text:
Alright then, enough bitching and feeling sorry for myself, it's time to move on. Yes, yesterday sucked. But we all have bad days, right? What separates us from the losers is that even when we have bad days, we find something to smile about.
Well, that's what I'm going to do. Find a reason to smile. Not that I really need to look hard, or anything. All of you here in Blogland have been very sweet and supportive of my constant bitching/self-pitying and that right there is a reason to smile. Plus, I have two great kids. They ALWAYS bring a smile to my face.
Beta Fishy's friend cracked me up today, too. She reminds me of Dylan and the cement shoes fiasco. Poor Dee! (Love you, bitch)
One of you lovely bloggers sent me an email yesterday with a lovely quote that I found not only fitting, but very touching. That made me smile. Thank you, Sweetie!
I loaded some Led Zeppelin and Cranberries and just sort of zoned in my element. Then I pumped up some Nine-Inch-Nails and Disturbed. Now I'm chilling with some Etta James and Aretha Franklin and I'm feeling much more revved up and less melancholy. Which is good. So, today we're going to smile.
Tell me, what brings a smile to your face? A childhood memory? A movie or book? A song? Artwork or pictures? Share with the group, because I'm sure we could all use a smile now and then.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Moving Along Now....
Alright then, enough bitching and feeling sorry for myself, it's time to move on. Yes, yesterday sucked. But we all have bad days, right? What separates us from the losers is that even when we have bad days, we find something to smile about.
Posted by Holly at 1:28 PM 13 comments Links to this post
When It Rains, It Pours
Yesterday, about 3:30, one of my girlfriends called and asked if I could meet her for a drink after work. We do this every so often, make a date and just have a bitchfest at our favorite local hangout. She had a pretty bad day yesterday and we missed our last meet up, because I couldn't get away from the kids, so I asked The Devil Woman to watch the kids and headed out after work.
To be honest, it was just what I needed. I listened to her complain about her job/personal issues and then I complained about mine while sipping a beer and felt a ton better when all was said and done.
Until I left, that is.
I hop in my car, turn my headlights on and pull out of the parking lot. I come to the stop sign at the end of the street and flip my left blinker on...and my headlights shut off. Holy SHIT! Scared me half to death. So I flip the blinker off and the lights come back on. I sat there for a second, kind of freaked out and wondering what I should do, but when nothing else happened after a minute or two I decided to just head home and not use my blinker. I figured if I could get home then today, in the daylight, I could drive my car down to the dealer and see what the problem was.
So, I started pulling forward, intending to make a left turn, and the lights shut off, midturn. Of course it freaked me out, to be plunged into complete darkness (even the dashboard lights shut off!) and I hit the curb. I was going pretty slow, but apparently I had enough speed to BLOW MY FUCKING TIRE! I mean, the bitch BLEW! There was a hole in it the size of a grapefruit!
I limped down the road to the next left turn and pulled my car into the parking lot of the local animal shelter, because there were floodlights on the outside of the building, which made it safer. Then I proceeded to change my tire.
I get the spare off the back of my car, jack up my car and guess what? I can't get the FUCKING lugnuts off! AHHHH! So, I called MM. Lucky for me he was just headed home from work, so him and his carpool buddy drive over to save me. Except, THEY can't get the lugnuts off, either. MM's Partner in Crime ended up bouncing on the stupid thingo to get the nuts loosened. It wasn't pretty.
Anyway, we finally get the tire changed and MM asks me what happened and blah, blah, blah and then he decides I better not drive home, just in case my lights short out again (naturally, when HE tried them they went on without a problem...and stayed on) so he calls AAA and asks for a tow truck. By now it's after 10:30, I'm hot, tired and severely pissed off and you know and I know that a tow truck is going to take FOR FREAKING EVER. Yes, I understand the necessity of having it towed, but I was not looking forward to sitting there for another 2 hours waiting. Which is exactly what ended up happening.
The tow truck finally got there at just after midnight and it was close to 1:00 a.m. when I finally got home. To make matters worse, MM's solution to any problem is to joke about it. Well, you know what? Sometimes IT'S NOT FUCKING FUNNY! I'd had a shitty day as it was and the shit with my car was just the last straw! I didn't need him making jokes and teasing me and whatever else. So then, I embarrassed myself by yelling at him in front of his Partner in Crime for being insensitive. And then, to my eternal shame, I cried. Not just a few tears, either, but great wracking sobs that left me feeling even worse than before. Just....perfect.
I took a shower when I got home, went to bed and called the dealer this morning to set up an appointment for my car. Of course, my bad luck holding, I can't get it in until Friday. Thank Goodness DW works at the same place as me. Not that I can't drive during the day, but I'd rather not chance it. What if I turn my blinker on and something shorts out and wires catch fire? *le sigh*
So, there's my adventure for the evening. You know what I want to know? When is enough, enough? Everyone says, This Too Shall Pass (not that I don't believe that, but jeez) and It'll Get Better, but I want to know WHEN!?!
Alright, I'm done feeling sorry for myself now. Mostly.
Posted by Holly at 10:20 AM 12 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
A Letter To Blogger
Posted by Holly at 12:59 PM 9 comments Links to this post
Sometimes, I really just want to cry
I get so tired of being strong. I just want to hand all of my problems to someone else and watch them solve everything.
I don't want to stress about money, or school clothes, or my children's well being. I don't want to worry about car repairs or internet connections or siblings. I want to sit on the beach and watch the surf roll in and just pretend.
Pretend the world is a safe place for my children. Pretend I don't have to worry about paying my electric bill. Pretend I'm strong enough - and have enough faith - to wake up every morning and face a new day.
I want to lie on the grass in the park, and stare at the clouds. I want to visit an amusement park and ride a real roller coaster, not this emotional one I can't seem to get off of. I want to relax in the tub with a glass of wine, a good book and lots of bubbles.
Instead, I carry on, one day at at time. Hoping tomorrow will be better, but not really believing it will.
Posted by Holly at 12:49 PM 13 comments Links to this post
Monday, August 28, 2006
Round Six...The Knockout
Last week MM and I had yet another "discussion" about moving to Montana. It was basically more of the same (Emotional from him, logical from me) when I just decided to lay it out for him.
I explained that having lived in the Midwest, I knew what it was like to live hand-to-mouth. I remember living in South Dakota and hating that I had to worry about paying our bills and not seeing an end in site. I also told him that I'm not opposed to moving, I'm just opposed to moving to Montana. I said, "Honey, there are 48 other states besides Montana (I excluded Alaska, because I'm NOT living in THAT cold of weather!), pick one and we'll find a place to live there."
He then told me that there's a county in Northern Cali that's hiring in his field and he would consider moving there. I said, "Let's start taking vacations together. I'm not going to be ready to move for at least another couple of years, and neither are you. So we'll start checking out new places until we decide where we want to settle."
He said, "Ok, Montana's out. I'm cool with that."
And that was it. Though I have to tell you, fickle female that I am, I'm almost disappointed. It seems too easy. I have a feeling he's gearing up for another attack.
Anywhoo, I've been researching different areas in Northern Cali and Washington for now. I'll keep you posted, but I'm pretty sure it'll be quite some time before we're ready to make a decision (Don't forget about the ten-year plan).
In the meantime, I'd say the match goes to me. What do you think?
Posted by Holly at 12:40 PM 15 comments Links to this post
Posted by Holly at 9:40 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Another James Update
We ended up canceling our dinner together last week, so I haven't really had much to report, but MM talked to The Girlfriend yesterday and it sounds like things are progressing nicely...from her point of view, anyway.
She said James is hitting it somewhere between six and seven times a day (which sounds like a total exaggeration to me, but what do I know, right?) and he forgets protection at least one of those times. Methinks James has issues, people.
Anywho, she also said the house search is continuing, regardless of the lack of a little James (yet!). They've looked at several houses, but haven't found one they both agree on yet.
She also said she's still car shopping, but she thinks she's settled on one. MM asked her if she was buying it or if James was and she gave him a dirty look. MM said he's not feeling very good about the situation. Well, DUH! I've been saying that from the beginning.
So, sounds like things are about the same and on a downward slide. Sucks to be him, right?
Posted by Holly at 3:10 PM 22 comments Links to this post
Silly MM and A Question...
I decided to stay at MM's last night because my kids stayed with my aunt and I hadn't seen him since last week Thursday.
So this morning, the alarm goes off and MM gets up to shut it off. About 15 minutes later, he got out of bed and started getting ready for work. As is my habit when I stay over, I rolled over to his side of the bed, pulled the covers over my head and went back to sleep (mornings SUCK, ok!).
About half an hour later, I hear MM in the hallway, making a lot of noise. I wasn't ready to get up yet, so I kept my head under the covers and my eyes closed. 30 seconds later I hear the bedroom door open and MM saying, "Come on, let's wake up Holly. Good boy, jump up there and get Holly up! That's a good boy." And I feel a dog digging around in the covers looking for me. I pull my head out from under the covers and pop open an eye to glare at MM.
He smiled at me and then said, "HEY! Get down from there! Get down! You know you're not allowed on the bed!" Talking to the dog. The jerk. Like I didn't just hear him telling the dog to jump on me?
But then he redeemed himself by saying, "I already made you coffee..and set a mug out for you." So I got up and even kissed him goodbye. But I'm on to him now, so he better watch out.
On another topic:
How do you feel about porn? Like, actual porn. Into it? Don't care one way or another? Hate it? Hate anyone who likes it? What?
Personally, I don't like porn. I find it offensive. It really bothers me to think about other people getting it on. Especially if they're getting paid for it. It just seems...wrong. Plus, I don't think it's sexy to watch other couples doing it. I mean, what's the point? Well, unless you're Isabel, but that's another story...hehehe
So tell me, what do you think of Porn? Yay or Nay?
Posted by Holly at 11:46 AM 33 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
And the Job Search Continues...
Well, ok, that's sort of a lie....I mean, I'm not actively searching for a job yet, but I am trying to decide what kind of field I'd like to work in.
I appreciate all of your suggestions, but I'm a fickle creature and can't seem to make up my mind about what I'd like to do. Though I enjoy editing (and am anal enough to be fairly good at it, if I do say so myself), I'm not sure it's something I'd want to do full time. I don't really have the patience to comb through manuscripts and find all the flaws. Plus, I think it might take away some of my enjoyment of reading, and I just can't.have.that.
