Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Acting Squirrely



Ok, so I've been in hunter mode since the beginning of summer. Not by choice, but now I'm kinda happy to have known so much more going into the actual hunting season. Between 'Rome having The Outdoor Channel on 24/7 and Google searches on everything you can think of, I've learned more than I thought.
October 2nd was the first day of archery season, being that it was written and highlighted on the calendar and dry erase board, I knew it was that day since May. October 16th, now, was the first day of small game aka squirrel season for us. I have my hunting license since we had gone out for Spring turkey and I didn't get anything then, so I thought starting small with squirrels would be the best practice. Well...the night before we went out and had a gooooood time, so needless to say, the 5 am alarm came and went. Waking up around noon, we both still wanted to go, so we threw on our camo gear and made our way to our spot.
We sat for a little and saw nothing. Now, 'Rome had been out in his tree stand plenty of times before that day and always told me about the large squirrel population. Well, we'll just say they made a big liar out of him for the first hour. Finally, he shot the first squirrel we saw that wasn't a baby. Using a .22, it was bang, bang....dead squirrel. The scope needs to be sighted in, but at least he made out. He adjusted the scope a little for me and we hoped for the best. As he began to gut it, I grabbed the gun and began a trek to a nice spot with a huge dying pine tree dead ahead, a favorite hangout of the squirrels.
I was sitting there for about 7 minutes and I looked to my left and there was a fat squirrel staring right at me. Remember, this was the first animal I had been out to shoot that I actually had a chance at getting. (Those turkeys were jerks.) As I lifted the .22 and pressed it into my shoulder, I felt my heart beating so hard that when I looked through the scope it was shaking. I propped it on my knee and bang, bang...twitchy squirrel on the ground somewhere. As I went to look for it, my hunter man came walking over to help. Sadly, I had to shoot it once more to kill it; I'm not going to make it suffer, that is just mean. All I was thinking as I walked to the next spot was...I cannot imagine seeing a deer or bear in my sights, I would be shaking so hard.
All in all, we ended up with 5 squirrels in 3 hours. I had shot 2 of them on my own, pretty proud actually. I'm sure you can tell in the first picture. The next picture is the beginning of the gutting process, at first I just started, mouth agape realizing "Holy shit, this is real, I have to do this." He tried to get me to eat a squirrel heart but HA! Yeahhhh right. (Maybe if I shoot a deer, I'll take a bite of the heart, I hear that is something you should do. Only if I shoot a buck though... I guess we'll find out.) And of course, the last picture is of my bloody hand with the entrails in the background. We had no gloves so I went into it caveman style. Barehanded and brave.
I hope this isn't too gross for you. It is quite an experience. Going out and killing an animal, gutting it, skinning it and then eating it. (The guts were still warm when I reached in and took them out... which was creepy.) We brought them home, cooked them up and I made squirrel stew. I still have some left...let me know if you want some!! Haha : )

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

There has been a breakout!

Imagine yourself on a nice Sunday afternoon, freshly out of the shower. You put on your soft pink fluffy robe to kiss your love goodbye as they leave for work. You forget you wanted to ask them something before they leave, so you run out to the car. Questioning done, you turn to go back inside and find the door locked. Your honey has already left for the day and you're locked out of your home with no neighbors home to help you. Upon walking around to the back door you remember what you look like...wet, unbrushed hair...black smudges under your eyes from the damn mascara that you haven't totally wiped away...pink bathrobe...flipflops...ouch. The back door is locked, and after ripping the screen at the corner you see the back window is locked as well.
Ah! There may be tools in the room with the oil tank! You run back around the house to the front door and open the door to the oil tank room...but no tools. Only the tank and some pieces of siding. You realize either of your neighbors may not be home for another couple hours and start the crying that you knew was coming. After 10 minutes of pitying yourself, you remember OMG there may be a ladder under your neighbors back porch...let's hope so. While running to the back of the house (again, in only a robe and flipflops), prayers are screaming in your head.
YES!! The ladder is a Godsend, it is laying there so nicely, just asking to be climbed. Set it up, climb up the rungs to the very top, and swing your leg up and onto the back porch roof. Yuck, the roof was recently tarred in the summer and your pink robe now has black smears and pine needles stuck to it. You can't think about that now, all you are focused on is the open bedroom window. Open it up, climb inside and you are finally in your home, looking like you have just escaped the mental hospital no less.
Let's hope no one saw a psychotic looking young woman flashing everyone her goodies as she swung herself onto a roof and climbed through a window.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

