Boredom

Am I the only one not being able to enjoy the weekend? Granted having weekends off is new to me so maybe it just takes some getting used to. I also have been working two jobs so I should be loving the free time. However, I have so much to do in the next few weeks it's ridiculous.

All I can think about is the things that aren't done yet and and what I have to do. But those things couldn't all get done this weekend. I need to go to my friends grandmas and try on my bridesmaid dress and give her the money. (Her gma made the dresses) Since her grandmas is out of town it has to wait. I need to finish getting everything ready for my wedding. Although it's just little things. Call florist, get pen for guestbook, get pillows for ring boys. We make just make the pillows as I refuse to pay $35 for a stupid pillow. Mt aunt is throwing me a shower and asked what I would like to do. I'm not much help as I'm not really a big fan of showers so I don't know what is considered fun for them.

Anyway, I can't help but be a little jealous as I sit on facebook and read of others adventures at the lake and what not. It has occurred to me that I have not gone to the lake once this summer. Hell, I haven't even gone swimming and I have two grandmas with pools. The most exciting thing that I've done today is go to walmart. Since I have no a/c in my car I thought I had heat stroke just from the 10 minute drive home.

Ok, ok no more pity party as I will be going to Hawaii next month. Until then I just need to make all the appropriate appointments and make it through the craziness. I also realize that this has been a pretty lame and boring blog. But like I said it's been a boring weekend. I'm currently doing laundry and have a kitty on my lap. So for your entertainment I present a random photo courtesy of Joes collection.

New Arrival

There's a new addition to the Shaffer/Kropp family. We got a new baby kitten! Her previous owners had named her Mona. We were going to change the name, but once we met her we decided the name fit her. We were thinking of naming her Maggie to go with our other kitty, Lisa. Get it Maggie and Lisa from the Simpsons? Anyway, now we have Mona and and Lisa. Monalisa, cute right?

We brought her home yesterday afternoon. We figured it would take time for Lisa to get used to the new baby. But she was a downright mean bitch. Every time Mona went near her she would hiss or growl at her. It was a very deep growl too. She also proceeded to give her the stare down and follow her around.Well this went on pretty much the rest of the day. I was beginning to get worried because Lisa wasn't warming up to her at all and Mona was afraid of her. After some quick internet research we discovered that Lisa probably didn't like her scent. The house Lisa came from had lots of animals in it so Lisa might just have had sense overload and didn't know what to do about it. We put Mona in Blackie's old bed and left her in the bathroom to sleep.


This morning there were no more hissing or that awful growling. Lisa even seems willing to give her a chance and acts like she wants to play. Except now Mona seems afraid of her since she was so mean yesterday. But I think slowly they will become friends.

Summer Reading

I just finished reading, "When you are Engulfed in Flames" by David Sedaris. After reading the mediocre, over rated drivel that was the "Twilight" series, this was like a breathe of fresh air.

The whole book is a collection of essays and short stories. My favorite section was when he talked about his old neighbor Helen. Oh how I loved Helen. She is basically your standard cranky bitchy old lady. And a real foul mouth too. My favorite Helen quote is as follows, "I was up and back to the fucking terlet six times last night. Shit so hard I think I sprained my asshole." I laughed for days. I laughed outloud at several parts as well.

The book has an ongoing theme of love and death. He captures flies to help feed the spiders in their house. (Eww I know) And it touches on love and commitment as well. And not the lovey dovey sappy love either. I'm talking the realistic everyday love. At one point he develops a boyle on his ass crack. His longtime boyfriend Hugh volunteers to lance it. And he does, while gagging. Now if that's not love then I dont know what is.

This was the first Sedaris book that I have read. While reading the reviews it wasn't pegged as his best work. That being said I cant wait to read more of him. The writing flows so effortlessly that its almost like hes reading it to me.If you're looking for a quick and entertaining read then this book comes highly recommended by me.

Bridezillas

I have about 48 days until the big day. I'm excited for the day to get here but I'm sick of talking about wedding crap. I mean parts of it have been fun but I'm so over it. I mean we did get engaged over a year ago so we've been working on it for some time.

I never really saw my self as the marriage type. I didn't even believe in marriage for the longest time. I'm not even sure I still do. I really just thought it was a waste of time and money and thought that I would elope if given the chance. But, here I sit blogging about an upcoming wedding. I figure if I'm going to have a wedding then I should do what I want and do it right. Most of the people in my life agree with me and have been more than willing to do what I want. Others seem to think I should do what they want or did. But does having an opinion make me a bridezilla? If you really want to be helpful don't say anything unless you have something nice to say.

