Be My Valentine

Hello, blogging world!

I know it's been awhile. Not a lot has been going on lately in my life. Just mainly work and home, work and home. I did have a little skip in my record, so to speak, as last weekend, my dear husband took me away for a romantic weekend for Valentine's Day.

That's right, girls! Start the swooning and cooing and awwing. It started Friday, when Mike sent me a large bouquet of Stargazer lilies...my absolute FAVORITE flower! That may not say a lot, but what you people don't realize is that, as much as I love him, Mike's memory is not the greatest. He'll admit it, too. So, instead of sending the common Valentine's rose or a bouquet of wildflowers (both of which I would have absolutely loved as well), he actually remembered my favorite flower and had them sent to me. It came with a teddy bear and tear-jerking note, as well.

They have pretty much all opened since this picture was taken and they are beautiful!

The next day, Saturday, he picked me up from work. We had to go to the house inspection first (that's another looooong story). Straight from the inspection, we headed over to Fredericksburg, where we ate at the Olive Garden (best Italian EVER, in my opinion). We had time to kill before checking into the hotel, so we went to Spotsylvania Mall to walk off our dinner and to look for something special for that night (don't worry, that's all I'll say on the matter!). We couldn't find anything we liked, so we headed over to Lane Bryant across the way and found exactly what I'd been hoping to find. By that time, we were able to check in, so we drove behind Central Park to the Hilton. The Hilton! We made our way to our room and, after making me wait in the bathroom (not that I minded, I needed to change anyway), he told me I was allowed to come out. I walk out of the door to "At Last", the lights are off, there's a path of petals on the floor leading me to a petal-strewn bed. Little flameless candles are placed everwhere. Mike popped open a bottle of champagne and handed me a bubbly glass. And then...

You didn't seriously think I'd go on, did you? ;-) It was a great night, and I was kind of upset that it had to end. But Mike is so romantic and loving, that I only have to wait until next time. Until then, (*sigh*) back to my regular life...

Happy Birthday to Me...?

Okay, so my birthday was last week. It started off great just because I actually had off for my birthday this year. It was my usual day off from work, and to top it off, I didn't have ANY errands to run or jobs to do or cleaning out any houses! I didn't really do a lot for my birthday (not that I'm complaining). I went to Walmart with mom and dad to get a few things. Of course, this was the day before the big snowstorm and so Walmart was full of idiotic people doing equally idiotic things. There was actually a school bus that was pulling into the parking lot, trying to make a turn that a school bus is not supposed to make.
While I was in the store, I got a text from my brother Jimmy asking if I wanted to go to karaoke that night as it was his night to bounce. At first I was like, "Yeah, right." I had a headache that had been trying to break through all day and I had work the next day and with the snow, I had to be on my A-game. In the end, I popped a couple Advil and went on to the Corner in Charlottesville. When I got to Baja, the bar where Jimmy bounces, there were all of eight people in the joint. I went ahead and put myself down to sing "Before he Cheats" by Carrie Underwood. I did really well on that one the last time, so I figured I'd do it again. I sang that one right as Jimmy showed up. Then I put myself down for "Don't Turn Around" by Ace of Base (I've been trying to look for songs that don't have a really high octave range). I'd like to say I nailed that one. Then I pushed my luck and put myself down for "Gunpowder and Lead" by Miranda Lambert. I did absolutely HORRIBLE!!!! I totally blanked on how the song went! No, not the lyrics...those were written for me in plain view. I just couldn't remember the beat. By this point the bar was pretty packed. Well, once the music finished, I had hoped to slink off to my corner of the bar and not open my mouth again. Jimmy had other ideas...
Jimmy came up behind me once I was done and took the mic from me. I looked up at the ticker on the screen to see who was next...it said Laura, not Jimmy. So why was he taking the mic? He got the bar quieted down. From the moment he started talking, I knew what was happening. Much to my horror (as if me butchering the song wasn't enough), he proceeded to tell the entire bar that I was his little sister and that it was my birthday. He then had the ENTIRE bar sing me "Happy Birthday." Did I mention that the bar was packed by this point?
Anyway, at the end, everyone cheered for me and I--now ten shades of red, I'm sure--went back to my seat. Jimmy came up to me later and told me that a funny thing happened. BBQ (the stage name of a large, funny black guy that does mostly old Motown hits) had come up to Jimmy and said, "That's your sister? She is fiiiine!" Jimmy then told him that I was married, to which he replied, "It figures."
To end the night off, right before I went up to sing a final song with Jimmy ("If I had a Million Dollars" by Barenaked Ladies), this creepy guy that looked to be in his forties or so started hitting on me. Our song couldn't have come quick enough!

