I'm so disappointed. Now not only do I have to stumble across those dumb Sonic commercials on TV I have to hear them on the radio. I would like to meet whoever is behind them. I would like to meet Brian and that chick that is his girlfriend/wife and his buddy.......oh how they sag me.

Thank goodness for remotes and dials.

I'm a nerd. Love me or hate me.

First of all, let me start off by saying that I'm a Conservative that is environmentally-minded. My husband makes fun of my "Save the Trees" attitude...but I don't care...to me it just makes sense.

My goal for the rest of 2007 is to get serious about recycling. I do some here and there, but I want my home to be Earth-friendly.

So here's some information on what Childress and Amarillo offer for recycling.

Some information was from the Earth911 website: http://texas.earth911.org/

CHILDRESS


White copy paper, newspaper, cardboard and aluminum cans

There are blue dumpsters around town for the papers and cardboard

The cans can be taken to Dusty Arnn at 905 D SW - i believe he pays .40 cents a pound

You can take them crushed or uncrushed

AMARILLO


BFI Recyclers Inc
803 S Garfield, Amarillo, TX 79101Phone: (806) 374-7425Days/Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm - DROP OFF BEFORE 4:45 p.m.

Materials Collected / Services Offered:

Metal: Aluminum Cans

Paper: Book Recycling, Cardboard, Catalogs, Chipboard, Computer Paper, Magazines, Mixed Paper, Newspaper, Telephone Directories, White Office Paper

Plastic: #1 Plastic (PETE), #2 Plastic (HDPE Clear), #2 Plastic (HDPE Colored)
PETE, polyethylene terephthalate: Soft drink, water, and juice bottles
HDPE, high density polyethylene: Milk jugs, trash bags, detergent bottles, some produce bags

(http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/plastics-recycling.htm)


Goodwill Industries of Amarillo Retail Store
4515 South Georgia Street, AMARILLO, TX 79110Phone: (806) 353-3578Days/Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5:30pm

Location Notes: This store accepts gently used items. Donations should be in good, clean, and working condition.

Materials Collected / Services Offered:

Bulky waste: Household Furniture, Mattresses, Office Furniture

Electronics: Compact Discs (CDs)/DVDs, Computer Monitors, Computer Recycling, Electronics, Office Machines, Televisions, Video Tapes

Reuse: Bicycle Donation, Reuse, Book Donation, Reuse, Cell phone and Equipment Reuse/Recycle, Clothing and Textile Donation, Reuse, Computer Donation, Eyeglass Donation, Reuse, Household Item Donation, Reuse, Lawn and Garden Equipment, Musical Instruments, Reusable Appliance Donation, Sporting Goods Donation, Reuse, Telephone and Equipment Reuse/Recycle, Tools, Toys, Vehicle Donation


Green Shopping Tips (from Earth911 http://texas.earth911.org)

SAVE MONEY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
A family of four can save $3,000 a year simply by buying products in the largest size they can use and by buying long lasting reusable items. Think about the effect of your purchases on the environment when you shop. Items with excess packaging and products that need to be discarded after only a few uses cost more money, use up valuable resources and create more waste.

BUY PRODUCTS IN THE LARGEST SIZE YOU CAN USE; AVOID EXCESS PACKAGING
A family of four can save $2,000 a year in the supermarket by choosing large sizes instead of individual serving sizes. Remember, ten cents of every shopping dollar is used to pay for packaging. Small sizes use more packaging for each ounce of product than larger sizes. So, if you buy large sizes, you save money, reduce waste, and help the environment. That is a really good buy. Here are a few good examples, look for others the next time you shop.

*Buy cereal in a large box instead of in individual serving sizes.
*Buy juice in concentrates and use reusable containers instead of single serving packages.
*Save money by buying bottled water in a large plastic jug instead of six packs of 16 ounce bottles. Reuse plastic water bottles.
*Buy large packages of sugar and flour.
*Avoid the small boxes of raisins and buy the same amount in the 24 ounce box.

BUY PRODUCTS IN CONTAINERS THAT YOU KNOW YOU WILL BE ABLE TO RECYCLE
It is important to familiarize yourself with your what types of containers and items can be recycled in your local recycling program. Once you know what you can recycle, look for products that come in the containers that you know you will be able to recycle when the products are all used up. Examples are products in commonly recycled containers made from aluminum, steel, #1 and #2 plastic, and glass. Check the Earth 911 Reuse and Recycling Services listings to see what types of containers/packaging you should look for in your community.

BUY REUSABLE AND LONG LASTING ITEMS
Products that can be reused are cheaper in the long run than those you throw away and buy over and over again. Goods that are designed to last a long time are also cheaper in the long run than those that wear out quickly. A family can save $1,000 each year buy buying reusable and long lasting products.