The Devil Woman, in an attempt to be helpful, has given me an idea. I'm brining it to y'all, because I'm curious as to how many of you would be interested. Now, before I go on to explain her idea, let me first remind you that all the content (and therefore ideas) on this blog are copywrited. That means you can't steal my words or my ideas and use them as your own. Second, I'd like to clarify that if I put this idea to use, it would come with a clause outlining the terms and conditions, one of which would be no malicious or harmful content allowed. I.e. No mail bombs or death threats.
With those things clarified...
Yes, deadflowers.com.
It's like this: Have a co-worker that steals all the credit for your work? Deadflowers.com. Find your boyfriend cheating? Deadflowers.com.
DW suggested coming up with a new weakly slogan, something similar to above. If you happen to be irritated with someone, you could go to the website and place an order for a shipment of dead flowers to be delivered to the offending party. You could choose to remain anon, or to sign your name if you wish. We would also offer blanket messages, in case you couldn't think of something on your own. We thought to start out small, and expand as things move along. Perhaps starting with small arrangements, and eventually offering larger ones with bears or what-not included.
So, what do you think? Can you think of someone you'd like to send dead flowers to? Would you use the web service? How plausible is the idea?
Hit a sister up. Inquiring minds want to know.
Posted by Holly at 1:11 PM 14 comments Links to this post
Monday, August 21, 2006
20 Things That Irritate Me
Only 20? That's like barely tapping the well, you know? ha ha
I was tagged by Jazz for this one.
1) People who can't use You're and Your correctly. Gosh, that drives me INSANE!
2) Women like this. Stop playing games, already! You're giving the rest of us a bad name!
3) Idiot drivers. Some people are capable of doing more than one thing at a time. Realize your strengths and DO NOT talk on the phone while driving if you're not able to competently do both!
4) People who don't use their blinkers. MM, I'm talking to you here!
5) The Race Card. Just because your ancestors suffered DOES NOT mean that you are entitled to special treatment for it now, centuries later. My ancestors had a shitty time, too, but you don't hear me bitching that I need special shit now because of it. Get over it already.
6) Stupid Clients who think they can do my job better than I can. If that's the case, PROCESS YOUR OWN DAMN LOAN! Sheesh.
7) People who wake up in the morning and jump out of bed, happy to be awake. It's seriously unnatural to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed first thing in the morning...Especially before coffee. Again, MM, this is for you.
8) Women who wear really dark lip-liner with really light lip-stick.
9) My Pyscho Ex-Neighbor. He's never going to change you freakin moron. When you met him he was a crackhead. When you married him 3 years later he was a crackhead and now, four months later, he's STILL a crackhead. Guess what, you're not enough to help him. You weren't enough before, you aren't enough now, and you're not going to be enough anytime in the future. Start thinking about your 4-year-old daughter, and stop thinking about him. Psycho!
10) Too Stupid To Live Romance Novel Heroines. I'll never understand why y'all feel the need to act like freaking morons. You suck!
11) The Rat Bastard. Stop thinking about yourself, and start thinking about your children. Because I promise you, if you keep going down the same road you're on now, your kids are going to end up hating you. And then it's not going to matter one little bit how nice of a house you have, or what kind of car you drive. All that's going to matter is that you'll die alone, with no one to mourn you. What a sad, sorry, lonely existence you're carving out for yourself. Stand up and BE A MAN for once in your life!
12) Authors who create their own little world, and then can't keep the rules they set up for themselves straight in their heads. Sherilynn Kenyon, I mean you.
13) Stupid McDreamy doctors who can't decide if they want their slutty girlfriend or their cheating wife. Derek, I mean you here. Get over yourself. You might be dreamy, but your penis is leading you astray. Again.
14) People Who Can't Take Responsibility for Their Own Actions. You made the choice, you live with it. It is NOT your parents fault, or your friends fault, or the fault of anyone but YOU. You're an adult, you made your bed, now you lie in it. And don't you DARE come to me for sympathy. Because honey, I've been there, I've done that, and I pulled myself out of it. I didn't just lay in a ditch and scream that it wasn't my fault. So fuck you. Get over yourself.
15) Britney Spears. Need I say more?
16) Lack of Customer Service. What the hell is wrong with you people. Your job is to SERVICE CUSTOMERS! When I walk up to your register, smile at me and say hello. When I pay you, say thank you. DO NOT look at me like you wish I'd go crawl back under my rock. DO NOT tell me it's not your problem. DO NOT argue with me when I tell you I was over-charged. Haven't you ever heard the expression The Customer Is Always Right?
17) My Co-Worker. When you can do my job better than I can, when you actually show up for work, and when you actually make an effort, then you can complain about me. Until then, sit down, shut up and let me do my job. You asshole.
18) Single Mothers who complain that they can't take care of their child because "They were too young". Fuck you. You should haven't spread your legs if you weren't willing to suffer the consequences. Your child should NOT suffer because you're a lazy, sorry excuse for a human being. Do you know how many couples in the world right now CAN'T have children, and would treat them well? I'm a single mother. I had my first child at 16. And yet here I am, raising them, putting them first, striving to be a better person for them. I don't want to hear your sob story. I don't want to see you break down and cry because "You just can't do it". Why don't you start thinking about someone besides yourself? Try that for a minute. (Saw this on the Dr. Phil show not too long ago and MAN it pissed me off!)
19) The fact that people think that since I'm young, I'm not a good mother. Come live in my house for a month, then tell me how good of a mother I am. My children are well-behaved, well-adjusted and well-loved. They have trials and tribulations just like every other kid in America, but they're good kids, because I'm a good mother to them. Don't look at me and assume I'm not. You know nothing about me. And with an attitude like that, you never will.
20) Racist or bigoted people. You are NOT better than anyone else because of how much money you have in the bank, or who your parents are, or what color your skin is. If I shoot you, trust me, you're going to bleed the same color as EVERYONE else. Believe me, sweetie, you aren't special. At all.
I'm tagging:
Beta Fishy
Dance Chica
And whoever else wants to do it. Because I know a lot of you want to. LOL
Posted by Holly at 2:45 PM 22 comments Links to this post
The Picture Post
Me and MM at my Christmas Party last year
Me at my Christmas Party
Another pic of me and MM at my Christmas Party (just because I wanted to, so there!)
Me and my Baby Sister (aka, the Drama Queen)
My Favorite Marine
Me and Isabel at the beginning of this month
Posted by Holly at 12:57 PM 23 comments Links to this post
Sunday, August 20, 2006
I'm just so freakin lazy..
I have so many posts to put up, and no motivation what-so-ever to do it. *sigh*
I'm working on my 20 Things That Piss Me Off post (something I was tagged by Jazz for), but I'm having trouble narrowing down the things that piss me off the most. I'll work on that.
MM and I went another round in the Montana Boxing Match last night, so I'll have the details of that conversation later.
More James news to come. Though, honestly, I'm thinking the boy just isn't real bright and leaving him in the cluthes of his girlfriend is the only way to go. We shall see....
I suppose eventually I'll need to put up a new Epidsode in Tales of the Devil Woman, but I'm just not feeling creative at the moment. Not that I need to be especially creative when relating true tales of my mother, but still, you get what I mean, right?
We spent the day at the beach yesterday, and I met My Favorite Marine's new girlfriend. She seems nice enough, but I have some concerns. The day was pleasant, if a little exhausting.
The Rat Bastard is back to acting strange again. I find it odd that I'm the first person he calls whenever something happens in his life. He's overworked and looking for compassion, so he calls me. There's a death in the family, so he calls me. He has a good day, so he calls me. Do you think someone needs to explain to him - yet again - that we're divored and not very friendly with each other? Just curious.
Well, anyway, when I'm feeling a little less lazy, I'll update y'all. I'm still under restrictions at work about my personal time on the computer, plus I'm swamped, so that's why I haven't been visitng other blogs lately. Oh, I read most of them, but I don't comment. Don't think I don't love you if I don't comment.
Hope every one else has had a great weekend.
Posted by Holly at 12:34 PM 5 comments Links to this post
Friday, August 18, 2006
Whale Tails.....Sexy or Slutty??
What do you think? Are Whale Tails sexy or just plain slutty?
I've always wondered about this. Why in the world would you wear your pants so low that your thong hangs out? Personally, I think this looks slutty. I think it's much sexier to have no panty-line showing. Why? Because it makes men wonder. Kind of takes the mystery away when your thong is hanging out there for all to see, right?
So, tell me, is it sexy or slutty? Hot or not? Inquiring minds want to know...
Posted by Holly at 3:55 PM 22 comments Links to this post
Thursday, August 17, 2006
I'm Ready For A Change
The last few months, I've been feeling really restless and unsatisfied with my current job. Though I love the people I work with (most of the time) and enjoy what I do, I'm ready for something different.
I need to be challenged, and I'm not at this job anymore. I've learned about all I can learn here. Oh, there are new programs available and such, and new clients with new needs all the time, but I can't advance anymore. And believe me, I need to be able to advance. I need to feel like I'm learning, or there are things I don't know how to do yet, and sadly, that's not the case.
So, I want to start looking for a new job. The only thing is, I don't want to work in the same field anymore. I want to try something new. My problem? I have no idea what.
I have my real estate license, but I don't want to sell anything. Plus, I'd be in the same field and that doesn't appeal to me.
What do you think? Can you give me some ideas of new careers I can explore? I don't even know what I'd qualify for, or what kind of job I want to do. I just know I want it to be un-related to real estate.
Any ideas?
Posted by Holly at 11:12 AM 21 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
The Flip Side
Lately we've been talking about James and The Girlfriend and how she seems to be using what feminine wiles she has to trap him into marriage. I think we're all agreed that this is terribly wrong and James needs to jump ship ASAP!
But on the flip side, we have another situation. In this case, I believe it's the woman who's on the losing end of the battle. Let's see what you think....
Last week Thursday, our new receptionist came in and said that her boyfriend had been fired from his evening job for sexual harrassment. He was working as a bouncer at a bar in San Diego.
As the story unfolds, we find out that he said, "Hey Sexy, what's up?" to one of the waitresses, she complained, and he got fired.
Now, while that in itself isn't that unusual, the circumstances surrounding it are. You see, the waitress? She's his baby's mama. Yes, his ex-girlfriend, and the mother of his child.
