tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264914022024-03-14T02:01:42.047-06:00YeahSureRightIf you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. ~Mary EngelbreitHelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.comBlogger725125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-11473341274825950752011-07-20T08:40:00.005-06:002011-07-22T08:28:58.137-06:00And Now, Back to the Real WorldGood morning all. You are probably wondering why I, Betty Lou, am writing from home on a Wednesday morning. No, I am not taking a personal day - although those are lovely. I was laid off. A combination of budget issues and skill set problems led to my downfall. But honestly, this is a good thing. I am of the philosophy that every moment is an opportunity so me being without a job is just an opportunity to go after the bigger, better and more awesome. Besides, I have a tremendous skill set and a helpful personality and my contracting firm has already put me in for a few jobs.<br /><br />But how, you may ask, have I been spending my unemployment - all 3 days of it...I coordinated Youngest's wedding shower (yes, she's gettin' hitched and moving to Texas), did some organizing of my apartment and resume and have watched a lot of TV, which I know is terrible so today that stops, I have books to read and laundry to do. <br /><br />As you know this is a societal issues website now, so I need to give you a little something-something. You see, the Great Recession hit right around 2007 and I was employed (when unemployment was 5%). Yea! Yippee! Then in 2008 I was unemployed for a few months (unemployment was still only 5% then). Boo! Hiss! Then I got a job and it was great, I worked downtown (the dream was to work and live downtown), the office was beautiful and stable and then my contract was canceled. Boo! Hiss! I was contracted to another division of said former company where I learned a lot in a few roles, but honestly this last one, I never really felt comfortable in...it never jelled. <br /><br />So here I am today, part of the 9.2% of Americans who are jobless...That's 14M people.<br /><br />That's the population of Ecuador. <br /><br />I am going to do my laundry now.<br /><br /><br />Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Wikipedia.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-44823159838766474942011-05-09T21:23:00.006-06:002011-05-19T19:34:20.011-06:00She's Your Lobster...Or She Just Looks Like OneThis weekend was the first truly warm weather since that freak February warm snap. Hopefully it is here to stay, I am sick of wearing socks and real shoes. I prefer flippy-flops. <br /><br />Unfortunately, given that it has been cooler as of late, I was unprepared for the awesomeness that was sunshine. So I got a little burnt. One side of my upper body that is. <br /><br />And since this bloggity-blog is all about learning something new and making the world better (if at least, healthier), I am going to learn you something about SKIN CANCER and CARE.<br /><br />And so we begin<br /><br />My Gran is 74 years old, she looks 50. Why, you may ask, and how, damnit, give me the lady's secret. I am here to tell you folks, after nearly 30 years of watching this woman, I think I know it. Moisturizer...and long sleeves. Gran may like to be outside, but she is always covered, big hat to ankle pom-pom socks in her tennis shoes. I could never understand why she wore long sleeves in the summer. Now I do. No sun + good skincare regiment = awesome skin. I am hoping the wonder-genes have been passed on to me. Because obviously, the common sense didn't carry over. <br /><br />My family seems to be prone to skin cancer-like things. Mom, sister, probably me, if I had the time to go to the dermatologist. So I am here to tell you, go to the doc, get the screenings done. They will scrape, possibly cut somethings out of you (which I am told hurts like well, someone cutting something out of you), but you will feel better in the end. <br /><br />SKIN CANCER FUN FACTS - It's No Laughing Matter<br /><br />•Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.1<br /><br /><br />•Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.2<br /><br /><br />•One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.3<br /><br /><br />•Over the past 31 years, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.4<br /><br /><br />•Nearly 800,000 Americans are living with a history of melanoma and 13 million are living with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer, typically diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.5<br /><br /><br />•Actinic keratosis is the most common precancer; it affects more than 58 million Americans.6 Approximately 65 percent of all squamous cell carcinomas arise in lesions that previously were diagnosed as actinic keratoses. In patients with a history of two or more skin cancers, 36 percent of basal cell carcinomas arise in lesions previously diagnosed as actinic keratoses.7<br /><br /><br />•Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer; an estimated 2.8 million are diagnosed annually in the US.8 BCCs are rarely fatal, but can be highly disfiguring if allowed to grow.