I just got back from wine country with some of my college girlfriends. We had such a blast going to all of the different wineries, asking a million questions, and observing life on the West Coast.
Of course, the scenery was absolutely gorgeous. I would've shared my experiences as they were happening, but there just wasn't enough time. I actually attempted to tape a story for work, and it turned out to be a nuisance. So, I quit. I realized I'd rather just enjoy time with my friends and live life!
Anyway, we had a wonderful time... but here are some of the more funny, behind-the-scenes observations.
1. Hicks (for lack of a better word...) are everywhere. I posted this on my Facebookpage when it happened. I'm pretty sure he was from Napa because he had CA plates, and I just couldn't imagine him vacationing there. He spit so loudly... and he kept doing it over and over again. If you want to dip at the table, that's fine, but please be discreet! The fact that he was spitting on the floor was also ruining my appetite. I kept making up a story in my head-- like he's a "wannabe hick"... not even from the Midwest, but he wants to emulate what he thinks people are like here. Kind of like how we see Midwestern kids talk like surfers... or how a Korean pop singer will occasionally throw in an English word like "East Side" in their songs.
2. I don't care how trendy you are, how space-challenged you are, unisex bathrooms are creepy. I mean, it's one thing to have a unisex bathroom if it's a one-toilet stall with a locked door. It's really weird to have guys next to you in line... in the bathroom. Never in my life have I experienced that. And, by looking at the surprised faces of many of my bathroom mates, I'd say we were all in the same boat. I mean, what if I had lady business? Or, what if some guy had some heavy-duty business...and that bathroom was the only choice? WEIRD.
3. And, this is a funny pic of my underwear. Sounds weird to say, huh? My IMO (check her out in the post below) gave me underwear with a zipper on the crotch. She said I should wear it to hide money, especially when I travel. I almost died with laughter! I also laughed because she got an XXXL. I mean, I guess that could be accurate if we're going by Korean sizes. I'm like *Beyonce x2* when it comes to Korean sizes. I just look at those and hear my Imo's voice, "You put the money inside! It's good!" My uncle innocently suggested I put my phone in there since I lost it earlier that day... (insert joke.)
Today (Tuesday) was a sunny day in San Francisco, so I took the BART all by myself to San Leandro to visit my Imo (Korean word for aunt-mother's sister) and Uncle Stacy.
I wasn't going to meet with them if the weather was as bad as predicted--hail in some cases. Some parts of California even got snow this morning!
Anyway, I digress.
I learned today that my Korean mother and father WERE NOT indeed poor when my mother secretly placed me for adoption. Lack of income was a reason used in my file, and I kept that thought alive for the last 12 years. To me, it just made sense, and I never questioned it.
Apparently, my Korean mother had a lot of urging and pressure from my father's eldest brother. You see, my birth father and birth mother were the babies in their families. My eldest uncle on my birth father's side was a lot older-- when I met him in the year 2000, he was in his 70s. My birth father was in his early 50s. My uncle was a strong paternal figure for my Korean parents.
Anyway, my birth father's eldest brother pressured my Korean mother to have a son. I won't say much more than that, other than apparently he wasn't too pleasant about it.
My Korean mother was also superstitious. While pregnant, she went to a fortune teller. The fortune teller told her that her child (me) would not have a long life in Korea. Korean people tend to be very superstitious... but because my mother was still pregnant with me, she did not tell anyone what the fortune teller told her. (I knew she had gone to a fortune teller, but I thought that was after we reunited. I didn't know this influenced her decision to relinquish me.)
When she gave birth to me, she placed me for adoption in secret. She told everyone I had died. My birth father was away at sea, traveling between Korea and Japan for business. For some reason, I always thought he was a fisherman, but I don't think that's true either.
Nonetheless, my Korean mother felt she had no choice. I still feel so sorry for her because she must've felt terribly alone.