Cue the "Twilight Zone"

Do you ever feel like you should be living in a different time? I do. There are times that I get this feeling. I suppose most might call it daydreaming, but I have daydreams, and then I get these...I don't know...they almost feel like memories. I have such an imagination, and I'll be the first to admit that it'll not just run away with me, but kidnap me and hold me hostage! And I'm sure it probably has something to do with the books I read, as well.
On that point, I find that I always choose books to read that are historical. Present-day novels don't interest me. I gotta tell ya, I'm a sucker for romances. But they're always set in medieval times and/or in the Scottish Highlands (I love the brogue). I have dreams at night that are so vivid, it's like I'm watching a movie, or...heck!...even living it! I've actually woken up a time or two panting due to the running or whatever I've been doing in the dream. It's weird!
Anyhoo...this was just kind of a random thought...

It's a Marshmallow World in the Winter

We have snow on the ground...AGAIN! I have mixed feelings about it. It kinda sucks because mom, Katie (Jimmy's fiancee), and I were supposed to head up to Pittsburgh this weekend for Anna's (Steve's fiancee) bridal shower. I did a test drive and found that I was able to drive in it, but I really didn't want to. So we stayed here in Virginia.

On the other hand, I love it! It's so clean and fresh. And, in my opinion, if it doesn't cover everything, then it's not worth it. Well, this time it was worth it. I haven't posted many pictures lately, so here's a couple to help you see the wintery world through my eyes...

Lady, as we all know now, is our snow dog. I've never seen a dog GRAZE on snow like Lady does! She actually lays in the snow and eats all the snow around her!

These three does were just outside the kitchen window. I was doing the dishes after dinner and happened to look up. When I went outside, there was one that didn't run as soon as the others, but heard me and ran to the creek.

I love the colors of a winter sky. The soft pastels brushed onto the sky like God's personal watercolor. Words cannot describe the beauty, and my pictures are just a weak immitation.

I Wish

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. There's so many things I wish to do and/or be. There are places I wish to go and see, foods I'd like to try. So I started coming up with a list in my head of all of these things. You know, people come up with things they'd like to do before they die, but I'm not quite sure if this quite fits. Just read on, you'll see...

Places I'd like to see...Montana, Alaska, the Rockies, Ireland, Italy, France (mainly the Loire Valley), Scotland, Germany (the area my family is from...on mom's side), the Natural Bridge, Luray Caverns, Niagra Falls, and many more...

Things I'd like to do...some of them if I had the guts...live with the wolves (i.e. like the documentary on the Discovery Channel and book I was given "Wolves at Our Door"), work with wild animals (whether out in the wild or in the zoo or even with Wildlife Rescue), go whitewater rafting, go on a cruise, go to a club, ride in an airplane, get professional pictures done, see a Broadway show

People I'd like to meet...really anyone famous, I suppose. I have my favorites, like Giada deLaurentis and Paula Deen, then there's country stars like Brad Paisley and comedians like Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, and Jeff Dunham. Robert Duvall, Anne Hathaway...there are so many that I can't even put them all on here!

There are things about me that I wish were different. I wish I were more adventurous...you know, to do some of those things listed above. I've been trying to be a little more outgoing lately, to push myself more out of my safe box. My experimentation with foods and flavors has gotten a little more daring than my regular spaghetti or burgers I had growing up. I wish I liked coffee and/or tea. I like the smells of some coffees, but whenever I've tried any, all I taste is coffee...the same goes with foods with coffee in them such as mocha flavor. There are flavored coffees out there that sound so good. Same with the tea...you always hear about chamomille tea and others to help relax you. There's orange tea, and tea with honey and lemon. They SOUND good to me, but all I taste is tea. Sometimes I wish I were a bit more girly, or maybe at least had more fashion sense. Again, I'm trying to get a little bolder with my clothing as well. Unfortunately, boldness in clothing usually has a higher price tag. And I wish I did more that I could use more of my clothes. I feel all I do is work, then come home and get into sweats and such. I read about Anna and her and Eric's parties and group things and it all sounds so fun! Of course, their personalities are a little more outgoing as well.
(*sigh*) I'm slowly coming out of my shell. Looking back at how I was growing up, I've come a long way from that girl who wore jeans, t-shirts, and a windbreaker tied around her waist. But looking ahead, I see so many options...

