Nerd?

Pure Nerd 56 % Nerd, 47% Geek, 26% Dork

For The Record: A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia. A Geek is someone who is passionate about some particular area or subject, often an obscure or difficult one. A Dork is someone who has difficulty with common social expectations/interactions. You scored better than half in Nerd, earning you the title of: Pure Nerd. The times, they are a-changing. It used to be that being exceptionally smart led to being unpopular, which would ultimately lead to picking up all of the traits and tendences associated with the "dork." No-longer. Being smart isn't as socially crippling as it once was, and even more so as you get older: eventually being a Pure Nerd will likely be replaced with the following label: Purely Successful. Congratulations! Also, you might want to check out some of my other tests if you're interested in either of the following: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Professional Wrestling Love & Sexuality Thanks Again! -- THE NERD? GEEK? OR DORK? TEST

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 44% on nerdiness You scored higher than 56% on geekosity You scored higher than 37% on dork points

Link: The Nerd? Geek? or Dork? Test written by donathos on Ok Cupid

Scattered pieces of life

I have many things on my mind today. I tell each one to take a number, sit down and shut up...I'll get to you eventually (or maybe I won't) however, the world will not end because of it. More than likely the world will end on God's terms...not mine.

I may sound like I'm not in a good mood, but that is wrong! I am happy today. VERY HAPPY today.

Why?
Simply because I want to be. Let me just say the first things that enter my mind on this post.

1. New Orleans. Lord, So many people did not expect this is the way their year would go. I pray for those needs that escape my attention. Help them to look in your direction.
2. I have a song in my head...I will spend all day singing it. "Jesus, Lord of Heaven." by Kutless.
3. MB's job situation is teaching us something. Not sure what yet. But I think it has something to do with his jaw pain and managing stress.
4. Sports are getting crazy. Katie is practicing Volleyball everyday after school and then going to soccer practice for 2 hours twice a week. On Mondays & Fridays she'll be away from the house for 12-13 hours. How are you suppose to do homework if you don't go home?
5. Busy weekend coming up. The concert! Oh boy- fun is looming. However, we'll be spending MOST of the entire weekend in Roseville at the soccer fields. Katie has a tournament. Let's see...Friday night @8pm, Sat. @1pm and Sun @10:30, with the possibility of two more for Champs. This takes "soccer mom" to new heights. She is an awesome goalie...and she loves the sport. It's worth it.
6. Bathroom project...
7. Friends? Oh yeah, I have friends!! Tomorrow I'm going to Sac for Therapy with Thea. That should be fun. I miss her. We haven't seen each much this whole summer.
8. Back to school night tomorrow.
9. I still have some swim team bills to pay!!! I've sure been putting that off. As you can see it's literally the last thing on my mind.

So, how do like my laundry list? I'm not trying to bitch, I just needed to get that out.

***Ahhhh, now I can relax!******SMILE :-) The world has not ended.

Jesus, Lord of Heaven...I do not deserve....the grace that you have given....and the promise of your word....

Still I stand in wonder....of the sacrifice you made....with mercy beyond measure....by death you freely paid...

BTW- I won't be posting that picture of myself. In light of all the sickos out there, MB won't let me. He said it's too sexy. Sorry.

Happy Wednesday!

Your love is deeper....than ocean's higher...and the Heavens reaches...beyond the stars in the sky....

Jesus your love has no bounds...

Poem

A little bee
who is called: me
floats upon a silver tree

Yellow bright
brings such delight
reach it may I might

here I go
sinking low
fluttered by the windy blow

flower power
is the master
as yellows going faster

land it, I must
but should not trust
a bright and cheery school bus!

I'll revise this later.
Back to work for me!

No Deal

I should be in bed now. The wind chimes ding lightly to the rhythmic sound of the clock. The washed out sound of crickets ring loudly in my ears.
The house is dark and my eyes sting from the brightness of this computer screen. Yet, here I am wondering why I am writing instead of sleeping.

MB & I have been talking about trading in his truck for a car. Gas prices are high here...like everywhere. I'd like to get a hybrid, but they just don't make financial sense. You'd never make up the additional cost over the life of the vehicle. If our future is to become less dependent of fossil fuels...prices will have to come way down on those cars!