From what I understand, she's a drug addict, and their child lives with her father, because she can't care for him. I guess they've been to court several times, and he's trying for custody of his son. Now, assuming that's the case, I would think they wouldn't be on the best terms with each other. Our receptionist confirmed that. She said he hates her and vice verse.
So, if that's the case, then why would he call her Sexy? Not only that, but she'd apparently been working there for more than two years when he got hired and he said he had no idea or he wouldn't have taken the job. I'm skeptical about that, but whatever. The biggest issue is...he never told his girlfriend (our receptionist) that he was working with his ex.
Is it just me, or does that seem fishy? He hates his baby mama, but he starts working at the same place as her. Then, he gets fired for calling her Sexy (in a bar, no less). Plus, he doesn't tell his current girlfriend that he's working with his ex.
Things that make you go HMMMMMMMMMMMMM.
Over the weekend she went to speak with him about it and came in yesterday just happy as a clam. She said they discussed the situation and worked things out, but didn't have time to give me the details (she still hasn't given me the details, BTW). I guess I'm wondering how they worked things out. IMO, he lied. Right? He didn't tell her he was working with his ex. A lie by an omission and all that, right? Plus, when she asked him why he hadn't told her, he said it was because he didn't want to upset her. WTF?
She asked me last week what I would do in her situation and I said, "I don't know. I'm not emotionally invested in this, so I can't say." She said, "Well, pretend it was MM, what would you do?"
I thought about it and thought about it, but the truth is, I honestly can't see MM doing that. I truly couldn't. I know he'd tell me right away that his ex was there, so I can't really say. I guess that's good for me, right? But it doesn't help her situation.
So, what do you think? Is something fishy here, or does ol' boy sound like he's telling the truth. What would you do if you found yourself in the same situation?
P.S. I love It's Happy Bunny. He's so cute!
Posted by Holly at 2:04 PM 17 comments Links to this post
I swear, I just don't understand men sometimes.
The night before last, I didn't talk to MM at all. He usually calls me when he gets home from work (ususally around 9:00 - 9:30 p.m.), but he didn't. Since he has a somewhat dangerous job, I called him yesterday morning just to make sure he was alive and well. Literally.
I wasn't mad at him for not calling, but since he ususally does, I was concerned. Anyway, I was brief with him when I called yesterday morning, because I was on my way out the door for work and he was already at work, so neither of us really had time for a chat.
Then, yesterday afternoon, I called him to say hello and see how his day was going. He was busy at the time, so he told me he'd call me back. When he finally did a couple hours later, he sounded kind of irritated, but I just figured he was busy at work and didn't concern myself with it. We chatted for a few minutes then I told him, "I was just thinking about you and wanted to say hi. I better go." He sounded kind of...I don't know. Not really irritated, but short. I shrugged if off and told him I'd talk to him later.
Last night I decided to surprise him by going to his house after work and cooking him dinner. He got home kind of late (around 10:00) and I was laying on the couch watching Gone With The Wind (My all time favorite movie, BTW. I swear, it's the most quotable movie ever made..I love Rhett Butler!) and just vegging. I'd left dinner on the stove for him and kind of waved him toward it when he started talking to me (Hey, I was at the best part of the movie...when Rhett carries Scarlet up the stairs? PRICELESS!). He ate and then we went to bed.
Anywhoo, we're laying there in the dark and I'm starting to nod off when he says, "Honey, you know how you always say you're just a girl and I always argue that you're different?" Since I was half asleep and not really interested in having a conversation at the time, I said, "Yeah" and snuggled deeper under the covers (Side note: he keeps his house like a damn meat locker...I think when it's 65 degrees outside there is NO REASON to keep the air set at 69! SHEESH! End side note). He kind of started rambling on about something, though I wasn't paying much attention (what? I need all the beauty sleep I can get, ok??) until he said, "So I couldn't wait to fight with you." Huh? What did I miss here. Fight with me about what? I rolled over, wide awake now, and said, "What? What did you want to fight with me about?"
Well, turns out that when I called him yesterday morning to make sure he was alive and well, he thought I was being a smartass about it and that I was really pissed that he hadn't called. Then, when I called him yesterday afternoon to say hi, he figured I was calling to bitch him out for not calling me the night before. WTF? Like I care if he doesn't call me ONE night? Stoopid!
So, I'm sort of looking at him like he's on crack, and he says, "I was all ready for it, too. I'd gotten myself all worked up and I even knew what I was going to say to you when you started bitching at me." OH.HELL.NO. He was MAD at me because he THOUGHT I was mad at him. I swear, that's such a girl thing to do! I told him that and he snorted. He said, "I kept having flashbacks to my ex-girlfriends. THEY would have been pissed." I said, "Honey, when have I ever been like your ex-girlfriends." He just stayed quiet. The freak.
Anyway, he said the whole point in him telling me all of this was that it just proved his point that even though I say I'm just a girl like all the others, I'm really not. I said, "Babe. I never said I was like any other girl. Ever. Because while I may be just a girl, I'm not a girl like any other. I mean, really, What Were You Expecting?" He laughed at the reference to my blog and snuggled up to me. Then a thought struck me. I glared at him and said, "Did you talk shit about me to your friends at work?" He looked away and said no, but I could tell by the blush creeping over his face that he was lying. I poked him in the ribs and said, "You better tell them the truth tomorrow." He grunted and said, "I already did." LOL Silly boy.
And they say girls have issues. HA!
Posted by Holly at 11:44 AM 11 comments Links to this post
Monday, August 14, 2006
Late Night Snacks Are BAD!!!!
It's all Jazz's fault. No, seriously!
What to know what I'm talking about? Go peep out Jazz's blog for today.
SHE TOTALLY MADE ME DO IT! The jerk.
And I swear I felt my ass expanding as I was laying in bed last night.
Posted by Holly at 1:45 PM 8 comments Links to this post
Sunday, August 13, 2006
What a Lazy Day
I love days like today. I've done exactly...nothing. Nothing that could be considered very important, anyway.
I read a book, fed my children breakfast, did a load of laundry, played around on the computer, did some edits on a story for a friend, accidentally deleted said edits and got pissed about it, talked on the phone for almost three hours (to two different people), fed my children lunch, painted my toenails, talked on the phone some more, read another book, laid on the couch and stared at the ceiling, worked on my own story for awhile and filed my fingernails.
That's it. That's all I've done today. Isn't that fabulous??
Yesterday I bummed around at home, scrubbing floors and such, then took the kids swimming with my aunt and sister. My other aunt met us there with her husband and four boys and we played around and ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I wonder what it says about me that I still like PB&J just as much now as I did when I was a kid...well, it doesn't matter, right?
Last night I went to MM's to spend the night. He always wants me to spend the night. I think if I would agree (and hadn't just signed a one year lease) he'd be more than thrilled to have me move in. Of course, that's not an option since I just signed said lease and refuse to live with a man before we're married. Since I'm still on the ten-year-plan for marriage, I doubt that will happen anytime soon. Until then, I just have to listen to MM bitching that he wants me to sleep over and pouting when I don't. I'm sure I can deal with it.
While I was waiting for him to get home from work, I started watching The World's Fastest Indian. It seemed to kind of drag a bit, but I ended up really enjoying it, and totally rooting the old guy on. I'd recommend it if you haven't already watched it. MM says he hopes to be just like that when he's old (watch the movie to see what I mean). My favorite line from the movie? When the old woman towards the beginning says, "What? Dirty old men need love too, you know!" LOL
Tonight, the kids are staying with my mom, so I'm going to veg around here, doing nothing. I might read another book, or watch a movie, or write some more, but that's the extent of my plans. Doesn't that sound exciting?
I hope everyone else had a good weekend.
Posted by Holly at 4:08 PM 16 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Quick James Update
Remember James and The Girlfriend? Well..
She's not pregnant.
Posted by Holly at 11:59 PM 36 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Lock Boy to the Rescue!
*I'm having issues uploading pics, so the weekend post will have to wait. In the meantime, here's something to entertain you*
My profession is very staid. When you're dealing with someone's money, you're dealing with their emotions. It just happens that way. I'm a loan processor, so my job is to approve you for a loan. If you want to buy or refinance a house, you would call my boss and he'd take your loan application and run your credit, gather your financial info and then hand your file to me. I'm the one that stamps an APPROVE or DENY on it.
When I'm determining if you qualify for a loan or not, I check with various different lenders to see if they have a program that meets your needs and can give you a rate you'll be happy with. We have a ton of different lenders we use, but only five or six that we send loans to on a regular basis.
Now, here the thing: This is a very serious business. We're helping people to either buy the home they've always wanted, or refinance their current mortgage to get them a lower payment or put cash in their pockets from the equity they've built up in their current home. Needless to say, most of the lenders we work with aren't very fun. They're trying to determine if the client is a good risk or not, while staying within their company guidelines. We're trying to get loans closed so our clients are happy and we get paid. We're kind of at opposite sides of the field here.
What I'm trying to say is....most lenders are complete jerks. No, seriously. They figure they're doing us a favor and they aren't inclined to play nice. That's just the way it is. But occasionally we do find an employee or two that don't take themselves too seriously. That's what happened today.
We recently started using a new lender, and DW went online to lock a rate for a client. What that means to you non-loan people is: When you apply for a loan, the interest rate determines your payment. We quote you a certain rate, base your payment off of it, then have to find a lender that will accept your loan with that rate. We have to base them on the current interest rates, but different lenders offer different programs and therefore different rates.
Anyway, once we find a lender, we lock your loan. That means we lock in the current rate so it doesn't change before your loan closes. Does that make sense?
So, DW locks this loan online (through the lender website) and then receives a confirmation of the lock via email. (Still with me out there? Yes, I have a point, I swear! Just KEEP READING! Sheesh. Tough Crowd!)
At the bottom of the email it says,
"Thank you for using our company. Sincerely, Mario (Lock Boy)"
DW cracks up and the following conversation ensues.
DW: LOL (lock boy) that is too much! hehehehe!
LB: Just happy to serve, Ms.  now I must be off . Up Up and Awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!
DW: Dude, I totally have a new superhero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LB: You must not tell anyone my true identity(I wonÂt wear tights for just anybody)!