<br /><br /><br />•Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer.9 An estimated 700,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the US,10 resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths.2<br /><br /><br />•Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have either skin cancer at least once.11<br /><br /><br />•About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.12<br /><br /><br />•Treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancers increased by nearly 77 percent between 1992 and 2006.<strong></strong><br /><br />~<em>Courtesy of The Skin Cancer Foundation</em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-69061554010328246862011-03-24T20:42:00.009-06:002011-03-26T08:27:15.513-06:00Your Breasteses and You<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fowk4V-4-ok/TYwDpg9HaEI/AAAAAAAAAHI/-6w6vy-cDbY/s1600/BB1.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fowk4V-4-ok/TYwDpg9HaEI/AAAAAAAAAHI/-6w6vy-cDbY/s200/BB1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587845249415735362" /></a><br /><strong></strong>I participated in the Romp to Stomp a few weeks ago. This is a snow shoe walk for breast cancer. Breast cancer affects not only those who are diagnosed, but their families and friends. Women are preemptively cutting off their breasts because of this disease. One of the things that makes us women and we have to cut them off because of a stupid bunch of mutating cells! We should have a cure by now! Where is this cure? <br /><br />Here are some facts you should keep in mind next time you skip your yearly or do not do your self exams. <br /><br />About 1 in 8 women in the United States (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. <br /><br />In 2010, an estimated 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed, along with 54,010 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. About 39,840 women were expected to die in 2010 from breast cancer, though there has been a decrease in death rates since 1990. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advancements, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness. <br /><br />For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than any other cancer, besides lung cancer. <br /><br />Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. More than 1 in 4 cancers are breast cancer. <br /><br />White women over the age of 40 have a higher rate of breast cancer than African American women over the age of 40. However, African American women under the age of 40 have a higher breast cancer rate than white women under the age of 40. African American women are also more likely to die from the disease. <br /><br />As of 2010, there were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. <br /><br />Ye<em>ah, fight hard ladies!</em><br /><br />A woman's risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) that has been diagnosed with breast cancer. About 20-30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer. <br /><br />About 5-10% of breast cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations (abnormal changes passed through families). <br /><br />Mutations of the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes are the most common inherited genetic mutations. Women with this mutation have up to an 80% risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetime, often at a younger age than it typically develops. An increased ovarian cancer risk is also associated with these genetic mutations. <br /><br />The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender (being a woman) and age (growing older).<br /><br />Source: American Cancer Society<br /><br />So make that appointment, if you want a great doc, I love mine (ask for her info). Cop a feel on yourself. Breast cancer is all of our business.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SL2kXAhWmks/TYwFIEpfobI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/s4MgWWgANgs/s1600/BB2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SL2kXAhWmks/TYwFIEpfobI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/s4MgWWgANgs/s200/BB2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587846873904816562" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-86583937471733290042011-02-23T21:14:00.002-07:002011-02-23T21:18:41.992-07:00Regime Change<a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTqPwSAZVyVU_gC0HubIQXvaRH2M7eO5fvxUxb6sCgWDqWblRLt"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 220px;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTqPwSAZVyVU_gC0HubIQXvaRH2M7eO5fvxUxb6sCgWDqWblRLt" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This blog has gotten way too whiney. So from here on out, it will be devoted to proper causes and social commentary.