Living like a college kid again

This week (and next) are finals weeks (yes, lucky me, I get two) so I've been doing quite a lot of studying. This Monday, I had two really big finals the next day, so after I put Cash to bed, I got down to do some serious work. Then I get a phone call.
A friend of mine had had a few drinks at the bar and unwisely decided to go ahead and drive to Wendy's. I told him that he should under no circumstances be driving, and advised he...not do that. So he told me, okay, I'm on my way over. Ummm...no you can't do that, I'm studying.
"But, Mindy, you clearly just told me I shouldn't be driving, and you're right. And your house is the closest to Wendy's. I'm just being responsible."
Crap. That's what I get for being a responsible citizen.
So he comes over and eats his dinner while I read over my textbooks, and we get to chatting.
Actually, first he asked what Chris was up to.
"Ummm...my friend Chris in Florida who you've never actually met?" "Yes, that's the one." "Umm...idk he actually called a few minutes ago but I couldn't answer." "Okay, well I think I need to call him." "Okay, that sounds fantastic go right ahead."
After they chatted for awhile, we started talking about who knows what and he ended up telling me (with a voice of admiration) that I am a Drunkoligist: because I understand "hammered" so well. Well, I'm glad I learned something in all those years in Norman. Then he told me that "I love schedules, cowboy butts drive me nuts" and promptly passed out on my couch, where I continued to study for a few hours. He literally laid his head down and two seconds later was snoring. I kindof thought maybe he was faking so I shook him a little and nope: that man is serious when it comes to his sleep.
And that was my Monday night.

conversations

Chris: Dude, I was at this stoplight just now, and the light went out & my radio did too at the same time!
Me: holy crap that's creepy
Chris: yeah, I mean, the radio station was just down the block so maybe they had a power surge.
Me: i hope so, because the only other logical explanation is that aliens were overhead sucking all power to fuel their ship
Chris: well, if it happens again I'm going to panic.
Me: that's exactly what you should do. it needs to be a full on panic attack with screaming & everything.
Chris: I'll pee.
Me: at least you have a plan.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

A bowl full of lemons.: Thirty-one gift certificate giveaway!!!

If you need another fun blog to check out, look no further. She is my new favorite! And she's giving away an organizing tote from Thirty-one today! I know you were bored and needed another blog to read. See? You're welcome!

A bowl full of lemons.: Thirty-one gift certificate giveaway!!!: I am just in love with Thirty-one organizing products , and the organizing utility tote is my all time favorite. If you have been reading ...

(also see her organizing challenge...I just started the Home Inventory Notebook and I am LOVING it!)

Autumn is here

I've been in major cleaning/redecorating mood lately. I am absolutely in love with fall decor this year. So with much help from my mama and Stef, I rearranged my entire living room and am working on making it festive. :) Also, Cash's daycare is in super-crafty mode lately so every couple of days he brings home something new to add to the mix. Because who doesn't love a festive craft made with adorable little hands? :) Here's some of the results:



Moved the TV off of the mantel so I have lots of room for decorations :)





Living room shots



A pumpkin made by my pumpkin

Money money money money

I've been reading approximately a book a day lately. I recently got my school money for this semester in the mail (recently as in, like, this morning) and I thought maybe I might need some inspiration not to spend it all (I use this money all semester long, to supplement my income since because of my school schedule, I can only work a certain number of hours a week), so I thought I'd read something inspirational. I picked up (off my bookshelf, so I didn't have to spend any money) a book called Save Karyn: One Shopaholic's Journey to Debt and Back by Karyn Bosnak.

Sometime around the time I was starting college, a 29 year old woman (same age as I am now!) got herself into some debt. Then she had a brilliant idea to cut back, work hard, and ask for donations off of a website. Now, I'm not going to ask for donations off of this website (no one really reads it anyways at this point in time except maybe...Hi Britney!), but I always get really inspired reading about her attitude, and the ways she found to stop spending and bring down her debt. I've come a long ways in the last 5 years, but I still definitely have some room for improvement! So I've decided to start being more conscious of where I'm spending, and to try and start selling some of the junk...wait, not junk, just stuff I realllllly needed when I bought it but since then Cash has outgrown it or I've lost space and is now residing in my garage. Hopefully with a little luck, I can start a Christmas/Birthday fund for Mr. Cash (so I don't wait until the last minute and panic like last year)! Great idea, I know. The thing is, I think the key to stay out of debt is all in your attitude. I love to shop. I like pretty things. To wear, to decorate (my kid and my home) with. But I like being able to pay my bills more. And I'd really like to be able to fit my car in the garage this winter. Here goes!

Just wanted to try out posting a video...enjoy!

Well, that was fun

But I think I've fulfilled my lifelong quota of internet dating.
Stay tuned for more adventures!!

