A tribute to my friends

Due to the fact that on my most recent trip back home, I did not get a chance to see all my friends (and was scolded for this! Thanks for calling me on it Angie! he he) Here is a tribute to some of them (sorry if you weren't in there, but I had to use what pictures I had on my computer.) Rest assured, if you are reading my blog, you are definatly my friend! (send me your picture and I will add it to this if you want) Happy holidays to everyone!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1437766130

Where did December go??

Hello again! Well, I'm still trying to get back in the swing of things. Where did December go? I swear it went by fast. I cant wait to come home. I only have a few days this week and then its time to head home! One thing....if you want to see me, you have to turn off the snow faucet! That is ridiculous! I am not coming home if its 15 degrees and snowing. No way! Its been in the 30's-40's here and that's cold enough. I have now adapted to the Washington way of life. I started talking with a girl in one of my classes. I asked if she had lived here her whole life; she had. I said "well, I guess you like it here, right?" She quickly replied "no, its too cold here, I want to live in California". I then explained that this is warm to me, and proceeded to tell her all about the lovely weather you all have been experiencing. She agreed that Washington weather was better than Iowa's right now. lol. I will agree too!

So, I am finishing up the last of the holiday shopping. You know, this year I have done all my shopping on line. There are many reasons why I like this. First of all, its easy. Go home and turn on your computer and search. No wandering around the aisles trying to find what you are looking for. Or getting out of your warm car to trek in to the store, only to find out that they don't have what you are looking for, and trek back in the blizzard to get into your (now cold) car. Shopping in my PJ's is great!

Second, no traffic. I only have to fight traffic to get home so I can shop. No driving around stalking a person to find out where the parked so you can take their place when ther pull out. Waiting while they put all the packages away, get their kids in the car, buckle them up (good job), get themselves in the car, turn it on, get back out and dust off the newly accumulated snow, get back in , adjust the seat, take off the gloves, yell at the kids, put it in reverse (your hopes get up now), put on the makeup, slowly and carefully back out, then watch as another car comes up from around the corner and whips in to the space you had been waiting for. Yeah, I really don't miss that at all either.

Thirdly, no long checkout lines. I don't have to wait for the 12 people in front of me to debate with the cashier that their item was on sale and they now it wasn't that price. Nope, online shopping is the way to go. Just click and order, then in a few days the present magically appears on your doorstep! All I have to do is wrap (I'm too cheap to pay for gift wrapping online) and its good to go! If you are really good you can even find lots of free shipping places (or coupons). Plus, the stores I usually buy from, allow returns in the stores so no return shipping fees. Gotta love it!

Ok, so I am off my soapbox and ready to share joy! Take care! Have a great holiday, lets get together while I'm back! Toodles!

Naughty Katie!

Hello! Wow time flies. I can't believe that the last time I posted was in October. Its now December. Ok. In my defense, it is early December, but yes, its been a while. ;-) Lots to tell you about. What a busy time. October went by pretty uneventful. But November was very busy. I was allowed to attend a conference in Chicago. Becuase it wasn't set in stone that I would get to go, I didn't say anything to my family. So I flew into Chicago and then took the a shuttle van to the Quad Cities. I did work closely with my friend Darla and her husband to make sure my parents were there and surprised. Darla came down from Dubuque and had mom take her out to "get something from her friend", mom had to take Grandma to her hair appointment close to that time, so it was Darla, Grandma, and Mom in the car. They waited for Darla's "friend" to show up. I came up in the van, got out and walked up to mom's car and knocked on the window. She looked up and I think I surprised her! Needless to say there was tears (on both parts) as well as dumbfounded looks. I think she just kept saying "How did you get here" I kept replying "on a plane". What made it even more of a surprise was the night before I came, she had called me on the computer (video phone) and had me do a tour of my place for some friends of theirs . She couldnt understand how at 8pm I had showed her my house and by 230pm the next day I was standing in front of her. It was great! What made it even better was that it was my parents anniversary that week, so I made this a great anniversary present! After the initial shock wore off, it was time to surprise dad. So we found out he was at a store and we set off to surprise him. I went into the store and walked up to him, and then "accidentally" bumped into him. Now, according to Jon (Darla's husband who was talking to dad at the time) if you could have seen dad's face as I bumped into him (before he knew it was me), it was like "how dare someone run into me'. He turned around and saw it was me, he had a big smile on his face. It was nice! So all in all it was a great time home. It was short, but a welcome treat for all. Thanks Darla & Jon for all the help to pull it off!