DW: Mums the word, I feel very special!
Isn't that hilarious? From a LENDER and a COMPLETE stranger. It totally cracked us up and relieved some of our tension. I told DW, "We should send ALL of our loans to them". She agreed.
Anyway, just thought I'd share some office humor. Anything to make the day go by faster, right?
Posted by Holly at 4:30 PM 12 comments Links to this post
Monday, August 07, 2006
Monday's Suck...
I woke up this morning to my dog laying on my stomach with her nose buried in my face and my son curled up to my side - with wet pants - and the phone ringing insistently. At 6 a.m.
My car wouldn't start and when I popped the hood to see what the problem was, I accidentally dropped it on my finger. Then I noticed my battery was completely corroded and I banged my head on the raised hood while swearing a lot. Just about the time I was ready to scream, I saw two teenagers across the street from my house, laughing at me.
I broke the heel of my favorite pair of shoes while rushing back in the house to call my father to save me and spilled coffee on my white blouse as I was rushing out of the house ten minutes later.
When I got to work I realized we were out of coffee creamer, my computer had a virus that couldn't be deleted and four files I've been working on for months have blown up and possibly won't close. NO HOUSE FOR YOU!
Shortly before lunch I broke a nail and shortly after lunch I got hit with a major case of cramps. Now I'm bitchy on top of everything else.
Oh, and my panty line is showing. A LOT.
Some days, it just sucks to be me. Can you cheer me up? PLEASE?!?! Or at least put me out of my misery....
Posted by Holly at 1:20 PM 14 comments Links to this post
Friday, August 04, 2006
Femme Fatale or Normal Female?
We met for dinner on Wednesday at Borders, then decided to eat at the Yard House. If you haven't ever been and you're able to do so, I highly recommend it. The service is always fabulous, the food amazing and the drinks stiff. It's heavenly.
MM and James introduced The Girlfriend and I, and we sat down and ordered a drink. I had a Blue Hawaiian Martini, something guaranteed to relax me and make me happy. Our conversation was flowing very well, with plenty of laughter and conversation being tossed around, when The Girlfriend said, "I had a bad day today." We sort of glossed over it, but after she repeated her statement four or five times, MM finally asked, "Why did you have a bad day?" She hesitated for a minute then asked James, in a sort of excited yet wary voice, "Can I tell them?" He kind of shook his head, like he didn't know what to say, then shrugged and said, "Sure, whatever." She smiled like the cat who'd gotten the canary and said, "James might be a daddy."
MM and I shared a look, and I studied James for a moment, wondering what the deal was. I know they've only been dating for a couple of months (max, it may even be less than that) and when MM asked them something regarding dating, they're unanimous reply was, "We're not!" which led me to believe it was more a casual friends with benefits type of situation.
Anyway, I made some comment about that not being a bad thing and James said, "It will be to her mother." From what I understand The Girlfriend is a Jehova's Witness and lives with her very religious mother. Having grown up Catholic, I can understand how the prospect of being an unwed mother wouldn't sit well with my family, either. So I said, "Well, what makes you think so?"
Her immediate response was, "The doctor." I said, "The doctor says you're pregnant?"
Apparently she'd been having dizzy spells, so she went to the doctor. According to her, the doctor kept saying, "you're pregnant" which she kept denying. I'm thinking the doctor said something along the lines of, "Are you sexually active? Is it possible you might be pregnant? Let's do a test to be sure." But what do I know, right? I've only given birth to two children.
Anyway, she said they had taken blood and were waiting for the lab results to come in and she'd know for sure in a few days. I said, "Didn't they do a urine test?" Because although blood is more accurate, it's been my experience that urine is faster.
She completely ignored my question. Now, I know she heard me, because she was looking right at me, and I saw the look on her face when I asked and it wasn't good. So I know she was just avoiding the question. She tried to change the subject, so I waited a few seconds and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't hear what you said. Did they do an urine test?" She kind of glared at me then mumbled, "Itwasnegative" I said, "What, I didn't catch that" and she said, louder this time, "It was negative."
Hmm. I said, "So you're not pregnant? You're probably just anemic. It happens to me all the time." James looked much happier at this, but The Girlfriend was glaring daggers at me.
Anyway, the subject was changed again and then houses came up. The Girlfriend wrapped her arm around James' and started stroking his bicep. I shared another look with MM then went back to the conversation. Then The Girlfriend interrupted and said, "We need to buy a house." I said, "Well, I'm your girl. Where are you looking?" We talked about it for awhile and I told her she should look near MM's, because real estate is still cheaper there. James kind of nodded, but I could tell he was uncomfortable. Then she said, "I'm not sure where James wants to live." I was honestly surprised, the whole time we were discussing it, I thought she was referring to her and her mom buying a house. I said as much to her and she got that squinty-eyed look again. I looked at James and I swear he had that deer-in-the-headlights look. I made a non-committal noise and changed the subject again.
Then, out of nowhere, she said, "James is going to get me a Beemer." I said, "Oh?" James said, "Yes, I told her she should buy a 3 series." Did you catch that? She should buy? I looked at MM and he shrugged, so I teased James a little, "What do you mean a 3 series? I'd look at the 7 series if I was you." He said, "Yeah, right, she can't afford that" at the same time SHE said, "Yeah, right, HE can't afford that." I just shook my head.
After that the alcohol started to kick in and I didn't really pay very much attention to the conversation (this was 4 Blue Hawaiian Martini's later), but MM later told me that every time The Girlfriend mentioned something she wanted (i.e. house, car, clothes, etc) she said, "James is going to buy me" and James would say, "I told her to buy". Seems rather odd to me.
Then, yesterday MM told me that he saw The Girlfriend at work (he, James and The Girlfriend all work together) and she was telling him (MM) how she'd just had blood drawn for her lab tests and was feeling very dizzy. She said, "They took a lot of blood", but I specifically remember her telling me that the blood had been drawn on Tuesday and they were just waiting for the lab results to come back.
I have no patience what-so-ever for those women who tend to play stupid female games with the men in their life, trying to manipulate and/or trap him, or manage him or whatever. Though I will admit to "managing" MM on more than one occasion, I'm always very upfront about it. He, or anyone else for that matter, will never have to wonder where they stand with me. Though I can be just as bitchy and sarcastic as the next woman, I believe in being upfront about my feelings at all times. I don't play coy or say "nothing" when MM asks me what's wrong. If I have a problem, I tell him. If he asks me what's wrong, I either tell him the truth, that I have a problem and it's _____, or I tell him nothing and mean it.
I guess I can't really say for sure if The Girlfriend is trying to trap James, or is playing games with him, but it seemed that way to me. Based solely on the actions I described above, what do you think?
Posted by Holly at 4:56 PM 27 comments Links to this post
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Would You Marry A Stripper??
I know a lot of men out there say it would be a dream come true to marry a stripper, but that's just a fantasy, right? How many men out there (or women) would really marry an exotic dancer?
I'm working on a loan right now for some clients who are married, and the wife is a stripper. He met her as a stripper and all throughout their 2 year relationship she was a stripper and now that they're married, she's still stripping. While working on the file, it made me wonder, could I be with a stripper?
I don't think I could. If MM were a stripper, I think I'd constantly wonder. Plus, wouldn't a lap dance be cheating? I think it would. I also know from previous conversations with him that if I were an exotic dancer, he'd have major issues with it. He says, "I don't share", and I think most other men will agree with that.
So tell me, what are your thoughts? Men, would you have a problem with your girl being a stripper? Ladies, could you deal with your man stripping? What about the moral issues? Is it wrong for a man/woman to be in a relationship and be an exotic dancer, too? What about the lap dances? Would that be considered a form of cheating?
Enlighten me....
On another note:
The best excuse for being tardy that I've ever heard:
We had a rep in here a bit ago who said she'd just come from another office where she had an appointment with a client. The client was almost an hour late, and she came in rushed and apologized profusely.
"I'm so sorry I was late, but I got rear-ended."
"Oh, gosh, I'm sorry to hear that! Are you ok?" Our rep replied.
The client said, "Oh, I'm fine, it happened in the bedroom."
Posted by Holly at 2:46 PM 40 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
A Double Date
Despite my rather outgoing blogger personality, I'm rather very shy in RL. I don't do well in large crowds or when meeting new people. I have no idea why this is, but I think people tend to get the wrong impression of me when I first meet them, because I'm reticent. Not only that, but when I'm nervous I tend to joke a lot, and since I have a rather sarcastic sense of humor, I tend to come off as not only snobbish, but bitchy as well.
Which brings me to my dilemma for today. One of MM's good friends, James, asked if MM and I would like to join he and his girlfriend for dinner this evening. Like, a double date. I'm very nervous about it for several reasons:
1) Though I've met James, I don't know him well, and I have a running joke with MM that he isn't allowed to play with James anymore, because they always get into trouble when they're together. Though MM and I know it's only a joke, I think James thinks I'm serious. That is SOOO not the case, but it could make for awkwardness during dinner.
2) I already have a somewhat bad opinion formed of said girlfriend, because of a hew things MM has told me. He swears she's a sweet, funny person, but she also plays those stupid girl games with James that bug the shit out of me.
For example: James was working the night shift, which is 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. He was supposed to meet his girl for breakfast when he got off of work, but he called to cancel because he was tired and just wanted to drop into bed. So his girl tells MM that, "If he's too tired for me now, I'm going to be too tired for him later", meaning when she got off of work and James wanted to get some. Things like this tend to piss me off. Had James said he couldn't keep their breakfast date because he was going out with the boys instead, that would be one thing. But he'd just worked a 12 hour overnight shift, so his being tired was understandable. I just don't have the patience to deal with idiotic women like that.
3) I haven't seen MM since last week Friday and I'd rather just spend a quiet evening alone with him than have to share him with other people. Yes, I realize this is quite selfish of me, but I can't help it.
I've already agreed to the dinner, but the way I'm feeling now, I'm sure I won't be very good company. What do y'all think? Should I bow out of the dinner, or should I go? If I go, how should I get myself out of this funky mood I'm in so I'm not a complete bore at dinner? Any suggestions?
Posted by Holly at 12:58 PM 14 comments Links to this post


