Just let me vent

I just need to vent. At my aunt's surprise 60th birthday party, my cousins and I were talking about New Years Eve. We spent last years together and it was the best one I ever have had. Aside from that whole being in Tokyo thing the year before. Anyway. So, one cousin was basically out right away. Her husband plays in a band and they have to play that night. One was pretty vague about plans, but asked that they be kept in the loop about things. Then there were the ones who were all about it, making plans for babysitters right there on the spot, texting friends to invite them. I dropped the ball on planning for a couple of weeks. Things had become busy in my life. I think we've established that here. So, I decide if we are going, we need to get on it and either try to get a hotel or that maybe we could come to BG and have a budget NYE and they could all stay with me. I sent a message to 8 people. Keep in mind, 1 person already said no (I didn't want her to feel left out, though), 2 people and I have been texting back and forth for quite some time about plans and they were always a maybe. 1 person has always been a maybe and is notoriously bad at fb messages (shout out, BTF!). The others, though. The ones who were all about it. Nothing. So, I've had it. I'm passive and decided to do the confronting fb style. One cousin OF COURSE turned it around to be about herself and my not replying to a message (that in my mind didn't warrant one) about sex...on Christmas Eve. The other told me to take off my diva shoes and that he didn't know he had to respond no. Out of respect for me, he should have told me that he changed his mind. It's not the no that upset me or hurt my feelings. Own up to the fact that you bailed and that you were in the wrong. Don't tell me about my diva shoes, because in a situation like this, they are pretty permanent. I don't forget too quickly without an appology. It's not one of my best traits. Once the tables were turned and I was told about my not responding on Christmas Eve, I wrote and apologized. I owned up to my mistake and explained myself. I'll never get that from them.

30 before 30 Update

I have decided to change several things on my 30 before 30 list. When I originally made this list, I really wanted to keep everything on it. There's a problem with that. The things that were super important to me a few years ago, aren't all that important to me now. That's why I decided to change a few. I deleted: Learn to take a compliment (there's really no way to measure this and who cares, right?!), Take a photography class (I'd like to get into photography, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don't want to make it "work", I'd rather do it on my own), Move out of Bowling Green (it's just not so important anymore. If I do, I do. If I don't, I don't). 

1. Visit 3 new countries
a. JAPAN – 12/08
b. BAHAMAS – 7/10
c.
2. Skydive
3. Apologize to an old roommate
4. Visit 3 new states
a. Texas – 2/10/09
b. Illinois – 7/12/09
c. Maryland – 9/23/09
5. See Mt. Rushmore
6. Take an adult dance class
7. Get my master’s degree
8. Send a secret to postsecret
9. See Niagara Falls
10. Go to a pro-football game
11. Go to the NCAA Men’s Bball tournament (any round)
12. Complete a rubix cube
13. Have and maintain a savings account
14 Own all of Will Ferrel's movies up to date
15. Go to the Kentucky Derby
16. Ride on the Alpine Slide
17. Plant a tree
18. Play a round of golf
19. Juggle three objects
20. Run a 5K
21. Dive with sharks
22. Take at least 5 "frame worthy" (in my opinion) photographs
23. Try 3 new foods
a. Root Beer Float
b. Octopus
c. Curry
24. Have a Pen Pal
25. Be completely independent
26. See Martina McBride in concert
27. Go up in a hot air balloon
28. Create a class website
29. Go to a UK/UofL Bball or Football Game
30. Donate to a charity

