Tuesday, January 27, 2009

White Death

I don't like winter storms for obvious reasons. I have to work in them. I get a little tired of people wishing, hoping, and praying for snow because they get out of school and work. Do they realize how many people have to work in this stuff? Emergency responders like police, fire, and EMTs? Power crews and highway departments? They don't get snow days.

Of course, the news must go on and cover all of it. I can't call in no matter how bad this stuff gets. And you know, I want to stay in my warm and cozy home just as much as the next guy. Once, I had to stay overnight and do the morning show because the producers could not make it to the station. But I am lucky in that I don't have to be out in the weather while I'm working. I sit at a desk or run around answering phones and trying to make sure we've got all of the information. Still, it's aggravating. Especially when you've got kids calling in to see if they have to go to school and they can't even form a sentence.

So, right now, my car is in the garage so I won't have to scrape it off when I leave for work. I'll get in the shower a little earlier to allow myself plenty of time for a slow commute. I'll use the storm as an excuse to wear my "severe weather jeans" instead of dressing up. I'll pack my dinner so I don't have to leave the station until I go home. And I'll bring a tarp to put over my car so I won't have to work my butt off trying to bust through an inch of ice on my windshield like I did last night. White death sucks.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Ready to Rock

What a good feeling it is to have a clean house. I spent the morning getting ready for my weekend guests by washing sheets, making beds, vacuuming, dusting, doing dishes, wiping down counters, sweeping, you name it, I did it. I even brought out the Magic Eraser to get some marks off the wall. I stocked up on snacks, beer, and wine. I think I'm ready. I just hope Pmo and the dog haven't wrecked the place since I've been gone. Pmo has planned a weekend with his dad and a friend. It's not so glamourous though because he's going to help his dad get the heat back in his house. Which doesn't sound like fun to me, necessary of course, but no fun.

I didn't have a very good day at work. Troubles in the 6pm show about sent me over the edge. I don't know why. There's not much I haven't been through in the 5 years I've been at the station. Live shots with no audio, stories that don't make the newscast, minutes of time to fill. It's just irritating when you know the whole thing could have been avoided. And maybe something you did or didn't do contributed to the downward spiral. Oh well, the problem was fixed in the aftermath, it's over now, and I'm about to settle into to a long winter's nap after hoops is over. But after that, I'm getting ready to rock!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

What's Happening

Big weekends ahead. On Saturday, some of my sorority sisters are coming in town for a girls night. Next Friday, I'm taking Mom to the Toby Keith concert. And of course, Super Bowl Sunday is just around the corner. I should be jazzed about these things, and I am in a way, but I'm not full blown excited yet. I worried about my ear and a gland in my throat. I had a tooth unexpectedly taken out on Monday and I hope to God I'm not getting an infection.

My ears have acted up all of my life so I'm used to that. I've never been good at taking care of them. Q-tips, warm washcloth, what have you. I just don't do it. I've made several trips to the doctor in my life to get the wax buildup plunged out. I feel dizzy and sick for about 5 minutes after the warm water rushes through my head (and doesn't come out the other side, thank you very much!) and then I'm good to go. Once it's done, I can hear much better and the pain is gone.

The last time I was at the doctor was last winter for a severe case of strep throat or something much worse. I can't remember what they called it. Ask Pmo, I was on death's door. Anyway, the doctor offered to clean my ears out then because he noticed the buildup, but I hurt so bad everywhere else I just couldn't stand the thought of doing that to myself at that point. Plus I have equipment at home now to do flush my ears out. That's because a few years ago I went to the clinic and it cost me out the wazoo for the nurse to do it (who was my neighbor and I could have had her come to the house and do it for free) because the doctor wasn't in the network or the procedure wasn't covered or some other bull the insurance people fed me.

So I have a huge syringe for the water and a pink pan to catch the crap. And I was going to have Pmo help me with it tonight, but I think I might hold off. If it is an infection from the tooth extraction, I don't want to make it worse. And I don't feel that bad, I'm just worried hell's a comin'!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Unanswered Prayers

It's true. "Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers." But you don't believe it until you're far removed from the situation you're praying about. I mention this because I heard "If Tomorrow Never Comes" by Garth Brooks on the radio, which always reminds me of "Unanswered Prayers" also by Garth Brooks.

I try not to think about a certain period of my life, which was not too long ago, that brought on a lot of pain, a lot of tears, and a lot of praying. I've never been big on religion but I had nowhere else to turn. To think of how many times I prayed for God to change me, to change him, to change us. I promised everything. I'd do this from now on. I wouldn't do that anymore. I read books. I went to a Christian counselor. I tried to stick it out. But I ended up having to give it up.

And thinking back now, if my prayers had been answered, where would I be? Who would I be? I wouldn't be me. I'd still be trying to please someone else, not succeeding, and miserable. Instead, I'm a very happy gal with a fruitful life ahead of me. I'm glad I tried and prayed about it, but grateful someone knew better and guided me here.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The Plan at Hand

So here are the wedding plans so far: The plans are there ain't no plans. Just kidding. Grease reference there.

Anyway, Pmo and I are eloping this summer. We're not telling anyone when or where. But we do plan to have a party when we get back. I'm super excited. I bought a dress yesterday that I've been trying to track down online but I found it in Eville after looking through several stores and going back again. Now I'm looking for shoes. I haven't had any luck so far. I already own the jewelry I'm going to wear. And I plan to do my own flowers. I've already had offers from two of my cousins to help with that. I'm really lost on what to do with my hair. I figure I'll have to use some sort of an accessory (maybe flowers or a barette) to make it special because it's pretty short and I haven't tried to curl it in years. Besides I always end up looking like Shirley Temple if I do try to twirl the golden locks.

We already have a home in Newburgh so there will be no merging of the merchandise. We did that in August. My last name will change to Morris. Very easy transition and catchy I think. Our rings will be simple. Mine is a white gold band with diamonds. He hasn't picked his out yet but I know it will be traditional. He plans on wearing a suit to the ceremony and that's really all he has to do!

It will be beautiful and awesome and perfect. I can't wait to share pictures when it's all said and done. We're so very happy.