Blah...

For the most part, I’m very happy with my life. Is it stressful trying to raise 2 kids on my own while working full time and going to school full time? Absolutely! Stress, anxiety, and a lack of sleep are my way of life. But after a long day of school and work I get to walk in the door of my mom’s house to pick up the kids and the look of pure joy that flashes across their faces at the sight of their mommy is more than enough reward for my hard work. I enjoy the privilege of tucking my monkeys into bed and reading them bedtime stories every night. And I have a job that I love! What more could I ask for?
Unfortunately there are times, this week for example, where I feel like I may just be the only single person in the universe and it’s not a particularly pleasant feeling.
It seems as if everyone I know has their match, their companion, their partner. Spouses, life partners, long-time loves. Even my best friend whose marriage has been an absolute atrocity since the day they said “I do” has her rare moments of marital bliss. My cousin who pretty much loathes her boyfriend most of the time is just happy to say that she HAS a boyfriend. And lately I’ve been wondering…who could really blame her?
The holidays are a difficult and depressing time to be single. Not only is it necessary to keep up with everyday life but I now also have to bake, shop, play Santa, be merry, and put on a smile for Christmas parties full of happily coupled people.
Sometimes it really would be a welcome change to have someone to battle through the black Friday crowds and company Christmas parties with.
So for those of you that have your special someone, do me a favor...tonight, for just one night, please don't take it for granted.
Until next time, much love!
~T

Yuletide Yuckity Yuck

So the company Christmas party is coming up in about a month. It'll be a beautiful party at a gorgeous ski lodge surrounded by "the greatest snow on earth". I'm excited for the party, but still dreading it all the same. Why, you ask? Because of the "T + Guest" DATE factor ugh! Let me tell you about the great time I had at the company party last year!
Last year I had every intention of simply taking my best friend Nugget as my date. We've been friends since Jr. High and honestly there's nobody I would rather spend a night mingling with my coworkers in formal dress with. Nug and I have fun no matter what we do! The two of us can liven up even the dullest of parties, so it's no surprise that I would want her to be my date right? When I told my colleagues my plans, however, they told me in no uncertain terms that I most definitely was NOT bringing my friend as my date, I was bringing a DATE date. Unfortunately, I gave in to the peer pressure.
Enter Lexus
Lexus was a Lexus car dealer who I had met *gasp* online. We had only gone out once before, to lunch. I actually quite liked him. Until I went out with him a 2nd time that is. I let the other single girls in the office talk me into inviting him to the party and then dialed the number before I could think better of the idea. He quickly agreed and I immediately started wishing I had just gone with my gut instinct to take the Nugster.
The night of the party he met me at the club house where the party was being held. We had an hour or so to mingle and drink mocktails until dinner was served. Seeing as how I had only really met him once before, we ended up not having much to say to each other. I introduced him to my co-workers, but apparently I wasn't the only person he didn't have much to say to. He simply stood there, playing with his new iPhone and acting as if he were way too cool for school.
We enjoyed an absolutely delicious meal, after which he got to sit through an hour of speeches from the top executives in the company. As much as I could understand his boredom at this point, he could have at least refrained from his over-exaggerated yawns and eye rolling couldn't he? After company awards were given out, we played a large game of Balderdash as table teams. Not only was he disgustingly dull, he was also a big fat CHEATER! I mean really...who CHEATS at an office Christmas party?!? Other than his first few attempts at cheating he finally gave up and just sat there in awkward silence for the remaining hour. I was ready to slice my wrists just to get away from him!
Finally, mercifully, the party ended and I was able to make my escape! Not before I retrieved my coat, however, where I was forced to make 2 more introductions...my parents. Did I mention that my mother works with me and was therefore in attendance that night, with my dad?!
I think this year I really might just take my NugNug because if I have to suffer through another night even half as bad as last year I just might lose my mind!
Until next time, much love!
~T

Kids Say The Darndest Things

K1 has been on this kick for MONTHS now about how I need a boyfriend to marry me because he wants me to produce a little brother for him. He's been rather disappointed in me lately, wondering what in the world is so wrong with his mom that she can't land herself a boyfriend. Here is our latest conversation on the topic.
K1: Mom, are you the only one without a boyfriend?
Me: No sweetie, there are plenty of people in the world who don't have boyfriends, I promise.
K1: Right! Like Kristen's mom, she has a GIRLfriend instead of a BOYfriend! Why don't you get one of those?!
Well gee, why hadn't I thought of that? Silly boy!
Until next time, much love!
~T

Rude Much?

