Pretty night lights ....

Frisco Square in Frisco, TX







I took those last night, a couple hours after work. They have this neat little light show going on that's very colorful. And cued to music. I was watching the lights and listening to TSO. So it was a fun little bit. The pictures aren't as good as they could be. I took them with my Blackberry (I don't own a camera) and found out later I had the flash off, lol. I have some more pictures and might post them another time. Or I might go back and see if I can get some better ones.

Time's almost up to donate to the Toys for Tots fundraiser! Even if it's only $2 or $5, every little bit will help. :) Check out the post above this one or hit the TFT tab at the top of the blog. Thanks so much to everyone that has donated. Y'all rock! :)

Happy Wednesday!

A PSA & stuff...

Right the fuck on, Princess.

I hate when a supposed mature adult makes a mistake then won't own it. Sure, at times it's embarrassing to fuck up. No one likes messing up. Most people dislike being wrong, especially if they believed they were right. It happens. Admit it and do what's right to make things better. If that requires a "hey, I was wrong and I'm sorry" then own up and do what needs to be done to make the situation better.

Ahem... This song has no relevance to the post but I want to post it anyway because I love it and can't get it out of my head here lately. "Say You'll Haunt Me" by Stone Sour. LOVE.




Also, there are only a couple days left to donate to my Toys for Tots fundraiser so if you haven't yet and still want to; time is running out to do it! Thanks so much to those that did donate! I appreciate it so much. :)

Happy Monday!

A glimpse from 2008...

I thought it might be interesting to look back at my blog last year on this date and see what I had posted.

December 9th, 2009, the post for that day was about last year's Toys for Tots fundraiser in HNT form. Lots of words, lots of pictures.

So, I went back to December 9th, 2008 to see what was there. I liked that post so much that I'm reposting it here. Some long time readers might remember it. Some new readers might find it interesting. Either way... two years ago today, this is what I had posted on the blog for the day. Enjoy! ;)

"I mentioned about a $50 tip accompanied with a note that I wanted to write about it. I started and then stopped, not sure if I wanted to or not. I'm going to after all. =)

I was working late two Saturday nights ago and something interesting happened. I waited on 3 young girls. I'd put them at late teens to early twenties. Barely younger than me or about the same age as me either way. While waiting on them, they asked me quite a few questions. How I was doing, how I was really doing, how I liked my job, if I was okay in general and some other things. They seemed very concerned and caring about my overall well being. They were very nice and sweet girls. I had never seen them before and neither had anyone else there that night. I got a little of an odd vibe off them. Not in a strange or creepy way but just that they were very concerned about me for whatever reason. Which seemed strange because I didn't know them and they didn't know me. I've never seen or waited on them before, I would have remembered. I have a knack for remembering faces and easily begin to recognize repeat customers after just coming in once and then a second time. I felt strange about them. The last thing the blonde girl named Kelly did was look at me and ask, "So, are you really okay? In general." I shook my head and said that yeah, I was doing fine. She nodded once, staring at me and said simply, "Ok." That was the weirdest part of all because I felt like she was staring straight through me and seeing the truth that I wasn't saying. Like she was looking beneath everything on the surface and skipping all the physical elements to me and just seeing that I was lying in a way. I am fine but I've been conflicted in things a lot lately. I've been confused a lot and I've felt incredibly down a lot lately. I thought maybe she was just an intuitive person but the way she stared into me really unnerved me. They were done and just sitting around so I got on with other customers. I paid a little attention to them here and there but they seemed to just be chatting away.

I was coming up from the back and the blonde named Kelly was standing by the front door waiting for me to come by. As I got closer, the girl named Maria came to stand by her. The third girl, Megan, was no where in sight. I got up in front of them and stopped to ask if they needed anything.

Kelly said, "We have your tip for you and it's in here (holding up a note towards me) but please wait until we leave to open it." I said thank you and told them to have a great night. They walked quickly away and I unfolded the paper, read the note and then counted the bills to realize I had 50 dollars in my hand from these girls. I saw them in the distance so I went around after them but they were just gone in the blink of an eye. I searched a little for them in the direction I had just seen them walking but didn't see them anywhere at all. I asked some people if they had seen them and everyone was of the consensus that they were gone once they were into the next parking lot. It was strange. People don't just vanish into thin air in front of people.

I can't scan the note but I'll type out the note exactly as they wrote it so y'all can see what it said.

Here it is:

"11-29-08

Amorous! (My real name was here but obviously I'm not posting that, lol.)

Thank you so much for serving us! We hope that you experience God's blessing in every area of your life, especially at your home!
There is something special about you - remember.

Kelly, Megan, Maria! =)"

Now, the thing about this note is that I didn't see them with other than their little wallets containing their money and credit cards. The paper didn't seem like it was only minutes free of a notepad either. It had creases in it and the paper was slightly worn like it had been folded and carried around a little bit. I was curious about why it was dated as well. I was also curious about what the note said. A lot of my conflicting thoughts are about stuff that revolves around home and I've been very down on myself lately.

