As The World Turns...

Trip to PA 2007

2007-06-22T14:56:00.000-04:00

The weekend of June 9th was the best! Joe and I went Pittsburgh to see the Flip Flop Summer Tour 2007 featuring Pat Green, Sara Evans, Sugarland, Brooks and Dunn with headliner Kenny Chesney. The weekend started out with a road trip on Friday! Per usual, Joe and I have a blast when making the trek from MI to PA. We beat the bad weather that followed us and only got slowed down by a little bit of construction. We were able to stop and see his family before heading to our hotel.
After we checked in we went to explore downtown Pittsburgh. We only had to drive through the Fort Pitt Tunnel a couple of times more than we needed to in order to get to our destination. Which ended up being closed. All Joe wanted was a "Roethlisburger" from Peppi's. But I know he wasn't disappointed in where we ended up eating. After finding out that Peppi's was closed we decided to drive around and check out parking for the next day's concert festivities. During this excersion we ended up finding Grille 36 (Jerome Bettis' new restaraunt). We parked the car and went inside to see how long the wait would be. The lady informed us that it would be up to an hour and a half for a table but that we were more than welcome to sit at the bar, IF we could find a seat. We walked up to the bar ordered a couple of drinks and stood back and took it all in. The place was amazing. There were TV's everywhere as well as pictures of the Steelers, and a football shaped bar. While we were standing there a gentleman got a call on his cell phone...after he hung up he informed his company that their table was ready (they use guests personal cell phones to contact them when a table is ready) and as they got up I motioned for Joe to grab the empty chair and I did the same. Where were in there 15 minutes and we had seats at the extremely busy bar. We just decided to eat there. While we were eating this group of guys came and stood next to us. One of the guys was talking to Joe about what he had ordered. A little while later we found out that these guys drove the rigs for Kenny Chesney!!!! After about 20 more minutes we headed out and made the journey back to the hotel.
The next day, we got up (not that I got that much sleep-I was too excited about the concert) around 8 got ready, packed and checked out by 10 AM and headed back to the North Shore to see what the parking situation was going to be like. I am so glad that Joe decided that we needed to leave as early as we did *see the concert didn't start until 4:30 but there was a pre-show concert by Jake Owen at 3:00 that we both wanted to see* because we would have been stuck in traffic well past the Fort Pitt Tunnel had we decided to leave when were orginally going to. The parking lots didn't open until 12PM so by 10:30 there was a line around the stadium of people waiting to park.
Flash forward to 11:45Am--the cops were tired of all the traffic taking over the road (and trust me it was a parking lot) that they asked (I sure demanded) that they open the lots early to get people in. We were able to park very close the staduim, which ended up not being such a good thing. After we parked we got out and walked around until 1:30 when the gates opened. COUNTRY MUSIC FANS KNOW HOW TO TAILGATE!!! They were crazy! I had never seen anything like it in my entire life.
Without taking up another millions words to describe the concert....trust me I could...I will keep it simple. It was amazing. I have never been to a concert like this one before. So many great acts in one place...it was a non-stop party. We were 2 feet from Jake Owen (Yee Haw) during his concert--all I have to say is DAMN ~ Love you Joe ;) ~ Our seats for the other 5 acts were pretty good. We were in the first level at the other end zone. We had a clear view and had an amazing time. Sugarland is by far one of my favorite groups (there isn't a song they sing that I don't like) I realized that I did know who Pat Green was (Wave on Wave), Sara Evans is still as strong as ever, Brooks and Dunn--WOW these guys know how to put on a show, and Kenny Chesney--the man never stops! Non-stop 3 hours! I am so glad that we went--we have want to see Kenny for 4 years now and it was worth the wait.
So when the concert was over we decided to take our time and walk back to the car...hit the parking lot and crunch...nothing but glass, aluminum cans and trash. The parking lot was a garbage dump. We get to the car and there is a HUGE pile of SH!T in the front of our car and glass bottles everywhere. Two hours later we are finally able to head out (time is approximately 1AM) after clearing the area in front of the car and waiting for the perfect time to cut someone off so that we can leave.
All in all it was an amazing day and an equally amazing weekend. We got to spend time with Joe's family (which of course is NEVER ENOUGH) but this time it was even less. We did get to see everyone and we had dinner on Sunday before we left which seems to be a tradition when we go down there. We never leave without having lunch or dinner with the family.
Looking forward to going back again...not sure when that will be...but always looking forward to the trip to PA... time away from the daily grind and time with Joe's family...what more could we ask for.