text:
Top Definition
The dried remains of sperm.
Dude did Webster sleep with some chick on your couch last night cause there are Peckertrails everywhere!
от davethenooch 07 септември 2006
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?
A white crusty streak left on the belly, ass, face, pillowcase, wall, curtain, celing or sheets produced when a male ejaculates.
I knew the bitch was cheatin on me when I saw a pecker trail on the sheets.
от emmeffer 16 октомври 2007

subset: commoncrawl


text:
on December 22, 2012 - 7:45 PM
GASPORT – About $1,000 worth of cigarettes were taken during a break-in overnight Friday at the Yellow Goose store on Rochester Road, Niagara County sheriff's deputies said.
A front-door window was smashed and more than 100 packs of cigarettes, some lottery tickets and a tray of coins beneath a cash register stolen. An employee discovered the break-in, deputies said.
The loss was estimated at $1,550.


text:
New subscription
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Hi! My name is molly
I am an American Shorthair from TITUSVILLE, PA
Nicknames: molly b, short for the unsinkable molly brown, sometimes i call her mg, short for molly girl
Age: 13 years old
Gender: F
Coat: short haired
Education: she is known as the original cat burglar
My favorite tricks and treats are: steals jewelry out of my jewelry box and friskies canned food as a treat
Where I hang out: loungchair outside
My favorite grubs: special kitty indoor cat food
My pet peeves: she does not like me on the computer, she gets up on my desk and walks all over the keyboard
What I love about my owners: she is very loving and lets us go outside when ever we want, she also wakes up in the middle of the night if it begins to rain to let us in, gives us lots of hugs and cuddles all the time.
My cat hobbies: she loves to hunt
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i went into a pet supply store in the poconos, and there she was with her sister, they looked identical, greyshorthair tabby, someone had found them along side the road, i was getting ready to move and feel in love with both of them, so i asked if i gove them some money for food if they would keep them for a few days til i was ready to move and they did, i traveled with 2 kittens and a puppy for 4 and half hours to where i was moving, i found her sister about a year later dead out under some bushes, i think she may have gotten a hold of a poisoned mouse, but i kept one of her kittens and also have one of molly's kittens, they all are so different and keep me sane most of the time.
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text:
- Home
- About IE
- Our Expeditions
- Travel Specials
- Prepare for Your Trip
- Travel Agents
- Catalogs
- Blog
- Contact Us
Company Background & Fact Sheet
The world leader in nature travel, International Expeditions' purpose is to explore the natural history of the world's most stunning locales. With comprehensive itineraries, preeminent naturalist guides, a focus on environmental awareness and insightful interpretation throughout, travel with International Expeditions stimulates interest in, develops an understanding of, and creates an appreciation for the natural wonders of the world. Commitment to conservation is key, as the company's long history of partnering with many of America's leading conservation groups attests.
Whether by boat, foot or four-wheel drive, International Expeditions' authentic adventures bring travelers face-to-face with the natural wonders of the world. All expeditions offer superb access to extraordinary sites and indigenous wildlife, amidst a well-planned backdrop of comfortable accommodations and first-rate cuisine.


text:
i've just installed debian woody on my machine and the os runs fine. i
used the apt software to catalog the 9 dist cd's i've got and then used
tasksel to install several groups, including the graphical desktop
stuff. but it won't even start. when i type startx, i get
"/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/xinit/xserverrc: /usr/bin/X11/X: No such file or
/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/xinit/xerverrc: exec: /usr/bin/X11/X: cannot
execute: No such file or directory"
i'm lost and can't find anything online to help with this. i tried
running the XF86config program and was asked lots of setting questions
about my video card, but it still didn't solve my directory problems.
any advice??
----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==----
[url]http://www.newsfeeds.com[/url] The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----


text:
We asked our Facebook friends to help write a caption for this photo, with the winning caption earning a free large pizza from Miner Moe's Pizza in Nevada City:
10. Laura Miller — "My wife and I will meet you and Carol at Friar Tuck's in 20 minutes"
9. Chelsea Conley — "I just wanted to warn you, that guy is taking a picture of the stain on your butt!"
8. Shelly Arthur — "We won again, coach! Can I buy you a corn dog?"
7. Daniel Trevino — "Hey, thanks buddy... ouch ouch ouch!"
6. Brian Johnson — "This time I won't yank your arm off."
5. Ellen De Maria Walker — "Double or nothin' next week?"
4. Tom McCormick — "Who are you voting for in the presidential election?"
3. Roberta Blahuta Peters — "Don't look, but there's a photographer behind you. Better zip your fly."
2. Dana Salisbury — "I'll make sure this pat on your back isn't hard, so you won't cry."
1. Cynthia Louise Martin "Great — A cop, a reporter, this is bound to wind up on the front page of The Union. We'd better get our stories straight."
Congratulations Cynthia Louise Martin. You've won a free large Miner Moe's pizza! Contact Community Reporter Cory Fisher at (530) 477-4203 to redeem your prize.


text:
Please note – a festival pass guarantees you entry to any screening at The Empire Theatre provided you arrive by 15 minutes before the listed screening time. At 15 minutes before screening time, we will make Rush Tickets available, so we are unable to guarantee entry to passholders once the screening begins.
For all other screenings throughout the Festival, Passholders will be given priority, with rush tickets being made available 15 minutes before screening time for $10.
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WVU, Penn State to renew football series
September 19, 2013
MORGANTOWN (AP) — West Virginia and Penn State are renewing their football rivalry. West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck said Thursday the teams will meet in State College, Pa., on Sept....
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text:
on March 1, 2014 - 12:06 AM
Erie County Legislator Lynne Dixon and Urban Valet Dry Cleaners are conducting their fifth annual prom dress drive.
Gowns are being collected through March 21 and will be made available to local high school girls who are in need of a dress for prom or special occasion. All donated gowns will be professionally cleaned, free of charge, by Urban Valet.
Donors can drop off new or gently used dresses at any of the following locations: Blasdell Village Hall, 121 Miriam Ave.; Boston Free Library, 9475 Boston State Road; Dudley Branch Library, 2010 South Park Ave.; Eden Boys & Girls Club, 8284 North Main St.; Erie County Legislature, 92 Franklin St., Fourth Floor; Hamburg Village Hall, 100 Main St.; Lackawanna Public Library, 560 Ridge Road; Lake Shore Boys & Girls Club, 42 Sunset Boulevard, Angola; Lake Shore Branch Library, S. 4857 Lake Shore Road, Hamburg; and Urban Valet Cleaners at 106 Evans St., Hamburg; 4081 North Buffalo Road, Orchard Park; and 620 Elmwood Ave.
After the dresses have been collected and cleaned. Dixon will host a free shopping event at Performing Arts Dance Academy in Hamburg, inviting area high school girls to come and "shop" for a dress for the prom. Times, dates and locations will be announced soon.