My name was on the note but I never wear my name tag at work, lol. I might have had it on but that in itself would be weird because really, I never wear the damn thing. I don't tell my name and it's also not on any receipts. Not because I'm paranoid but because my family are pretty much the only people in my life who call me by my name. Most of my friends always calls me by various nicknames. No one stopped and talked to them. We didn't have many employees that night. In fact, I was the only one serving food the whole time they were there with one girl helping here and there. They didn't talk to her and they didn't talk to anyone else at work then. They didn't leave their table the whole time we were there up until the point they were ready to leave. No one I knew was there and I have no doubt in my mind about never seeing them before.

I doubt that I'll ever see them again but I would really like to. For nothing more than to say thanks. The money was nice and I ended up giving about half of that $50 away anyway. The note was the part that stood out to me more. I'd also like to get the chance to ask them about the note and why they picked me to do that for and how the heck they knew my name, lol. Among other things. Though like I said, I don't think I'll ever see those girls again to ask them anything or even just to say thank you.


My nose is running. I keep on sneezing. My throat is scratchy and irritated. My head is aching and feels crowded. It never fails. Every year, no matter what I do, I get sick at one point in December. I've spent quite a few Christmas mornings opening gifts and feeling like crap. Waiting to be done to go back to sleep. Thankfully it looks like I'll be knocking the December head cold I always get out early this year. So happy I'm off today and tomorrow. I'll be relaxing and medicating it on up.

I'm definitely venturing out for The Dark Knight today though. Yeaaah baby. =) Since I'll be at Best Buy getting that, I'll grab up a few gifts too.

Happy Tuesday!"

So, there you have it. Also, if you feel so inclined, check out the Toys for Tots post from one year ago today. That's totally worth reading and seeing the pictures. ;)

Happy Thursday!

Why changing your FB picture to a cartoon wasn't completely ridiculous...

I saw this on Tumblr....



I disagree and I will tell you why.... in a moment.

I agree that changing a profile picture was a silly idea. Changing the picture doesn't support or do all that much. So, if I agree with that, how do I disagree with it being a stupid thing to do?

I disagree when people say it did nothing. It spread awareness. It got people talking. For several days on my page, there were people sharing links with people who didn’t know ways to help. People giving out information for ways that other people can get involved and do something good. People relating stories to each other on their experiences. Bonding over something so terrible isn't the best way to bond but finding someone, be it someone already in your life or someone new, who understands and can relate to you? Someone you can openly talk comfortably with? That's a good thing. There were people sharing links and phone numbers for people who need to get help.

It got people talking about an issue that doesn't get talked about often. It got people sharing and reaching out to others. It got people who previously didn’t think about helping thinking about it and doing something more.

To me, all of that is something. It might not be much and I know not everyone had this going on between the people on their social network. I know I'm not the only one who saw something like this happening through their social network, though. I also know not everyone who were given links will do anything with them. I know not everyone will start finding a way to help. This goes with anything. Same as how not everyone who had the nerve to belittle the people changing their photos and telling them to find a real way to help will do something more other than complain about what other people aren't doing. If even a small percentage of people get involved and look for ways to help and do it, though? Good.

The premise of it might have been stupid but I disagree that it was all done for nothing. Spreading awareness and getting people talking and sharing is never useless or pointless, especially when it comes to subjects that people are generally less inclined to bring up and talk about.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead.

Happy Tuesday.

To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else...

The Stars play the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight, in Columbus. They're on a 6 game winning streak so hopefully after tonight it will be a 7 game winning streak. Which is awesome considering last season they didn't win 3 games in a row. The longest streak last year was 2. Not so good. This season has gone much better thus far. Though, even when they're losing, I'm still cheering them on. There's nothing I hate more in sports than "fans" that jump ship or majorly trash talk their team because they're doing poorly then jump back on when they're doing well again.

I really want a mini Keurig for Christmas. I love Keurig. It's perfect since my boyfriend doesn't drink coffee and I'm a one cup in the morning kind of person. I usually don't drink coffee because I don't have a way to make a single cup for just me. Unless I'm at work, then I do since my boss brought a french press up to work for us to use for coffee. Mmmm. I didn't bother putting the Keurig on my Christmas list because it's $89 and I figured that was too expensive of a gift to ask for. I don't like asking for pricey things. What I really want is stuff for the boyfriend and I. We're getting our own place at the beginning of the year again but we have very little. I had planned on asking for some things we'd need for Christmas since I figured if people were going to spend money on me, it might as well be for things I need versus things I just want for the hell of it. Then I was informed by several people that was "rude" and revised my list to junk I want instead of stuff I'll need. I did get some Christmas shopping done yesterday. I worked 6 nights last week so I didn't have time to do any shopping. Or anything else. So, I spent my day off yesterday cleaning, running errands, grocery shopping, doing almost 2 weeks worth of laundry, cooking dinner, Christmas shopping, wrapping presents and doing more laundry. Not a very relaxing day off at all but I got a lot of stuff done. Now I need to get something for my mom, dad, 22 and my grandparents and I'll be done. I'm usually done by the end of November but being unemployed for a year set me back a little financially so I didn't get to start so early this year. Which is fine... Except I work a shitload of hours so finding time to get the rest of my shopping done is going to be a bit of a challenge since I need to go to several different stores to get the remaining items I need, lol. It's all good, I'm up for a little challenge. ;)

I did take an hour yesterday between getting stuff done to lay down, listen to music (Luke Bryan, Three Days Grace and Nightwish; such a lovely mix ;D) and and read a book. I haven't done that in such a long time. The book I'm in the middle of reading? I started reading and had no clue what was going on so I had to start over. Luckily, I was only 62 pages in so I didn't have a lot to re-read. That was nice, though. Reading a book while listening to music is one of my favorite ways to relax and it's something I haven't had the free time to do in 3 or 4 weeks. Maybe more, I don't know.