The conference was ok. I learned some, but it was busy and not much time to see the city. I had a great hotel room. Right on Wacker drive and Michagan ave. My window looked out at the Sears Tower and the Hancock Building. I took some great pictures, I'll try to post them here. I came back to Seattle, only to find out that my co-workers had moved my stuff to another desk. So I had to get re-settled. I just kept thinking only 6 more weeks and then I go home again. Yeah!!

So that brings me to this week. Yikes. Well, I've said that the weather is weird here, but who would have thought this. This past weekend: Saturday snow (at my house only about 10 minutes of fluffy flakes) in places a few inches (big for them!hehe). Then Sunday, rain off and on with some pretty big wind gusts. Monday rain, lots and lots of rain. Oh yeah, wind, lots and lots of wind. About 30 miles from me there was an 87 mph wind gust. Down in Oregon it was over 100mph. Yikes. Monday's rain total (as of 6pm) 3.5 inches in Seattle (a little less where I live). Well, guess what. It turns out that, although they do get lots of rain out here, they aren't prepared for this much at once (about 1/2 inch per hour), so floods. Lots and lots of flooding. Yeah, roads washed away, sink holes, mudslides, and in the mountains....Avalanche. The flooding is nuts. There are entire cities that are completely cut off from civilization. They have the Coast Guard and the Navy helping out. Ok, no...the big destroyer ships are not going through downtown, but they did have the Navy helicopters using night vision to try and find people. They tried to drop medical personnel to the city that was cut off, but the wind was too much. Like I said, its a zoo out here. Today it was still raining, but we did get a few hours of dryness (even the sun popped out!). They finally got some supplies to the people in that city but it was via a ladder placed from one side of the sink hole in the road to the other. A firefighter tied to a rope, walked across it to bring water. The people on the other side were not allowed to leave (the ladder was not heavy enough for more people). They are still trapped. Can you imagine? Oh the best part....I-5 the major interstate used to go from Seattle to Portland is closed. Yep! About 20 miles of it is closed. Its about 10 feet under water. So, if you want to get to Portland (normally a 100+ mile trip) you now have to go back across the mountains (with avalanches) and down, so its now about a 400 mile journey (if you can get through). Oh, one other thing to make things great, no train service either. Mudslides have ruined the tracks. To top it off most of the ferries are now not running due to holes in the ships. Yep, the 1920's Ferry's had holes in the the hull, so its a no go for a while. Just to put this in perspective they havent had a rain like this since 1996. It really hasnt been that long ago. Amazing! If you want to see some amazing pictures go here : http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/photogalleries/localnews2004052250/1.html

and here: http://www.komotv.com/news/12112881.html?video=YHI&t=a

Well, thats about all for now. I hope all is well with you! Please post a comment if you have read this. I wasnt sure if anyone was reading this, so I stopped. I have had a person or two ask me when I was going to post again. So nice to know some people do read it. Special thanks to Cathy, my loyal comment girl! Thanks! Well, so long for now. I will try to get on a regular schedule again! Have a great holiday season!

oops..fogot to put the real news

Hello again. I realized I got so into the power outage, that I forgot to put the news on here. As I said before, my mom is going to be a Grandma. Now, for those of you who's first thought was "Katie's, pregnant" all I can say is.....What do you think of me? No, My sister-in-law is the lucky person who is "with child". Yes, she is doing well and I couldn't be happier. I believe the words I used when I found out were "Congratulations!...You suck!" Nice, right? Anyway, I am so happy for them. I, personally, cant wait to be an Auntie! At first it was hard knowing I wouldn't be close by to be there, but I know between the grandparents, no one else will get much holding time, and I know they have at least one built-in babysitter (mom & dad). As for me, the people at work pointed out that I am going to be the Fun Aunt. The one who sends presents and cards for every holiday and special event, and every time I visit I'm the one who brings presents every time. The fun one! I think I will be OK with that. Anyway, its an exciting time and of course my parents are excited. But Amber & Todd, if you are reading this just remember you cant have all the "dowry" mom had saved up for her grandchild. If you do, at least keep the hand-me-downs for my kids someday. lol. I just cant wait to find out what the sex of the baby is so I can start buying stuff for my future niece or nephew. Well, I just wanted to share the great news! I miss all of you, so keep in touch and take care of yourselves. Enjoy your week!

Emergency preparedness...

