Anniversary Fun!

Hi All! Going to try and take some tips from Renegade and make this post a little shorter than the last.  Brief is better right?

Last Saturday was Mike and I's 16th year anniversary. Yes, you heard me correctly. 16 years. I really wasn't sure what the heck we were going to do to celebrate. Quite a few years ago, I had figured we would be getting married on this day. Little did I know back then that time is such a huge factor in life.

The paper bag of shame!

We got an early start on the anniversary by going out to dinner at one of my favorite hometown bars, Clubhouse BFD. They specialize in local and craft beers and have a great menu of good old comfort foods. I ordered a Christmas Ale from Goose Island and Mikey fretted over the beer menu until he finally settled on a Bud Light. What can I say, he's never been an adventurous beer drinker. For starters we had Jameson sautéed onions over cheese & potato pierogies. I had the mac n'cheese while Mike enjoyed the pretzel burger (habanero jack cheese and crispy bacon on a salted pretzel bun).  

Friday I had some NSO business to take care of, but Saturday morning we got up and decided to take a trip down to the Henry Ford Museum. It had been a really long time since Mike had been there, and a decent time for me as well.  I had really wanted to do the Greenfield Village Holiday Nights, but the event was sold out for that weekend. We had a good time looking at all of the old cars, trains and period pieces. One of my favorite exhibits has always been the American Democracy &Civil Rights Collection. With information and items from Lincoln's abolition of slavery, to Women's Suffrage, to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

Funny WWII propaganda

We had to head back to the Rochester area since Mike's mom had a slight plumbing emergency, but while driving home we came up with a plan to do dinner at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and a movie at Great Lakes Crossing.  

After a brief pause in the anniversary excitement, we rushed up to GLC and had dinner. We're not exactly the fanciest of people so beer out of a mason jar, a pulled pork sammie, nachos, and some sweet potato tater tots were on the menu for us. We were able to just finish up in time to rush on over to the theater to catch what seemed like an hour of previews. Finally in keeping with the historic theme, we saw Steven Spielberg's Lincoln. We both greatly enjoyed the movie. I really didn't expect so many laugh out loud moments. 

We came home and were both actually quite tired, and had another busy day a head of us. It was a fun little anniversary with only a few little hiccups, but nothing is ever perfect. If he ever gets around to putting that ring on my finger I will be sure to let you know!

On the Go: Things Happen For A Reason

I went to Specs Howard yesterday and to be honest I don't think any of their programs fit what I'm looking for. But at least I went and now I know. 

Though something else did happen last night that put me in a better spot. Last night we had our league's. BOD elections and while listening to the candidates discuss their qualifications, I found out that one of our skaters has a lot of experience in blogging and media! I sent her a message and she's offered to provide a little feedback for me.  (Thanks Renegade!) 

Just goes to show that sometimes life is laid out for you and you just have to be ready for it.

On The Go: A New Idea

I'm just writing a quick little note on my lunch break from my mobile app. 

Today, I had to huddle up in a too-small-for-us-all conference room and congratulate a co-worker for being a dedicated employee for the past 20 or whatever years. This happens all the time. I should be happy that my employer has a great retention rate, but all I see are middle-to-old aged ladies all having done the same thing I'm doing for way longer than I ever want to.

With that, I'm meeting with Admissions at Specs Howard today after work. Hoping to get some insight on whether or not the Broadcast Media Arts program would be a good career move. I'm not saying I want to be some fancy news reporter with an unpronounceable name, but I wouldn't mind applying what I might learn to my own brand/blog.

I'll let you know how it goes!

On Recent Shananigans

Like I mentioned earlier, I had a pretty awesome weekend coming up and it lived up to my dreams and more.

Last Friday night was my best friend Gabby's work party.  She works for a rather large automobile manufacturer and the party was going to be a pretty awesome shindig.  Originally, it was going to be just her and I going, but since RSVP'ing she had started dating a guy and of course wanted to invite him along as well.  Thankfully one of her co-workers hadn't used her plus one, so they got him on the list.  Now, I hadn't met this guy yet, only knew about him from bits of conversation and a little Facebook stalking, but eh, what do I care, he makes my friend happy and now he was going to drive (bonus!).

I got home after work and got ready to go out. I opted to wear the dress I wore to my derby wedding earlier in the year, a pair of fancy fishnets, and my new hi-top Chuck Taylors. Because yes, I am that fancy.  The party was in the ballroom of the Motor City Casino Hotel.  I was pretty geeked for this, not only because I was going to be stomping around my favorite city, Detroit, but also because I have never gone to a casino other than to park for free and ride the People Mover.  (For those of you not in the know, the People Mover is the only thing besides smelly buses & cabs that count as public transportation downtown, and it is essentially useless unless you want to go to 5 specific places downtown). 