I quit smoking around 13 months ago. There's no further point to that, just wanted to throw that out there. :)

I want to talk to my boss about changing my schedule around some. I rarely see my boyfriend the way it is now. I have Sundays off. He works Sundays. He has Thursday and Friday night off. I work late both days and tend to go in early. The rest of the time, we work and our schedules are opposite. He gets home from work, I'm asleep. I'm waking up for the day, he's been asleep only a couple hours. So, even though we live together, I see him maybe a few hours a week. Which sucks. And there's no reason that I shouldn't be able to work my schedule around some. I spent a lot of Saturday during a slow period analyzing the scheduling and I kind of know what I'd like to see happen. Hopefully the boss will agree to it or at least come up with something else that will work. I'm fairly optimistic about it. He's pretty good at being flexible.

I really want some flannel sheets for the bed but I have no idea where to get inexpensive ones that aren't horribly cheap and uncomfortable. Any tips on that would be helpful. :)

I posted an update on my Toys for Tots fundraiser on Saturday. Check that out if you haven't already, please and thank you. :) There's still a little time left to donate if you haven't already! :) A few dollars is all you need to send to help out.

Happy Monday!

Toys for tots fundraiser update...

So far this year, I've received a little over $400 in donations from people for the Toys for Tots Fundraiser. That's quite a lot less than I did last year but it's still a significant amount and will make a difference for a lot of little kids. I already spent $65 of my own money for the toys that have been purchased already. I'll probably spend a little bit more, too. I've been setting a few dollars here and there aside so I could add it to the total for the fundraiser. Thanks so much to everyone that has donated so far. Whether it was $50, $20 or $3, your donations have really added up and I appreciate all the help.

There's still another 10 (or 12, let me know if you want to donate but need to wait for a specific date but the 16th will be the latest to donate to me I'm thinking) days to donate to the fundraiser if you haven't already and want to. It doesn't have to be much. Check out the posts I've already done on it. One includes pictures so you can see just how many toys my $65 did buy.

Even if you don't donate to my fundraiser, it would be great if you found something worthwhile to drop a few dollars to. Every little bit really does help. :)

Happy Saturday!

25 Questions...

25 Questions... Just because I don't feel like writing anything specific but I wanted to do something, ya know? Yep. :) Plus, I'm a sucker for these things.

1. How far away do you live from your parents?: My mom lives in East Texas about 2 hours from where I live. My dad lives in California.

2. What did you get in the mail today?: Nothing. :)

3. How do you like your steak cooked?: Medium well.

4. Have you ever sat all the way through Gone With the Wind?: I've honestly never watched it all the way through at once. I have seen the whole movie, just not all at the same time, lol.

5. Have you ever been to Mt Rushmore?: Nope.

6. Is it just me, or was The Marine (w/John Cena) a really horrible movie?: I never saw it. The previews (I think, I can't remember exactly) looked awful so I assumed... lol.

7. Do you smoke cigarettes?: Nope. I quit around this time last year. :)

8. Are you currently planning a trip?: Nope, can't afford that.

9. Is Ryan Seacrest gay? Should anyone care?: I have no idea. And no, it shouldn't matter one way or another.

10. Do you take anti-depressants?: Not anymore.

11. Do you ever take sleeping pills?: No.

12. Did you ever get into a bar and drink before you were 21?: Yes, quite a few times.

13. Do you watch MTV anymore?: We don't have cable. I wouldn't watch MTV even if I were able to, though.

14. What kind of car do you drive?: A Mazda.

15. Honestly, is that car insured?: Yep.

16. Do you like sushi?: HATE IT.

17. Do you like roller coasters?: Fuck yes.

18. What magazine(s) do you buy regularly or subscribe to?: None.

19. Do you own an iPad? Do you plan to buy an iPad if you don't already have one?: To both questions, no.

20. Was your dad named after anyone?: No clue.

21. What’s the longest time that you‘ve been involved with the same person?: My current relationship is my longest. 4 & 1/2 years.

22. What is something that you‘d rather be a bit dirty?: Sex. ;)

23. What was your best/favorite subject at school?: History, economics and art.

24. Describe your accent: I'm from Texas. I don't have a thick Southern accent but it's there. It's really there when I'm angry, upset or highly emotional in some way. Get me mad and I sound Southern as hell, lol.

25. What do you wear to sleep?: Clothes. Usually. It varies based on my mood and the temperature in the room.