GoldieLocks



These have been happy days. Diane has made me a well dressed person.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Helpful Spaghetti

Tonight, I'll be going to a benefit spaghetti dinner for Jerome's boss. A couple months ago, he was out at his pool and dove in, hitting his head/neck. He was paralyzed from the neck down and told there was a very slim chance he would be able to feel or move anything, neck down to toes. He went through surgery a couple weeks after, I'm assuming to his spine, but they still said, they're not sure if it will definitely work.
After going through the surgery and lots of rehabilitation, he was able to feel his fingers and toes, slowly being able to move them, as well. Jerome went to visit him at the rehabilitation center in Atown on his day off and I know it meant a lot to both Jerome and his boss that he had taken the time to visit. From what I hear, his boss is a great guy and I know we're both happy to be able to help him out with this dinner tonight.
What I feel the moral of the story here is that you never know how your life can change in a split second. Something like a jump in a pool can completely alter your life and everything you've known. He is married and just trying to put myself in his wife's shoes seems impossible. I'm happy to be able to meet her tonight, you have to be a very strong person to be able to keep your head up through something like this. At the same time, I'm happy to be meeting him, too. He has to re-learn how to write, walk, etc. and I can't imagine how that must be.
It makes you think about how you can take life for granted and I don't want to do that. I've been able to see the best in things, I get out more, even if it is just a walk or run in the woods.
Live, Laugh, Love...right? Yep, this whole post is a big cliche but for real...it's something you need to think of and you don't want it to be too late.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

If April Showers Bring May Flowers...What does October rain bring?


Yuck, October has begun with wind, rain and all around chilly conditions. Just a reminder to get oil to heat this home before it is too late, I guess. It is making me remember why I enjoyed summer: little to no clothing needed, bare feet, ice in my tea, warm nights, no need to have extra blankets, clothing, socks, etc on hand.
But I do really enjoy Autumn, as much as I may put her down. One of the best things growing up around this area is the mountains...which come along with their many trees and leaves. I am amazed every fall with the array of colors you'll find on the trees by just looking out your window. I have developed such a sense of admiration for Mother Nature. Sure she can be a bitch but hey, she's gorgeous. It is something definitely taken for granted, I have a hard time imagining a year without budding trees, lusciously full branches, then seeing them go out in a blaze of glory with their reds, yellows and oranges. Even winter trees can be pretty, snow covered and delicate looking. Ah, winter I'll hate you until you come around, then I'll fall for you all over again. Such a love-hate cycle.


Playlist:
Massive Attack - Teardrop (listen to it!)
Zero - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Kimdracula - Deftones
....actually, listen to them all ; )

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Sleepy Sunday






Today was a day of relaxing and football. Hanging out in my pajamas all day is a favorite pastime of mine. So I figured, hell I'm not going anywhere and no one is coming here, why get dressed for real? And it was decided, jammies it is. The kittahs had a sleepy day, too. With this last picture of Pantera showing true relaxation. I love them.

Monday, September 20, 2010

The Revolution Has Begun...with a little love, too.


Today, Monday Sept. 20th, my neighbor Tristynn and I began the P90X workout routine. Maybe I'll do before and after pictures...hmm. I'm very excited to see how it goes, we've done most of the workouts but never in the routine they're supposed to be done. Today was Chest and Back plus the Ab Ripper X. The Ab Ripper is my favorite, I also think the name is badass, haha. Knowing that I'm putting myself through this intense 90-day routine is exciting and when I finish I think it will be the best feeling you can get from all the hard work you've put into it. After Chest and Back, after what felt like hundreds of push-ups, pull-ups and other strenuous reps, I could barely lift my arms, let alone push myself off of the floor.
I hope I'm sore tomorrow. Nothing feels better than the soreness of the muscles, knowing you really pushed it the day (or two) before. I think I may add in a brisk power walk or run every day or at least every other. I'll keep this updated on my progress, I think I may do pictures once a week or every 2 weeks. I guess we shall see what we shall see.
I'm making a turkey dinner with baked potatoes and one other thing, not sure what yet. Today is Jerome and my anniversary, over 2 years now. Wow, time flies. Seems like just yesterday I was getting into his sister's car, shaking his hand, blushing and saying "Nice to finally meet you." What a gentleman. One cousin's wedding a day later and the bond was sealed and I couldn't be happier. I love him like no other and I couldn't picture a happy life without him in it. <3 Maybe I'll elaborate more on that someday, but for now, just know he is everything to me.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

"Killer boots, man."