And They Call the Thing Rodeo

Growing up, Garth Brooks was always the norm. His music was everywhere I turned. My Mom had all of his cassette tapes and while cleaning on Saturday mornings, his music would blare throughout the house. There's no way to sleep through, "Friends in Low Places". That's for dang sure. Take my advice. I can vividly remember staying with my aunt and her playing "The Thunder Rolls" on her record player. In high school, the dance team that I was a member of, did a kick routine to "Ain't Goin' Down 'Till the Sun Comes Up". Great routine. My friend, Michelle fell in the mud during this routine. I'll never forget it. When I went to the Christmas dance my senior year with a friend, my ex-boyfriend (who was a freshman in college at this point), brought me our pictures back together with a letter that actually read, "I'm glad I didn't know, the way it all would end, the way it all would go. Cause I'd of had to miss the dance (Snowball)." Yes, sirree...he used Garth in a bitter letter. Since high school, Garth has become more of a memory. He retired and has since gone to Vegas to perform alone. No band. My friend Anthony and I even contemplated going to see him, just because we thought we'd never have the chance. That is, until Garth decided to help out good ol' Nashville with flood relief efforts. Yep, a concert to raise some money. Then he kept adding and adding and adding shows. When it was all said and done, he had planned 9 shows. In the beginning, I didn't think that I was that hell bent on going to see Garth. I didn't look into tickets and didn't really talk to my friends about it. The closer the show got, the more I wanted to go. I put a plea on facebook and my great friend, Erin pulled through! She called me a few days before the show and asked me to go on Friday. The last day of school before Christmas break, and the day before I have to drive all the way to Frankfort (2 hours away). Sure! I'm in!

On Friday, I gathered my things and jetted out of school. I came home, changed and freshened up, got into my car and drove the hour down to Nashville. Once I got there, I parked and met Erin and Nick for dinner on Broadway. While eating, Erin gives us our tickets. Nick's face was priceless. He attends a lot of Predators hockey games and knew that we had great seats. I was oblivious. Just happy to be going, regardless of whether I get a nose bleed from being so high. We get into the arena, get an adult beverage and make our way to our seats. This is what we saw:

SIX ROWS from the stage. We were on the side of the stage, but it didn't matter. Remember the old Garth? The one that ran around like crazy in his videos of his concerts? Even though he's older...he's still got it! He was breathing a little heavy at some points and moved a little slower, but he was bound and determined to put on a good show. And boy did he!

One of my favorite things about some of the pictures that I have, is not only Garth, but the look of joy on all of the people's faces. He sure put a smile on my face. I was taken right back to my childhood in listening to some of his songs. WHOOWEE, Garth. I sure have a rekindled love for you. And my love sails like a vessel.

Reflections

I have totally slacked on writing lately. I have a whole list on my phone of blog topics to be. A whole list as in 9 topics. No big deal. Nothing to say. I will say that part of my slacking started with the ending of the semester. The ending of my graduate classes (two of them) and the ending of kindergarten before Christmas. All of this mixed in with three snow days, Christmas shopping, Holiday party planning, packing and cleaning. It has been a busy month! I will lay this out there, though. I think that since May, I have been a little depressed. I haven't been myself lately. December snapped me out of it. It was filled with traveling to see family and friends. That always helps. It was filled with giving to others. That always warms your heart. It was busy, which always helps me in some strange way. The slower things are going for me, the more time I have to think about EVERYTHING. I used to have panic attacks. I haven't had one of those in a few years (knock on wood) and I think that the way things were going, I could have possibly been headed that way again.

December has been a time of reflection for me, as well. I have thought a lot about my past year New Years Resolutions. It was more of a goal. One that I didn't tell very many people (3, I think) and will not divulge here. I met that goal and it took me nearly all year, but I did it. I have thought a lot about what kind of year I want 2011 to be. A new year means another chance to make your life better. I truly believe that everyone should have a New Years Resolution (or even a few). Something that you have reflected on and you want to make better in your life. This year, I have a few. Four to be exact. I decided to share them here, but will not talk about them anywhere else. So, readers, do not ask me about them later or talk about them.