Anyway- we went to the Roseville automall looking for the Haundi dealer. Couldn't find it and stopped at Mitsubishi instead. We test drove 2 of their Lancers. Nice, but not sold. Upon returning from the first test drive, I glanced over and noticed my trooper was covered with water. They just washed my car! I had parked next to a row of cars for sale...and I parked just the same way they did...with the back to the fence. I thought...You'll never get it open, I have the key.

Three salesmen tried very hard to make a deal. It wasn't a sweet offer. I was firm. I played them like a deck of cards...and they knew it.

I said we would keep them in mind and come back next week.

As we walked off the lot, MB said "We just wasted their time, didn't we?"

I answered..."maybe, but I did get a free car wash", smiling as I held his hand.

And they'll know...

Prayer is the tiny nerve that moves God's mighty hand.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer...present your requests to God.
Phil. 4:6

Getting there...

What a mess, huh!

Thank You. Thank You.

I have come to realize in home improvement...that the bigger the mess, the bigger the reward. Also this project is actually a bunch of projects all wrapped up into one final outcome. I'm beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel...but it's going to take at least another week...maybe 2.

As you can see, we have a small space to work with. I probably shouldn't be trying to fit such a large spa tub in here, but I'm stubborn that way!

If you're wondering why I've left the underside of the tub exposed, here's the reason...it has to be the last thing I do. The toilet, sink & vanity will have to come out, the floor needs to be tiled, the walls will get a chair rail & bead board added half way up, along with the side of the tub.

We went round and round about how to enclose the tub. At first I wanted tile. There's one big problem with that...no easy access. You need to be able to get under there and service the motor, reset the outlet, fix leaks...etc. If you tile, you must build an access door. I don't like the look it creates....so...Individual bead board panels that can easily be popped up and lifted is my solution. Plus it ties in with the vintage look I'm going for.

BTW- I always clean the room before going to bed. I just can't sleep when there is dust and stuff piled everywhere. I just had to get a picture of the mess...such a nice big mess I made! I'm so proud!

Oh, and please ignore the water spots that aren't really there...this camera ARRGG!!!

Vanity

Went shopping yesterday and picked up the new vanity sink for the room. Here it is...

Unfortunately it has to sit here in the living for a week while I'm waiting for the floor tiles to come in. I was thrilled to find it shipped all in one piece...no assembly required. It's a heavy sucker, though. Marble top and ceramic undermount sink.

Today I grout!

Back to School

It's the most wonderful day of the year!

This is Megan. She is entering the 4th grade today. She is very excited. So is Katie. Katie is entering Middle school (7th grade) this year. Same school. Northside is K-8. I love that. I don't have a picture to show you of Katie...she ditched me as soon as the car was parked. Can't show up with your mother, I mean...how embarrassing!
I told her if she ditched me that I would hunt her down and walk right into class to take her picture.
So I did.
But the picture came out terrible!! Serves me right, I guess.
At least I wasn't the only mom who did that. I'll try to get a better picture after school. Think she'll be horrified if I bring the video recorder?

It was a long journey back to the car. I must have stopped 5 times to talk with friends. Unfortunately none of them wanted to part with any of their "free" time to go have coffee. O'well.
Driving out of the parking lot I rolled down my window and yelled to Jen.

Hi, Jen."
She waved and replied, "Isn't this just your favorite day?"
I yelled back..."The best! I get to go home to an empty house!"
"I'm jealous" she said pointing to her toddler, "I still have one."

Now if you don't have children, or at very least you have a baby...you may think this sounds awful. But just wait until you have a house full of needy kids (yours and all their friends) running around your house for 2 months solid before you judge.
I absolutely adore my children...but school is cool and I'm a better mom because I get a break.
Life will get crazy again at 3:15. Homework, soccer, showers, dinner, reading and finally bed. And that's if all goes well.

It's a charmed life...and I love it.

Tub is in

Today I tiled the main wall beside the tub. Tomorrow I'll finish up this wall and tile around the shower fixtures. This kind of renovation is a step by step process. It has to be done in sequence.
My next step will be to finish the tile work (grout and seal) then move onto to painting the ceiling & walls. Next will be taking out the toilet and sink (including the vanity). Once those items are gone I will prepare the floor for more tile by laying down a few sheets of durarock cement board. Which reminds me...I better put in a call to the tile store I use to place the order. I'm so excited! I get to go ahead and order the 1 inch hexagon tiles in black and white. They are expensive, but luckily I overestimated the square footage and now we don't have to purchase as much as I first thought.
After the floor is tiled, grouted and sealed...the toilet goes back in and my new beautiful vanity with black marble top and undermount sink will go in.