Well, lets just say that I am glad my co-workers told me about having a "winter emergency kit". What a night last night. Apparently we have entered the "winter" season (which they refer to as the rainy season). They told me top prepare for it and have a kit ready. Its basically the same as the Earthquake Kit, but add some warm clothes, blankets and matches. So I listened last week and went to good old Wal-mart. I got a big bin (bright Orange so I can find it in a disaster) and loaded it with the essentials (freeze dried food, cans, matches, water, flashlight (not needing batteries) and a blanket. They had told me that during the winter time they experience power outages due to wind, ice on the power lines, and trees on lines. Last year it was 5 days without power. Well, glad I listened. I was all ready to watch the Season premiere's for Sundays shows when the lights flickered and then...Poof...gone! The whole area was dark. I thought it would come back on, hoping it was a momentary oops and they would re-route the power. Apparently they haven't quite got the hang of power lines here. The lights went out and stayed out. I waited about 2 minutes then decided I needed to see (as it is EXTREMELY dark around here). I remembered my Kit and dug in to get the flashlight. Of course being the smart one I had the flashlight, but forgot one thing (no...not batteries....what do you think of me?)....I forgot to take the hard plastic packaging off it. So in the dark there I am attempting to cut that stuff off the flashlight with sharp scissors. I finally got it done (without hurting myself)and tried calling the power company. Of course as I call my phone beeps that it is almost out of battery. Figures. So I hang up (to conserve) and decide that if its not coming back on, I am taking it as a sign that I should go to bed early. Once I get into bed, the neighbors decide to take this time to have an outdoor party, so they turn on their car radios (complete with subwoofers to knock over breakables) and shine their flashlights in everyone's windows. What fun!!! Anyway it was an interesting time last night. Let's just say if sustained 20 mph winds can do that (as in last night) I cant wait to see a winter "storm" with ice! I learned one valuable lesson, make sure I don't keep my freezer & fridge full, as it will probably go bad from all the power outages that are going to happen. Well, take care...and sorry to anyone who may have tried to find me online for my usual Sunday night chat times. I'll be on most weeknights about 8-9pm your time. Toodles!

A Shocker....

OK, so its time to shock my friends and family....well, maybe it wont shock you but it will be a surprise. If you read the comments from my last blog you know I have some news to share......my mom is going to be a grandma! Isn't that great? I'll leave you to let that information set in, and I will fill you in on the details later! Aren't you happy for me!? Katie

Time Zones & other fun things!

Hello all! I'm sitting here writing this blog while watching the Emmy's. Now let me say this, I am a pretty big fan of the award shows. I enjoy watching them and rooting them on. Yes, I know they cant hear me, but its still fun to yell at the TV when my favorite actor doesn't win. I thought being out here closer to the shows, we would get some good footage and be able to see it at a decent time. Yeah, not the way it happens. In fact its worse knowing that all of you know who won, who lost and got to see the funny parts (or the missed bleeps). I on the other hand have to watch a program that is "from a previously recorded show". Yes, we may be closer but we don't get to see anything live. We are the forgotten people. I turned on my computer to write this blog and went online, the first page I come to is the AOL page with pictures all over it saying winners! Kind of spoiled it for me. So i read the rest of the story and found out all the times things should have been bleeped and the flubs, of course they have taken care of those for us, so we get the edited version. Fun. Can you tell I'm bitter about it. Next time, I am going to call one of you and have you hold the phone up to the tv for the whole thing. This is ridiculous. lol. Anyway, lets see whats been going on.

Well, I was supposed to be done working at the office I got "farmed" out to, but I my co-workers asked (or rather begged) to keep me, and when my boss asked me what I wanted I asked to stay. So I get to stay there for a little more time. We had a staff meeting on Saturday and they invited me to it on Friday. Turns out it was a potluck breakfast meeting. I had just gone to the store on Thursday night and really didn't want to fight the Friday night after work traffic. So I came home and spent the next 2.5 hours online trying to find a recipe that only involved ingredients I had in my cupboard. Mind you, its a single persons cupboard so there wasn't much. Oh yeah, and I had to find a recipe that would WOW the people, (as I have baked for them before but only from a box). I did finally find one, a french toast casserole with a caramelized topping. It was good enough that I had a few who asked for the recipe. Only one problem, mom was the one who found it and I don't know where she got it from. lol. I'll have to figure that out.