We got to the party a little late, but Gabby, Trevor and I immediately found our way to the bar and grabbed some free drinks.  Drinks are always a little wetter when their free.  We made a brief pass around the ballroom. So much food.  There was a sushi bar, a carving station, a pasta bar, a fruit & something bar, oh and plenty of bar bars too! After finishing our drinks and emptying our hands we loaded up on free sushi.  We wandered around a bit and met with Gabby's co-workers.  After another round of drinks Gabby and Trevor wandered off to have a smoke and I jumped at the chance to eat some delicious roast beast.  We all have our vices ok? They smoke, I eat. 

Later we wandered into the Soundboard (the casino's fancy dance club) and was greeted by a million little sweet treats and a live band.  We hung out a bit, I danced, I was complimented on my intelligent footwear.  We had a good time.

Once the allure of the party had worn off, we made our way up to the casino floor.  I had some money burning a hole in my skull and crossbones hand bag and I wanted to gamble.  Not any of that high stakes stuff... just some good old fashioned slot machines.   So I broke a 20 at the machine and walked up to the first open quarter slot machine and loaded a 5er in.  Pulled the handle. And realized that those old pieces of crap were worthless.  We walked around a bit until a penny slot finally caught my attention and wouldn't you know it, 5 bucks landed me a near $40 winner.  Cashed that one out.  We hit a few more fancy video slots and eventually my $20 in cash was gone and I had $80 in tickets.  I was more than ok with that.

We caught up with Gabby's boss who had done quite well for himself that night as well, and had a few drinks before we called it a night.  I had been irresponsible and signed up to work some overtime in the morning, so I had to head to bed.  And not only did I have to work 4 hours, I was also facing a day of roller derby with a double-header, an after party and an after after party to attend.

I worked my shift and got home only to have to get ready in just a few hours so I could meet up with Mayor, cause my weekend wasn't busy enough!  But it was totally worth it!  We had recently discovered that we were both officiating our 50th and 51st bouts that night and so it was appropriate that we have lunch to celebrate.  And if you are going to be in the D for lunch and one of you has never eaten at the famous coney islands well then you must eat coney's for lunch. Later we realized that was the wrong idea... Coney's are best left for 2am when you've been out drinking.  After Mayor and I agreed once again that Lafayette is the better of the two, we headed up to that grand Masonic Temple for a night of amazing roller derby.

It was the 2nd & 3rd bouts of the home season and the D-Funk Allstars were taking on the Detroit Pistoffs and The Pistolwhippers were up against the Devil's Night Dames.  There was a certain agreement amongst most of the league that we all really wanted to see the Dames pull off a win.  They had been working very hard to rebuild over the past 2 seasons and hadn't won a game in just as many.  I, of course, was completely unbiased.  I do not wish any one team to win more than another. I have a job to do.  And being fair, is my main objective.

The Pistoffs managed to take an early lead against D-Funk and pulled out a win with a 201 to 139 victory.  Both teams played hard and I only kinda screwed up the scoreboard once, and it really wasn't even my fault.  Otherwise I did good.  Mayor got to Jam Ref that one and he wasn't awesome but no one ever is perfect all the time.  I am still ridiculously proud of my derby hubby!

And then came the bout we were all waiting for.  Whippers vs. the Dames.  The P-whips started off with a small lead but the Dames were quick to catch up.  There were a few lead changes leading in to the second half and then it was neck and neck.  Both teams playing amazingly hard.  In the end it was a power jam by Swift Justice that gave the Dames the lead they needed to bring home their first W in 2 years.  The place erupted in cheers and sobs of joy! 

Not only was it an exciting night for my league-mates and I, it was also really awesome because my mother and her friend were came to see a bout for their first time. I know! Can you believe I have worked 50 bouts and my own mother hasn't seen me do derby!? My mother and her friend appear to be lifetime fans now.  They had two amazing bouts to watch, good seats, they bought a bunch of merch and were all giddy talking about it the next day. 

Of course then there was the after party at the Woodward Avenue Brewers where many drinks were had.  I really recommend the pumpkin ale, it was really good.  And if you like IPA's try the Detroit Maiden inspired by our one and only Detroit Derby Girls!  And then quite a few of us headed over to Hi-Death and Robyn's house where of course we were all angels and drank hot cocoa and had a pajama party and were in bed at a completely reasonable time.  That's my story and I am sticking to it!

Just another weekend full of shenanigans to add to the reasons of why I love all of my friends. New and old, derby or non-derby.  And speaking of friends I have to run out the door now and meet up with Gabby & Trevor for Taco Tuesdays.  Thanks again for reading! 