In the beginning of summer, the town in which I live had a community yard sale. Jerome and I drove around looking for interesting stuff. I saw an older woman in her garage with tons of clothes hanging up, and of course, I had to stop. I walked out of there with 2 shirts (one of them still had the tags), a brand new robe, a beige shirtdress, 2 silky nightgowns and these Zodiac boots. All for $15. She tried to get me to buy some atrocious outfits, too and I let her give me her best try but I knew I was happy with my finds. I stopped other places, too but this one was my favorite and where I bought the most items. If I ever see a yard sale, I always want to stop. You never know what you'll find. Like they say- One man's trash is another man's treasure. In this case though... woman's. I've learned that the older the people having the yard/garage sale, the more interesting things you'll find.
This picture is from Friday, the 17th. We went out to dinner with my Aunt and Uncle to the Riverwalck in Parryville and I figured boots would help me fit right in. Plus, I hadn't been able to wear them yet and I was excited to finally build up some confidence to strut in them, haha. I felt like a badass walking through the place, maybe more like stompin'! It was fun, Jerome called them my hooker boots, but what does he know? He's a guy.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Monday, September 13, 2010

Do the Coal Dust Polka















When I was a young girl, I had a rock collection. Mind you, the rocks I usually collected were ones from right around my house...the kind you buy from a landscaping business. But to me, these white rocks with silver flecks in them were gorgeous stones, glinting in the sunlight. I remember filling up shoe boxes with these rocks, most of them looking identical, but they were pretty to me. My parents must have just emptied the shoe boxes back into where they came from and it was starting all over for me, just as fun as the day before with my sparkly rocks.
I must not have grown out of my rock collecting stage yet because when I see a rock or a piece of coal in this situation, I'll still pick it up and inspect it. Maybe even pocket it. I know I have at least 3 cool pieces of coal in my house right now. One of them has smooth sides, on has oil on it which makes it look even shiner and more colorful and the other one was just gleaming in the sunshine when I first saw it.
These pictures are from a coal pit a couple blocks behind my house. It takes me about 20 minutes to get back there, and I always feel like an adventurer when I trek back that way. I'm still amazed by the huge coal pieces, the boulders stuck in the walls of the blown out earth and of course the massive hole in the ground. The pictures goes in a sequence from the beginning of the path, to the trailer that is sitting there slowly crumbling, a shiny chunk of coal that caught my eye, the big hole in the ground (by the way, it is something to be seen by the naked eye, these pictures barely do it justice), to a nice view from my favorite sitting rock, a picture of myself enjoying the beautiful day and then the pretty path on my way home while the sun was setting.
I love going up there, it is so quiet and peaceful. All I heard today were crickets, a dog barking the distance and then a nice song done by church bells. All in all, a relaxing place to be. It really makes you realize how small you are in such a big world. It makes me appreciate my surroundings so much more.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Football Sundays!






As I have posted earlier, Sundays were my cleaning days. Now that it is football season, that is what my day revolves around... I guess I'll have to find a new cleaning day because it is not going to get done on a Sunday anymore. Maybe some laundry during commercials, but not much else. Not sure if I have made this known, but I am a Steelers fan. I've loved them from my first breath. My parents are both Steelers fans, and growing up that is all I've known and I thank them for it. No matter what, the Steelers will always be there, the winning-est franchise in all of the NFL. Six time Super Bowl champs, 2 of those wins within the past 5 years. Yes, I have much to be proud of. They're like a long distance family that I get to see on TV. They make me happy, they make me cry- both tears of joy and frustration, and in the end - always make me proud to be a Steelers fan.
Heath Miller (# 83) is a long lost love, the best Tight End around ; ) His jersey is the most used in my closet, with Polamalu's and Roethlisberger's coming at second. I have toured Heinz Field...twice, and I plan on doing it again soon. I love them, yes I do. I bleed Black and Gold. Go Steelers!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Curiously Morbid

While using one of my favorite boredom busters, StumbleUpon (find it-download it), I came upon this website about creepy medical museums around the world. These are only some of the photos that really made me look. Between

a Phallological Museum in Iceland and the Musée Fragonard in Paris, there are some crazy places to visit if, like me, the morbid and creepy interests you. Here's the site if you would like to enjoy all of the photos yourself.