On other fronts, Fritz had a run in with a neighbor dog. We were out for a nice walk when a dog from another apartment came running from across the street and down the sidewalk barking. Fritz defended me well and the other dog (a beagle mix about Fritz' size) was "yelling" at him. The kids at the house where the dog came from stood on the patio and yelled at the dog to come. lol. As if that would do it. I finally yelled to them to come & get your dog. The mom walked (yes, I said walked) over and continued to tell the dog to go home. lol. Finally she picked the dog up by the collar and drug her home. I have found a lot of people trust their dogs too much. I feel that you just never know when instinct is going to take over. When they are out in public they should be on a leash if not for others safety, then for their own. The dog that went after Fritz is lucky there wasn't a car on the street when she was focused on Fritz. So, Fritz and I have had to cut our walks short and I keep my eyes pealed for any loose dogs along the way. I do have pepper spray hooked to my least just in case. I thought about using it this last time, but they were not biting to hurt at that time. It was scary, though.

Other than that its been a very interesting week. I hope you all are having fun and enjoying Iowa. Take care and talk with you later!

Puyallup and other fun times

**NOTE: I will be online & on Skype from 8pm-? (your time) on Sunday nights. If you are on, drop me a line.**

Hey! Welcome back. Its been an interesting week. I finally made it back to work and got back in the swing of things. Although it was a short work week, it was an interesting week never the less. Work was work, I had to fight a little so I could stay in the place I am in for one more week to finish the project I am working on. I hate leaving things unfinished. Anyway, I am trying to get out more and do things I wouldn't normally do. In watching tv I have been hearing a commercial for the "Puyallup Fair". They have this really annoying song for their commercials and it its with "do the Puyallup" repeating over and over again until it fades out. Its just annoying (I think you'd have to be there.) Here is the site to see & hear this annoying song (http://www.thefair.com/puyallupfair/ click play; or http://www.thefair.com/puyallup-fair/fair-experience/song.php country version). Its just annoying. So I attended the Fair. My trip to it was interesting and the fair was just plain old different. Here is my story of the week.

I was looking at our local paper and noticed that there is a bus that runs from Lakewood (town next to mine) to the Puyallup Fair. With a ticket purchased in advance the bus was only $1 round trip. I couldn't pass that up. So found out where to get tickets (it just so happened to be at the grocery store right next to the bus stop) and got a ticket to the fair. Then went to wait on the bus. They have a bus stop (transit center) at the shopping mall where this bus would pick up, but it said to park your cars in back of the Target store (in the middle of no where, where no one parks their car normally). I decided I wasn't going to park there because if I wanted to break into a car, this would be the prime spot. Away from normal traffic and all the cars owners were gone far away and wouldn't "pop" in. I parked where the employees parked (next to a busy street) where all the traffic for the mall goes by. I went up to the bus stop to wait. Now there were some interesting people there. I figured out that I had just missed the bus by a few minutes, so it would be 25 minutes until the next one came. I sat just listening to the conversations people were having. One was a Bull riding state champ in Texas who now lives here with his sister (or aunt, I cant remember) and was working the games at the Fair. He struck up a conversation with another guy who was waiting for the bus. He works for some online grocery store which had a booth at the Fair. I found out that he is in his mid 30's , and as the guy put it "man, no sh**, you don't look it". The Grocery guy responded with "well, that's why I have me a 21 year old wife". So interesting people all around. Finally the bus came and we hopped on for the 20 minute drive to Puyallup. (I just love that word). As we drove I saw signs for the fairgrounds in Puyallup but the driver didn't get off at that exit. Instead he got off at the next exit, then got back on the interstate and got off at the exit we just passed. lol. Go figure. I think he missed his turn. The bus dropped us off right at the entrance to the grounds.

If you want to picture the Puyallup Fair, picture the Mississippi Valley Fair only about 3 times as big, and 3 times as long it lasts from 7 SEP to 23 SEP. Long time. They get big names for concerts but all the tickets are sold through Ticketmaster and any ticket from there is expensive. So I went to the free shows while I was there. There was a singer who sang all different types of songs , from John Denver, to Elvis (dressed has him) to country hits galore. He had humor too. He said one his songs was stolen and the words were changed, but it was his song. The song was Boot-Scootin-boogie but his version was a song about his dog called Butt-scootin-doggie. It was hilarious. Lots of other great songs. I enjoyed his concert and went back for his second one a few hours later.

