Jason and I went Trick or Treating with the kids last year and were planning on it this year too, but Jason was supposed to get off work at 7 p.m. which means the fun would be almost over! So, he was able to get off work early and me too, so we headed over to join the fun/party at Rachael's house!
Remember when Mom told us that when we get someone a gift, we should get them something we want just in case they don't like it? Well, I got Jason a camera for his b-day and while he loves it, I love the fact that I get to use it too!
I had a lot of fun tonight and was glad to capture the kids and all their glory! I even got their dogs costumes! (Much to Derrick's dismay... sorry!)
But they were all so cute! I made sure I got a picture with all the kids...
I think we pictured Kristen out as a child, but not too recently, she loves it and I'm able to get more with her now! (I love it too, of course!)
Katie is also learning to like the camera, what a cute little kitty she was tonight! I even reminded her how to role her R's in Purrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Ben's learning how to keep looking at the camera until the picture is taken, but hasn't quite grasped the concept, yet.
And Jack had the perfect costume which came with the perfect scary picture!
I tried to con all the kids into letting me hold their candy bags for them (a trick learned from Mom) although they didn't fall for it. Ben said that Jason could hold his though!
I was successful in tricking them to give me candy, though... "Hey, any of you guys got some REALLY good candy that I can have???" And of course, they all wanted to give me the best kind. So, I told them that I loved Kit-Kat's and they were all trying to dig in their little bags to find one for me... ha-ha!
They get the treats, I get the tricks, and we all win!
Jason told me that I had to give him credit for this picture, so there you go...
I got this costume for Carl so he and Ben would be 'workers' together! I think Ben really liked it!
Calvin, the Pirate dog! Poor thing!
No, they're not in costume... but Lori and Todd are cute! Huh?
I've asked this question so many times in the last few weeks... I still haven't heard of anything super cool, yet.
I wanted to be something really original. Like the year someone dressed like a finger in a Chili bowl, soon after the whole public story came out. Now, THAT was clever!
So, I was thinking of things like "Bald Brittney". Dressing like chunky Brittany Spears and then wearing a bald cap on my head, you all know that story!
Or, dressing like Paris Hilton in prison garb, but realized that unless I lost 500 pounds, I would never pass as Paris. The closest I could get would be to wear her perfume!
So, I've decided to settle. But I still think it'll be cute!
I'm going to be a Gypsy!
Remember when Mom told us that Gypsy story as kids? Something about fingers getting cut off or something like that?
No, I'm not going to be THAT kind. Don't worry!
But, I did find a cute costume that could pass as a Gypsy or a Pirate Siren and it had long sleeves! Just my luck! (please read "Stop Itching" below to understand the exciting moment of finding a long-sleeved outfit to wear!
Again, I'll have to take pictures and post it.
Last Sunday I was bored and Jason was watching the Bears game, so I decided to go shopping... unable to find anything to buy, I decided to go watch a movie by myself.
Unfortunately, I was a bit tired, and unfortunately, I watched a movie that wasn't all that stimulating.
Michael something (I can't remember the last name of the title of the movie) but either way, it had George Clooney in it and I thought it'd be good, but it was like the first 3/4 of the movie was preliminary stuff and then the last part actually got good and interesting.
I don't recommend it.
I would have walked out, but then I paid $5 to watch it and just couldn't feel right about having an opinion of a movie without actually watching the entire thing!
Now, not too long ago, Rachael, Derrick, Lori, Todd, Natalie, and I all went to watch Gone, Baby, Gone.
It was pretty good! A story about a kidnapped child (oh, so cute!) and this guy who was hired by the family to find her...
A lot of heart, fear, drama, and a few tears later, I felt like it was good. It made me think of a few decisions that the main character had to make and couldn't quite figure out what I'd do in the same situation.
Luckily, I most likely won't ever be in that position, but it's amazing how one can possibly be a decision-maker to such a crucial situation...
You'll have to watch it. Then you'll know what I'm talking about.
It seems like the whole family is getting into this mood... like we all have to make something all of a sudden.
I got the idea to make a purse not too long ago, with some kind of circle thing... but I got A.D.D. on it and it's now in a drawer.
But today, I've decided to crochet a blanket! I got some really cute yarn and am ready to do it. The only problem is getting started and actually finishing it, you know?
But I think I'm ready to do it. I'm planning on giving it away for a present, although that will suck because I know I'll want to keep it for myself, so I'll have to try it out first and then pick out some perfect colors for my house...
I'll try and take some pictures and post it for you all to see.
Almost three and a half weeks ago, I started scratching my arm... didn't realize it would last this long and continue to my entire body.
I don't know what it is, but it sucks! I have to wear long sleeves and high cut neck lines and it's not always cold outside, or at work, and it sucks!
I've spoken with a few doctors on the issue and have yet to hear what the problem is... I've tried (and beware, there's going to be some misspelling's here...) Benedryl, Clariton, Hydrocortozone cream, and Pregnozone. I haven't changed anything major. No new soap, lotion, food, laundry soup, dryer sheets, shampoo, etc.
I don't know what it is but I have a feeling I may be allergic to something. My friend, Betsy, is allergic to peppers. Black pepper, bell peppers, hot peppers, etc. Every time she eats one, she gets itchy, then bumps like I have, although it doesn't last 3.5 weeks! Her tongue also gets tingly, but mine hasn't been like that so I don't think it's something I'm eating. At least I hope not, because I have a secret feeling that it could be tomatoes or wheat. That would totally suck!