Wow. So much left to do.

I love this!

No turning back now

My horoscope today reads...

At times your mind can feel like a bad neighborhood. Make friends with your fears.

*Rubbing my chin*...Yeah, I guess that's accurate. It's 9am and I haven't started tiling yet. I've got the next 5 hours to do this. I'm a bit scared, cause I don't want to screw it up. It's the first time I'll be setting in an inlay design pattern. I know I can do it. So enough of that fear crap. Here I go.

Duf- Sorry I can't provide a picture just yet. My camera batteries died. Check back this evening or tomorrow. I WILL have that camera up and running for the first day of school, which is tomorrow.

I hope I have enough thin set mortor??

On my own now

My dad finished up his part of my bathroom renovation project and said his good-byes. He'll be going back to Grass Valley to visit his brother...my uncle Buddy. My dad is one of 11 children. It seems these days they all need his help. My dad can do anything and finally his older siblings are realizing it.

So that leaves me in the drivers seat. I started out my first day alone by scraping the ceiling, drywall and removal of some yucky carpet. All things I've done before, many times. Tomorrow is a day off. Remember...the State Fair.
I hate to take time off in the middle of a project, but maybe this is needed.

Monday I first need to stop by the school to voice my opinion regarding the teacher Megan was placed with. She's just far too mean... the teacher. I'm going to try to have her moved as nicely as I can. Don't even get me started on the whole soccer team fiasco. What a nightmare.
Anyway- My plan is to start tiling the walls around the tub. They will be white glazed subway tiles with a green glass decorative insert design placed in the middle. Should be lovely.

I'm going for a vintage look. I like old things. :-)

Bustin My Butt...Literally.

We knew it would happen sooner or later. Luckily it happened to me.

Someone was bound to trip over that cord. The one I use to power my computer. The one that shouldn't be strung along the floor, starting at my laptop on the kitchen table and ending at the outlet just above the bread box.

Yeah, someone was destined to trip and fall. In the process I knocked over my coffee cup and let my eggs continue to sizzle on the stove. Sickening images of my beloved ibook, the one I treat like a baby, being carelessly ripped from it's mount and tossed to the floor. In an effort to prevent this terrible tragedy, I pointed my toe and lifted my foot higher off the ground in hopes that the cord would sip away.

My plan worked. I had saved the computer from it's crushing fate. However, my foot did not meet the ground fast enough, causing me to hit the kitchen island with my backside.

Immediately my butt hurt. I became nauseous and dizzy. My hearing softened and it seemed like everyone was moving around in slow motion. I couldn't speak and sweat began to drip down my face. I'm sure I was dizzy because I had gotten up too fast.
I don't think I broke my tailbone, but it sure hurts! I can only sit if I sit straight up and lean forward slightly.

Back to work! Another trip to the hardware store...

Smelling Skinny

Can one actually smell skinny? Acording to this article...YES!


Saturday night, 7:55 p.m.: Women across America are somewhat frantically trying to find the perfect date-night outfit, one that will flatter their bods and make them seem sophisticated, fun-loving, and an all-around attractive date prospect. Allow us to throw this into the mix: Surprising research suggests that it may be the choice of scent that really makes one's body look hot.

In one study, researchers at The Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago found that, in the presence of both cinnamon and lavender aromas, men rated women (shown to them in headshots) as more attractive, intelligent, successful, and trustworthy. Researcher Alan R. Hirsch, M.D. decided to take a more in-depth look at how odor affects perception. His team spritzed an overweight woman with a different fragrance each day and had men guess her weight. When she wore a spicy-floral fragrance, men perceived her to be as much as 12 pounds lighter than she actually was; the other scents had no effect.

Exactly why scents can have a slenderizing effect is a mystery, though Hirsch has a few theories. "It may be that the scent put the men in a good mood, making their judgment very optimistic," he says. "Or the fragrance may be sexually appealing, so the guys find the women sexier." Regardless of the mechanism, what's important isn't how slender someone appears, but the self-esteem boost it provides, adds Dr. Hirsch: "If a woman feels she's being viewed as slim, she may feel more confident and be more likely to socialize and attract men."