Better Late Than Never....

2007-02-15T19:45:00.000-05:00

I found out the hard way that maybe having a snow day on Valentine's Day isn't always a good thing. I got a mysterious call Wednesday morning asking me the best way to get into the building in which I worked because I had a floral delivery. Well I immediately knew that the delivery was from Joe. I told the guy that it was impossible for him to deliver flowers to me at work today because I am not there...in fact no one was there.

After hanging up with the gentleman trying to deliver my flowers I called Joe. I had to let him know that the flowers would be delivered the next day. Low and behold...I received my flowers today before I left work. I was so excited when I finally got the phone call at the end of the day that my delivery had arrived!!!!!!

2007-02-14T16:32:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things My Students Will Say Today

Ms. Z...I have to use it.
It's not fair.
But we had a snow day yesterday... shouldn't we get a couple more days to finish?
Can I borrow a pencil?
These computers are too slow.
Can we have a free day?
It wasn't me.
What time does this class get out?
Can I switch seats?
It's in my locker.
My computer isn't working.
(after lunch) My stomach hurts.
I left my rough draft/progess report at home.

The FUN Drive Home?!?!?!?!

2007-02-14T13:05:00.000-05:00

I have decided that since "L" has been driving to school from the beginning until the 2nd week of Feb. it was my turn to drive for a while. So just my luck that one of the days that I was driving...D-Town got quite a little snow storm.

I am so greatful that I now have a reliable automobile to drive...there is no way that I would have even attempted to drive the Danger Ranger in this....but the Silver Bullet did it.

New Car

2007-02-03T21:50:00.000-05:00

Well the time finally came where the Car God's decided that it was time for me to get a new vehicle. It was a chilly day (okay it was damn sub-zero weather out there). Joe and I took the journey to A-town to "see a man about a car". I went there feeling nothing...at least that is what I was trying to make myself think. But I knew what I was so nervous inside I didn't know if I was going to make it though the day. I had been through this one other time but it didn't work out. This time was going to be different though...I was prepared for the best and worst.

After about 4 hours of introductions -- paper work...and waiting, test driving...and waiting, meeting someone else...and waiting, more paperwork...and even more waiting, I walked out of A-Town Dodge the owner of a 2006 Dodge Stratus Sedan SXT Special Edition.

The car means everything and more to me. I didn't have to have a co-signer or anyone to help me with the money that I put down (although Joe did more than he realizes that he did). It isn't the first car that I have ever purchased, the 3rd actually:

the Escort aka Esc-Rat (Navy Blue - this one was free)
the Tempo aka Combustible (Black and Maroon)
the Grand Am aka Grand A and (Burgandy)
the Ranger aka Danger Ranger (Red)

...but it is the first "almost new" car that I have purchased. The cool thing is...this one already has a nickname. L named her for me and didn't even realize it. She will forever be know as "The Silver Bullet".

2007-01-20T12:04:00.000-05:00

I got tagged!
Memes are so much fun!
1. Do you like the looks and the content of your blog?
It's okay...could be better.

2. Does your family know about your blog?
Nope, I don't think that they would check if they knew about it.

3. Can you tell your friends about your blog?
Yes, but I hardly ever blog, though "L" is always coming up with ways for me to change that!!

4. Do you just read the blogs of those who comment on your blog?
I try to....though it's not as often as I would like to.

5. Did your blog positively affect your mind?
There have been times that it has...though I don't blog that much.

6. What does the number of visitors to your blog mean?

That people have ramdomly stopped by...unless it's "L" or "B".
7. Do you imagine what other bloggers look like?

Yes and no...don't read other peoples blogs that much.
8. Do you think blogging has any real benefit?
Yes. It can be an outlet for emotions and a way of meeting new people.

9.Do you think that the blogosphere is a stand alone community separated from the real world?

Yes in the sense that it's like any other online community. You have your people that are very up front and honest. Then on the other hand you have those that are living in a fantasy world. It's so much better when you meet the people that are real.
10.Do some political blogs scare you? Do you avoid them?
I don't read political blogs
11.Do you think that criticizing your blog is useful?
It is a place for me to share my emotions and experiences not a place for someone to criticize me.

12.Have you ever thought about what would happen to your blog in case you died?
It is what it is...a small momento of moment and emotions that I have shared.

13.Which blogger had the greatest impression on you?
"L" because hers is really the only one that I read and because she is one of my bestest friends.

14.Which blogger do you think is the most similar to you? It would have to be someone that doesn't blog very much. :)

15.Name a song you want to listen to?
With you by Jessica Simpson because it would mean that Joe is calling me from work.

