Kitty Ditty

A couple of things happened this week that inspired me to start blogging again. Yay, me.

(Yep that was sarcasm. What?! I can't help it.)

Rachel, my lovely sister, was staying with me for a couple of days earlier this week. I was at home and Rachel had left to run a few errands. She came back into the house and said, "OMG, Valerie you HAVE to see this cat that's sitting in your yard!"

Normally, I get pissed when cats are in my yard. I'm just not a huge fan and they creep me out a little. I went to the door expecting to have to a confrontation with this four-legged creature...

Instead, what I found was a cat that was 100%, positively CROSS-EYED.

We laughed so loud the cat got scared and ran away.

I can't get the image out of my head, and at random moments throughout the day, I'll think of that cat and start laughing. Truly, honestly makes my day.

Who knew a cat would be responsible for my blogging comeback!?!?

Losing my Swagger...

Sorry for the lack of posts this month.

First off, I don't know where this month has gone, but I WILL say tis' the season for Wedding Showers, Baby Showers, and Bachelorette parties!! Oh my!

Also, I've been working really hard to recruit men and raise funds for a local charity called Mustaches For Kids. Check out the website. Pretty funny concept, with awesome results that help kids in Nebraska. Yes, you'll notice that I am the Chief Medical Officer. What that means?? I'm not sure. I feel like it's been 'All Mustaches, All the Time' over the last two months. But hey, it's for the kids! Totally worth it! If you want to help the cause and donate to a mustache - even if it's $5- check out the photos on the website and click on the Donate Now button. We have 8 days left and we're OH SO Close to our goal of $33,000.00!!

Work is also super busy. My boss has been gone all week, and before he left, he gave me three projects to work on (plus my 'normal' responsibilities). A teeeeeeeeny tiny bit stressed out.

Thank goodness for the long weekend ahead. I'm doing this again this year...however, since breaking my wrist I've gotten completely out of shape, so I'm going to be walking/jogging/complaining the entire time. It's for a good cause, so I'll grin & bear it! Other than the Boystown walk, I am planning on laying low this weekend and catching up on some MUCH NEEDED sleep!

Hopefully I'll be able to regroup and come back renewed, refreshed, and with some of my swagger back!!!

Have a great weekend, People!

Total Eclipse of the...whatever, the boys are hot.

Say what you want... but I'm SO.EXCITED. about this movie.

Maybe it's Taylor Lautner's abs (back off, he's "legal" now!!) -OR- Robert Pattinson's gorgeously pale face & beautiful voice, I'm not sure. Either way, the trailer was released today and I can't stop watching.

Check it out:

http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie-trailers/?g=b488087d-6875-4f79-91db-abf0db2efdee&from=en-us_msnhp&Gt1=42007

Let's Get LENT!

I gave up coffee/caffeine for Lent. As if I wasn't already a bear to deal with in the morning...

I also not trying not to get annoyed or think bad thoughts about the co-worker who clears her throat ALL.DAY.LONG, whom I recently saw in the bathroom blowing her nose into her hand (yes, you read that right. I almost threw up.)

Wish me luck.

On a positive note, I've been doing a really good job of keeping my New year's Resolution to not make fun of Miley Cyrus anymore. I even sat through her new video for her new movie "The Last Song" & didn't say one bad thing!!(Anisa can vouch for me!!) Go me.

What did everyone else give up for Lent??

Six-pack of Tall Boys from QT: $5.99

Material, Velcro, and Stretchy Gloves at Walmart: $6.32

String, sewing machine, and labor (Courtesy of the best friend in the world): $0

Spending a Saturday night "Pimping My Snuggie" with my Best Friend and her husband:

PRICELESS

...before...

...my little worker bee...

Chris..."supervising"

AFTER!!

(gloves and pockets and velcro...Oh My!)

Missy Misdemeanor

Back in college, I went to alot of house parties. Now, either house parties can be alot of FUN, or REALLYBORING. That's what happens when you're underage (...wait, did I just say that?! MOM & DAD - STOP READING NOW!) So, to make things interesting, BFF Meghan & I would scout out the place and see if there was anything funny that we could "borrow" from the house to place in our dorm room.