However, Dr. Hirsch has bad news for guys hoping to disguise a beer belly: Women's perceptions of pounds weren't fooled by fragrance of any kind. "Women are too good at estimating weight," he explains--perhaps because they're conditioned to be so focused on their own.

Jessica Brown writes for Fitness and American Baby; based on the research above, she's going to wear a spicy-floral scent and black clothes on her next date.

Another Project

This is the way my master bath looks right now. What a mess! Trust me- it won't stay this way long. The tub is already in the house and will be plumbed and framed by tomorrow night. Today me and my dad went shopping. Only 2 1/2 hours in Lowe's. That's not to bad, but I was tired of going back to the same departments for things we forgot...sandpaper, plywood, copper pipe & a zillion different fittings.

I did get a chance to look at tile and sinks...but they just don't have enough selection in stock. This means I will be going to Rancho Cordova sometime next week. They have one warehouse tile store after another. I am looking for the old fashioned hexagon shaped 1 inch tiles in black and white.
They did have something I really liked. A beautiful vanity for the sink. They make 'em look like furniture now. Just lovely. Only $450.00 (not including sink of course). That's actually a very reasonable price. I just might get it...maybe. We'll have to see what the budget allows. No matter what I decide, our old sink has to go. It's far to outdated.

West Nile Virus

Dying from a mosquito bite? You better believe it.

What I don't understand is why so many people are leary of deet. C'mon people...it's been around for decades and nobody ever got cancer from using it. It the only thing proven to ward off mosquitoes. Why the hell would you NOT use it?

Yes, I said "hell" because this fires me up.

You know what else get me?

Ariel sprays. I say...LET THE POISON RAIN DOWN!!

There is a group of people with signs that say "stop the spray"

First of all...Do these organic growing flower power children realize that the pesticide being used IS organic? Yeah, it's made from chrysanthemums (the big puffy looking orange flower). Also the low dosage isn't near enough to harm anyone...not even a fish. They have been spraying in Florida for years.
If I were an environmentalist...I would be more concerned about the effects on wildlife that feed on those bugs that we're killing. However, I haven't heard my thoughts uttered anywhere in the media.
I would utter them myself, except that I happen to care more about people than some fish or frog.

But Kathy, it's a food chain...eventually everything leads back to effecting humans.


Well, Uh, Okay- I guess that justifies letting the young and old die because they forgot to put on mosquito repellent...

Here's a thought...Are we spraying the entire Earth? No. Is every bug going to be obliterated? NO.

Get over it.
Kill those damn bugs!
Kill 'em now!

Another reason to Love PG&E

For years MB has wanted to see Huey Lewis in concert, but the timing was never right. Now, it appears the time has come. We've got FREE VIP passes to the show which include a buffet dinner, front row seats and admission to the fair. Heck, we might even met the guy. Plus we have 4 free tickets into the fair, wristbands for rides and a free parking pass.

Kathy, how did you get that great deal??

MB signed up to do a 3 hour shift to work at the PG&E booth. He'll basically be showing off the PG&E bus and give information on how the power grid works.
The beauty of it is that he doesn't have to do everything on the same day. We'll see the concert on Sept 3rd. Then take the girls to the Fair the same day he does his shift on Aug. 21st. Unless we'd rather go when he isn't working the shift. Not sure yet.
We've only gone to the State Fair a couple times even though it's right in our backyard (sorta speak). I don't like crowds that much and usually try to avoid them. However, we have booked a 5 day stay at the Disneyland Resort. We'll be there the week before Christmas.

Fresh Dips

That's it!!

Today I installed the closet organizer. Then I came to realize a fresh dip in the pool was over due. Megan and I just walked through the door. Even though the water temp was higher than normal, it felt good. We haven't been down to the pool as much this summer as I would have liked. Well, except for swim team. But that's not for me.

Monday was nice. Twice a week (Monday & Friday) Katie has soccer practice at Lotus Field (above picture). It sits right on the American River. Just beautiful.
I was trying to read (Harry Potter) but the chit chat from the other parents behind me was making my session less than enjoyable. So with my book in tow, I abandon my folding chair in search of a quieter and cooler place.
I found it. Down the embankment, under a tree, sitting on an old support beam that used to hold a bridge I think??
My feet, up to my knees, bobbled in the ice cold water that rushed over them. Instantly my legs knew revival and the sticky sweat that covered them washed away. With temps over 100 degrees, this moment was Heaven!