In other news...

Last night, Cash was eating some Mac and Cheese al fresco, and for some reason decided he wanted to store a piece in the birdhouse I have sitting out on the front porch. A few minutes later, he grabbed it and shoved it into his mouth. Obviously it was covered in dirt, and so about 2 seconds later he was doing what he always does when he tastes something gross, and started trying to wipe off his tongue with his hands. Stefannie told him, "Cash, use your juice!" So he very obediently picked up his sippy cup and started wiping off his tongue with that. That kid cracks me up.

I have a case of writers block. I haven't written much since my son was born...maybe I'm busier? Or maybe its just something that comes with motherhood, along with the grey hair and the inability to eat anything without your child coming and grabbing half of it out of your hand.

Example A: Last night, Cash and I were watching a movie and I grabbed a bowl of chips to much on. He took it from me, and would share, but he had to dole out the chips himself. He was generous, but if I forgot and went to grab a chip out of the bowl myself, he let me know pretty quick that that was unacceptable behavior. Haha. It's a good thing he's so darn cute...



Anyways, even if it's boring, I'm going to try try try and write more.

st paddys

I went out for St Patricks Day. Here is a picture of the girls that kept me from getting beat up in the bathroom. They are kindof awesome.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Weekend Update

Well, the weekend is nearly over. It didn't feel like too much of a weekend for me, because I worked this one, but Cash and I did manage to fit a little fun in.

Friday night Kate and Brandon came over and hung out. Kate and I kicked it off with a country dance party with Mr. Cash in the living room. We danced around to Pat Green and the pearl snap shirt song (which is one I sing to Cash every time he wears a pearl snap). It was an obvious attempt to wear Cash out, one that failed miserably. 10:30 came around and the adults found ourselves lying around on the furniture watching Cash literally bounce around the room babbling to himself excitedly. Where that kid finds his energy I'll never know.

Saturday I had to work, so Cash went to Fairfax to spend the day with Mamaw and Papa. He had a very super busy day helping Papa fix things. They assembled a crib for the guest room since apparently little man is getting a bit too hefty for the Pack N Play. Cash did some work himself, apparently finding a washcloth, dipping it into the toilet, then using it to wipe down every surface of the bathroom. He figured out how to remove a pin from the screen door that is still MIA. He also formed an alliance with the dogs that was sealed with some sort of ritual involving sharing from his own fork and then attempting to lick out their bowls when they were done eating. Despite all of this *hard work* he still managed to wear out the entire staff of Frasier's, the sports bar where Brandon so graciously took us to dinner and stayed up until nearly 11. I'm going to have to start chugging energy drinks soon.

I will now leave you with a picture from our Norman trip two weekends ago. My friend Brandi so graciously snapped it on her phone sometime right after Chris had taunted me by telling me that I had turned into some "lame mom" ("mom" was not a compliment in this instance, it was drawn out over a few syllables) because I was drooping in my chair by midnight. Someone handed me a shot, and the next thing I know I was dancing on the chair. I showed him! ha! Its probably a good thing we now live in separate states....

4 x 4 = One More Reason To Be Narcissistic

I got tagged, and I enjoyed Britney's posts immensely, so here goes:
(this is also going to make me finally learn how to use links and things in blogger, so I suppose I'm grateful that I'm being forced not to be lazy)

4 Places I go:
University Center in Ponca City
I am taking classes here, through Northwestern and NOC. Three of my classes are through iTv at the center, and 3 of them are online. I have really enjoyed being able to take classes in my hometown, where I can live cheaply (because I'm renting from the parents) and be close to family while my son is young. I am graduating in December (whoo hoo).

US Cellular
This is where I work. Dooce says you shouldn't talk about work on your blog. So that's all I have to say about that.

Home.
I'm here a lot. I rent a house that my parents own. Its a cute little two bedroom that holds a lot of memories, because it also happens to be the place where I lived when I was age 3 until the 3rd grade. I feel really blessed that I'm able to live in a house with a big living room and a yard and a nice front porch where my son can play. I'm always looking for ways to organize, and to make it homier. (not sure if its an actual word, but you know what I mean)

4 Favorite Smells:
Cash's head. You had to know that was going to end up on here somewhere. You just can't beat that baby smell, especially when he's digging his head into my neck giving me a giant hug when I get home from work.

Clinique Happy Heart
Clinique Happy has been my "signature smell" if you will, for awhile. When I can afford to buy real perfume. I've had my eye (nose?) on the Happy Heart smell for awhile now, and as soon as I can justify forking over the bucks, its going to be allllll mine. It just makes me feel pretty.

Incense.
I've been on a real incense kick lately. I love the way it permeates the house with good smelling goodness. Cash and Dagney love watching the smoke curl up in lazy circles. It makes for a happy home.