The fair has some things its known for. Apparently elephant ears is one of them. From those of you who remember Ady these are similar to her dessert (bunuelos). Anyway, the other thing they are known for is Hot Scones. Yes, people lined up for 5 minutes just to get hot scones. These were basically a Bisquick biscuit with butter and raspberry jelly in it. They were only a dollar, so I thought....when in Rome....and got one. They were actually quite good. Fresh out of the over (warm) and tasty. When I was in line wondering how someone could order their special (13 scones for $11) I didn't know how small and how good they were. There were people talking about them on the bus home, how they get extra to take home for later. Go figure. There were lots of booths from jewelry to kitchen stuff, to teeth whitening. There was even a booth that would spray paint your hair different colors (purple seemed popular).

The ride back was enjoyable, I waited about 20 minutes for the bus to come (as I saw the bus leaving just as I was coming out the gate). Another lady sat next to me talking about how she lost her keys (she works there) and how she couldn't leave until she found them. But she found them in the bathroom, because that is what she does, cleans bathrooms. yes, sir, she has been cleaning bathrooms there for the past 7 years, and only 7 more then she will be done. What a character she was. Once on the bus we left and the bus driver literally was doing 40 miles an hour on the highway that is 60. we were being passed and flipped off the whole time. Then when we got off the highway and were in town, he started flying down the road. It was amazing we made it in one piece. I got back to my car and was happy to be headed home.

As soon as I got to my car, I thought about going to see a movie at the theater. There were 2 movies I wanted to see that were out. I made a deal with myself. I would go the the theater (about 1 block from where my car was parked) and if it was playing shortly I would watch it, but I wasn't going to wait for ever or just pay money for a movie I didn't want to really see. So I went and of course one wasn't playing at all and the other was about 1 hour away. So I decided to try renting a movie. The movie rental place (Movie Gallery) was past my exit to my house, so I went out of my way to get this movie. I get there and of course (its a Saturday night about 5pm) they are out of the movies I wanted to see, so I drove home and cleaned. Fun times around here, right?

So there is my story for the week. Its always entertaining around here. Hope everyone is doing well. take care! Drop me a line and let me know how you are, or give me a call. Toodles for now. Katie

Time sure flies!

Hello! I feel like I am apologizing all the time to you all. I am trying to be a good girl and update this regularly. Its been a crazy time around here. I got "Farmed" out to another organization this week and the hours there were nuts. Last weekend was a zoo. I decided that the best way to make friends in a new school.....er...I mean place is through their tummies. So I made cupcakes. I don't just mean a few, I went to wal-mart and bought several different types with frosting's to match. None of this chocolate or vanilla, no sir.....Lemon cake with Lemon Icing, Carrot cake with Cream Cheese frosting, & German Chocolate cake with pecan/coconut frosting. Yummmm. So I basically baked all day Sunday and watched some new DVD's I got from my favorite store! (BB). I just plain old forgot about writing the blog. Then on Monday I remembered but it was middle of the day, so I couldn't do it at work, then forgot when I got home. And then there was Tuesday. I went to work noticing that my neck was stiff and kind of achy, and I had a headache, so I took some Motrin for the headache and went to work, when the Motrin wore off (and the headache came back) I took more Motrin. I finally got home Tuesday night and stopped taking the Motrin to see what would happen....my temp shot up. With a temp of 103.5 I finally broke down and went back on the Motrin. Even with the Motrin in me my temp was 101 all night long. I felt awful. I called in sick to work on Wednesday (which couldn't have been worse timing). They described in detail what I had and what was going to happen next as many others have been afflicted with this awful virus. I was highly encouraged to go to the doctors due to many others having complications from this. So off I went to the new Doctors office down the street in our po-dunk town. I went there and I swear they thought I was either some wimp or some hypochondriac. All I got to see was the Nurse practitioner(all of 25 years old, mind you) who didn't sound to sure of what she was telling me. using words like "I think" and "well the usual aren't there so it must be...." were not all that encouraging. She said if it didn't change in a few days or if it got worse or moved somewhere else, let her know. Of course later that night, it settled into a sore throat (as my co-workers had warned me). Not just any....you know the ones where you seriously debate drooling all over yourself rather than inflict the pain of swallowing on yourself. (which, by the way, I did not do!). So the next morning I called in to work sick again (as nothing was better and the fever was still there) and went in for a strep test. Again, the crazy patient (that's me) was in. Strep test was negative. The advice I paid $200 for.....take ibuprofen and let it run its course. Thanks! So after another fun night or fevers, chills, throats, and aches, I still am not better today and am home trying to drink lots and eat (something). Which brings me to my next story for the week.

