heavily lidded expression on his face
Happy: the most rotund of the dwarfs; wears a brownish two-tone tunic, yellow cap, long white hair and beard.
Grumpy: the grouchiest and most curmudgeonly of the group, though even he is supremely devoted to the beautiful Snow White; wears a red tunic, long white hair and beard.
Doc: the only one of the dwarfs to wear glasses (so presumably the most intellectual); wears an orange-brown tunic, long white hair and beard.

The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy...

Several times in my own personal blog, I've talked about The Man Around Town (see also). He lives in our town and every now and then, BOOM-- there he is! Its like playing Where's Waldo.

I suppose you could say i've become "infatuated" with him. Okay, not really. But, i'm the kind of person who looks at people and wonders: "What is their life story?"

So, Saturday I was driving home from Walmart and saw Mr. Man Around Town at the local Wendy's. And, he was hitchhiking. I thought: "hmmm, should I pick him up?"

Then, i decided on No. I had so much to do at home, i couldnt take the time.

So, the question is: Would you give a hitchhiker a ride?

Freaky Friday

I have yet again stolen a scenario from a fellow blogger. This name, it's from Parth Anand. Hope you enjoy!

For lunch on Friday, I decided to go to the buffet at Pizza Hut. I filled my plate with a few slices of pizza and some salad at the side and took my seat. In the mean time, the table, diagon alley across which was vacant finally got its occupant. A beautiful looking lady with her 10 year old son. Whenever I looked at her table, I found her staring at me. Now if you notice that someone is looking at you, you tend to check back after a few minutes to see if that is still continuing. Checked her from the corner of my eye and she was still staring. My hair was combed fine, pants zipped up and I had not spilled pizza sauce on my shirt. And this made me feel uneasy and
uncomfortable.

I decided to look straight at her and give her a smile, probably to initiate a conversation to see what was wrong. I got no response from her but now I was cent percent sure, that she didn't have a squint in her eyes and she was indeed looking at me. I scratched my head to think if I knew this woman even remotely or if I had ever seen her somewhere. This was the first time I had ever seen her.

This woman was making me loose my appetite. I wanted it to stop. I decided one last attempt to look straight back at her and make it stop, else I would approach her directly.I looked up at her. She turned her face, checked to see if her son had eaten fine and walked off to pay the bill. As she walked out I was sure she would look back and she did. Good riddance I sighed! I couldn't stop wondering what was up her mind. She had walked in much later than me, had barely eaten and left. There was something amiss somewhere.I had lost my apetite as well and decided to leave. I went up to the cashier to pay the bill and he said"You have already been paid for! The lady with the kid that sat across, paid for you!"

Pretty freaky, huh?

Two part question:

1. What would you have done in this situation?
2. Why do you think she was staring at Parth Anand?

Feel free to answer one or both questions... Or none.... But that would make me sad.

Thanks for letting me steal your story, Parth!

And I thought I was weird!

Over the years, I've come across several "sports" that just caused me to giggle.

In college, I became aware of the arm wrestling sport. I never would have thought there would be actual arm wrestling competitions. A friend of mine was a novice arm wrestler. He made me watch Over the Top. I went to an arm wrestling competion with him. I definitley have interesting stories about that trip. Let's just say it was in a bar, I got locked in the bathroom, and the manager had to break down the door to get me out. Good times.

THen a few months ago, I stumbled upon a website about competitive Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot! You can even hire a professional trainer! They teach you to read facial expressions to guess what the other player is going to do next. It's so weird!

Tell me about some weird sports you'd like to see become professional!

Veritable Wasteland

The weekend pretty much sucks... at least, in the world of blogging it does. Everyone goes out to have fun... Blogger becomes a veritable wasteland. Maybe, just maybe, you'll have a chance to update your own blog... But to check someone else's blog? There is NO time for that!

... And then there's me... I almost never have time during the week to blog. Over the weekend, I pre-write several survey questions, and then during the week, I'll quick post one. I try to read the blogs of others, but I don't always have time for it. Let me tell you- being a teacher, you have NO spare time! Here's the day: 4:45/5:00 wake up, get ready. 6:00 leave for school. Try not to fall asleep while driving. 7:55-3:30 actual school day. 5:00/5:30 finally leave school. Grab a quick dinner. Once home, work until 10:30/11:00 on stuff. 11:30 finally go to sleep. So you see... The week is a busy one! (So, please don't be offended when I don't regularly read your blog... I try!)

Anyway... enough of that! Let's move on with life!

Doritos and Smirnoff

So, you're on your way to visit your old college pals. It's gonna be quite a night on the town!

You get on the interstate highway. You're speeding along at 70... 75... 80... SLAM!!!

You hit a huge traffic backup. Oh, crap! Well, it shouldn't take that long. Your exit is only one mile up the road. Traffic should be moving, even if it is very slow, right? Maybe 10 minutes. 15 tops.

20 minutes later, you haven't moved a centimeter! You turn on the radio to check the traffic report. "Traffic is stand-still for miles. There was a huge accident involving 10 vehicles, including 2 large trucks."

Ok, so you're gonna be there for a while.

What would you do? Get up off my feet and stop makin' tired excuses... Oh wait... that's a song... Nevermind that. So, do you:

A. Crank up the music, honk your horn, make mean faces to your fellow drivers, grumbling, "Stupid people and their stupid accidents. How dare they mess up my night?!"

B. Turn off the car, open the windows, and enjoy the afternoon breeze. Might as well make the best of this.

C. Praise God that you had Doritos stashed in the back seat! At least you won't starve to death!

D. Or even better! You had some Smirnoff back there too! Might as well party while you're missing the real party.

E. Get out and make pleasant conversation with the other nosey drivers who have gotten out of their cars to check if they can see the accident. You share theories of how long this will take.

Tell it like it is!

Move On Over, Regis!

So, who wants to be a millionaire? ME!

I don't know about you, but when McDonald's has its Monopoly contest, I go a little crazy. Basically, for the past three weeks, I've been eating there twice a day- breakfast and dinner. I'm addicted to the desire to win a huge fortune! So, I've probably gained 5 pounds so far. I can't wait till this stupid contest is over!

But I digress. Let's leave the topic of my weight and get back to the question!

If you WERE to win a million dollars, how would you spend it? Now, be honest! Everyone says something noble, like give it to the Red Cross or some other do-good organization. But, in reality, would you really? I want painfully true answers.