Chex Mix.
My mom makes it homemade every year at Christmas time, and I swear any time I smell anything cooking with Worcestershire sauce, it makes my mouth water. My brother and I fight over the bags of it every year.

4 Favorite Movies/Shows:
Gilmore Girls.
Obviously, my all time favorite. I go through periods where I watch it nonstop. It is my no-fail cure to a bad day.

Scrubs.
I have recently started watching this show again lately with Cash. I can't believe how he will sit on my lap and watch it with me for like an hour. (no comments on babies and media and tv and blah blah blah...I like our quality snuggle time) I always remember it as being very funny, but I forget how more often than not, it also makes me tear up.

How I Met Your Mother
Another very funny show that has got me completely hooked.

Romance movies.
Yes, in general. I cannot pick one. But this is the only genre of movie I can watch over and over. I kindof judge things by whether they make me laugh, but especially if they make me cry. I'm a woman and am addicted to that dramatic soul deep introspection. If a movie can give me that instead of making me experience it all in real life, I'm all for it. Because real life man drama is much more stressful.

4 Recommendations:
Find a job you love.
You are going to be working at it at least half of the time for a good portion of your life. If you aren't happy there, its going to be tough to be happy in general. Also, try and find something that fulfills something in you as a person. If you don't feel like you are actually giving back to society in some way, things are going to feel kinda empty.

Don't be too nervous about having a kid.
Sure, they change everything. Sure, you're totally not ready. Sure, they are expensive...blah blah blah...bottom line is, its all worth every second. And you don't really ever regret it. Even when you're broke and exhausted and stressed, the payoff is way way worth the effort. They are entertaining. And cute. And they make everything you do seem so much more important. And they (for a while anyways) think you are totally awesome, no strings attached.

Read. As much as possible.
Its the easiest and cheapest way to be exposed to new places, new ideas, to escape from the world around you for a bit when you most need it. It's the only way to really communicate with people from a completely different time period. Its really just awesome all around.

Take notes.
You're not going to remember things forever. Keep a diary of sweet moments between you and friends, family, a spouse. Start a wine journal. Write down the important notes from this week's sermon. Copy down that awesome quote you just read. Buy a day planner so you don't forget Monday is trash day. It increases productivity, but it also helps you remember all those little things that have made life sweet.

Spring Cleaning

Over my two days off this week, I decided to do a bit of spring cleaning. It all started with the bookshelf. The one I've been using for Cash's room is a random piece I found in the garage when I moved in. I cleaned it up and its been serving the purpose, but is a little too rickety for use in the room of what is soon to be a climber. So while waiting for my new tires at Walmart, I bought a bookshelf.
I already own 3 similar bookshelves, and was thinking ehhhh it'll be no problem assembling it. I was forgetting, however, that a certain Mrs. Carma Parker helped (and by helped, I'm pretty sure all I was allowed to do was hand her a hammer) me put the first 3 together. Oops. It all came back to me when I opened the instructions and saw step ONE:



I then texted a friend in town politely pleading for help. After he told me he was already in bed, and to "wait until I get back next week, I'll have it put together for you in ten minutes," something in the cockiness of his voice (I could hear it through the text) kicked my motivation into gear. OhhhhNooooo I'll do it myself, thank you! That was probably his intention all along. Silly men.
So off to work I went. After figuring out a very impressive sticky note system to remember which piece was which, it only took me one hour and one beer and voila!! All assembled and sturdy enough for Dagney to jump around on. (she has great faith in my carpentry skills, that's why I keep her around and, you know, feed her and stuff)
Little did I know that this was only the beginning. I put the bookshelf in the pre-planned out empty space, and got to thinking. And thinking and plotting and planning and scheming...And then I decided to rearrange all of Cash's room. And I'm pretty sure the work is still not done, but boy oh boy I have enough room in my living room to throw a dance party (maybe I should add a disco ball to my shopping list) and Cash's room is completely organized. Hopefully this will fulfill my fix for reorganizing until midterms at least...

Farm Life

Wednesday night Cash and I got ourselves invited to eat at the Shenold's. It was, as always, an adventure. I had to make a call on the way there to Candala to get exact directions. Bodie got on and told me to drive about a quarter mile past the electrical plant and make a left. I would like to take this moment to point out that the ONLY person in Cash's side of the family that has a normal address on a normal street is his father. Every single other relation's address includes some form of turning down some dirt road on some nameless street past some water tower of some sort. I'm just saying...So Bodie and Candala had made a run to Walgreens, and told Candala she'd better HURRY UP because there were going to be So Many Kids to play with and they were missing out on all the fun!!! We love Uncle Bobo.