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-45136503219333258752011-02-18T21:49:00.003-07:002011-02-19T08:14:54.230-07:00Clever Blog Post TitleSo I cried...and drank<br /><br />Then I got angry...and drank<br /><br />Then I walked, slept and drank...a lot more.<br /><br />I feel better now. I am better off and 10 pounds lighter. <br /><br />I need to go to the shooting range. Pop a cap in some paper dude's ass (random, I know). <br /><br />I have coffee klatch tomorrow (gonna go for a walk beforehand) and then brunch on Sunday with Boo Boo. <br /><br />I feel better. <br /><br />I am better.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-70192370403232596682011-01-24T20:37:00.003-07:002011-01-24T20:53:15.779-07:00The Last Couple of Weeks<a href="http://images.mylot.com/userImages/images/postphotos/2112204.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 450px;" src="http://images.mylot.com/userImages/images/postphotos/2112204.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The last couple of weeks have been a bit, how you say, on the rough side. OK, they have been pretty terrible. Let me explain...<br /><br />I was in a car totalling accident with my dad - Thankfully, we all walked away with just bruises.<br /><br />Work has been especially stressful - Nothing out of the usual, I am stressed naturally. It's my baseline. But it contributes to the rest...<br /><br />It was the anniversary of my nephew's death last week. I am happy that he only ever knew love and he has a sweet and clever little brother that we can love with everything we have as well. <br /><br />Jason broke up with me. There is no bright side to this one. <br /><br />And now you see where I am coming from - of course this is certainly not as bad as some people have to go through, but it's my life and this is how I categorize things.<br /><br />So I have been eating crapily and nightly drinking my IQ in CC's of booze. <br /><br />But now it's time to wipe away the tears and stand up straight once more.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-22063821393526634922011-01-04T17:51:00.007-07:002011-01-24T20:37:51.512-07:00Year in Review 2010 and some of 2011I have been working at Xcel for 2.5 years - Usually good, sometimes dull. A job, basically. I have plans for bigger and better thing. <br /><br />My grandma died - the first of the core 4. I am down to three and Mom is half and orphan. I miss her terribly. She was my prayer warrior - everything she prayed for came true for me. Her powers were awesome and terrifying. <br /><br />I have been dating a wonderful man for 15 months. He, unfortunately, has moved to Edwards (3 hours away). But we talk every day, email and I plan to invest in a webcam for Skyping. <br /><br />The rentals will celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary this month. Yeah!<br /><br />I got a snazzy new computer.<br /><br />I moved to a new, better apartment - more character, less rent, walkable bars. <br /><br />I travelled to Minnesota for the BF's brother's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and everyone was great (I met the whole family). <br /><br />My beautiful and clever nephew celebrated his 2nd birthday. <br /><br />Youngest got engaged! I'm in the wedding!<br /><br />There are probably some more things to mention, but this is good for now.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-16368695823714527622011-01-04T17:45:00.002-07:002011-01-04T17:50:59.504-07:00"Oh, You're OK"I went to a basketball game with some work chums - it was free for Xcel volunteers (I plant trees, therefore I am) and as I was ordering my beer (can't enjoy college B-ball without one or 2 as it were), I went to get out my ID and the vendor says to me, "oh, you're OK." And then goes to card my friend, who is older than me. <br /><br />Really!?!<br /><br />Am I that haggard?<br /><br />Twenty-nine is got haggard...considering I will be this age...FOREVER.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-81623983099903348792010-12-17T17:25:00.001-07:002011-01-04T18:08:39.292-07:00And....She's Back!Hello children. I hope you all played nice in my absence.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-16215361882576381042010-06-09T18:06:00.001-06:002010-06-09T18:07:28.673-06:00Taking Time OffI am going to excuse not writing by "taking some time off." Please read a book instead.