My Imo didn't know I was alive until I called her one day. I remember it being around the year 2000. I have a hard time understanding that because I got her phone number from my Korean family. I assumed she was given a "heads-up" about me calling... but tonight, my Imo said that she didn't know about me until then. So, either I misunderstood something, or that's really the truth.
Funny thing, my Korean mother and father were both so ashamed, but my Imo saw the good side. She said she told my mother that, "Michelle is a blessing." All of my sisters went to college, everyone turned out okay... and I was in the United States. A blessing, indeed.
And then... Stacy turned to me and said something like, "Yung (my imo) was upset because she would've loved to adopt you." My Imo then shouted, "Yeah!" It was as if she wholeheartedly agreed.
It was a simple statement, but it had just never occurred to me. Suddenly, a million thoughts rushed through my head... my brain was in overdrive. What would it have been like to grow up near San Francisco instead of rural Missouri? Would I know Korean? Would I have been me? What would my profession be? What would my parents, Charles and Sharon have done--who would they have adopted? Who would I be married to right now? Would I know I was adopted or would my auntie and the family keep it a secret? It's all totally plausible because Korean people tend to NOT be forthcoming... it's a cultural thing.
I told Jim, and it was a bit heavy for us. And, at the same time, as I left San Leandro, I felt a stronger connection to Imo and Stacy. They would've cared for me and loved me, for sure. But, I don't have any regrets, and I don't think they do either.
It also occurred to me that I have a greater responsibility to care for my Imo when she gets older. I am her only blood relative in the United States. She and Stacy don't have children... only a few nieces and nephews. They both are great people, and although I know they're happy, content, and competent, I worry about who will take care of them as they age.
The funny thing is that revelations can be small and seem insignificant in so many ways. At the same time, one sentence can trip you up for a few hours. Knowing my birth parents had the financial means to raise me seemed a little disappointing. Hearing that my aunt would've willingly raised me stunned me. It's not a big deal, but it is a big deal.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Finding birth family does not solve anything. It does not bring closure. It, in fact, complicates things and feelings. Sometimes I envy those adoptees who can still fantasize about their birth family and place them on a pedestal. They can still have dreams of being a "Korean princess", or a little Asian, orphan Annie.
At the same time, I wouldn't change a thing. My life has been so enriched, and it's forced me to take more pride in being Korean. I just told someone last week that I've spent more than half my life being embarrassed about being Korean... and I won't do it anymore. I won't let people tell me who I am. My life experiences make me who I am--whether it's from Charlie and Sharon or Won Gap and Hang Soon. Or my IMO... I am blessed, just like Imo said!
On a lighter note, check her out! She really cracks me up.
My brother-in-law got married this weekend! It was such a beautiful ceremony... and the bride was probably the most beautiful bride I've ever seen. Tiffany is super tall, tan, blonde, gorgeous... she looked stunning in her dress.
Jim was the best man, not surprisingly. What did suprise me, was his toast. There are very few times when a loved one blows you away... wouldn't you say? Well, Jim blew me away with his toast. He did such a good job talking about his brother, including their grandpa Joe, and talking about the things that make their brotherly relationship so special. It really did bring a few tears to my eyes. And I was shocked at how well Jim worked the crowd. I mean, nothing he does amazes me because that's why I married him, but I was surprised to see him look so at ease with speaking.
A BAD TRAVEL DAY
The wedding was Saturday. Fast forward to today--Monday. We drove back from St. Louis Sunday night, and like the dummy I am, I chose to stay up all night and take my time packing. This way, I could finish the laundy, do the dishes, and make Jim's lunches for the week.
Afterall, I'd sleep on the plane... my flight left at 6:15 a.m.
WRONG!
My flight was delayed because a light indicator was going off. We had to wait for a mechanic.
We waited. and waited... and waited...
Finally, the flight was delayed further. Then, it was just canceled.
Then, I got re-routed to Chicago, which meant I'd be in San Francisco about 8 hours than originally planned. Not happy.