Ugh! SO annoyed with TGTBT at the moment!
TGTBT has been sleeping on a tiny little twin size bed for the past few weeks. When he got divorced his ex took EVERYTHING with her. Luckily he had a friend who needed a place to store some furniture while she moved home and her husband was in Alaska (commercial fisherman). They came back about a month and 1/2 ago to start looking for a place and make a permanent home for themselves. They found a house a few weeks ago, so along with his house guests went the couch and the bed. He's been making due with the twin, but complaining about it all the same. Unfortunately, due to this crap economy and his line of work he hasn't been able to replace it yet. Lucky for him though, he has (had??) me. :) A friend of a friend bought a new mattress set and didn't know what to do with their old one. It was in INCREDIBLE condition! Not sure why they got rid of it actually. So I told them I would gladly take it off their hands.
THEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN....work has been kinda slow for him lately, making cash pretty hard to come by. Yesterday the wife of a guy I work with randomly changed her facebook (addicted much T? sheesh) status to "...is looking for an ELECTRICIAN. Does anyone know of one that is reasonably priced." Well hoorayness...I DO! So I got the info from her to forward on to TGTBT.
Imagine the elation if you were TGTBT and got a random text after not even hearing from me in 2 days that stated simply "I have a queen size mattress set for you and a quick electrical job if you're available to give a bid". How cool am I right? How lucky is he?
Anyway...he quickly agreed to the job. I gave her a quick quote of $400 which is 1/2 what she would have normally had to pay an electrician, but still a good fee for his mornings work. Lucky sucka...how many people just have work thrown in their lap like that right?
I got off work at 7:00 and my Nugster met me at my place with her truck to go pick up the mattress and deliver it to him. I told him we would be there around 9:00. We pulled up to his place around 8:45 only to see that he HAD ANOTHER GIRL THERE!! There was a car in the driveway that I recognized from the night he drove me to SLC to get my car. Some chick had pulled up as we were driving away and he stopped to talk to her and let her know he was on his way out but would give her a call. That incident pissed me off enough! And now here I am DELIVERING AN EFFING MATTRESS TO HIM and she's there?!? HE KNEW I WAS COMING!!! You would think he could have planned his date around that! Sheesh!
We honked, I texted...no response. He never came out. Are you KIDDING me?!? We took the mattress out of the back of the truck and left it in the middle of his driveway. I sent him a text that said "Enjoy" and we were on our way. I could NOT believe it! After everything I had done for him that day, THIS is how he treats me?! Talk about disrespect!
About an hour later he sent me some bullshit text saying he hadn't heard me, blah blah blah. Whatever TGTBT...you really were just that!
Until next time, much love!
~T

Let's Talk Politics Yeah?