Sunday, September 5, 2010

A clean home is a happy home




Sundays are some of my favorite days of the week, but they can also be my least favorite. My day off... full of dusting, vacuuming and all the necessary cleaning responsibilities. Although that outfit to the left is what I wish I was wearing, sadly, mine is at the dry cleaners...damn. Spitting image though...

I did go through my old clothes today, and they brought back some memories... Some sad, I might say. I remember back about 2 years ago when all I owned was 3 Tshirts, 3 tank tops, and one pair of crappy jeans that had no shape to them. Oh, and lest I forget my one 'nice' shirt that I had for work. Now, my drawers finally look like that of a girl and I couldn't be happier with my selection.

After all, coming home to a clean house is quite underrated. Nothing is better than knowing everything is already done.


Watching during typing: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Texts like this make me happy, though.

Sitting here folding laundry and being sad about my jumbled-feeling brain, I get a text from my Romeo out of nowhere telling me how much he loves me and that I am and always will be his one and only. Now I'm sitting here folding laundry with a huge smile, anxiously anticipating his return home from work. Maybe it won't be such a dreary night.
Funny how one sentence can completely change a whole night/day.

Headaches make me sad.


Some fun things that happened to me today:
- I was able to enjoy a nice hour with my love before he left for work, looked something like the above picture for at least half of that time : )
- I was told "You look like some girl from the Disney Channel that sings." Not sure who, but they said it was not Hannah Montana. Whew.
- I enjoyed a nice glass..or two...of red wine with a chic chick.
- I had an amazingly delicious dinner and dessert. Even had some coffee!
- I was given more incredible clothing, I honestly don't know how I get so lucky sometimes.

Not so good:
- Headaches
- My house is a MESS and it smells weird.. quite upset about that.
- I am missing a key ingredient for my beef stew, ugh.
- Headaches...again

More tomorrow, right now I'm hearing waves in my head. Love love love to all.

Playlist:
Pandora Radio - Ludwig Van Beethoven Station

Thursday, August 26, 2010

I Love Learning





It seems like everyday I find out something new, exciting and usually useful. I purposely have a Word of the Day app on my phone (Blackberry - nothing compares <3) and I write it down on one of my beloved Super Sticky PostIt notes and slap it on my computer screen. I try to use the word at least once a day, doing some vocabulary expansion. Today's WOTD is: Orthoepy meaning the study of correct pronunciation. Probably one of my favorites so far. I tend to be a grammar Nazi, as I think everyone should be. But then I would have no one to correct...hmm...

I've been teaching myself new things, too. I've been watching tutorials and trying to learn little tips and tricks for everyday things. Today I've been trying to get the hang of the fishtail side braid and perfecting my PinUp girl hairdo. Not too shabby.

I saw my Lady in Red today, yes, you, Diane! :D She was looking fabulous as usual. Hopefully with my newly acquired clothes, I'll get the fab look down. We shall see. She is truly one of the most interesting and inspiring people I have ever met in my entire life. Honest. I love it.



As of right now, I have both of my Kittahs laying around here with me. I was never a cat person, but I've definitely learned to love them. I don't know what I would do without them. They have such defining personalities as well. Pantera is the calm, relaxed gray cat and Stunt is our little 2 face. She can be so lovable and sweet OR be a frisky, psycho kitty.








Well, I do need to get to cleaning...I've been putting it off all week. I have much more to talk about buuuut I guess I'll have to hold off until tomorrow (or later tonight)

I never thought the phrase Live & Learn meant much, but I see it more and more everyday.




Since I listen to music pretty much all day every day (well, as often as I am able to) I figured I'll add what I'm jamming out to while writing:
(Today is a variety show)
Love is a Battlefield - Pat Benatar (!! I belt this one out)
Judith - A Perfect Circle
The Fix - Minus the Bear
Hot - Missy Elliott Ft. RJD2
1979 - Smashing Pumpkins
Someday - The Strokes
Spacelord - Monster Magnet
Labyrinth - Oomph! (German band <3)
Digital Bath - Deftones (favorite band)
Daylight - Blockhead