*Use rechargeable batteries in toys, flashlights, radios. You can save $200 a year by using rechargeable batteries instead of disposables in one cd player used two hours a day.
*Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers. You'll save $600 per child by using a laundry diaper service instead of disposable diapers.
*Use a real camera instead of disposable ones. If you take 24 pictures each month you will save $144 each year.
*Many families spend over $260 each year on paper towels and napkins. Switch to cloth napkins, sponges, and cloth towels or wipes.
*Use washable plates, cups, and silverware for parties and picnics instead of disposable products.
*Use an electric razor or hand razor with replaceable blades instead of disposable razors.
*Buy high quality/long life tires. They cost less per mile traveled and reduce the problem of disposing of used tires.
*Use a washable commuter mug for your morning coffee and eliminate a Styrofoam or plastic cup every day.
*Bring bags to the market, either cloth ones or your old paper and plastic ones. Many markets will credit your bill for using your own bags. When buying only a few items, don't take a bag.
*Clean and service your appliances, computers, tools, and cars so that they will enjoy even longer lives. And, before you replace them, check to see if they are repairable. Consider sharing equipment that is used infrequently such as hedge clippers, pruners, fruit pickers, or chain saws.


Alright, I'm off to scourer Wal-Mart for some cheap recycling bins.

Our office here at the courthouse now has official hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. So if anyone needs to speak to the judge, call and make an appointment. Hopefully, no one does. To be at work on time I have been getting up at 5:30 a.m. It takes me 30 minutes just to wake up. How in the world do you people get up and work out so early? Maybe I will evenutally get used to this.

Other news, it's official I'm finally a college graduate. Cheers to me!

On a sad note, my Nanny, is still battling cancer. She is staying in Amarillo at the rehab place. Due to the cancer she underwent surgery and now has a trach. The latest news is that her feeding tube (in her stomach) has become dislodged and they have to send her to the hospital to fix that. Yesterday, they had to give her a couple of blood transfusions, but she is a little more alert today. It is so hard for me to watch her struggle to breathe or to see the fear in her eyes if her oxygen falls off even for a minute. It is unreal to think just a few months ago she was helping me with Olivia and driving me crazy with all of her "nanny ways" that we have grown to love. I have been so blessed to have gone this long without having to experience this wicked disease called cancer. You get to see someone's spirit when they are thrown into this battle and it truly is a battle. She has been nothing short of a fighter. Her will to live surpasses any sadness or hopelessness that we might feel. If only I could take some of her pain away.

On May 5th I graduated from MACU...but I have to do my presentation tomorrow in order to officially graduate and get my diploma. I have worked on this project off and on for the past 3 years so I am very familiar with it, but I'm still nervous about presenting it in front of 15-20 people in the morning.

Wish me luck; we begin at 9 a.m.

Don't you hate it when people tell you that you look tired? I mean, seriously, what is that? Why don't you just tell me I look like trash or I need a nap or even a brown paper bag? Don't try to be nice by saying, "Oh, you look tired." like you're all concerned...tell me what you're really thinking!! Which is, "Man, you look like crap!"

Olivia's First Christmas




Boy, did we have fun. This was the best Christmas. We got to feel like kids again as we watched Olivia open her presents. We didn't get her a whole lot because we knew she would get tons of stuff from her grandparents. We just gave her a couple of outfits (a texas tech one included), a few toys and her Bitty Baby Doll from the American Girl Place...it's so cute. I can't wait for her to play with it. If the weather permits we will celebrate our 6th Christmas this evening in Altus with Chris' family. I was starting to get a little frazzled with all of the visits and meals, but things have calmed down. Now I'm just ready for New Year's Eve. It's one of my favorite holidays. I love Auld Lang Syne, drinking some bubbly and any New Year's decor.
I wonder what 2007 will have in store for us. Hopefully, all good things. We will be attending a New Year's Eve party at the Steed's this year and then on Monday we will have our 3rd Steed/Reed New Year's Day Lunch. Traditions are the best.

my visit to new york was great...everything i had expected. we stayed at the crowne plaza in times square on broadway at 48th, right in the middle of everything. there was a starbucks on every corner. it wasn't nearly as cold as i had expected, but still colder than texas. because of the tall buildings i hardly ever saw the sun. i bundled up in the mornings and walked the streets with all of the fellow tourists and new yorkers. more than anything i didn't want to look like a tourist too bad so i tried not to stop in the middle of the sidewalk to snap photos. i don't have a lot of photos from nyc, but i have lots of memories. my favorite was walking into shops and browsing bookstores as i sipped my coffee.
we found a favorite bagel place just up the street, we shopped on 5th Avenue, went to macy's (on a crazy sale day)---i was literally tripping over shoes, even had our picture made with Santa at macy's, did the empire state building thing, ate at a delicious italian restaurant, saw the rockettes (so fun!!), enjoyed a $60 breakfast (room service), and picked out olivia a doll at the american girl place!
and i only had 1 glass of pinot grigio.....
as much as i loved new york...i was getting homesick. i missed chris and olivia terribly.
glad that i went and glad that i'm home!!

i hate alcohol. loathe it.