And I don't know who to tag because I don't know many people on here....so if you feel like doing this...

How Much Can You Remember...

2006-08-09T09:01:00.000-04:00

Fill this out about your SENIOR year of high school! The longer ago it was, the more fun the answers will be.

1. Who was your best friend? Lindsey O, Beth G, Kay M, Danielle P

2.What sports did u play? I didn't

3. What kind of car did you drive? 90 Ford Escort

4. It's Friday night, where were you? At a football game

5. Were you a party animal? You could say that.

6. Were you considered a flirt?: Nope

7. Ever skip school? hmmm....YES!

8. Were you a nerd? No

9. Did you have a crush on anyone (teachers included)? Yes

10. Did you get suspended/expelled? No

11. Can you sing the fight song? Yes I can

12. Who was your favorite teacher? Mrs. Burt (yes she was my favorite teacher)

13. Favorite class? Band

14. What was your school's full name? Onsted High School

15. School mascot?: Wildcat

16. Did you go to Prom? Yes

17. If you could go back and do it over, would you? Somethings

18. What do you remember most about graduation? Not believing that it was finally over....that this was it. It was scary as hell.

19. Favorite memory of your Senior Year? Senior campout and people not believing that was not the "good girl" they thought that I was.

20. Were you ever posted up on the senior wall?:I don't think we had a senior wall

21. Did you have a job your senior year? I worked at Big Boy

22. Where did you go most often for lunch? Ate school food my Senior year.

23. Have you gained weight since then? Who hasn't

24. What did you do after graduation? I started college that fall, moved to Adrian with my mom, and started working as a nursing assistant.

25. When did you graduate? 1997

26. Where are most of your classmates?All over, AZ, CA, MI, PA (those are the places I know for sure)

27. Are you going to your ten year reunion? Have talked about it with friends.

28. Who was your home room teacher? I believe it was Mr. Rodenbeck and for some reason I was never trady (thanks Linds!)

The Art of Moving

2006-07-31T13:50:00.000-04:00

I know everyone has done it.....nobody really enjoys it...but at some point it is inevidable that it must me done. There has to be some kind of art to this thing they call moving. Packing, organizing, and throwing away "stuff" that you said you could never part with . No matter how organized you try to be it is never enough. There should be a class you can take or and online tutorial--just to help people out. :)

I am in the process of planning a move for the end of August, 26 days to be exact. I am moving out of the county that I have lived for the last 27 years of my life. I am ready for a change and to get on with the next chapter of my life.

It is really amazing how everything is falling in to place with the job and the location of the apartment. It is almost exactly equal distance between Joe's work and mine. Besides the apartment being on the second floor, it is everything that we said that we wanted it to be. There is a balcony, a dishwasher, two bedrooms, a huge living room and we can move our Directv.

We are using a UHAUL to move this time...when in the past we have been able to get by with just friends and family's vehicals. It's too far of a move to be making single trips back and forth. The wonderful thing is, Joe's boss is helping us by paying for the UHAUL. One less thing that we are having to worry about.

I am hoping with this move, that the more prepared we are the better the move will be. It can't hurt to try.

My Monday Moans:

2006-07-31T13:45:00.000-04:00

I have to work today....I don't work on Mondays (at least until I start teaching).
My allergies are acting up.
It's too HOT outside
I do not have a pool, yet!
I only have one day off this week
I have to pack too much stuff
There is nothing to eat in this house
Gas prices are way to freakin' high
I have to do laundry
I only have a window air conditioner in my bedroom...not for long though!!!!!

ABC's of Me

2006-07-29T16:45:00.000-04:00

A- Age you got your first kiss: Does kindergarten count.... age 5 Irvin York
B - Band listening to right now: I am not
C - Crush: Patrick Demsey
D - Dad's name: George
E - Easiest person to talk to: Lanezee
F - Favorite bands at the moment: Rascal Flatts
G - Gummy worms or gummy bears?: Worms
H - Hometown: Onsted
I - Instruments: Clarinet
J- Junior High: Onsted Middle School
K - Kids: Someday
L - Longest car ride ever: To New Orleans, LA
M - Mom's name: Catherine
N - Nicknames: Zippy, Nik, Snickers, Pugsley Toes, Babs, Babygirl -- the list from Joe is
endless ;)
O - One thing you wish you could change about yourself: caring so much about what others think
P - Phobia[s]: being pinned down and small spaces with lots of people
Q - Quote: Love is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans.
R - Reason to smile: My new job, my new life, my friends, my family and JOE
S - Song you sang last: Me and my gang -- Rascal Flatts
T - Time you woke up [today]: 11 am
U - Unknown fact about me: I care way too much about what others think and it holds me back
V - Vegetable you hate: Beets
W - Worst habit(s): Over analyzing everything
X - X-rays you've had: hips, pelvis, appendix
Y - Yummy food: Pizza
Z - Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