Then, I went and ordered chili fries. I mean, I was up all night! It didn't matter that it was 7 a.m. to me... it's always 5 o'clock somewhere...
A few minute later, I heard a guy say to another that the plane had been fixed. Huh? So, I marched my butt up to the desk and asked... sure enough, it was. I asked to be re-routed to Denver because there were more flights available to SF from there.
Prayers answered.
There was a lot more drama involved, but I'm too tired. So basically, I got here at 1:30 p.m. rather than 10 a.m.
Only problem... my luggage didn't make it.
Still at 8:20 p.m. SF time... still not here. I took a shower when I came to the room, but I still had to put on my dirty clothes afterwards. Yuck!
That leads me to my next story...
A BAD-ASS BLOODY MARY
I am drinking one bloody mary. Not out of frustration, but just because I like the taste of them. Bloody marys remind me of my college days hanging out at a bar called Louise's West. Not only did they have the best bloody mary recipe, they also served it with a pickle.
This pickle has haunted me ever since. I always have to ask for a pickle and explain to the bartender and the people around me that it's really, really good.
In fact, if I have guests over at my house, I will serve them bloody marys and pickles. And they all agree it's pretty good.
So, that's what happened at Max's, the bar in my hotel. I ordered a bloody mary with a side of pickles... the bartender told me I was the first to ever ask for pickles. (Yes!) I like being the first...
Anyway, the bartender makes a pretty mean bloody mary mix-- I remember hearing lemons, limes, worcestershire, A1, pepper, and horseradish... but I can't remember the rest. To me, I think a good ingredient is Greek seasoning.
The bartender also told me to go to a bar called Zeitgeist. He said it's kind of a biker bar, but they have the best bloody marys. After reading a few reviews, I'm definitely up for it. Still wish I had my luggage, but I'm getting over it.
Openly racist Glenn Miller is running for U.S. Senate. And again, Mr. Miller is catching controversy... his political ads are airing across the state, and they should be shocking. But they're not.
What else would you expect?
I actually debated whether to even put this on here because I don't like drawing attention to it. At the same time, I think it's interesting.
I am always intrigued by people like Glenn Miller. Do you think he really believes what he's saying? I'd like to interview him.
Hate is such a terrible thing. I really hate hate. I could talk about this for hours, but I won't. Not right now. Instead, watch this story we did on him, by clicking here.
From a numbers standpoint, Missouri and Arkansas have more hate groups than most states in the U.S., according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. What I think is interesting is the number of Christian hate groups-- sounds like an oxymoron, right?
This is Joshua Sacco, a 5-year-old who delivers Herb Brooks' "Miracle" speech... it is freaking hilarious.
By the way, this was shown live on NESN, the New England Sports Network. Jim used to work there! He traveled to Japan with NESN to interview the "Babe Ruth" of Japan and other baseball greats. I loved watching his story, and it won an Emmy.
I've been invited to speak at Missouri State University tomorrow night to talk about why Asians rock (seriously) for Asian American Heritage Month. MSU likes to start celebrating in April, though the official month is May.
There are so many things I want to say about this. But, I really need to be tweaking my speech right now.
Like the video, there are really great things about being Asian American. First of all, I always thought of myself as being Americanfirst before my ethnicity. But, I do take great pride in being a Korean-born Asian.
I do wish more people in the Ozarks took pride in their backgrounds, that diversity was placed at a higher importance than we've seen in the workplace, schools, the community. I wish we had more business and community leaders who fought for change, ensured equality, and enlightened others about their differences. It is a struggle everywhere in this country, but since I live in the Ozarks, I'm focused on what positive changes can be made HERE.
It is a marathon, not a sprint. In the meantime, enjoy the YouTube video... and if you'd like, come hear me speak! Other great speakers will be there, too. Thursday night around 7 p.m. at Plaster Student Union, third floor.
Leaders from Fort Leonard Wood came to KSPR to share some valuable information-- for the first time in three decades, the military is changing the way it trains people. Working smarter, not harder, per se.