MY 2011 RESOLUTIONS

1. To start and keep a savings account. Don't judge. I don't have one. at all. It's embarrassing. I have had  one a couple of times, but always end up having to drain it for something. I want to keep one and put a set amount of money in it each month. Sure beats that coffee can buried in my yard. ;)
2. I want to take at LEAST 2 vacations this year. Of these two vacations, I want to visit at least one new state or country.
3. I want to have a regular work-out routine. No more "donating" to the gym. I need to go. At least regularly. Maybe start with 2 times a week and work my way up to more. 
4. To keep in touch better with Nikki, Matt, and Henry. I got the chance to visit with them on Christmas Eve. For those who don't know, Nikki and I have been best friends since 8th grade. We met in 7th grade, but really decided to like each other when we did family trees and we both have the same Polly Feltner in our family tree. We are related, but not sure how distant or exactly how. Maybe she's like my 7th cousin twice removed or something? I don't understand how all of that works. I digress. Seeing them on Christmas Eve made me realize that I need to call more often and visit even more often. There are not many people in life who just "get you". Nikki will always be my best friend for that exact reason.

So, before you pop open that bubbly, ask yourself, "What kind of year do I want 2011 to be?" Reflect on the past year and think of ways to make improvements.

I Love Snow Days

I love my career. There are so many reasons to be happy with the choice that I have made to become a teacher. One of the many perks is having snow days. What other careers will people be able to wake up, look out the window, check the polar report, be filled with joy and then go back to bed? Not many. Being a teacher, I will forever have that excitement that a snow day holds. My excitement started being jeopardized when people on facebook started their complaining. You know? I'm so sorry that you had kids and now do not want to have them at home with you. Instead, you'd rather risk driving on snow covered roads or putting them on a bus. All so you can go out to Panera to meet up with the stay at home mom's club. GAG. Don't worry your little head, lady. We have to be in school 177 days regardless of whether it's now or in May. You'll get your alone time. As for me, I'm gonna keep hoping for the occasional snow day. Even more now that I know how much it pisses you off.

"She's a kindergarten teacher, but she's got a wild side!"

Over Thanksgiving, I traveled to visit family. First, I went to Hazard to spend time with my Dad's side of the family, then over the weekend, I went to Frankfort (shout out the the state capital!!) to visit with my Mom's side of the family. Friday night, in Frankfort, my cousins and I partook (is that even a word?!...partaked...)...we participated in a Thanksgiving "bar hop". We started at my cousin, Curtis' girlfriend's house. Stephanie's house is close enough to walk to some of the bars in downtown Frankfort. We had a couple of drinks at her house, played old school music and Meloldy, Nanci and I had a dance-off. We were having a blast, actually!

The first place that we went to, was called The Dragon. The Dragon must have been so exciting that we stayed there the whole night and never ventured over to any other places. What a bar hop! We started upstairs listening to a live band. It wasn't a very good band, but we were still dancing around and being goofy. It's my family...what did you really expect? I went downstairs to get a drink and spotted a guy that I thought was rather attractive. I mentioned this to my cousin, Melody. Within minutes, she's telling a bartender that she knows that I think this guy is good looking and before I know it, I'm sitting with this guy at the bar and talking. I find out that he is the owner of the bar. He was a very nice guy, very good looking, successful...okay, what's wrong with him? He got up to do some work and so I took this as an opportunity to ask the two bartenders if he is seeing anyone. Their answer was awkward and vague. I didn't like their reaction to this question. I am NOT a home-wrecker. AT ALL. Contrary to popular belief...I will not "stick my fangs" into anyone else's man. He's yours?! Good for you! Moving on, now.

So. Since I am unsure if he is seeing anyone...I tone down the flirting...a smidge. Not by MUCH at all. I still have no confirmation. At one point during our conversation, My cousin Nanci yells out to him, "She's a kindergarten teacher and she's got a wild side!" Have I mentioned how much I love my family?! Well, he gets up again and I take this as an opportunity to talk to the bartenders again. Now, they start eluding to the fact that this guy could possibly be a homosexual, but they aren't sure about him. I thought he was just metro. He had a faux-hawk, was dressed in nice jeans and boots, with a plaid button up. Doesn't sound like a flamer...right?

So, now...not ONLY do I have to worry about whether or not a guy is taken, but now I have to worry about whether or not they are straight. Men should really just wear a sign that says, "I'm available!" Kinda like a scarlet letter. That would make dating SO much easier for women.