text:
"We're really a baseball house," she told PEOPLE during a press event in Los Angeles to promote her new film, Draft Day. "When I was first dating Ben, I'd never watched baseball. I didn't really care, I may say, about baseball."
"But if you watch three or four games in a row, you learn just enough to hook you in. And it's the same as a soap opera, right? If you watch three or four, you get just enough of a storyline to grab you, and that's why people are so into them."
"Now, I'm totally addicted to baseball. But believe me, when the playoffs happen, it's all about Tom Brady, all the time," she says.
Starring alongside Kevin Costner in Draft Day, which tells the story of the Cleveland Browns, the film allowed Garner, 41, to reconnect with her love of football.
"I grew up in West Virginia which is very much how you picture Texas, where Friday Night Lights [takes place]. Every Friday night, we're at the game," she says.
"I was at every single game because I was in the marching band. And then, my senior year, I left the marching band – which was a scandal at the time – and I was the water girl for the team. So I traveled with them. I didn't miss a game, and I loved it."
But even Garner's days as a football fan have changed since having a family.
"Now that I have kids, my husband will have the Patriots on, and I see what's happening," she says. "But I'm running around making sure that he can sit and watch calmly is really what's happening!"
Reporting by SCOTT HUVER


text:
Asset Liability Management in Indian Banking Industry - With Special Reference to Interest Rate Risk Management in ICICI Bank
Charumathi Balakrishnan
Pondicherry University - Department of Management Studies
June 23, 2008
Referred International Conference Proceedings of the World Congress on Engineering, London, UK, Vol. 2I, pp. 1149-1154, 2008
Assets and Liabilities Management (ALM) is a dynamic process of planning, organizing, coordinating and controlling the assets and liabilities – their mixes, volumes, maturities, yields and costs in order to achieve a specified Net Interest Income (NII). The NII is the difference between interest income and interest expenses and the basic source of banks profitability. The easing of controls on interest rates has led to higher interest rate volatility in India. Hence, there is a need to measure and monitor the interest rate exposure of Indian banks. This paper entitled "A Study on the Assets and Liabilities Management (ALM) Practices with special reference to Interest Rate Risk Management at ICICI Bank" is aimed at measuring the Interest Rate Risk in ICICI Bank by using Gap Analysis Technique. Using publicly available information, this paper attempts to assess the interest rate risk carried by the ICICI bank in March 2005, 2006, & 2007. The findings revealed that the bank is exposed to interest rate risk.
Number of Pages in PDF File: 6
Keywords: Interest Volatility, Interest Rate Risk, Indian Banks.
JEL Classification: E43, D81, G21
Date posted: October 11, 2010 ; Last revised: April 29, 2012
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February 13, 2014 Many lowcountry residents were still without power Thursday as many started cleaning up and clearing fallen trees and other debris.
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text:
Eating Our Words: Bloggers Share Their "I'll Never" MomentsNichole
The other night, as I was making pasta for the third night out of five, I couldn't help but think about how I swore I'd never be that mom…the one who gives in to her children's demands for a constant diet of pasta.
And I knew I wasn't the only mom who had something that she swore she'd never do, only to find herself doing exactly that.
I couldn't be, right?
So I asked a small handful of my favorite bloggers if they'd share their "I swore I'd never" moments.
And here's what they had to say…
(I'd love to hear your I'll nevers in the comments!)
image-182 1 of 14Before I had kids I thought I would just treat them like little adults at the table. By exposing them to a variety of foods and proper table manners, we could avoid picky eaters, games all over the table, and chaotic dinners. Well, meet our latest dinner companions-the Cheerio eating dinosaurs. Believe it or not, they weren't invited, and Cheerios weren't on the menu until the next morning..
Click here to visit Angela at Tiaras and Trucks.
image-183 2 of 14I swore I'd never have another baby. I was so happy as a mother of one that I never thought there would be a place in my life or my heart for another baby. Then my daughter came along and weaseled her way into all of our hearts. I don't know who I'd be without her now, but accepting that I had room to love a second baby as much as the first was one of the hardest things I've ever done.
Click here to visit Lerner over at Stay at Home Babe.
image-184 3 of 14Before I had children of my own, I spent the morning with a friend whose child was deeply absorbed in a Caillou marathon. As I looked on over her head, I knew that this bald-headed creature would become the dark figure of my nightmares and vowed that my own children would never know his shrill voice. Years later, Caillou is their favorite show and I sleep with one eye open.
Click here to visit Erin at I'm Gonna Kill Him!
image-185 4 of 14As a parent, I swore I would never let my children play with my beloved iPad. It was to be my toy that they would never get their little hands on. That plan lasted all of about 2 weeks.
Click here to visit Jessica at My Time as Mom.
image-186 5 of 14I married a musician. We have been surrounded by great music for many years. When our daughter arrived, I swore up and down that I would only expose her to really good music, that we would avoid the trap of the kid's music that can be maddening for parents when it's set on repeat. And for a few years, we did just that. But then my son came along. By age two his love of all things cars and trucks was all consuming. And now, three years after he made his arrival, I find myself listening to "Twenty Trucks" on repeat. Every. Single. Day. On the bright side, my knowledge of trucks is unmatched among my circle of friends...
Click here to visit Katie on Practical Parenting.
image-187 6 of 14I swore I would never allow gun play in my home. Having two boys has changed all that. I'll settle for Nerf gun play over wrestling any day - at least no one gets hurt!.
Click here to visit Lori over at Mommyfriend.
image-188 7 of 14I swore I'd never leave scissors within reach of my children. It took 3 kids and 12 years of motherhood to knock me off my high horse. Never underestimate the resourcefulness of a preschooler.
Click here to visit Poppy over at Funny or Snot.
image-189 8 of 14Before I was a parent, I thought my kids would eat nice, fresh colorful organic food at every meal. I swore I would never serve chicken nuggets, mac n cheese, and French fries that would contaminate their bodies. Now that I have kids,I just want them to eat something....anything. Even if it means the beige diet of contamination!
Click here to visit Rachel over at Rachel Voorhees.
image-190 9 of 14I swore I would never let my children children sleep in my bed. That they'd always be in their own rooms so that my husband and I would have our own space every night.
Click here to visit Shell over at Things I Can't Say.
image-191 10 of 14I never thought I would pull my child out of school. My son enjoyed preschool and I liked that he was learning to follow directions, pay attention, and get along with others. In the spring of his pre-K year, things started changing and the school wasn't a good fit for him anymore. I made the decision to pull him out, against the advice of the other preschool mothers. I trusted my gut, and I was right...he relaxed, thrived, and entered kindergarten that fall as a confident kid.
Click here to visit Sherri at Old Tweener.
image-192 11 of 14I never thought that I would let my kids sleep with me in my bed, or that I would actually like it. From the moment Brayden, my first child was born, he was in his crib. I had read and heard all about how you "need to get your kids on a schedule from the start." Then my second child was born and my one goal in life was to get some sleep. I didn't care how I got it. If Barrett had to sleep on my head in my bed, then that's what I was going to do. She isn't as great a sleeper as her brother and I think it's because I didn't push her hard to learn to sleep on her own as hard or as early as I did her brother, but I loved how she would sneak into my bed at night, curl up next to me, without me even knowing it and I would wake up to her angelic sleeping face.
Click here to visit Sue at Motherhood + Me.
image-193 12 of 14I never thought I would bake with my kids and let them make an incredibly huge mess in the kitchen. I also never thought I would let them lick the spoon and then put the spoon back in the bowl and then probably serve the cookies to guests. Want a cookie?
Click here to visit Tracy at Sellabit Mum.
image-194 13 of 14I am adamant about limiting sugar in my house, I swore I would never have one of those crazed sugar fiends running around demanding sweets. I present exhibit A, A for Aliza my toddler who has recently learned the word COOKIE enjoying the sweetest part of her day.
Click here to visit Yuliya over at She Suggests.
image-195 14 of 14While pregnant, I would have told you my children would eat nothing but whole, organic foods as long as I could help it. Once I had more children than could fit in a grocery cart life changed significantly. My youngest's first word may have been "goldfish" or "cake."
Click here to visit Jessica at Four Plus an Angel.
I want to thank all of my lovely bloggy friends for sharing their stories!
You can also find Nichole over at in these small moments and on Facebook and Twitter too!
Article Posted 5 years Ago


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GREENFORD - Township trustees set a special meeting for 7 p.m. Sept. 9 to allow public discussion on two bids for police protection that were opened during Tuesday's meeting.
The low bid was submitted by the Washingtonville Police Department with a cost of $251,000 annually in a three-year contract or $242,000 for five years.
Goshen Township, which has provided protection in Green Township, submitted a contract for $260,004 annually with extension options.
Trustee Vice Chairman George Toy said the contract will be awarded at the next regular meeting in September and trustees, absent Trustee Chairman Dave Slagle, said they would not discuss the contracts during last evening's meeting.
Later in the meeting, after residents wanted input, Toy said residents seem to like the current service and "that's a relief."
Trustee Mark Stepuk said, "We'll definitely need time to read them" and suggested anyone who wanted to read them could submit a records request through Fiscal Officer Randy Chismar.
One guest asked about differences in the contracts and Toy said they just opened them and they didn't know.
Washingtonville Mayor Will Jones attended the meeting and declined commenting and a number of guests backing the Goshen Township police also attended, including Trustee Chairman Bob McCracken.
In other business, Toy suggested that Fire Chief Todd Baird meet with a representative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding a possible grant for expanding the firehouse in anticipation of a new firetruck.
Baird proposed adding a two-car garage attachment to the current building with $95,000 in EMS money.
Toy said, "I personally would like to see it, but I don't want to see a two-car garage ... (rather) something new with office space upstairs."
Toy set 10 a.m. Sept. 5 for a meeting with Chismar, Baird and the USDA representative.
"Let's at least see what she has to say ... let's go with that and go from there."
Also, in fire department business, Baird asked for $1,175 for LED lights for Unit #217.
Baird said they have replaced a lot of lights "related to road issues ... (and) I recommend we go to LEDs to take some of the vibration out of them. When we head down Lisbon Road we're just vibrating."
Trustees approved purchasing four lights.
In other business, Toy said they had to move quickly on a road salt purchase through the state and needed a decision by Friday. Salt is $146 per ton and Toy there are three options, to say yes, say no, or take half of what the township is allowed for $35,000.
He said, "It's a lot of money but we have to keep the roads safe" adding they should make a decision "tonight" but Trustee Mark Stepuk wondered what the consensus of the township association was. McCracken said he would call and no action was taken.
Police Chief Steve McDaniel said the department recorded 473 events and put 7,273 miles on police vehicles during July along with stepped up traffic enforcement on Middletown Road.
He also advised residents to keep their vehicles locked as thieves were getting into cars.