As I have said before, this town is quite small, right? We don't even have a grocery store. (NOTE: some of you may see where I am headed now). So when I found that in order to take 2 times the amount of Motrin I had been taking (as she told me to take more) I needed to have something in me (Milk or food). Now I wasn't prepared to be shut in for a week, nor was I planning on drinking so much (because food does not sound good at all). So on Thursday I finally ran out of Milk and knew I had to get more. So I had been told that the Gas station down the road has the "necessities" at a premium price of course. At this point I would have paid $5.00 for a gallon just so I don't have to drive 10 miles, park, walk another mile (its a wal-mart) and then go to the back of the store to get milk (I hate that, don't you ?). So into the gas station I go. With my luck still going strong , of course as I head that way (its only about 1 mile down the road) its just so happens that on this day the fire department is on the street collecting for the MDA telethon (the boot thing). And all of their equipment is parked in the gas station, which has traffic going every which way to get around it (and in some cases, avoiding the collection). I finally get into the station and park, walk in and head to the back (I think they take lessons from wal-mart), and realize that the only gallons they have are for 2% and whole. Ok, I am now a skim milk girl, so I can (on occasion) choke down 2% but not when I am not feeling well. I look in the milk case harder (hoping there might be one skim gallon hiding somewhere) behind are milk crates but I can't tell what kind is in them. So I ask the lady at the front if they have any gallons of skim in back, "no honey, we don't carry that in gallons". So I end up getting a quart (=1 big glass) for $1.80 which I didn't think was bad until I did the math.....$7.20 a gallon. Yikes. I just got one. That lasted all of one day. So today was the big adventure. I am still not feeling well, but am now out of Milk, dry cereal, and I've used all my Motrin for this as yet named virus. So I had to make the 10 mile trip to the next town over called Lacey. Its just down I-5 so it goes fast and its pretty. I managed to get myself out of bed, take a quick bath, and get ready. As I merge onto the Interstate I notice the traffic isn't moving. Yeah me....I'm stuck in a traffic jam with no way out having not eaten in days and no Motrin in me...I happy, how about you? What is normally about a 10 minute drive became a 20 minute drive because of an accident that happened hours earlier and the traffic is still backed up. Any way, I made it down and got my stuff (avoided wal-mart by going to Walgreen's), and headed back. Nice and easy. I am so happy I now have milk. Who would have thought something like milk would make me so happy!

Well, hopefully this will go away and I will live to have a better weekend (a holiday weekend no less). I hope all is well with everyone. Please drop me a line (post a comment) to let me know that someone is at least reading my ramblings. Hope you all have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. Toodles for now!

Being "Farmed" out

Hi all! Well another week has passed and the weather here continues to amaze me (the weathermen too!). Most days this week were in the low 70's to high 60's. Whats been interesting is that they keep saying how its going to rain. Well, it really doesn't rain. It may "spit" (=a Midwest term I guess) a little during the day, but its how the day progresses that is funny. I wake up and its sunny and clear skies. I laugh at the "rainy day" mentioned on last nights weather forecast (which I had to stay up until 11pm for!), then get dressed and head to work. I get to work and within one hour or so the skies cloud over with the dark clouds and big white heavy clouds. Not much sun at all. This continues all day long, I get into my car to go home and on the way home...the Sun appears. Within 30 minutes the clouds are all gone and the sky is most clear! It did this for 2-3 days this week. It was weird. As for rain, its only spit here or there except for the one time it POURED rain for all of 5 minutes. Of course it just so happened to be the minutes that I was walking out to my car (Parked 3 blocks down the road because I can't parallel park) with my pizza box. As soon as I walk in my front door...poof the rain stops and the sky clears. I think someone was out to get me last night...but oh well. I may be sweet but not sweet enough to melt in the rain.

Anyway, about the title to this blog. I thought it was a fitting Midwestern title. I have been "Farmed"(i.e.loaned) to another program (in Child Services) for a few weeks. Its been interesting and I have learned a lot. I don't mind it, in fact when asked by my boss if I wanted to continue working there or do something different, I said I wouldn't mind staying there if they needed the help. So I am now on loan for the next 2 weeks (at least). Its stressful, but fun!