Yes, right now is about the time you get all judgey and say, "WHAT?! 'Borrowing' is just a glorified word for STEALING! Illegal!!"

In our defense, nothing that we 'borrowed' was ever worth anything of real value. (UNLIKE my freshman roommate's tendency to shoplift from Walmart - without me knowing. But that's a completely different story for another time.)

Mainly we would just confiscate things like coasters, lawn ornaments, cups...and there was this really interesting evening when BFF Meghan thought it was funny to take the occupant's toothbrushes...(?) Anyway, you get the picture. Anything that we thought was interesting and funny was fair game, and it was THEIR FAULT for having it out for all to see..and for us to be tempted to take it.

You see, when I was about 20, it rarely crossed my mind that I could actually get in trouble for doing things like this. (Feeling invincible is wonderful, yet soooo naive!) We never did get in trouble, and I wish I could chalk that up to me thinking I was Double-Oh-Seven's sister - but I think it had more to do with dumb luck and a devout Catholic mother's prayers. (THANK GOD.)

That being said, my days of being a clepto are LONG GONE. I don't want anyone reading this to think they can't invite me over to their house because they're afraid that after I leave, their good China will be missing and they'll never see me again.

(Although, I DID try to take Meghan's Snuggie before I had my own...but we're best friends, so it's different...and she has a key to my house, so she could really do some damage if she wanted.)

Jump to this Saturday night.

I was on my way to meet some friends when the stop light in front of me turned yellow, then red.

As I was patiently waiting for the light to turn green, I looked over at one of the houses on my left.

Right there, in the doorway, was none other than this:

AND I WANTED IT. BAD. REALLY BAD.

My old college ways started to sneak back into my brain.

In a matter of five seconds, this is what went through my head:
"It's night time so no one would see me. I wonder if it's just taped to the door way or if it would be a struggle. Is it inside or outside of the doorway? Could I do this by myself? Is there anyone visible in the front hallway? Where would I park my car so that I could get away quickly? It's a busy street, so I would have to look inconspicuous. WHY did I wear this BRIGHT RED COAT?! Anyone that isn't blind will be able to see me. Maybe if I just go up there, and ask, they'll give it to me. I hope they're friendly & understanding people. They might have a gun in the house...Should I call Meghan? Would she help me? No, she's not a Twilight fan. Is this worth it for EDWARD? I would TOTALLY do it if it was Jacob. Jacob is HAWT. Okay focus. It's now or never, VP..."

In the back of my mind, I knew it was wrong, and that inevitably, I wouldn't be able to pull this off, nor should I even try.

What sealed the deal, however, was when one thought hit me like a ton of bricks, bringing me back to reality:

'BORROWING' something at age 29 equals 'JAIL TIME.'

Just then, the light turned green, and with a very heavy *SIGH,* I drove away.

Sometimes, REALITY BITES.

Thank goodness I'm not a vegetarian...

I got asked out last night.

Great, right?

I thought so too...

Until he told me where he was going to take me:

FUDDRUCKERS.

He even said he'd let me pick out the toppings for his burger.

What a gentleman.

The Makings of a Bad Day

1. Oversleep
2. Stub your toe on the corner of the vanity
3. Lose your only pair of gloves
4. Get stuck at the bottom of your sloped driveway because the City of Omaha's plows don't give a crap.
5. Watch two trucks with plows drive by your house while scooping your car out, get frustrated that they didn't stop to help.
6. Look over at your sidewalks only to realize the handy-work of the City's plows destroyed any shoveling you did last night.
7. Realize that when you get home from work, you're going to have to shovel. AGAIN. For the SIXTH TIME in 48 hours.
8. Hold back the tears/anger because, oh ya! You still need to go to work today!
9. Curse those that are complaining about "Cabin Fever" and "Snow Days."
10. Get to work - LATE
11. Become inundated with the New Boss's 15 emails needing things "ASAP."
12. Pray that the list stops here.


Who else would like to get back into bed and stay there for a while??