100 Things....

2006-07-26T19:01:00.000-04:00

I am 27 years old
I am in love with a wondeful man named Joe
I meet him online before the whole online dating craze was as big as it is now.
I have one sister, who is my hero.
I have an ADORABLE niece Katie and the CUTEST nephew Jacob.
My parents are divorced
My mom is remarried
I have one step brother and one step sister who I never see.
I wish that my dad would find someone that makes him happy.
I am obsessed with Dawson's Creek
I have never lived outside of Lenawee County
I am getting ready to move outside of Lenawee County
I am moving near by bestest friends from elementary school.
I love all types of music
I am a movie buff
I do not know how to play Euchure
I love to play Spades
My favorite Faygo soda is Rock & Rye
I miss high school (especially Friday night football games)
I am obsessed with Pug dogs.
My nickname is Pugsley (amazingly enough, it didn't come from me being obsessed with Pug dogs).
I love football. LOVE it.
I work with my mom AND my sister.
I graduated from college recently.
My favorite color is blue.
I love to go camping in the wilderness.
And swimming in Lake Michigan, naked.
Back in the day my friends used to make fun of me for liking country music, but now they like it too.
I have been to NYC twice.
I love to travel.
I can't wait to have kids.
It too me 8 years to get through college.
I love romantic comedies.
I love to watch "high school" based movies.
I always wanted to be a cheerleader in high school.
I had a crush on a boy that I went to school with and NEVER told him....though he had to have known.
My dad got the name "Super Fan" (which people still call him today) because of this crush
I collecet pens and mechanical pencils.
I was kicked out of a hotel in Canada with a small group of friends (and you know who you are!!!!)
Driving with the windows down, radio blasting and the gas to the floor...is the best way to drive.
I called in to work sick to go to a Toby Keith concert and get drunk with Lindsey.
After I had my appendix out I went to New Orleans with a friend on a road trip.
I work best under pressure, so I tend to procrastinate.
My favorite thing to do is cuddle on the couch with Joe and watch movies.
I am not looking forward to leaving my current place of employment because I will miss the residents and my co-workers.
There are some co-workers that I will not miss at all.
I watch reality tv and like it.
I wish I owned an IPOD
I can't wait to get a differnt vehical...don't get me wrong I love my little truck...but it's about time for a change.
I use to HATE NFL football but now I love it...GO STEELERS
I own the New Kids on the Block greatest hit album and their VHS videos
I love to plan parties and events.
Cooking is a passion of mine that I don't have enough time to do.
Scrapbooking does not come natural to me though I love doing it.
I have a temper that not alot of people have ever seen.
I hate it when people think I have to be super happy all the time.
My emotions at times get the best of me.
My "movie star" name is Goldie Washington (First pet's name and the name of the street you grew up on)
I do not have a green thumb.
I have killed many plants
I have seen many people die (family and residents that I care for)
I have lost a lot of people that I have gotten close to through my work and it never gets any easier
I still have friends that I meet in Kindergarten...BEST FRIENDS!
I don't believe in bed making...it's a waste of time...you get back in later that day anyway.
I hate to do dishes
I hate doing laundry even more.
I have never traveled out west.
I can find anything on the internet...
I do mean anything.
1997, the year I graduate from High School.
There are people in my graduating class that are married, divorced, or have kids.
I am easily embarrassed.
I miss my grandma very much
I can't wait to start teaching.
I am scared out of my mind about teaching...it's a good thing!

It happened already......

2006-07-22T16:38:00.000-04:00

I GOT A TEACHING JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am still in complete shock over the entire thing. I will be starting Sept 5th. I will have my own classroom, my own students, everything I have always wanted. It is all happening to fast. Joe and I got an apartment and the moving date is set. I will be moving super close to Lindsey and Bethany, which is awesome!

I am nervous, scared and excited all at the same time. As much as I am looking forward to moving, there are aspects that make all of this difficult. I will be leaving the residents that I have been taking care of for the past 6 years, I will be moving an hour away from my family....which I have never done, and I will be moving away from my friends. I know that's only an hour away and I will get use to it, but it's all happening to fast. But don't get me wrong....I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Side Note to Miss Osborn:

Thanks Lanezee....I don't know how I will ever be able to repay you for all that you have done for me. Love Ya!