3 more days until i leave for NYC! i cannot wait. i hope it is even more fun that i think it will be. i can count on both hands how many times people have said, "what about olivia?" are you serious? she'll be great...chris is great with her. that will be some good quality father/daughter time. plus as a bonus chris will get to see what 24/7 motherhood is all about!

You know you are a coffee lover when you drive to work with your coffee pot sitting on towel in your floorboard praying that it doesn't spill.
I got up this morning and poured some Folgers Hazelnut Creme coffee beans into my grinder and made a nice pot of coffee just for me. Then as I got ready to leave for work I realized that all of my "to go" coffee cups were at work. Dilemma! I wasn't about to go without my coffee. I had been really wanting to try this new flavor after discovering it on my weekly trip to the grocery store. Then I got the genius idea to just transport my coffee pot to work and put it on our burner there. This was quite the challenge since I hardly ever abide the speed limit signs in town and I am usually running at least 15 minutes late everywhere I go.
Thankfully, I did arrive safely. I was more late than usual because I had to drive the speed limit, but my coffee pot was still full and that's what really matters in my book.

**Folgers Vanilla Biscotti is even better

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real…but only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

~anonymous

So I guess August was a good month for blogs...and September just flew by. I'm in trouble so I must post something...

I guess an update might do:

Olivia is 5 months old. I cannot believe it...it just goes so fast. I have sat back several times and just watched her and told myself to savor this moment because it won't last forever. I have tried to etch in my mind sweet memories of her. I've tried to capture her precious laugh on video and her sweet smile on film. I've kept a calendar to write down things she does each day. I have not been Super Mom and wrote on everyday, but I think she'll forgive me.

Chris is still working for TxDOT. He is so busy this time of year and we miss him. He has to work long hours and deal with so many different projects. I wish I could alleviate some of his stress and worries.

We've been slowly working on our house. Well, let me rephrase that, Chris has been working on the house. It just takes lots of time and money. One day it will be how we want it. For now I just try to enjoy each day.

I'm still working for the county. I love my job. It's hardly ever stressful and I have lots of freedom. I've started a business with Arbonne International and I love it! I think the products are wonderful and it has a great compensation plan. Most of all, I just have fun with it!

I daily, ok let's be honest, weekly seek God's plan for my life. I know he has great things in store for me. I just hope I let go and let him do His thing.

Phone Etiquette

When you call someone how many rings is too many? My standard is usually 4 times. I think that's a pretty good number. There is this one person who calls our house and lets it ring 10-12 times. Granted it does take me forever to answer my phone because we only have one cordless and half the time I have no idea where it is, but with this particular person I have never shared this information. This has gone on for quite some time now and and this person calls several times a day. They definitely hold the record for "the most rings in one phone call."

Well, a couple weeks ago I was putting my daughter to bed and the phone in the living room began to ring....I was busy so I could not get to it, but out of habit now and a little bit of curiosity I started counting the rings. 26!!! I could not believe it......after 7 I just knew it was this friend, but to my amazement it was someone else! So finally someone with a new record. Letting the phone ring for 26 times takes forever......like 3 minutes.....a long time to waste wondering if someone is going to answer their phone.

Poor Pluto...

I can't believe Pluto is no longer a planet. How sad is that? When our kids start learning about the planets........there will only be 8. That's just crazy! Does anyone else think that is crazy? Pluto gets to be considered a dwarfed planet from now on.

Seasons

I love the different seasons. I look forward to each one of them. I love New Year's Eve, resolutions, champagne, tulips in late March, capris, golf season, tanning lotion, flip flops, long days, cooking out, fall tv premieres, football games, fall decor, sweaters, pumpkins, Halloween, leaves falling, Thanksgiving, buttermilk pie, family, Christmas, friends, stockings, singing Christmas carols while mom plays the piano, making fudge, cards, decorating the Christmas tree and all of the parties we have year round.

As the summer is coming to an end I am ready for this fall. I'm ready to experience all of our traditions and add new ones.

the beginning...

I have new addiction. Blogging. Thanks to Francesca. I'm not creative, I'm not funny...just complicated and full of random thoughts. So now I've found a perfect way to get them out of my head. Typing my thoughts is such a new concept. In the past I have loved to write. Loved to see my handwriting on paper. Loved the way it felt so personal. I am determined to love blogging almost as much.

How private are these blogs? That's my only concern. I guess if I don't get a response to that question I will have my answer. Since as far as I know only 1 person has this address. So do I trust that and completely pour my heart out or do I censor parts of my life? We'll see how it goes.

If nothing else I will be amused and maybe a little less frazzled.