2nd Annual List of Things that Save Lives

To see the back story, go here.

Yes, folks, once again, it’s time for the list. Five things that, over the past year, I have grown to know & love and couldn’t imagine my life without. Yes, they are material things and yes, I know the best things in life are free. But, we live in a material world, and I am-ma material girl! (that sounds awfully familiar……but not quite accurate).

Anyway, here we go:

The Blackberry Curve. OMGrrrr…. How did I ever live without this thing?? Text, IM, Facebook, Music, Internet….you name it, it’s got it! We’ve had some problems in the past, but overall - Oh, how I love thee…

Quesailla Maker. (and yes, I pronounce it KAY-SA-DIL-LA MAY-KER)….Probably one of the greatest Xmas gifts I’ve ever received. (Besides the GF, of course!) I make more than your average Mexican Quesadilla on this thing, people! I’ve perfected all sorts of quesadilla-shaped wraps. …Totally worth my Mom elbowing that chick in the face those many Black Fridays ago. What?!? It was a Door Buster and that chick was totally out of line!

Headphones. I have annoying & disgusting co-workers that talk very loudly on their phones, that CLIP THEIR NAILS at their desks, and cannot for the life of them CLEAR THE G.D. PLEGHM out of their throats. (Okay, so it’s just one co-worker.) Thank goodness for the headphones. Thank goodness for the headphones. Thank goodness for the headphones. (I saw this picture & it was just too funny. I had to add it to the post.)

My “Chuck Taylors” aka Converse. I love these things. I wear them EVERYWHERE. I think every girl needs a pair of these because they’re comfy, cute, and they give off an “I don’t give a sh*t” attitude that’s nice to pull off every once in a while!

Facebook. I know it sounds nuts, but sometimes, visiting this website keeps me sane. Or, at least entertained! It’s nice to reconnect with old friends, keep in touch with current ones, and find out who in this world is REALLY crazy. It’s kind of nice! Plus, it gives me a chance to let a random thought or two escape my brain! It’s tough work keeping it all up in my noggin all the time!

There you have it folks. The 2nd Annual List of Things that Save Lives. (Or, at least make my life a lot easier!)

Is there something in YOUR life that you can't live without??

Let me hear it!

Thanks for tuning in. Until next time...

To Friend, or Not to Friend…

…That is the question!

At the beginning of October, I randomly went into a bar with a friend to have some drinks after a long day at work. It must’ve been my lucky day, because the bartender working was extremely good-looking.

The friend I was with (who is Engaged) noticed him noticing me, etc. etc. etc. and decided to take matters into her own hands. (Gotta love attached people = No Shame!) She started asking him questions, getting the info from him about his life, and then started asking me questions in front of him to sort of “help” us get to know each other. Apparently, bartending is a part-time gig for him, and he usually only works Wednesdays. (Did I mention he’s really cute?! Okay, wanted to make that clear.)

Anyway, when we were leaving (sans any digits or a plan to see him again), I hugged my friend and said “I’ll see you next weekend,” to which Bartender said “Next Wednesday?” I just smiled, laughed a little bit, then left. (I wonder why I’m still single?! SERIOUSLY.)

A couple of weeks went by, and in the meantime, I had told another friend (I’ll call her “Irish”) about this dude, just in a passing conversation, like “he was really cute, he works ‘here,’ blah blah GIRL TALK…” and she replied with “I know somebody that works with him! I’ll get the skinny.” (She didn’t use the word skinny. I like that word. I’m improvising here. Go with it.)

Anyway, a couple of weeks went by, and I didn’t hear anything, and I honestly didn’t think anything of it. Irish then calls me out of the blue and says that Bartender had asked her friend about me. (I cringe when I think of the series of events & conversations that went into them realizing that they knew some of the same people. It’s part of the minor control-freak in me.)

Not taking NO for an answer and despite my crimson-colored face, Irish takes me to the bar the following Wednesday. (Note to everyone reading? I LOATHE situations like this. I feel like I’m produce in the supermarket: “Hey you, look at me, pick me! Pick Me! No, don’t walk past me! Hello?!”)