Monday, August 23, 2010

What a Wonderful Weekend



This is my favorite picture from this weekend. Jerome, my one & only, and myself had a nice long weekend. Lots of fun, laughs, beer and good people.
Friday was setting up for the luau... picking up the pig (lol), inflating pools and whatnot...3 hours later.., setting up our tent and campsite and of course, beer and a campfire!
Saturday was the luau, always fun. This was my 3rd one with Jerome, time flies! Some swimming, games and eating some roasted piggy - yum! And of course enjoying Sam Adams, Lager and some jello shots! Don't really remember walking into the woods or getting in the tent, but pictures prove I did! Haha
Sunday, woke up pretty much in a puddle. Jerome figured we didn't need the rain guard for the tent...good idea big guy. Then, packed up to get ready for a wedding reception later that day. More family and booze.. whoops! Drink of choice was wine that day ; ) I had a nice warm, cozy feeling by the evening.
The wedding reception is where the picture was taken, with the love of my life. Short and sweet recap, a full recollection would take probably an hour or so!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Singing in the Rain

Yesterday was a pretty exhausting day. I stayed OT at work and by the time I got home I was starving. So, I decided to take a walk to the grocery store which is about 20 minutes away, walking time. I figured I'd make this into a workout and run on the trail that goes behind the store on my way and have a nice brisk power-walk on the way home. As I'm getting changed I see that there are some dark clouds in the distance, but I figured I'd have ample time to get there and back with out being drizzled on. Obviously, I should have checked the forecast.
As I'm running, about halfway to the end of the trail I hear a small rumble of thunder in the distance. Ah, no big deal, it sounded pretty far off. By the time I get to the end of the trail and start on my way down to the store the sky is getting pretty cloudy, and those dark clouds seem to have raced over from where they originally were. As I was walking through the parking lot, I thought I felt a drop, so I looked around to see if there were raindrops on the ground or on any of the cars. Nope. Ok, maybe it is just my imagination.
I'm in the store trying to choose a good-looking meat and I hear another rumble, this time pretty loud. I thought maybe it would be just one of those fake-out storms where its just thunder and light rain like we've been getting. I pay, tie up the bag and leave. Walking through the parking lot this time, I see its getting pretty dark and I don't really want to be on that trail by myself if there is going to be thunder and probably lightning. I get to the end of the parking lot and boom, I get smacked in the face by a huge raindrop. I figured, well, I do only have on shorts and a tank top, a little rain never hurt anyone.
As soon as that thought crossed my mind, bright crack of lightning and a shaking thunder roll. Then the rain started. Just a light rain at first, nothing to be worried about. Walking along, about a quarter of the way, the light rain just as fast turns to pelting rain. The streets start flooding up, the gutters can't handle the amount of water and there is me, in a nice bright yellow tank top walking with a tied up brown plastic grocery bag. Good thing I didn't bring my phone...
I had people drive by me and just stare, guys driving with their girlfriends, one of them was actually at an intersection and his girlfriend looked at me and I can see her say 'No, no, just keep going' as she pretends not to see me, and of course, I'm passed by two cops who don't even look in my direction.
I was going to just hang out under an awning but I guess, I was soaked enough, what does a little more rain mean now? The only thing that was a little scary was the constant thunder and lightning. As I got to the block my house is on, I'm able to see bright blue skies and magically the rain starts to let up. My luck, but all in all, I wasn't really that mad. I kinda felt like a little kid again with my water logged squishy shoes and clothes that clung to me. Its a good thing I've been working out, or else the fact that my yellow shirt became a see-through yellow shirt could have been embarrassing....

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

The First Day

I never, ever thought I would be a blogger. But hey, look at me now. I feel like this could be a good thing to do, good for me to vent, express myself and learn a little more about myself.
The way is spend my day: I deal with people all day, trying to make them happy but I seem to come across people who want nothing to do with what I'm pitching. I get to be whomever I so choose over the phone, so maybe sometimes I'll have an accent or be overly bubbly which is always fun. Truth be told, I'll never meet these people, so I try to keep everything fun, both for myself and them.
I get home and some days I get to change my outfit and go to job #2. The other days, I either: clean, exercise, swim/lay out with my future sister-in-law, enjoy a smoothie with my neighbor, make a nice meal or do some baking, or take a walk/run on a trail by my house and visit/hang out on the edge of a coal pit (Yes, a coal pit. 'Everyone's goal is mine more coal.' I love the Coal Region.)
Monday nights include It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Wednesday nights, of course, it is Tosh.0
I guess now this blog will be an addition into my day. Yay, I love it. This isn't so bad : )