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Several former government officials have also leveled claims of an excessively powerful "Israel lobby" and have accused pro-Israel groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and pro-Israel individuals of pushing for a war against Iran in spite of American interests.
Michael Scheuer, a former head analyst of the CIA's bin Laden unit who opposes U.S. intervention in the Middle East, has written three articles in the past year alleging that the "Israel lobby" is pushing for a war against Iran and accusing "Israel-Firsters," individuals believed to be more loyal to Israel than the U.S., of "anti-Americanism." Scheuer has been outspoken in his opposition to U.S. protection of Israel, even stating during a September 2007 interview on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher that he doesn't think Israel is "worth an American life or an American dollar."
In his book, Marching Toward Hell: America and Islam After Iraq (February, 2008), Scheuer harshly criticizes "Israeli-firsters" who he describes as "dangerous men…seeking to place de facto limitations on the First Amendment to protect the nation of their primary attachment [Israel]."
Similarly, in an August 2008 article titled "The Lobby Like No Other Wants a War Like No Other," Scheuer argued that the escalating hostile situation with Iran is a result of the "Israel-firsters" pushing for an "unprovoked" U.S. attack on Iran just as they did for an invasion of Iraq; the media's pro-Israel bias; and the "lobbying efforts of AIPAC," which he referred to as a "fundamentally anti-U.S. organization."
Though Scheuer recognized in the article that many interests have powerful lobbying groups on Capitol Hill, he claimed that the "Israel lobby" is most insidious because its goals run "directly counter to the economic welfare and physical security of almost all other U.S. citizens." He concludes with a neat articulation of pervasive Jewish power and control: the U.S. supports Israel because of the "lobbying efforts of AIPAC and the pro-Israel mantras of the politicians it purchases with campaign contributions and promises of media exposure."
Scott Ritter, noted for his role as chief United Nations weapons inspector in Iraq from 1991 to 1998, and later for his criticism of United States foreign policy in the Middle East, has been at the forefront of opposition to the "Israel lobby." An ardent critic of the war in Iraq, Ritter has repeatedly accused the "Israel lobby" of pushing both for that war and for military action against Iran. In his 2006 book Target Iran, he clearly stated, "If there is an American war with Iran, it is a war that was made in Israel and nowhere else."
In a manner similar to Mearsheimer, Walt and Scheuer, Ritter alleged that the pro-Israel lobby is comprised of "Israel-firsters" whose concern for Israel's wellbeing trumps American interests. "It seems that, while the American supporters of Israel tout the common goals and interests that bind our two nations, in reality they operate a distinctly Israel-first policy," he wrote. "It is never acceptable as an American to subordinate the national interest of your homeland for the sake and benefit of another nation. In the past, such behavior has been likened to sedition and treason."
In his book and various articles, Ritter has gone so far as to accuse the "Israel lobby" of "outright espionage and interference in domestic policies" and has called for AIPAC to be registered as a foreign agent.
Q&A on Iran's Nuclear Weapons Program
ADL Letter to Joe Klein, Senior Writer, Time
� 2008 Anti-Defamation League


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Congratulations on an efficient fat-burning metabolism! How long did it take you to get there?
Fat is extremely satiating, all the moreso if you're not used to eating it in large amounts. A common trick is to eat your protein first, then top up with fat.
The human body is designed to weather periods of protein shortage, so it's not a big deal if you go without for a while. Just keep an eye on your lifts and your running time to make sure your performance isn't cratering.


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Top Definition
A variation of Scrabble played by using Urban Dictionary as the rule dictionary instead of (or as well as) another more academically respected dictionary.
Sam, Nerby, Quimi and I played Urban Scrabble in Mr. Priest's room during etymology.
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Cory Giger recently wrote an article voicing his concerns about the new Big Ten divisional alignments.
One of his complaints was that Penn State was placed in the same division as the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Giger points out that Penn State will have to compete against Ohio State every year, with the winner almost always likely to win their division and earn a berth into the conference championship game.
As Giger mentions, Penn State has had marginal success against Ohio State, but I think that's exactly why it is good for Penn State to be in the same division.
Ohio State and Penn State are considered by many to be the top two teams in their division, with Wisconsin being an occasional darkhorse. The Buckeyes have had an incredible streak of success this decade.
Had Penn State and Ohio State been placed in separate divisions, based on the Big Ten rule that each team would have a protected opponent, Ohio State would be guaranteed to be Penn State's protected crossover game.
That would mean that Penn State would face the Buckeyes twice, if they both won their divisions, which is likely. That would require Penn State to win both games in order to garner much attention for a national championship spot.
A split against Ohio State would send us to the BCS, but not a national title most likely.
Since the BCS was formed in 1998, Penn State has gone 4-8 against Ohio State.
Excluding the "dark years" (2000-2004), Penn State is 2-3, winning by just a touchdown in 2005 and 2008.
In both years, they each lost one conference game, and shared the Big Ten championship.
Penn State struggles to win one game against the Buckeyes on a yearly basis, let alone having to win twice.
Having them in the same division was the best scenario for Penn State.
Benjamin Shaffer


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If this DFB Super-Pokal (or DFL-Supercup) were comprised of the opponents it's supposed to have, Dortmund would be playing themselves. Alas, Bayern Munich were the Bundesliga (and everything else) runners-up last season, so it's time, once again, to trot out this new / old rivalry. Last time Bayern featured in this match, in 2010, they beat Schalke 2-0. And the last time the Bavarians met up with Borussia Dortmund here in 2008, they lost 2-1.
Bayern Munich: Neuer - Lahm , Dante , Badstuber , Can - Gustavo , Kroos - Robben , Mueller , Ribery - Mandzukic
In the LIGA total! cup, Emre Can wasn't bad as a holding midfielder and Luis Gustavo wasn't bad in the left back position. "Wasn't bad" means adequate. With Schweinsteiger listed as doubtful, Heynckes has no choice but to play Goose in a holding midfield position, as Toni Kroos isn't likely to provide much on the defensive side of things. Perhaps the easier defensive solution would be to throw Lahm back on the left and play Jerome Boateng on the right, but I think Jupp has the right of it by preserving the integrity of the Lahm / Robben pairing on the right flank.
Claudio Pizzaro is back with the team after his hip injury. Diego Contento is off crutches and running. David Alaba and Mario Gomez are on crutches. And, the aforementioned Schweinsteiger may be held out of this one strictly for precautionary measures.
Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller - Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer - Gundogan, Bittencourt- Blaszczykowski, Reus, Grosskreutz - Lewandowski
A shaky defensive showing in the LIGA total! cup final saw the Schwarzgelben give up three goals to eventual winners Werder Bremen. Perhaps the back four plus Weidenfeller will still be able to be exploited?
While Shinji Kagawa left for Old Trafford, Marco Reus and Julian Scheiber are more than ample replacements. Mario Goetze is back after a nasty case of pink eye had him miss most of the pre-season and should definitely feature at some point. I'm venturing a guess that Juergen Klopp Will start the young Bittencourt in the back.
Sven Bender is out for four weeks facing hernia surgery on Monday. Sebastian Kehl (knee) will also miss this match.
This is essentially another meaningless cup like the one just played. But, to beat Dortmund here would do psychological wonders for the Bayern boys. Can we manage a win without suffering another major injury? We'll find out the answer on Sunday.
Programming notes: In the United States, GolTV is showing this one, 2PM EST. While I do not like their commentary, it is nice to see a match on a full screen. I recommend watching on mute, however. Unless you like arguing with your television.
You can (and should) follow Susie on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/fussballsusie
Hey Susie, hope we win this one to give us confidence before the league starts, defeat will be another setback and major psychological blow. Do you think we can get Javi Martinez?
Hi Susie, nice to see you back on the column. Good luck to us all today, we are going to need the psycho push for this season. LOL about GolTV commentators. Their Spanish broadcast is simply terrible. I have no idea why they always discuss food half-way through every game.
Their English commentators on channel 7## are way more decent.
I dont like Dortmund this season as much as past seasons. I think Kagawa was wayyyy underrated and Reus and Scheiber (even combined) cannot bring the high I.Q. Kagawa brought to the field. I would not be surprised if Dortmund finished 3rd or lower this season. Bayern should be back on top at the end of the season so here is to their health and success!
Haha, and I just caught the last part about GOLTV. Love them for showing the Bundesliga but spot on. They are impossible to listen to! I wish I could take there broadcast and add the ESPN3 commentary to it!
Unforunately for Die Bayern, injuries to open the season are going to be an issue. Alaba and Gomez are already injured and then there's the question of whether or not Schweinsteiger is fully healed. Then, of course, how do Shaqiri, Dante, Mandzukic and the returning Pizarro gel with the rest of the squad?
Yes, Kagawa is a unique talent but right now, this Bayern fan picks Dortmund to win 3 in a row.
Appearance wise Mandzukic looks like robben with hair. Teamplay wise Mandzukic is way ahead although skill wise robben is on top.
GolTV isn't that bad, but it is when you get the team that called the game yesterday. I wish they would at least do a little research, those 2 haven't pronounced a player's name correctly since the beginning of time. I feel like I am listening to a minor league baseball radio broadcast with some kid fresh out of journalism school. But if you are lucky enough to get Ray Hudson calling a game, it makes for a brilliant time watching our beloved Bayern.
But hey, I guess it beats not getting to see Bayern live. My friends in Germany joke that I see more Bundesliga games on TV than they do.
Here's to hoping Gomez recovers quickly and doesn't rush getting back on the field only to be injured again.
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The Tetons offer some of the best backcountry skiing and snowboarding in the US.
One of North America's most sought after peaks to climb is also a sought after ski descent.
Email: email@example.com
In extremely rare cases Exum Mountain Guides may share your name and email address with a trusted partner. Other than this, we will not share any contact information that you give to us.
In the event of an injury, we will share any medical information you have provided with appropriate medical personnel providing care.