I'm also not very traditional and some people don't like that. Something, borrowed and something blue? I say who cares, I'll wear what I like thank you. We also aren't getting married in a church or by a pastor. I'd honestly rather go to Vegas than get married in a church. I just find it boring. All the pictures of everyone standing against the wall have been done to death and just don't do it for me. We also aren't terribly religious so the ceremony will be short and sweet. Ever sat through a boring ceremony?? I have and it's torture especially on a hot day. Just get to the vows already I say.

The fact that one of my bridesmaids decided to get married the weekend before me hasn't helped the stress either. (I know right, don't even get me started on that.) Trying to plan your own and work around someone elses is an even bigger pain. I'm in her wedding too so it's going to be a busy summer.

And since when is it okay for people to invite themselves? Seriously annoying, but there's really no polite way to tell someone no is there? If there is I would like to know. And those damn rsvp cards. Err, just send it back because I work two jobs and don't have time to track you down.

The biggest headache has been the rehersal dinner. I still don't know where it will be. I was hoping for just a small affair with the wedding party. It's not looking that way. (This goes back to the whole people inviting themselves thing) I'm hoping for just a bar b que in the park but we'll see if that happens. Did you know to reserve a picnic table you have to fill out an application?? For a picnic table?? Really? Can't I just give you the money so you can tell people not to sit there? Why does it have to be so complicated?

I'm also not big on being in the spotlight. (Another reason for the short ceremony) Thinking about having to stand in front of everyone and talk makes me want to hurl. I just hope that no disaster happens and no one embarasses me totally. The rest will fall into place. And the most important thing is the life after the wedding is over. I'm really just hoping for a big fun party, with all the people I care about.

Overall, things are looking well. I keep having nightmares about the wrong flowers being delivered but what can you do? I've had weirder dreams so I'm not too worried about that. I'm just counting down the days and hope to get through it drama free.

Holidays Schmolidays

I seem to be the only one that doesnt seem to get excited about the holidays anymore. Maybe because I dont ever get to really enjoy them. With always having to work them it makes it hard. When people ask me if I am doing anything for the "holiday weekend" I usually havent even realized that a "holiday weekend" is approaching. To me its just another day.
People that have the typical Monday-Friday schedule and get holidays off often forget about us peons that work the weekends AND the holidays. Like today I just woke up and its after 5pm. I worked a grave last night and have to go back tonight at midnight. Oh joy!! It makes it kind of hard to get in the spirit of the fourth and enjoy fireworks. If I did go out and enjoy the show I would have to fight traffic to bust my ass to get to work on time and might not even make it.
On a side note this will be my last shift at Helping Hands so I could potentially just not show up. But sigh...no I will not do that. Stupid conscience and work ethic.
Anyway, when I was working in fast food the worst was working and having to serve the dork customer that actually eats fast food on the holiday. Then they either treat you one of two ways; the first is they pity you. "Oh no, you poor things that have to work today... Can I please get half the menu so me and my family can eat it in your lobby and leave a gigantic mess for you to clean up. I mean you arent that busy so you will have time to pick up my mess."
Or they have absolutely no consideration at all and think that they are superior because they have the day off. "Oh you sad little worker in your stupid hat please wait on me for I am better than you. If you had a real job you wouldn't have to degrade yourself this way."
But what really pushes my buttons if when your own family even forgets that you don't work a real schedule. Like waiting till the last minute to tell you about some big gathering going on, then they don't understand why you cant make it. The same goes with birthdays too. The conversation goes a little something like this;
"Oh we are having a bar be Que for (insert holiday and or birthday here) can you make it out?"
"No sorry, I have to work."
"Oh really." (Insert stupid dumbfounded expression) "The whole day? You mean you cant get the day off?"
"No, that's my schedule its a little late to get the time off now. Maybe I could have tried had I known before now."
"Oh." (continue stupid look of shock) "I cant believe you have to work, that sucks. You're sure you cant get the day off?"
At this point I usually check out of the conversation or repeat myself over and over, but you get the general idea.
So anyway, enjoy your time off everyone. And the next time that you're off gallivanting on some big holiday or weekend excursion and you stop for gas or for that cheeseburger; think of the little guy slaving away. If it weren't for him you couldn't fill up your SUV or stuff your face in a hurry. Think of us working so you can enjoy your stupid vacation while we slave away.The little guy working away. Now that's America my friend; the little guy working hard so you don't have to.