On to other parts of my life. Well, when mom was here we got some blackout material to make a shade (since they have so much darn light here...way too early in the morning!). We tried to use fabric tape (steam-a-seam) to hold it together (since I had not brought my sewing machine), but that didn't work. So I was left with trying to figure out what to do. I saw in the ads last weekend that Walgreen's had a sewing machine (small/compact) with a bonus handheld sewing machine for $19.99 (after rebate), so I drove all around town to find a walgreens and managed to get the last box they had. I spent my Friday night stitching my shades. Well, the sewing machine is not the heavy duty one I am used to so I only got 1 panel done (I have 2 panels to make for my long window in the bedroom), so I have one more to finish tonight so I can (hopefully) sleep in tomorrow. I also decided to raise my bed up, that way I can use under it for storage. Since I am quite tall (so I am told) I shouldn't have any problem trying to get into bed with it being higher. So I bought the risers for the bed and bought a bed skirt to hide the underside. Poor Fritz is going to have to jump 7 more inches to get up. I hope he can make it. STOP. Don't do that....don't feel sorry for him. Its good exercise for him. Hey, if he can't make it up he has his bed on the floor. Feel bad for me, if I cant make it up, I don't fit in his bed. (we've tried, right mom?).

Any way, I hope you all have a great week. I miss you. Its nice out here but I could use some of my good old friends and family here to talk with. Well, there is a family fair at the park just down the road a few blocks so I am off to see what its like (I hear they have BBQ there!). Take care and talk with y'all later.--Katie

Oops....I forgot! But I've got a great story for you!

Ok, so I'm not perfect, I'm sure many of you can attest to that! (I'll agree to it too!) I forgot I'm supposed to periodically update this little blog. I am so not used to this. I've never really followed blogs before, so this all new to me. So...I humbly apologize for not updating this sooner. There's been a lot going on here, so I really should have been writing. Well, better late than never!Work went well. I now have one week under my belt... only a 103 more to go! lol! Just kidding! I had fun. At first it was death by paper shredding and filing, but just when I was thinking to myself "what did I sign up for"...poof....a project was dropped right in my lap. Ok, so I had no idea what the project entailed, nor what it was about. But in the beginning I think I faked it pretty well, until I was able to figure it all out. The project that should have taken 1 day (less for more experienced people) has turned out to be a 3 day project (and it still is not finalized!). Well, in my defense it has been a lot of hurry up and wait (on others to get me the info). As everyone knows, I not the most patient person, so I did as much as I could so I wouldn't have to wait too much on others to get information. Also, I multi-tasked while I was waiting. I bet it was quite funny for the office staff to see. Since I have no computer or phone (nor do I know the phone numbers for the office or the people in the other offices I am calling), I would go and use my supervisors phone (as she was gone for my first week...that was fun!) in her office, then go back to my desk and add what was said to my notes, then go back to my supervisors office to go online and work on my classes I have to take. Then run back to my desk to get papers, back to her office to make follow-up calls, then computer and ...well, you get the drift...I looked like a rabbit that didn’t know which way to go. lol. go figure! I actually had fun and was forced to learn a lot in a short time.In other news, mom left. She went back home. It seemed to go pretty well (her leaving) but in true Katie fashion (the blonde in me I think), there was one problem. I dropped her off at the airport at 10pm, then I had to drive back(1 hour drive each way). We said our good-byes in the drop-off lane of the airport. It was short but sweet (and easier that way). After she went in, I sat down in the car and noticed that my cell phone wasn't attached to my waistband (as you all know I ALWAYS have it on me). So I check around the car (still in the drop-off lane) and don't see it. I look in the car, under the seat and all around....I can't find it. I decide it must be at home (as I had changed clothes just before we left). I started driving home and made it about 10 minutes away from the airport, then started worrying. I did see a phone clipped to mom's purse when she got out of the car, and I was holding her purse on my lap on the way to the airport (I was the passenger, by request). What if I had clipped mine on there absent-mindedly? (I could see me doing that, can't you?). "She'll call me" I thought....wait....I don’t have a phone. If she has my cell, I have no phone. I then had visions of going to my next door neighbor at 11pm at night asking to use his phone so I could call mom to tell her she'd have to send me the phone. In the meantime I would have no phone (I'm using my cell as my home phone). I thought, if I turn around now she could run it back out to me and still make it to her plane, but I have no way of finding her and I still don’t know if she has my phone. I made the decision to get off at the next exit that had a gas station and call her to see and ask. Luckily I was prepared for such a circumstance, and had kept a calling card in my purse. I felt quite proud of my planning (type A) skills. I got off at the next exit and followed the signs to the gas station (which of course was not right off the interstate). Of course the road I chose was under construction and the gas station was not easily accessible. When I pulled in I realized it was not in the best part of town and it was now 1030pm. Great! I quickly asked where the pay phone was, he said it was outside across the parking lot. I drove there and then started dialing the 800 number for the card. Guess what...it didn't work. Apparently it’s been too long since I had used it. Go figure. I then made the decision to call my cell phone collect, if no one answered (or the machine) then I figured it was at my house (or laying in the drop off lane smooshed), if mom answered it would be well worth the cost to have the phone sent before she left the area. Yeah, my luck, no answer...oh well hope it's at home. I worried the whole way home (and sped too..oops!) I walked in and there it was sitting on the counter in front of my face. Thank goodness for small favors. I think God was watching out for me on that one: one, so I didn't get hurt at that gas station, and two so my phone stayed with me and I wasn't connectionless. Could I have been more of a worry wart!? Oh well, safe and sound. This all happened Tuesday night. Needless to say I got home around 1115pm and couldn't fall asleep until after midnight. Then some new neighbors decided to drive to their new place (here) and arrive at 1230am. I see headlights on my window back up and then pull forward, then the car door opens and dad yells "Alright, we're here, lets go" the kids pile out (2-3 kids) and all I hear for the next 30-45 minutes are the kids yelling and playing while using their rollered "vehicles" (skates, skateboards, or scooters...not sure which) Dad was unpacking the car as evidence of the doors opening and closing, and bags/boxes being dropped and carried. yeah, I still managed to get up the next morning at 700am and make it into work on time (thanks to some kind neighbors who like to have full voice conversations while walking to their cars!).Needless to say Wednesday was a tiring day for me. I thought I might go work out after work, but after trying to find my gym bag after work, I just wasn’t in the mood. Thursday I did go work out and it was nice. The complex has a small workout area and no one was in it....having it all to myself was quite nice. I might just try that again. Of course the natural progression would be to work out the next day and start a pattern, except....its Friday...who in their right mind works out on a Friday? That's what I thought...I'll work on it again for Monday!Well, this weekend has gone pretty smoothly. We had a party at the complex pool. They had Famous Daves cater it and it was ok. Not a very big turn out but that’s ok. Met a nice lady (married with a 5 year old), had some good food, got out from the house. I had to clean the house and do laundry. So got that all done, then worked the rest of the day and night on unpacking the remaining boxes. I finally finished around 930pm and now I am here writing this. Its late.....it’s even later if I think of it in terms of what time it is back home. I think its time for bed. I can’t promise you I will write more often, but I will try my hardest to remember. Keep in mind...if you don’t see a post up here (with in a reasonable amount of time) give me a call and remind me. Maybe I just forgot, but then again maybe not. lol. Take care and have a wonderful week! I miss you all!