TTFN

2006-06-15T15:13:00.000-04:00

"PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger broke his jaw and nose in a motorcycle crash, but doctors said they had successfully treated his multiple facial fractures after seven hours of surgery.
Roethlisberger, the youngest quarterback to lead a team to the Super Bowl championship, was in serious but stable condition late Monday night at Pittsburgh's Mercy Hospital. "

Boys and there toys...when are men going to learn. They are all the same, even those that say that they are different. But we (the women in their lives) love them unconditionally.

Big Ben I wish you a very speedy recovery and can't wait to see you back out on the field ready to play some "STEELERS" football.

Heading Back to Pennsylvania

2006-06-14T10:21:00.000-04:00

Well its summertime and that means one thing, our semi-annual trip back to PA. It is an every summer adventure. We pick one weekend during the summer to go and visit Joe's family and friends. This will be the second time we have visited since his mom passed away last February. This will also be the first visit back home since his best friend Eric, his wife Mindie and their beautiful baby girl Natalie moved to North Carolina. Not that we need a reason but we are going back because Joes niece is getting married June 17. I always enjoy the trips to PA because Joe always remembers to take me to places that he has not taken me on previous visits. I know that moving up to MI to be with me has not been an easy move for him. It has been three years since he has moved up here. I know that he misses is family and friends and I try to do all I can to make things easier for him. He is my rock and I know I try to be his. It is not always easy but we do it for each other. (I love you baby!) I will post again after we return. Peace Out!

2006-06-05T14:19:00.000-04:00

Pugzzzzz here again. I know it's been a while...too long actually! But I've been busy. Anyway, my girl Lindsey has been buggin me to post, so here I am. She always reminds about the time we stayed in Motel 6 Novi. She sprayed her toes with tinactin because they were itchy and I nicknamed her tinactin toes, and then she looked at my toes in retaliation and nicknamed me pugsley toes. Hence the nickname, Pugz, which is still very much IN USE. Thanks Linds, a whole lot:)

Girlie Party

2006-05-07T18:56:00.000-04:00

This is my feeble attempt to get Niki to update her blog. I stole her username and password to write a few words. Hurry up and post Niki!! I'm waiting, we all are!!

What to say...

2006-03-11T21:51:00.000-05:00

After a phone call I received today...I began thinking about how God sends reality checks to remind us to take each day as it comes and to not rush life. We wake up each morning and go to bed each night many times what happens in the middle becomes blurred. We are so busy doing daily tasks that we forget to take a breath and look around us at what truly matters. We are in such a rush to get on to the next item on our to do list that we don't take time to write an email to a friend or return a phone call and before you know too much time has gone by.

My friend Lindsey called me today to tell me that one of our friends (a friend since elementary school) lost her mother this past week. Now thinking back, it's been over a year since I have seen or talked with this friend and approximately 2 1/2 years since I have seen her mother. It is really sad how quickly time goes by and before you realize it another week or month or year is gone since you have written or talked with a friend. It is even more sad that it takes the passing of a friends mother to invoke this realization. I know personally there are times when you "don't have the time" or are "too busy" to send an email or make a phone call. But in reality we don't know when God will be calling us home. We don't know what the future holds for us and our family and friends. We must make an effort to live life to the fullest each and everyday. It's too easy to let time go by and to push it off until tomorrow. However, it is unfair, for we do not know what tomorrow holds for us. Rest in peace Mamma Metty. You will forever be missed. NMZ

First Big Purchase

2006-03-01T20:49:00.000-05:00

Well the time finally came for Joe and I to make our first big purchases...a new rocker recliner and a new mattress set. The merchandise finally came today...and I am so excited. It is wonderful! The wonderful delivery men from Value City Furniture delivered and set it up, no manual labor required.

Making a purchase like this just makes it even more evident that we are now adults. It was one of those purchases that you seen you parents making and couldn't wait to get that chance to do it yourself. Another one of those defining moments in life when you realize that you are no longer and "child" and have entered adulthood. It is nice to have these realizations which make me look back at my life and realize how far I have come.

Who knew that purchasing a chair and a mattress set could be a defining moment in ones life...

First Blog

2006-02-08T12:37:00.000-05:00

Okay, I am a newbie at this...so be kind. Blogs have always interested me and since I seen that one of my best friends was creating one, I thought what is it going to hurt to try it. I will post again soon. NMZ