That's My Story (and I'm Stickin' To It)

I'm sure there's people out there who are wondering at the title of my blog. My mom thought that I was going to have some musical theme to it. I guess, though, in a way I do. If you look back through just my small amount of entries, you'll see some titles and/or lines from well-known songs.
There are a couple reasons as to why I titled the blog "Life's a Musical." One reason is because I like that quote: "Life's a musical...sing and dance." I can't remember where I read it...probably one of those e-mails that were passed around years ago with witty comments and the like. I love this quote, because it's basically telling you to let loose and have fun. Have you ever seen a musical that looks like the people are being tortured? No! Of course not! The characters are always singing about their lives and twirling around lamp posts and tap dancing on upside-down canoes. Even near the greatest peril, they sing about it!
The next reason is because, just as the characters in musicals have their songs for the moment, so do I. I'm not sure why I do it, and I know I can't help it, but things and events in life bring certain songs into my head. Sometimes I find I'm singing them aloud...while others I just keep to myself. For example: I work in an animal hospital. I've been working there for near ten years now, so I've gotten use to the regulars that come into work...by "regulars" I mean the pets. There's one dog that comes in named Leroy. Well, whenever I see him, this is what I hear in my head: "Bad, bad, Leroy Brown. Baddest dog in the whole dang town. Badder than-a ol' King Kong...Meaner than a junkyard dog!" Laugh if you will, but it's true! This little habit of mine, if you want to call it that, has helped out, though. There's another dog that comes in, a little Dachshund named Charlie Brown. I was there the day he got neutered (poor little guy!). He didn't wake up very well from his surgery, crying and whining quite loudly. I tried the normal shushing and whistling to try to quiet him, but it would only work for a second, and then he'd go back to crying. All I could think of was listening to dad's record that had "Charlie Brown" on it, so I started singing to the little dog.
"Charlie Brown...doo-de-doo-doo-doo
Charlie Brown...doo-de-doo-doo-doo
He's a clown...that's Charlie Brown
He's gonna get caught, just you wait and see
'Why's everybody always pickin' on me'?"
And you know what? It worked! He quieted down and even started wagging his tail! So now, anytime he comes in for anything, I sing him his song and he's a happy little dog again!
It's not just with the animals, though. I'll randomly think of a song, usually one I haven't heard in forever, and it's in my head all day.
The final reason, and don't think me crazy, okay? I feel...occasionally at least...that it helps me talk with God. No, I'm not trying to pull a Joan-of-Arc or say that I'm a prophet or anything huge like that. I'm completely serious with you. It usually happens during down/depressed times with me, and it could be completely in my head. You can think what you wish. I guess I'll have to give you an example. Well, I've dated a few guys before I met my husband. Every time there was something that I prayed to God for, whether it be for me and one of my exes to make it to graduation or to get back together or He would help us grow together or whatever, I always heard the song "Unanswered Prayers" by Garth Brooks. It could be COMPLETE coincidence, I know, but EVERY...SINGLE...TIME this would happen. When I met Mike, again I asked that he would help us grow together and that I would be what Mike wanted. I never heard that song. To tell you the truth, I haven't heard that song SINCE Mike and I have been together. There have been other instances, too many to explain on here in one blog, but answers I have been seeking have always been in the music I would be listening to at the time of the question/request/etc.
Songs don't usually just crop up in my mind randomly. At first I think so, but then throughout the day, the songs seem to fit to my life, like a soundtrack. And, yes, I do randomly break out in song...

Mama, If That's Movin' Up, Then I'm...Movin' Out

I think we all know by now that Mike and I are trying to buy a house (by we, I mean anyone who reads this and/or knows us). We found this great two-story colonial, three bedroom, two bathroom house in the town of Culpeper. It has a large fenced-in backyard, which is great for the dogs. There's so many great points about this house and it has so much character. So what's the problem, you ask? It's a short sale, which is a misnomer, because the sale is NOT by any means short. It just means that the seller owes more on the property than they are selling it for, due to them wanting to get out of there in a short amount of time. Because of this, the bank is now involved, and unfortunately for us, it's through Bank of America, which is NOTORIOUS in the real estate world for being slow as molassas in January. Even though the seller has agreed upon our bid (it's hard not to, as we went in at asking price), the bank now has to approve of the original sale price. You would think they would look at that before it's put on the market and therefore skipping that hassle for the buyers later!
Well, now there's a problem. Oh, not with the house. No, that's still in limbo. The problem is my work and where we live now. There are many complications at work, and as I just discovered on Friday, I'm not sure how long my job will last. I'm hoping it was just a rash decision made in the heat of the moment by my boss, but I found out he had wanted me fired the other day for something that wasn't my fault! So, as Mike and I are renting the house we live in from my boss, we have decided to move out of our rental and into my parents' house. There are a couple methods behind our madness. One, it'll allow us to save up some money to put towards the house (fixing it up, decorating, etc.), and two, it'll get us out of the rental, as we aren't sure how my irrational boss will act.
I am so blessed to have such wonderful people as my parents in my life. I'm not sure exactly how I deserve them, but they have always given my brothers and me love and compassion, always willing to help us out any way they can, even when it's not always the easiest for them. So for mom and dad to allow my husband and me to move in with them in these...uncertain times, it makes me hope that one day I can be as great parents to my children as they have been, are, and always will be to my brothers and me.
So, as of now, Mike and I are packing up our things. We'll rent a storage unit for our furniture, and then we (and our petting zoo) will move in with mom and dad by the end of the month. Dad's been missing Sprite anyway, right?