And so I do what I am known to do in situations like this: I CLAM UP. I don’t speak. Not a single peep can be heard from me for most of the night. (Note to all who think I talk too much? Put me in a room with someone I think is good-looking and a potential mate, and you won’t believe your eyes. It’s truly flabbergasting.)

He must’ve thought I was the biggest freak in the bar. I mean, COME ON, Valerie! Get it together! You can have a conversation with an inanimate object, yet you can’t talk to a cute Bartender? What the hell is wrong with you?!

*SIGH*

Feeling really upset with myself, and a little deflated, I pay my tab, and head to the car with my buddies. IRISH, God love her (99.9% of the time), says she has to go back into the bar to go to the bathroom, and wanted to go alone. I don’t know why I didn’t think to question this further, but I didn’t. She went back in to talk to him for me! WHAT. THE. HELL?!? I love this girl, but, WHAT?! Did she pass him a note that said:

Do you like Valerie?
(circle one)

Yes
No
Maybe

Mortified. That’s what I was after I realized what she was doing.

She came out and said, “Well, Val, he ‘Friended’ you on Facebook, but you never accepted him.” (Her tone was ‘Well, duh! That’s why the two of you aren’t together and happily in love by now! Didn’t you know?!)

In my defense, I didn’t realize it was HIM sending me a Friend Request at the time. His profile pic had a few people in it, and was blurry, and I didn’t know his last name. I feel like those are all valid reasons to not accept a random friend request. (Right?!)

Which leads me to the reason for the long story.

It’s been a source of debate between my friends & I, whether or not to accept his Friend Request on Facebook.

My side has many reasons why I DON’T think it’s a good idea.
1) I’m a goofy, goofy person on Facebook. I use it as nothing more than entertainment (for myself, mainly), and think that letting him into that this early would be a MISTAKE. He doesn’t need to see the whole CRAZY TRAIN before even getting to the STATION!!
2) I don’t want him looking through my pictures. I don’t want that to deter him, yet I don’t want to have to alter my page because I’m trying to impress him. For crying out loud, THIS is one of my profile pictures!!

3) I ultimately think that getting to know someone through Facebook (or anything like it) is a cop out. I think it takes away from the face-to-face time that people used to use in order to get to know each other. Why should he be able to peruse my Facebook Info page and photos to find out valuable information about me, when he could just take an hour or two to talk to me and find out the same stuff?

I realize I’m probably over-thinking this, and most people’s response will be like “It’s FACEBOOK, dummy! Not that big of a deal!” but I just don’t see it like that. On the flip side, I’m not sure how soon I’ll be venturing into that bar again or when I’ll see him again to rectify the situation. I’m still a little embarrassed from what happened last week.

I'm at a crossroads. Do I accept the Friend Request and take the chance he’ll think I’m a freak just from looking at my page? Or do I rely on the old adage: “If it’s meant to happen, it will”??

Welcome Aboard the Crazy Train, people!

Dear GIANT ZIT that decided to show up 3 days before family pictures,

WHAT

THE

HELL?!

Go Away.

Sincerely,

Someone who shouldn't be getting zits because she's TWENTY-NINE.

Midnight Mooning

No, I didn't go around mooning people at Midnight last night.


It's way too cold for that.


I DID, however, see the Midnight Premiere of the HIGHLY ANTICIPATED 2nd installment of the Twilight Saga: New Moon.


I know, I'm a nerd.


Don't care.


Totally WORTH. IT.


Here's how it went down:


We had purchased our tickets online, but I was worried about getting a good seat, so we got to the theater at about 10:45. Thankfully, they were letting people get seated as soon as they walked through the door, so there was no dealing with crazy 13-year olds. (Sorry, I just used to be one of those, and I even annoyed myself back then.) So, because of some SNAFU, we got assigned to Theater 11 which wasn't going to end up playing the movie. WTF, right?! Right.