I love the military. I never had the kahonas to even consider joining, but I do have family members who are currently serving. And, of course, friends. Even if you don't want to get political, you should always support our troops!
And, I'm feeling very fortunate. They asked me to speak at the post in May for Asian American Heritage Month. Woot! Details to come.
If you're following the K2 debate, then watch my latest story (scroll all the way down.) I think K2 will eventually be illegal in Missouri, but for now, the bills are running their courses in Jeff City.
Representative Ward Franz from West Plains told me last night that a senate committee discussed his house bill. Franz's bill would make K2 a felony, and it would go into effect immediately. He says some people have complained to him of having rapid heart beats and high blood pressure from using K2. He says K2 should have harsher consequences than marijuana, simply because it's more dangerous. In his mind, he says it's definitely not comparing apples to apples.
On the other hand, there are arguments out there that say if K2 is banned, something else will take its place. A lot of K2 supporters say this is also an argument to make marijuana legal.
The truth? Don't ask me. There are compelling arguments for both. I think there's no question that kids shouldn't use it... but that's not the argument. Even the K2 supporters I've talked to believe K2 use should be limited to adults. Do alcohol and tobacco cause more deaths? Actually, yes... but, I just don't see how anyone can use that alone as an argument to keep K2 legal.
On a side note, here's what I think is interesting. I called local hospitals, and they're not tracking it. I've heard stories of people getting sent to the E.R. and doctors having no idea how to diagnose or treat it... but in the end, I think it's new enough that people can't make a great assessment about K2. Are lawmakers jumping the gun? Perhaps. Are users being too careless about what they're putting in their bodies? Maybe. We all know smoking anything is not good for your body...
Again, I think there are believable, credible arguments for both sides. But in reality, I can't see any lawmaker actually advocating for K2. If not for safety concerns, the fallout in the next election would be enough to stop a politician from supporting it. So, despite what anyone thinks, the decision will likely be made for Missourians before the majority of residents even know what K2 is.
I'm not prepared to give my personal opinion, but I do think it's fair, as always, to listen to both sides.
Check this out! Mike Scott calls it the dunk of the year.
It's Trey Starks-- he goes to Hillcrest. Watch as he jumps over another human being! What I can't believe is that he's not quite six feet tall. I want to see this kid in action! Go Trey! (Read more here.)
This thing has gone viral! Nearly 11,000 hits since 10:45 p.m. Sunday night (this was updated at 9:10 p.m. Monday...)
Another great Rittman find: Tae Yang is so dreamy. I think it's so cool that he sounds and looks like any other American artist, yet he's Korean! It's strange how some things transcend...
I really love Korean pop. Love it. Love it. Love it. I think it's funny how some artists will try to sing in English... and say things like, "east side, west side."
Nonetheless, I do have a new crush on Tae Yang. He is my b-boy forever.
Okay, this is in response to Nick! He asked where he can buy cucumber kimchi. He recently ate at my favorite restaurant, Soo's, and said he loved the cucumber kimchi.
Nick! You can buy cucumber kimchi at the Asian market just down Campbell. It's a little different than the kind you get served at Soo's... most of the time, it's stuffed. But it's still tasty!
courtesy thepauperedchef.com (This is the kind of kimchi you'll likely buy at an Asian food store)
You can also look for it at the Asian market on Glenstone. (I think near Glenstone and Bennett.) I also like to go to that one because it's convenient.
I always make my own cucumber kimchi. I think it tastes more similar to the one you can order at Soo's. It's super easy, you'll laugh at how easy it is! Click here to find the recipe!
Hope that helps, Nick! ...And to anyone who wants to try cucumber kimchi. It is honestly my favorite kimchi to eat, and overall, I think it's a dish that goes over well among newbies to Korean food.