I didn't mind the sound of screaming teenagers as their voices echoed from downstream. I didn't mind the rafters rushing by in boats ranging from kyacks to canoes. The sun glittered along the rushing water and I smiled, giving my thanks for this beautiful world.

I Love Space!

Space Shuttle makes perfect landing at Edwards Air Force Base in Ca.

Took that Book Quiz

You're Anne of Green Gables!

by L.M. Montgomery

Bright, chipper, vivid, but with the emotional fortitude of cottage
cheese, you make quite an impression on everyone you meet. You're impulsive, rash,
honest, and probably don't have a great relationship with your parents. People hurt
your feelings constantly, but your brazen honestly doesn't exactly treat others with
kid gloves. Ultimately, though, you win the hearts and minds of everyone that matters.
You spell your name with an E and you want everyone to know about it.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

Whoa! Read that last sentence..."you spell your name with an E and you want everyone to know about it."

When I was a kid (and now too) I made sure everyone got my middle name right. Anne WITH AN E!!!

Working my butt off

Yeah, right! Don't I wish. My butt is still very much attached to my body. However, I am working hard. Katie's room is almost done. Just need to paint the bookshelves and dresser, finish the floor, install the shelves & baseboards, put up the closet organizer and set up the furniture. It would be nice if Katie could sleep in a real bed again.
Plus I can't wait to get that mattress set out of my room!

That's all I have time for today.

See Ya!

Audio Clip

http://www.freeaudioclips.com/music1/Comedy_Clips/win95.wav

How in the world do you post audio clips!!

Somebody help me!!

Quote

Happiness is inward and not outward;

and so it does not depend on what we have, but on who we are.

Henry Van Dyke

Like I've been telling you...happiness is a choice you make daily.

Out of the blue

Look who posted!

Cyclone Clocks

Hey Folks,

The whirlwind that is my life is lookin good. Today I am happy. I will smile all day long. I will stand a little taller, be a little nicer, laugh a little louder.

Why?

Why not?

Michael is feeling better. He is still very tired, but better...and better is reason to smile.

Oh sure, I have a ton of things to do, deadlines to meet, bills to pay and people to call (email), not to mention house stuff like laundry, dishes and ripping out the carpet in Katie's bedroom...but other than that...I'm free as a bird!!

Life is great!

Every clock in my house looks like it just got hit by a cyclone.

Well, times a wastin.

Let's get this party started!!!! There's a day happenin out there. Aint nothin to it, but to do it!!

Waterbed

Waves on the ocean
tides in the sky
take me up heaven
with freedom to fly

glide on the sun
rays at my back
whipping the water
in one sweeping crack!

never look back
the blind are not wise
to stare into sunshine
with dew compromise

relax on my waves
melt in my sand
I'll keep you forever
to play in the band

where were you going,
that I could not be?
be still, be quiet
and just look at me.

Teeth Torture

Can You read the writing I put on this picture? Click to enlarge. It's last weeks x-ray of Michael's mouth. Look how nice his teeth line up now. To our surgeon and orthodontist...it's a beautiful sight.

Everything is coming along fine, except that Michael is still clinching and grinding without realizing it. He's been taking valium at night to relax.

Today was the first day he ate some real food. Very soft scrambled eggs...YUM!!

Time To Ask A Few Questions

Ready?

Here we go...

Why do rear view mirrors say "objects in mirror are closer than they appear"?

Why do birds prefer a bird bath with rocks at the bottom of the bowl?

Why do some people refuse to believe they poses any talent to do anything remotely creative what so ever?

When you consider that coffee houses are popping up all over country as the #1 hit for breakfast...Why is an entire grocery store isle devoted to cereal when coffee only gets a corner?

Why is NASA having so many little things fall off the shuttle recently when there have been hundreds of space flights that have gone off without this happening before?

Why does a milkshake blender use a different kind of blade?

In older homes...Why were laundry rooms placed near the kitchen and not the bedrooms where the laundry actually goes?

Why are tempetures cooler underground when the Earth's core is so hot?

According to the theory of evolution, how long will it take before modern man's appendix is replaced with an organ that can neutralize excess sugar and fat created by fast food chains?

Just a few questions I have. I've been up since 6:30 (yes, that's early for me) washing my car and wondering...