So, we got moved to Theater 9, only to get really crappy seats. You know, the ones on the side where your neck is strained to see the screen and just makes for a bad movie experience? So, I decided to take matters in my own hands. (Weird, huh?!) I found one of the "suits" (aka. managers) and politely asked him what the deal with switching theaters was all about, etc. (see Mom?! I do know how to use my nice words!) ...he then said in a hushed voice "If you go into Theater 8, we're playing it in there...but no one knows about it." I swear, I almost turned into one of those 13 year olds and screamed "OH - EM - GEE...SER-EEE-OUSLY?!" but I kept my 29-year old 'cool,' and hauled major ass to get my buds & I seats in the glorious Theater 8.


Turns out...there were only EIGHT people in that particular room the entire time we were watching the movie = P.E.R.F.E.C.T. viewing experience.


Now, onto the movie. *I will try not to spoil it for anyone, I'll just give you my "Business" rundown, and my "Non-Business" rundown. *



Business First:

--The story line was true to the book, and stayed on track - which I appreciated since the books were amazing. Of course, there were a few things that were added to make a successful transition from book-to-screen, but they weren't out of the ordinary and seemed to fit well into the storyline.


--A few times in the movie, I thought they could've done without the all of the ANGST-y, dramatic pauses, but looking back, I think the director probably thought it was necessary to portray how each character really felt.


--The CGI and special effects were AWESOME. The scenes where the AB-tastic boys turned into wolves were a little unrealistic, but then again...so is a boy turning into a wolf...so who am I to complain? Plus, they had their shirts off...so I was in a forgiving mood.


--The fight scenes were fantastic, and my heart beat out of my chest when the Volturi tried to kill Edward. (That's not ruining anything...it's in the previews, people!) I love that they showed how powerful & strong vampires could be. It rocked.


--Overall, the acting was good. Kristen Stewart was convincing. Less lip-biting, annoying first movie antics, and more ACTING. Taylor Lautner, for only being SEVENTEEN, did a fantastic job of portraying Jacob. Oh, and Robert - ya, the kid did not disappoint. *sigh*


Okay, the best part...NON-Business: (Warning-this contains a lot of swooning.)

I think I was the only one who AUDIBLY GASPED when Taylor Lautner took off his shirt for the first, second, and eightieth time. Don't get me wrong...no complaints here. Just sayin'--there were lots of shirtless moments. Me Likey. (Oh ya, all 7 people in the theater with me laughed when I did that. Or maybe they were giggling because they liked it. I didn't ask. I was a little distracted.)

"You said what? Your 18th Birthday isn't until February? Hmmm..."



Edward Cullen (or commonly known as RPattz), did his own share of DAZZLING the screen. Has anyone else ever had to look away from the screen because someone is just THAT HOT, it makes you blush??? Yep, that was what Robert Pattinson did to me during this movie. There's something about that HAIR. And that JAWLINE. And that SMILE. OY VEY...now I'm really starting to sound like a 13 year old!

"That Lucky Bitch."

HOLY Wolf Pack, BATMAN! Have you SEEN these guys?

"The best things in life come in TWENTY-FOUR packs."

As I was walking out, I heard one of the Twihards say: "I WAS on Team Edward, but now...I just don't know!?" that'swhatI'mtalkingabout...

To sum it all up?

I LOVED IT.

I will go see it again. Tonight. Soon.

This movie was twiLIGHT YEARS better than the first one.

Sorry, had to do it.

A Few Recent Obsessions...

--> My new knee-high boots. Luuuuuv them! Wear them everywhere! They make me & my size 9 feet feel extremely 'trendy.' (Yep, you heard a Niner in there.)

--> ANYTHING related to New Moon. Let's just say You Tube has been getting alotta hits from yours truly. Between RPattz, 'Jail-bait' (Taylor Lautner) & the new hotness that is the WOLF PACK, OH-MY-GUUUUHHH!! Midnight Premiere, anyone?! (SEVEN DAYS!!)

--> DiLusso Smoked Turkey (from Hy-Vee) Try it, live it, love it. Deee-lish!

--> Figuring out a new hair 'do. Now that I've grown it out for almost 5 months, and Sar's Wedding has come & gone, IT NEEDS TO GO. PERIOD. Peace out, ponytail!