We got there, and Paula and Codie's 5 year old Emma pronounced Cash "the absolute cutest thing she has EVER SEEN." I don't think she left his side for the rest of the night. She's such a great little helper. She took him for a ride in their kiddie Jeep, and taught him how to rake up the hay...I'm pretty sure Cash is officially in love.



e

Right after we first got there, someone asked me if I'd seen the coyote. Whaaaat? Oh yes, Codie had shot a coyote and had it hanging upside down, dead as a doornail outside the barn. Of course, I couldn't give up the photo op. Candala and I have a tradition of taking pictures making me look like as much of a country girl as possible...totally improving my street rep.



Cash got to do all sorts of fun things like talk to the dogs, try and eat gravel (Uncle Bobo was all over that one), and steal mommy's unopened beer cans. He likes chewing on them because they are cold. I'm okay with this, as long as he still hasn't figured out how to open them. Its only a matter of time...





But hey, at least he shares!



And hey, look: Chickens!



Such a great time. We are definitely going to have to add more visits to our summer to do list :)

lovely

Today was totally crazy stressful busy. After work though, I got a text message from Stef asking if Cash & I wanted to join she & Jason for dinner at the new restaurant in town. Yes, please! I've welcomed any opportunity lately to get out of the house. I decided not to go to the bother of changing Cash out of the pjs my grandmother had already put him in. This is kind of a big deal for me, seeing as how I think it's kindof a crime to let any child over the age of...idk a month? out in public in pjs. Ugh. It makes me cringe. But I threw on his black skull tennis shoes with his Halloween skeleton pjs & off we went, telling myself that he looked more little-kid-dressed-in-funky-costume than poor-homeless-child-whose-mom-probably-never-changes-his-clothes.
I'm totally a new mom, because just a simple outing like this totally made my day!! The food was fantastic, Stef & Jason were fun as always, and Cash entertained everyone in the place. Then we ran into his daddy, so Cash got a tour of the place, harboring a special fascination with the fire oven.(oh dear) He had a great time, and passed out the second we got home.
All in all, a pretty great night! Now, if I could only work up the motivation to get a little homework done...Ive got to be in super ultimate productive mode for the next two days!!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Okay, I can't complain any more...

And they even smell amazing!! :)

Valentines Schmalentines

Hi. These are flowers sent to my work. For my manager. He's a guy.



Here's the flowers I got. I'm a girl.


{blank space representing that no one sent me any flowers}


What is wrong with the world??
Haha.
I like Valentine's day though. Its an excuse to buy my kid presents, which I'm pretty sure I still enjoy more than he does. I went shopping and got a shiny red purse that was super on sale.
We won't talk about my English test and how because I had to get up and run to pee in the middle of it, I'm pretty sure those 3 minutes (I'm very fast) cost me a question or two on time. That woman, I swear...she gives us 50 minutes to answer like 50 essay questions with "as many examples as possible." I can't help it if I studied really really hard and had too much to write about, not allowing me to complete the test. Ughhh....but we aren't talking about that. :)

February days

Interesting things that have happened to me this week:

All day drunken text messages from certain unnamed friends in Norman who decided to have an all day Disney princess movie marathon. The drunken part came in when they decided to take a shot of Ballatore every time the characters sang a song.




You can actually see the drunken progression in the handwriting here:




My favorite was a certain video that was emailed to me and will forever and ever stay in the archives under the label: Blackmail!!!

Cash and I were snowed in for two full days. In the course of those days, he: poured an entire bottle of water out on my bedroom floor, broke my tool kit, and broke the lid to the toilet. He also made me laugh approximately 400 times, so I guess it all evens out.

That's about all I got for now that's web-sharing worthy.
So I'll leave you with a picture that sums up how I feel about snow days:



Summer, hurry up!!!

Thoughts on a cold January Sunday afternoon

I guess I started this blog awhile ago...4 months before I had Cash, then abandoned ship. :)
Today I felt like writing, and I feel like I wanna give up the ole Jenga. The design layouts were driving me nuts, and it was a blog from another life anyways.

Today I'm up at work in the bitter cold. Some guy just left telling me that the 6o-something temperature indoors was downright toasty (he was a roughneck, so I'll give him that one) but I think if I would have known the heater was going to take this long to warm up, I would've worn some coveralls. Or at least some tights.

I have rediscovered Pandora. I'm on my Ray LaMontagne station and oooh its lovely. Makes me wanna curl up with a book (or the internet) and drink some coffee in my comfy sweats. Or some jeans and a scholastic looking cardigan. Man, I love cardigans...

What is it about melancholy music that makes you feel deep? Its really just sad, but for some reason as humans we just wanna feel, even if the feeling is bittersweet or nostalgic. Its like when I was younger and would listen to those songs about how I just wanted to fall in love and get my heart broken because at least I would be feeling something. It seems funny now.