Wow...what an incredible and historical election! Regardless of who you voted for, it feels amazing to have been a part of it, doesn't it?
This election left me so conflicted though. I loved a lot of what each candidate had to offer. I also loathed a lot of what each candidate had to offer. Ultimately, I made the decision that I personally felt was best for my country. Many would not agree with my decision, and that is A-OK in my book. That is the magic of this great nation...we have the RIGHT and the PRIVILEGE to vote and voice our own opinions!
TGTBT and I have vastly different political views. He is a very conservative republican whereas I tend to be more on the liberal side. Though we've discussed politics and watched the debates together, we have always refrained from getting into a political debate with each other simply because we respect each other enough not to go there. I have always valued and respected his opinion even though it is not the same opinion that I hold myself. I have never thought less of him in any way because of his political beliefs and, I hope, he has never thought less of me for mine. That was until the results were calculated.
Last night I was unable to find a sitter for the Rock The Vote concert so instead I had friends over to hang out, eat junk, and watch the election night coverage. We all had differing views on things, and had cast our vote for opposing candidates, but we still came together in support of our country to wait in anticipation for the announcement of our country's next president. It came as no surprise when we found out that Barack Obama had in fact secured the presidential seat.
I voted for Obama. It was not an easy decision, but ultimately he was my guy. That's not to say that I don't think John McCain would have made a noble choice. I honestly would have stood behind him 100% had he won the election. Why? Because as an American citizen it is my civic duty to stand alongside my fellow citizens and to back our elected officials, even if I may not completely agree with the decisions they make. I only wish others felt the same way.
As soon as the announcement was made Facebook completely blew up with status updates...everyone had to get in their 2 cents about how this nation is going to hell in a hand basket. I was absolutely FLOORED by the disgusting, hateful things that were being posted on the world wide web. Though TGTBT was not necessarily hateful, and was tame as a kitten compared to others, his comments rubbed me the wrong way. He was going on an on about how he was starving but couldn't eat because he was so sickened by the results, and welcoming everyone to the "socialist states of America".
I don't think there is anything wrong with being disappointed that your candidate lost, but really...get over it. What's done is done, it cannot be changed. You now have 2 choices...move on and learn to stand united with the evil democrats of the world ;) or leave this great nation for pastures that may appear greener at this moment in time. I hear Iraq will soon be an America-free zone...maybe you should start looking at real estate there. :P
Can two people with such vastly different views co-exist peacefully?

Until next time, much love!
~T

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH

Had the most horrific dream!! I was in a room with my parents, having to inform them that they were, once again, going to be grandparents...I was knocked up! When I woke up, my tummy felt all hard and crampy. Talk about a nightmare...and a HALF!
Until next time, much love!
~T

Random

Totally random text I received from JGG yesterday....

"You need to kick TGTBT in his bean bag"

Ummmmmm.....ok

Until next time, much love!
~T

Meet The Family

You know what I've always thought should be included in a party planning idea book??? Having a Halloween party with your entire family and the family of the man you're stuck in a ridiculous are-we-friends-or-lovers-or-WHAT mess with!
K2 is turning 4 on Saturday! I decided to throw her a Halloween themed birthday bash this last weekend since she'll be with her daddio on her actual birthday weekend. Unfortunately, my pad is TINY! I could have had the party at my mom's house, but that would have meant being forced to invite my sister-in-law who is even more evil than KKK if that is possible! I was discussing my dilemma with TGTBT last month and he suggested having the party at his house. He's got a nice, large house with plenty of room for guests and his boys were going to be in town as well so I figured why the hell not? That was, of course, when he and I were still living our happy little fantasy, but in trying to rise above my heartache I decided this weekend to stick with the original plan and hold the shindig at his house.
I get there early Sunday to set up and his mom and sister are there. I had told him he was welcome to invite his family, but didn't think for a minute that they would actually come...but come they did. I've met most of his family before, but it was still intensely awkward! Here we are in this weird transition phase, not knowing where we stand as a couple or even friends, and we're having a MEET THE PARENTS night! How RELATIONSHIPPY can you GET?!? Geeeez!! It was weird and awkward and semi-uncomfortable, but being the oh-so-mature adults that we are we all got along swimmingly during the 2 hours we were together and saved the trash talking until we got home.
The kids, thankfully, got along WONDERFULLY! And after spending a couple hours together on Halloween and again on Sunday I am, I must admit, completely in love with his little guys!
Until next time, much love!
~T