--> Taylor Swift. Yes, she's 19. Yes, she's beautiful & tall & skinny with legs that go up to her chin. But, you know what?! She writes or co-writes all of her own songs, and you gotta respect that. Plus, she's not out showing her "Britney" to everyone with a camera. I can't forsee many Miley-isms in her near future. thankgawd.

--> Did I mention NEW MOON!?!? Team Edward or Team Jacob?

--> Running the Lincoln Half Marathon in May (again). I need to start training soon, but my old running partner is too busy to run with me...something about MED SCHOOL or whatever... SO, who's with me!?!?

--> Joshua Radin. He & his music are truly 'the biz-ness.' (TWR code for "DA BOMB") I guess I just have a soft spot for men who play soft guitar music. What? What?!

That's all for now...

R.I.P. Blackberry #1

It was a ROUGH weekend.

My beloved, treasured, forever adored Blackberry froze/broke/kicked-the-bucket on Friday.

I went to the Altell store only for them to say they needed to order me another one, but it would take 2-5 days for it to get here.

TWO TO FIVE DAYS?!?!? Two to five days without Internet. Facebook. BBM. Text Messages. My Contacts. Music. Pictures. WHAT??!?!?

(That's when the hyperventilating began.)

In the meantime, I could use one of their loan-er phones. I shuttered at the thought.

I went from this...


To THIS...

But WAIT. This picture does not depict the true essence of the loan-er phone. (I would take a picture of it & upload it, but my BLACKBERRY broke & I can't. BITTER, party of one?! Right here!!) Nope, the phone I took home is banged up, has a brownish-black tint to it - no doubt from all of the hands that have touched it over the past year or so - and is unbearably hard to read. I took a Clorox wipe to it, just in case it happened to be carrying the H1N1 virus.

I become involuntarily ANGRY every time I look at this phone.

ANGRY.



I am a bit embarrassed that this is how I am acting about A PHONE. I realize that there are much worse things happening around me, and in the world in which we live.

But - how can I solve the world's problems WITHOUT A BLACKBERRY?! (Hyperventilating again....give me a second...)

I guess "Mission: Save the World, Valerie-Style" will reconvene in 2 - 5 days.

Rest in Peace, Blackberry #1. Rest in Peace.

Let's Make It Happen!

Upon hearing that I have a GIGANTOR 'crush' on this guy...

...Papa Ron said: "I'd be okay with you dating him."

Ummmm...

YA, DAD...

ME. TOO.

More Hot Air in the Windy City...

I went to Chicago this weekend to spend some time with a few of my Girls. We had so much fun that I'm still a little sleepy from all of the activities & adventures! It was a GREAT time!

I didn't take too many pictures--there was too much going on--but I did capture a few good ones.

Here's Tayla & I enjoying a few brews at the Hotel bar.

Angie & I went for a 6 mile run on Saturday morning (she's training for a Full Marathon). As much as I despise any form of exercising while on vacation, I thoroughly enjoyed this run because of the view & the company. (This isn't my picture, but in person it was exactly like this, only closer!)

Two of the beauties I hung out with this weekend :) --showing their Husker pride!Go Big Red!

Coincidentally, the couple that gave me life were in town for the Bears/Steelers game. They met up with us at Kirkwoods, a HUSKER BAR for the NU/VT game.
(The sad, sad game. * TEAR *)

I had so much fun hanging out with these two! Can you blame me? Look at this guy!
(The man loves his corn!)


Oh, and there was an incident where the dress I was wearing was too slippery for a bar stool I tried to sit on. In what seemed like SLOOOOOW Motion, I went sliding off & landed on my ass. Thank God I have a little 'junk in the trunk' to help cushion the blow! Don't worry, my "friends" whipped out their cameras, took pictures, and were doubled-over, laughing. Looking forward to seeing THAT picture!

Some Steelers fans I had just made friends with were kind enough to help me up. AND they bought me a shot! Good times! Let's be honest - it's not the first time I've had issues with hand/eye/foot/butt coordination! An excursion just wouldn't be complete without me showing off how uncoordinated I am!