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-73044095004236667332010-04-27T20:22:00.003-06:002010-04-28T10:45:07.109-06:00Duck Quacks do Echo...I am cleaning my house after spending nearly 2 weeks straight with Jace. He has a great new apartment and he cooks, therefore he is perfect (among other far less superficial reasons). Plus, he lets me do my laundry at his house (I have to pay here and there are no change machines and his W/D has is in unit and free!). So life is pretty good then, free laundry and all. I am simple, all I need is a W/D and a good meal. <br /><br />Jace beat me at Trivial. I am convinced supernatural forces were at work. He is incredibly smart, but I am the Queen of Useless Knowledge. Forces, I say, forces.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-51673627074209957582010-03-11T18:26:00.002-07:002010-03-11T18:44:51.430-07:00This is Going to be an Angry OneStop reading and go to cuteoverload.com if you don't want to see me drizzle venom on my computer and press publish. <br /><br />I was typing away at my computer doing one of many many many "Miscellaneous Time Adjustments" that I have done this week, because people are stupid and can't get their shit together. One of my co-workers starts talking to me over the partition while he is heating his lunch (yes, I am so sad that my cube is microwave and perv (another story) adjacent. He mentions what he is going to do with his bonus this year. A few things...<br /><br />1) Shut up<br />2) I am acutely aware that I do not make as much money as the people I work with<br />3) I do not get a bonus, dumb ass, I am not even an employee, I am fucking contractor who will not become a permanent employee anytime soon (budget bullshit), I barely make a living wage (I am pretty sure I make less than the guy who used to pour my coffee (which I can't afford now (car repairs, computer issues, etc))<br />4)Shut up!<br /><br />I do not care, nor do i want to hear that you will be using your <span style="font-style:italic;">bonus </span> to by a ukulele or that your daughter plays a mean guitar. <br /><br />People need to be most sensitive to the plight of others. That is all I am asking for, a LITTLE FUCKING SENSITIVITY!<br /><br />::sob::<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-61098203244657951562010-02-20T23:00:00.002-07:002010-02-20T23:08:33.824-07:00So...Valentine's DayBreakfast in bed, well, not bed (he had to get groceries and I had laundry to do. Still delicious.<br /><br />We had dinner at Outback on Saturday and then went to Devotchka on Sunday night. We were on the kiss <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/DeVotchKa/12172643277#!/photo.php?pid=4663814&id=12172643277">cam</a>!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-55288842804983096142010-02-03T19:19:00.003-07:002010-02-03T20:56:26.131-07:00Sha La La La Life Goes OnWork is fine, worky, you know.<br /><br />Family is good, had an "interesting" lunch conversation with Mom, sisters and Sue. Dad declined to attend, probably better for his sanity.<br /><br />BF is great, I spent some time with his hockey team last night. <br /><br />BF is treating me to my FIRST EVER Valentine's Day. Previous boyfriends were bitter about the holiday, I played along as long as I could, but it just got so demoralizing. Sometimes a girl needs a card or flowers on a predesignated day in February.<br /><br />I am so sick of being a secretary/assistant so I am taking steps to do something about it.<br /><br />Also, my dislike of people was further deepened yesterday while driving to Jace's hockey game and the person two cars up from me at the light stopped to give money to the homeless guy on the corner. A noble deed, indeed, if they had been on the side closest to the curb, which he was not. So the homeless dude had to wait until the light turned red (did i mention the car stopped to give this guy money on the green?) Anyway, the guy in front of me decided a bit too late to try and go around and hit me! No damage though, he hit my already dented license plate. But still, people are idiots. <br /><br />I got 4 boxes of Christmas cards for $0.49 each. So there's that.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-25840201181411710792010-01-22T21:50:00.002-07:002010-01-22T21:57:21.010-07:00Help Haiti NowPlease do what you can to help the disaster relief effort currently going on in Haiti.<br /><br />Here are a few links to help you find an organization in need:<br /><br />http://yele.org/<br /><br />http://www.oxfamamerica.org/<br /><br />http://www.unicefusa.org/<br /><br />https://www.compassion.com/<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">People are in desperate need and you can help!