A Little Help From My Friends?

Today at work, the boss lady asked if I would be willing to work some overtime in January helping out the department that drives me batty.  Le Sigh. Sure.  I'll take the OT.  And moments later she stopped back at my desk to let me know that they could use my help now, if I was interested. Sure!  Unless I squeeze in a few hours this week, all I will get this month is extra straight time hours because I have the next 3 Friday's off to use up the last of my vacation days.  At least it's extra money, and I know that I should be grateful to have a job.  But I am still allowed to whine about it cause I am really starting to hate what I do?  See first post: A New Beginning. 

Ok, so here's my question.  What the heck am I qualified for?  I don't want to fill spreadsheets with numbers any more unless I am working on a WFTDA Stats Book.  Some of my favorite projects in the past were when I was able to do things creative like.  For instance, I used to make flyers and posters for events (company picnic, pot lucks, etc).  At another job I basically wrote and published the company newsletter. I would include the usual anniversaries, birthdays, upcoming events and some field related article.  I never used anything more advanced than Microsoft Publisher.  But I enjoyed the writing, organizing, and formatting.

I have a Bachelor of Science with focus on Business Administration from Central Michigan University.  I have taken a few creative writing classes, basic composition, technical writing and even a web design class (that's probably way out of date now).  I would love to take some courses in writing again.  I'd take anything that I could find right now; screenplay, short story, poetry, even technical again!  What I would really like to find a class in is something more focused to writing for today's media (blog publishing, online news sources, Twitter even! That sort of stuff).  Last I checked OU had a journalism program still, I am just hesitant to spend that kind of money on something that was listed as the worst degree to have.  I know, if I am truly dedicated to making this my career I should be willing to make that kind of investment. Maybe someday, just not right now.

In the meantime, I am going to keep writing here and I would like to also start on a separate, more in depth writing project. Of course I didn't think to get in on the NaNoWriMo until it was too late, and by too late I mean it being over. If anyone has any other suggestions I would greatly accept them. Now, off to the internets to research more!

Starting & Finishing Projects

My mother's family has always been all about peace, love, and rock 'n' roll.  And it's no surprise that many, many years ago, my Aunt Ronnie made light up peace signs for a few of her siblings to hang on the house at Christmas.  My mother's was silver and blue and I always loved the way it looked hanging on our porch each year.  Unfortunately, in the divorce my father got all of the holiday decorations, and that peace sign made its way down to Tennessee in the back of his little Ford sedan. I always said I was going to make myself a new one.  And the idea would always come to me in the middle of December when the key item I needed was a hula hoop. Try finding a hula hoop in December. My youngest sister happened to pick me up a hoop earlier this year and when I was digging around in my own decorations, I came across some lighted garland that I wasn't using any more.  And the project actually came together!

Not only did I manage to get that done on Saturday, I also started and nearly completed my Christmas Shopping. I know right? 3rd of December and I am almost done!  I did most of my shopping on Amazon and picked up a few things on my other favorite site, ThinkGeek.  I have been receiving email after email that my packages have been shipped and I can't wait to start getting everything in the mail. Mike and I still need to go out and get our Christmas tree, but I did get some decorations up inside the house and the lights up outside.  I actually bought some additional lights this year and did more than my front porch.  Which means, come January 1st when I try to take them down it will be 40° below.  I even listened to a little Christmas music while I cooked and shopped online. Oh! I'll turn it on again now! I haven't really been in the Christmas mood much in past years so I might as well embrace this while I have it.

Those were two projects started, and nearly finished.  The one I have started and won't be done with for a long time, is much more involved.  Operation Get This Body Ready To Host My Clone will go into full effect January 1.  But I am getting a bit of an early start now to try and rid myself of some bad habits.  For one, I really need to stop drinking so much soda.  And I am trying to bring my lunches more often than not, which will not only be healthier, but it will also save some money.  And I need to be consistent in working out.  For this first Monday in December I am not doing too bad.  According to my Lose It! app I am under my calorie allowance for the day and I worked out on my Wii Fit for 40 minuets, then played around Wii Resort for another 45.  It's not much but those little round-headed people can really get your heart rate going.  So there's that.  I don't want to be skinny, it would be nice, my first concern is being healthy to grow a little person.  No, Mikey and I aren't trying right now, but in the future we will be.  I want to be able to give that little person the best welcome into this world I can. So any words of encouragement you can throw my direction are always welcome!

 Well, I feel I shared a bit there. Nice to get a little personal every now and again. Now back to the silliness.  

So yea, all of this and more has been on my brain lately and I am hoping this weekend gives me a little time off from all of the thinking.  Looking forward to a little partying and some derby. Hope to see you all there!