Return of The Devil

Holy randomness!!!!
Remember good old KKK? I haven't even THOUGHT about her in weeks! She and TGTBT haven't spoken in over a month and she's just kind of been a thing of the past...until Friday that is!
I'm a full time student at the local university. KKK is also a student there but luckily I have never seen her on campus.
Due to an appalling lack of parking I'm forced to take a shuttle bus from the parking lot to the main campus. Imagine my surprise when I hop on the shuttle bus on Friday, only to see KKK sitting 4 seats down and across from me! Even though I've never actually seen her in person I recognized her right away and could tell that she recognized me as well. We both sat there trying to pretend not to notice the other. I even went so far as to put in my earbuds even though my iPod battery was dead just to seem nonchalant ha ha!
Luckily we were only on the bus for a total of 10 minutes and then went our separate ways, her looking back over her shoulder as she walked away. Talk about awkward though sheesh!
Until next time, much love!
~T

Swallow Your Pride T

What an interesting weekend I had last week...
Last Saturday I was kidless so TGTBT and I had plans to get together and watch a movie, but after working late he told me it was probably a little bit late to start a movie. I was beyond irritated, not that he didn't want to watch a movie but that he was flaking out on me when we hadn't seen each other in almost 3 weeks! I thought my snotty response was enough to let him know I was less than happy with him, but he IS pretty darn oblivious. Since our plans for the night were now canceled, I decided to hang out with my cousins.
We were kickin' it at my place and around 11:30 decided we absolutely HAD to have a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. The nearest Starbucks is in the mall parking lot, so we head there. We pull into the lot and immediately our attention is drawn to 3 insanely gorgeous cars, with 3 insanely gorgeous men standing outside of them talking car and driver. Talk about a distraction! CaCa (our fearless driver) was, in fact, so distracted that she failed to hear my repeated cries of "Curb! Curb!! CURB!!!" in time. This was no ordinary curb that she slammed into and drove across, it was GARGANTUAN! Luckily she was speeding enough that she made it over the entire curb with all 4 tires rather than getting the belly of the car stuck! Embarrassed to have committed this foolish act in front of said hotties, she sped off and around the corner continuing on to our destination...that's when the car started wobbling and shaking. We pulled over next to the Starbucks which, just our luck, was closed anyway and got out to examine the car. The front passenger tire was blown beyond repair. NOW WHAT?!? I'm sure if I even knew what a jack looked like I could manage to change the tire, but do we really want to take that risk? What else was there but to swallow my pride and call TGTBT? He of course came to rescue us, only to find that we didn't have a jack. Luckily some nice young men had just gotten off work at PF Changs and provided us with a jack and some tire changing assistance so the job was done in mere minutes. I was still pretty irked with TGTBT but decided to let it go...for the time being.
The next day was Sunday and I woke up with renewed annoyance and decided I would give myself a day to get over it before I tried talking to him. Unfortunately that didn't quite work out once I realized that CaCa would no longer be able to take me up to SLC to pick up my car that had just finished getting repaired. Again, I had to swallow my pride and beg TGTBT for his assistance. The drive up was nothing short of painful. I spent a good 30 minutes hiding tears behind my sunglasses because it hurts so badly to even be near him, let alone to discuss the things we were discussing. He dropped me off at my car and I kissed him goodbye, not planning to see him for at least a week until K2's birthday bash. That resolve lasted a total of 10 hours, until I woke up to a toilet that refused to flush.
Due to an extreme toilet bowl OCD I somehow managed to get a scrub brush head stuck in the toilet approximately 2 months ago. I was able to snake the crap out of the toilet, and it actually worked for quite some time! Unfortunately Monday was the day it decided it no longer loved me. I plunged it, I snaked it, I BEGGED it to work...all to no avail. Who could I call? Should I shell our hundreds of dollars for a plumber just to save my pride? Detecting a pattern here??? I called TGTBT. He came out and had to actually remove the entire toilet to get the brush head out from the other side. It took him close to an hour, but when that hour was over I once again had a working toilet!
I'm a very independent person...sometimes to a fault. It is no easy task for me to swallow my pride and ask for help. Especially when the person I need help from is someone I'm not exactly happy with at the moment. My ego took a pretty big hit last weekend, but hey at least it got done right?
Until next time, much love!
~T