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-61389291033960746322010-01-06T18:19:00.004-07:002010-01-08T18:11:08.448-07:00Yes, It's True, People SuckWhen it snows, it's every man for himself. Five people turn on red, people cut you off at every chance and they do not help when you are in trouble.<br /><br />I took a huge spill in Target today, right in front of the carrots and two cops. No one even tried to help me up. The carrots were of no help either. <br /><br />I am bruised.<br /><br />People suck.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-31723584815109448382010-01-05T17:58:00.001-07:002010-01-05T17:59:43.036-07:00Isn't This What High School is for?http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/personal/01/04/dating.site.overweight/index.html<br /><br />Really!<br /><br />Seriously!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-79790642556739484252009-12-27T17:56:00.003-07:002009-12-27T18:07:11.285-07:00Should I or Shouldn't IShould I go to the gym, cuz I am super bored and I have like 6 hours until I go meet up with Jason, who is flying back tonight. <br /><br />Or should I clean my house?<br /><br />I do have a new Ipod that is all loaded up (yes, I may be 10 years behind the times, but I am fairly smart and figure things out quickly).<br /><br />I am almost convinced, but I think I will clean the house. I only like going to the gym after I have been. Catch 22 and all.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-67234574186589828322009-12-21T19:16:00.002-07:002009-12-21T19:30:03.242-07:00Christmas Came EarlySo, X-mas came a little early for me and Jason. Since he will be in Phoenix for the actual holiday, we exchanged gifts and had dinner last night. He got me an Ipod. I have never owned one and it is very cool. I got him a book he had been eying.<br /><br />I have to work all week, but thankfully, Christmas is on a Friday this year so I don't have to go back to work the day after as per usual. <br /><br />In other news, JoAnna's movie, that I helped with this summer is complete and had it's first screening on Saturday. It was great and not just because I have a credit in the film. It was creative and beautiful and I have a credit in the film. After the premier, I went to another party at Kristin's house. I am lame and couldn't afford my own party, so I took solace in these two shindigs and had a great time. <br /><br />Not much else, work is good, family is good, I have an Ipod now. So a little less lame. <br /><br />Oh I pulled off an all department meeting and a holiday office party all on the same day. It was madness, madness I tell you.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-31464961650569619742009-12-10T19:44:00.005-07:002009-12-11T18:49:38.082-07:00Holidays, It's All About the MusicI love the holidays, the lights especially. But also the music. <br /><br />My top Winter/Holiday songs are,in no particular order:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KMfcfYcIDbg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KMfcfYcIDbg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I love this song, I think it's funny and sweet.<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UH_rr4ZnBF8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UH_rr4ZnBF8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />I have loved this song my entire life. I know all the verses and am pretty sure I could sign it if I tried.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/60bNzi9dA9U&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/60bNzi9dA9U&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I first heard this song in high school (10+ years ago) and it always makes me imagine sitting by the fire with a lovely man, drinking red wine and feeling the warm fuzzies that come with love. This scenario has yet to be played out. <br /><br />Feel the holiday love people!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-74972363351292603122009-11-28T22:26:00.004-07:002009-12-01T19:19:49.389-07:00"Other Families Aren't Like Ours"We like spending time together. Watching movies, playing games, sharing meals. <br /><br />I have never experienced what it's like to not like your family, it would certainly help my writing (at least make it more interesting), but I love my family and I genuinely like spending time with them. <br /><br />We've been described as "freakishly close." <br /><br />This past Thanksgiving was no exception.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-21999712929215387182009-11-24T21:47:00.002-07:002009-11-24T21:59:41.487-07:00Happy Birthday to Me!It is official. At 6:56pm PST or rather 7:56 MST, I turned 28. How does one celebrate this momentous occasion. If I had my way, i.e. I ruled the world, I would have had the day off to relax and reminisce about the past 28 years. Instead, I worked. Not so bad really as throughout the day, I received calls and texts wishing me a very happy b-day. Thanks everyone! This evening, the great and wonderful BF took me to a very fancy dinner. And by fancy, I mean an entree was the price of our usual total bill. It was fancy!