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Inside the Phone-Plan Pricing Puzzle
An Analysis of Some 700 Wireless Options Underscore the Complexity and Confusion in the Market
To understand how confusing wireless plans have become, just walk into an AT&T Inc. T -2.07 % store.
Are You Happy With Your Wireless Plan?
The second largest U.S. carrier offers far more plans than its rivals—nearly 30 combinations alone for individuals, and many of its packages contradict one another. For example, customers can sign up for 900 minutes of talk, unlimited texts and 300 megabytes of data for $100 a month. But a "mobile share" plan that is $30 cheaper offers unlimited talk and texts and the same amount of data.
The muddled pricing isn't unique to AT&T. The four major carriers offer a total of nearly 700 combinations of smartphone plans—a family of five alone would have more than 250 options to choose from, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of smartphone plans offered by the four biggest U.S. carriers.
"It is always a cumbersome, somewhat root canalish experience," said Erin Riordan, of Naperville, Ill., who has five children and manages an account with six lines from AT&T that produces a $495 monthly bill.
Decoding the Phone-Plan Puzzle
Input your information to see which of the four biggest U.S. carriers might best fit your needs.
Select the image to go to the calculator.
Carrier Conundrum? A Quiz
Know how to get the most out of your wireless service? Test your knowledge in a quiz.
Select the image to go to the quiz.
She has considered switching carriers, but has been overwhelmed by the detailed service contracts, network coverage, the multiple plan options and whether moving will actually save her any money.
"I consider myself to be pretty educated but it makes me want to stick a fork in my eye," Mrs. Riordan said.
Confusing plans are as old as the cellphones themselves, although there is some hope that the structures may simplify as competition in the industry heats up.
AT&T and Verizon Wireless dominate the industry as they hold more than three-quarters of the total contract subscribers among the four major carriers. But Sprint Corp. S 0.00 % recently sold a majority stake to Japan's SoftBank Corp., which shook up that country's wireless industry, while T-Mobile US Inc. TMUS -0.66 % is pitching itself as the "un-carrier" and bucking some traditional practices like service contracts.
But for now, the complex plans make comparison shopping nearly impossible, a tool that discourages customers from jumping ship.
"If it really was just one number for consumers to compare, no one would ever voluntarily pay the higher price," said Michael Grubb, an assistant professor of economics at Boston College who has researched wireless pricing and consumer behavior. "But when there is a number of gigabytes, the overage charge, the monthly fee and a little bit of math to do, suddenly it is not so easy to pick the contract that is a better value."
- Corporate Intelligence: AT&T Is Still Hunting For More Airwaves 7/31/13
- Toss Your Old Phone? Think Again 7/30/13
- Digits: Nextel, the 'Gift That Keeps on Giving' 7/30/13
- Digits: AT&T Closes the Shades on iPhone Sales 7/23/13
- Surge in Wireless Contracts Boosts Verizon 7/18/13
- Digits: Verizon Numbers Point to More Wireless Competition 7/18/13
- AT&T to Acquire Leap Wireless 7/12/2013
- Verizon May Owe Apple for iPhones 7/11/13
Carriers are now pushing tiered plans that require subscribers to guess at the amount of data they might use each month. Voice minutes and texts are easy to count, but few people instinctively know what makes up a megabyte.
An analogy to predicting data is estimating monthly water usage: It will depend on the consumption of different appliances in your house and your habits. It can also fluctuate with each month, even if your behavior is relatively unchanged.
Mr. Grubb's research shows that when presented with such choices, consumers tend to be overconfident in their ability to estimate their usage. The average U.S. consumer used 733 megabytes of data a month in the first quarter, according to Nielsen. But that isn't necessarily what they're buying.
Earlier this month, AT&T said it has about 4.3 million accounts on its shared-data plans—including about 13 million subscribers—with a quarter of those accounts choosing plans of 10 gigabytes of data or higher.
Turned off by the uncertainty, some people might gravitate to the unlimited data plans such as those offered by T-Mobile and Sprint, which tend to be cheaper than many of the tiered plans offered by AT&T and Verizon. But that doesn't mean it is simple.
Sprint recently cut the price of a plan offering unlimited data, talking and messaging to $80 a month. But it continues to offer the original plan—with the exact same benefits—for $110 a month through its stores or by calling customer service.
Robert Lane, director of pricing strategy at Sprint, said a "focal point" for the company is the new $80-a-month plan, but it wants to continue offering older options rather than simply replacing them.
An analysis of AT&T's contract "family" plans—which include more than 500 smartphone-plan options for two to five lines—shows about 40% of them are the same price or more expensive than "mobile share" plans but offer fewer voice minutes and the same or less data.
AT&T spokesman Brad Burns said the company recommends its shared-data plan for customers, depending on specific needs.
Mr. Burns said "independent third-party" research shows that network quality matters more than three times as much as price when it comes to wireless customer satisfaction.
AT&T said it offers a number of ways for customers to determine the best plan for them, including being able to track their ongoing usage online or from their device. Like other carriers, it sends text messages as users approach their data limits, offers an online data calculator and lets customers track more than year of historical usage online.It also stressed that customers can change plans at any time and at no cost.
Mike Sievert, chief marketing officer at T-Mobile, said the company has been trying to simplify the structure of traditional wireless plans offered by larger carriers. In an effort to make monthly charges more predictable, the carrier has structured plans so there are no overage charges, he said.
Verizon declined to comment.
Jodie Griffin, senior staff attorney at advocacy group Public Knowledge, said the service plan structures show a lack of industry competition.
"They don't really have the incentive to make sure that this is something that is really easy and accurate for customers to figure out for themselves," Ms. Griffin said.
However, there are signs of movement. Sprint said its recent price cut was an attempt to simplify its options, and T-Mobile has streamlined its plans, along with launching marketing attacks on the complexity of rivals plans.
Jeff Blyskal, a senior editor at Consumer Reports, said plans have become more straightforward, especially when compared to the early days of cellphones that included home regions, roaming charges and peak pricing, all along with a monthly allotment.
"I don't think there is the intention of confusing people," he said. "There are a lot of ways for companies to offer these services."
Write to Thomas Gryta at email@example.com


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Hair and Beauty
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My Fern-Themed Baby ShowerLauren Hartmann
This weekend my beautiful friends hosted my first baby shower for me and it was beyond lovely.
My favorite thing about it was that it didn't really look like a "baby shower". It just looked like a pretty party. It was simple and sweet with a lot of thoughtful DIY details that were just my style and I love that my friends took that into consideration instead of making it super cutesy.
The theme was "ferns" because the name of our baby-to-be will be Fern. Clever, no? I'm kind of in love with her name, so I thought it was fitting.
See the photos from my shower after the jump!


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NEW YORK — With investments in transforming the Kash n' Karry banner to Sweetbay now complete, Delhaize Group can devote more of its capital resources to new stores in its Hannaford and Food Lion divisions, said Craig Owens, chief financial officer of the retailer, speaking at the Goldman Sachs Global Retailing Conference here earlier this month. Delhaize's Hannaford banner is looking to add around 10 new stores a year, while Food Lion and its associated banners intend to step up their new ...
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text: The only reason they are going to the feds to get it is because they know controlling all the state governments is much more difficult and expensive. The fed will do its job of pretending to assure safety and all the while the gmo food will continue to be up in the food supply. going to the fed is their backup plan of avoiding any true labeling.


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Tory Humphrey will remain a member of the New Orleans Saints for at least one more year, as the tight end agreed to a contract with the team, the Associated Press is reporting.
Humphrey, the former Saginaw High and Central Michigan standout, has spent the last two seasons with the saints. Last season, he appeared in six games and caught one pass for 12 yards. He is beginning his sixth NFL season.


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The North Carolina Tar Heels have been a favorite to win the 2012 NCAA tournament since stars Harrison Barnes, John Henson and Tyler Zeller all decided to return to play in Chapel Hill this season.
While their season has been a roller coaster ride of puzzling losses and breathtakingly dominant performances, the team has now righted the ship just in time for tournament action.
Bad losses to Florida State and UNLV earlier this season gave critics reasons to doubt the Heels, but their 88-70 dismantling of Duke on March 3 gave a glimpse to just how scary this team can be when firing on all cylinders.
Here are five reasons why the North Carolina Tar Heels will be the last team dancing after the 2012 NCAA Men's Basketball Division I Basketball Tournament.


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Sundance 2013: 'Harry Potter' star Daniel Radcliffe attends 'Kill Your Darlings' premiere
Michael C. Hall and Ben Foster also hit the red carpet
The 'Darlings' altogether
From left: Michael C. Hall, Daniel Radcliffe, Ben Foster, Dane DeHaan, Erin Darke, and Jack Huston.
The film centers on the 1944 murder of David Kammerer ("Dexter's" Michael C. Hall) which brought together the most famous Beat Generation writers, including Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs.
Photo Credit: Danny Moloshok/AP Photo


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Laura Mason was named the Compliance Coordinator for the Stetson athletics department on June 21, 2013. She comes to Stetson following a stint as a compliance intern at Middle Tennessee State University. While earning her Master of Science degree, Mason assisted the Blue Raiders compliance department in a number of capacities.
Prior to her time at MTSU, Mason spent time in the media relations department at Oklahoma City University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies from the University of Montevallo in 2009.
At Stetson, Mason will work side-by-side with Assistant AD for Compliance Chet Hesson, assisting in all phases of administering a comprehensive NCAA Division I, Atlantic Sun Conference, Pioneer League, and MAAC rules compliance program. As compliance coordinator, she will monitor all facets of recruiting, playing and practice seasons, awards, amateurism, and much more.
"Laura was a tremendous asset to the MTSU compliance department," Hesson said. "Her experience and formal education provide a well-rounded background and will be a great compliment to our compliance program. The department is excited to have such a quality person assume the compliance coordinator position and I have no doubt that Laura will thrive as a Hatter."