(It's a wonder I'm able to live in society!)

I was sad to leave the City, but it's always good to come back to Good Ol' Nebraska!

Thanks to my fantastic friends for a wonderful weekend!

IRON - A - REFUND!

Maybe it's because I'm a huge cheap-ass (THANK YOU, RECESSION!), but I could never imagine paying this much money for an ironing board.

From the Bed Bath & Beyond Website:
Revolution 360™ Ironing Board

This revolutionary ironing board not only looks great with its contemporary design, it will provide you with fast, professional results from the comfort of your own home. The Revolution 360™ ironing board features a rotating body board for faster, professional results, two-sided full rotating ironing surface, and an ergonomic design that models the human torso with one flat and one contoured side helping to keep shirts taut during ironing. Its special features will help you create exact creases in slacks and collars, cuffs and pockets with precision. Self-standing.

All for the bargain price of $129.99!!

I think this is the appropriate time to throw out the "WTF?!" (Sorry, Mom.)

Nothing But Class...

I was in a hurry to get out the door this morning, so I threw on a pair of pants that I haven't worn in a while.

I didn't know why I hadn't worn the pants for a while....until I went to the bathroom at work and looked in the full-length mirror.

Apparently, the last time I wore them, the hem fell out on the left leg and I decided to "fix" it....

Using a STAPLER.

CLASSY.

Let's just say tomorrow I'm going to take a little more time while getting ready.

Obsession...

If you've hung out with me at all in the last month or so, you know that I'm head over heels in love with this 'little' band called Kings of Leon. And even though he's a super-skinny pale guy from Tenessee, I'm afraid I've also come down with a bad case of Lead Singer Syndrome. (If you don't know what LSS is, think about it for a minute.....it's very serious!) Oh, those eyes!!

Lucky for me, my BFF Meghan & her hubby Chris have been very tolerant during this obsessive period in my life. From time to time, however, I sense that Meghan is fighting the urge to bitch-slap me back into reality. Thank you, Meghan, once again, for resisting the urge & putting up with my crazy brain.

I'm not even going to go into how one of their songs is my cell phone ringtone, or how I cannot go a single day without listening to their new album, or that I've done extensive research on the Internet to find out everything about them. Or that I bought tickets to see them in concert at Kansas City's brand new Sprint Center (October 13th PLEASE GET HERE SOON!) & that I'm currently plotting a way to get backstage --or at least front row in General Admission. Nope, not going to go into it.

Instead, I leave you with this link to their YouTube video of "Use Somebody" -probably my favorite song on their new album (tied with "Revelry"). Can you say AWESOME?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCZfJ5ai07U

(Sorry, I tried to upload it, but I guess I'm not that savvy.)

Still, check it out! Love love love love them!

HELLLLLLOOOOO, ELI!

Eli, Giants on verge of 6-year, $97.5M extension

The Manning family fortune is about to grow again.

The Giants and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Eli Manning are on the verge of completing a blockbuster six-year contract extension, FOXSports.com has learned.

The two sides are still tweaking some details of the deal, but the team is hoping to have the deal done Wednesday, barring any major setbacks, a team source says.

Manning, who was drafted first overall in 2004, is entering the last year of his rookie deal. The new agreement will tack on six additional years and $97.5 million, with $35 million guaranteed.
The deal will make the 28-year-old the highest-paid player in the history of the Giants organization as well as the highest-paid quarterback (per year) in NFL history, a figure Giants fans would probably not argue with.

Last season, Manning played in his first Pro Bowl after throwing 21 touchdowns passes and only 10 interceptions in leading the Giants to a 12-4 record. It was his best season in terms of passer rating (86.4), completion percentage (60.3) and fewest interceptions.

He became a legend in New York by winning the Super Bowl in the 2007 season, knocking off the then-unbeaten New England Patriots.

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Hi Eli, my name is Valerie....wanna go for drinks?? Wait, who's this chick and why is she wearing that white dress??

I swear..... I can't ever get a break!