I went to my new family doctor today (sorry, Rach, apparently I can't count you because you're actually in my family!).
Either way, my new doctor prescribed a few things and then said she'd meet with me again in a few weeks, which is actually in about four weeks, which sucks, because if this is still going on, I'm going to scratch my skin off! She also mentioned something about having blood work done and checking something that has to do with my liver and/or thyroid.
Speaking of my new doctor... she sprang this on me. "Let's go ahead and do a Pap today!" What? Are you kidding me? I've never done THAT with anyone but a Gyno! But, no, she wasn't kidding... let me tell you this, I do NOT miss that!
Other than the whole Pap experience, I think I'll like this doctor and hopefully she'll figure out what the heck is wrong with me!
Most of you already know this already, but I thought I should post the story, for those that don't...
I was in a karaoke contest this last Saturday night, and I sang Delicious Surprise from JoDee Messina.
Lori helped me figure out a few moves on Friday and I practiced singing, so I was ready to go!
My friend, Missy, also made it to the contest, so she was in the line up, right after me.
I was so nervous right before I sang, but then when I got up there, I made direct eye contact with the judges (thanks to all those speech classes!) and I worked the audience and sang like never before...
My friend also sang a really good song and placed 10th.
Mind you, we were 27 of a few hundred people and only the top 10 won something! She won $150.00!!!
My friends told me that I'd definitely make it, so I thought they were just being nice, you know how friends are, they tell you what you want to hear...
Well, the host went on to tell us who won...
Missy was 10th place
Veronica was 9th...
and so on and so forth...
Then came 6th place. Not me.
Then 5th place. Not me. Again. Missy's husband Jimmy had started a chant by this time of "Francie, Francie, Francie" which was totally embarrassing because I thought I had a chance but not a high chance of making anything above number 5!
Well, finally came 3rd place, and I looked at Jason, and told him that it was okay, I'll try again next year...
Then the host called my name for 2nd place!
I WON $1,000.00! IN CASH! THAT'S 10 $100.00 BILLS! HOLY COW!!!!!!
I held out my hands and tried to keep count, but looked up, laughing/crying at Rick, the host, and told him I lost count!
Then everyone came over and gave me hugs and I was so in shock!
Wow!
The 1st place winner sang awesome and made $1,200.
I guess my friends weren't lying after all!
A few other contestants told me that I deserved every penny of it, so that made me feel really good and I'm just so happy!
Jason, Betsy and Steve, and Jason's mom and two aunt's were all there as well as all Missy's family and they were all so excited!
I just wanted to place, to cover the expenses of the $20 CD and the $20 sweater I bought for the occasion...
Didn't think I'd make it so high, but I'm super happy about it!
I'm really happy that me and Missy placed! That was the best part, I think.
Hopefully, my family may be able to come to one of the contests, one of these days. That would be cool!
Either way, just wanted to share with you all!
So, I got home from work and had to go potty... you know, one of those things everyone does. Well, when I was done, I stood up to pull up my pants, but noticed my baby kitty, Rocco, in the corner of my eye...
He went to jump on the toilet seat to hang out. Unfortunately, for him, the lid was not down, and the toilet hadn't been flushed yet!
I turned around and grabbed him by the back of the neck, while he was splashing around and freaking out, attempting to get out and run around my entire apartment! I don't think so!
I figured I better throw him into the shower quick, while I still have a hold of him. Poor thing.
He kept trying to jump out or up on the shower curtain, but sliding back down into the tub.
Either way, he now smells like lavender and looks super clean and fluffy!
I had to call Natalie right away, because I was laughing so hard, and figured I'd get a few good laughs out of her, and she asked if I got a picture. No. I didn't get a picture! Sorry, guys.
But I had to share, you know?
So, I could make excuses for not writing, but then I don't have to.
I have, however, read three amazing books in the last two weeks!
Digital Fortress, Angels and Demons, and Deception Point (my favorite) all by Dan Brown, the author of The Divinci Code (which I haven't read yet because the movie's stuck in my head, but I do have the book, so it'll be soon!)
Let me tell you, Deception Point is the best book I've ever read. I don't think that I've been so excited to read a book before. I would read until I slept. Wake up early to read more before work and couldn't wait to get home for lunch, or off work for the day to read that book. And, it was informational! Something like... there are polar bears in the arctics but in Antarctica there aren't (anti polar bears!) You know, one of those tidbits you'll use some random day!
I also had some fun with Natalie this past weekend, she stayed with me and we decided to knit some purses and get really cute fabric for the inside... well, it didn't quite work out the way we thought it would, but it has potential!
I decided to make a scarf, which should be pretty cute, when I'm done, but it's a long process.
I also have the karaoke finals this Saturday night. I'm thinking of singing either Delicious Surprise, Black Horse and the Cherry Tree, or Because of You. Not sure yet, but will be forced to decide soon.
I'm also getting my hair cut tonight! I'm excited, too!!! I feel like I've had a very bad hair depression lately, so hopefully this will work. Again, not too sure how short or what style, but will have to decided soon.
Either way, just wanted to update y'all!
One of the cutest outfits... Go Irish!