<br /><br />He thinks I'm special and deserves a fancy night out. Who knew these men existed?<br /><br />Had the family party on Sunday with the parents and sisters, BF joined us. Dad must like him because he asked what kind of beer he should get for Jace. Very nice gesture. Great dinner, awesome birthday Key Lime Pie (I don't do cake) and a fabulous game of Trivial Pursuit. Which we won. By two pie pieces. Yeah! Only the second time I have ever beaten my father, it felt so good!<br /><br />I didn't do the usual 5 parties this year (all friend group outing, family, boyfriend only celebration, work lunch, girlfriends gab and gossip brunch), I just don't have the time. With a full time job and a full time boyfriend, I am surprised I have the energy to go upstairs and get a piece of the complimentary coconut cream pie from the fridge (I'm not going to, too stuffed with swordfish and Burgundy). <br /><br />Best Birthday Ever!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-23539580251175549672009-11-17T17:27:00.002-07:002009-11-17T17:31:04.098-07:00Baby Sitter ExtraordinaireI watched Weston all day on Saturday (his mama, Youngest moved out of Baby Daddy's house, another story, another time). I love this kid, he dances every time music is played and think my Elmo impression is hilarious. <br /><br />What did I get for all my love and attention...one hell of a head and chest cold.<br /><br />I am off to NyQuil myself into a stupor. <br /><br />Later days<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-72918352784241151412009-11-11T18:27:00.002-07:002009-11-11T18:40:34.258-07:00And So...Hey kids, hope you are all well. I am super dandy. Why you may ask. Well, several things. I finally got cable and Internet in my new apartment. Took 3 tries, 2 trips out here for Sue, Mom and the baby, four phone calls to Comcast several emails and a butt-load of frustration, but it is done. I may not have a couch, but I can now watch the Simpsons and surf late night porn. <br /><br />Work is good. My boss is on maternity leave so I am doing all of her work plus mine. So, basically, the work of 2.5 people. I am the woman!<br /><br />Jason and I are still doing great. He is super. I am happy. <br /><br />Weston turned one a few weeks ago, we had a very nice family party, Jace met the rest of the family, having met Mom and Dad during the move. Katie likes him as does the baby. Course, he is a terrible judge of character, he loves everyone. <br /><br />That's pretty much it. <br /><br />Don't forget to hug a vet today.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26491402.post-39601969242964793932009-10-13T17:55:00.002-06:002009-10-13T18:12:04.438-06:00Several ThingsIt's flu season, I am coordinating the flu shots that the company gives to all of its employees for free (contractors pay $23.99). I do not get flu shots. I haven't had the flu in over 15 years. I believe that this proves my theory that flu shots are pointless. Besides, I would still work if I got the flu.<br /><br />I move from the clapboard shit box in 4 days. Good bye drug dealers with buyers who knock on your door for 3 hours. Goodbye guys who play their crap music too loud at 7am and play video games to loud until midnight. Goodbye weekly cop visit to the building. Goodbye Crazy Bitch. <br /><br />My mom doesn't say "I love you" when we say goodbye on the phone. I know she loves me, a lifetime of being there for me and everything she has taught me is evidence of that, but it would be nice to hear, if God forbid something should happen to me before I talk to her again. <br /><br />Weston turns 1 in a few weeks. I can't believe he's going to be 1. I spent the weekend with him and my grandparents last week. A lovely visit, his laughed the entire time, you know, in between feedings and naps. He sleeps like a bunny.<br /><br />Jason is still great. We are at the 3 month mark and I don't want to kill him as is the norm at this point in a relationship. I am very happy.<br /><br />I have given up junk food and red meat.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Site Meter -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s19adored">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://s19.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s19adored" target="_top">
<img src="http://s19.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s19adored" alt="Site Meter" border="0"/></a>
</noscript>
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter --></div>HelloBettyLouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07123247580291591070noreply@blogger.com3