I'm Famous...well sort of!

Well, CNN.COM posted our photos along with a short comments, so check it out and see all of our fun filled trip! First night here was enjoyable. Air mattress that is going flat, dog who hates air mattress, new noises ....the best part.....cool weather....keeping windows open at night and I got cold. We (mom & I) woke up and took fritz for a long walk through the neighborhood. Saw (in my backyard) Mt. Rainier. How beautiful! I think I might like it here. My stuff comes tomorrow....lets hope its all in one piece and all there! Its getting old eating standing up or on the floor (with a dog drooling beside you!). Hope all is well, take care and be sure to check out the CNN site with my pictures on it! http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/07/30/ireport.west.fires/index.html?iref=newssearch


-Katie

Fire, Goats, & Flat Land....The Wild Wild West trip!

Hello! Well, I am finally in Washington State. After 5 long days I have managed to fight off boredom, long drives through flat lands, wildfires, and wild mountain goats impeding traffic! I am now only 1 short day away from my new home and I cant wait to get there. Although I wont get my stuff until the 2nd of August, I still want to be in my new home and start my new life! I will try to post some of my pictures but keep watch on cnn.com as my pictures should be in a montage about the Montana fire. I'll keep you posted when I see it up, but we have been in contact with cnn.com and they confirmed that it will be in with a group of photos they have received from the fire. Yeah me! Well, mom and I have had a great trip out, we've managed not to kill each other and still can talk civilly to each other. Not too bad! Well, hope all is well with everyone. I will try to update this on a regular basis, so check back often. Take care of yourselves! -Katie

p.s. Fritz says hi!