In just a few weeks, I'll be jet-setting to California to visit a handful of my college girlfriends. We're all celebrating our 30th year on earth, and I can't wait to see them! We're going to stay in San Francisco and hit up Napa Valley while we're there.
(Tracy's missing in this pic, though it was her wedding!)
One of my girlfriends works on the business side of a prominent hotel chain, so she's getting us a great deal on accommodations. But, I'm going to go out a couple of days early so I can visit Imo and Stacy. My dilemma has been where to stay before the girls come out.
I typically like to use VRBO.com. I always tell everyone how awesome it is... but this time around, it was really hard for me to find something that fit me. Plus, I'll be traveling alone for the first time in my life! I mean, I've traveled alone before, but it was always for a convention or something, so it didn't really feel like I was alone. I want to be somewhere central, busy, and safe... plus, I want to be close to Union Square because that's where we're all staying once the girls come in. I don't want to lug my suitcase very far!
I found a great hotel! I'm going to be staying at Hotel Frank. Ever heard of it? It's a part of a string of Personality Hotels... I couldn't be more thrilled! The design is so beautiful.
I'll definitely take pictures when I get there. And, the best part... I got the room for $125 a night-- and I even upgraded to a suite! Ooh la la! I have a feeling that Jim will wish he could come on this trip!
If you go to a uber chic Personality Hotel, let me know and send pictures!
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- South Korea's Kim Yu-na has won the women's figure skating gold medal at the Vancouver Olympics -- and did it by setting a record. Photos: Women's Figure Skating Finals
South Korea's Kim Yu-Na performs during the women's free skating event.
Ms. Kim shattered her own world mark by scoring 228.56 points, more than 18 higher than her previous record. She is the winner of South Korea's first Olympic medal in the sport.
Mao Asada of Japan won the silver, but finished 23 points behind Ms. Kim.
Joannie Rochette, whose mother died four days ago, got the bronze, Canada's first women's medal in the games since 1988. American Mirai Nagasu finished fourth.
I just found this on my sister's Facebook page. I've never seen it before! I wanted to take pictures and document Jim's trip the ER in Korea, but I just thought that was too heartless (as his wife, I mean.)
But, I really wanted to record the memory for him! Korean people apparently go to the E.R. for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. My Korean family says people even go for colds, so they really pushed us into going.
Here's what happened. We got married Korean-style in Busan (also my birthplace.)
We then went to T.G.I.Friday's (really? An American restaurant?) Jim ordered a chicken sandwich. So did Glenn. Apparently, the chicken was not cooked properly, and Jim got terribly ill as we were returning to Miryang. He was vomiting uncontrollably and sweating... he was like that for a full day. We got really concerned later that night, and Glenn suggested we go to the E.R.
Surprisingly, the doctor spoke English very well. I enjoyed talking with him!
It was traumatic, however. While we were there, a family rushed in carrying a screaming little girl. She had something sharp in her eye, and the doctor couldn't get it out. I think they transferred her. She made the most gut-wrenching sound, and everyone was practically in tears listening to it.
I really liked going to the E.R., aside from Jim actually being sick. I saw my birth family in action, and that was so cool. Immediately, they took care of Jim. They all went to the E.R. in a caravan, and they patiently waited for the doctor to tell them what was wrong. It was such a strong family moment, and though it was an awkward time to be happy, I was overjoyed at how my birth family responded. They reminded me of Jim's family. There were so many of them running around and being supportive. I grew up in a small family, so the dramatics aren't quite there when two of us run to each others' side. Jim comes from a large family... and apparently, I do, too!
Anyway, if you ever go to an E.R. in a small Korean mountain town, it will be a really interesting experience. Ours looked like an urgent care center and NOT the E.R. we are used to seeing in the states. Jim got an IV, and after an hour or so, we went home. And this is the only picture we have of it!
KSPR's Gridiron Joel Girdner was creeping on the internet and found this picture of me and my sweetheart just now. Thanks, Joel!
If I remember right, this is after a tornado. I kind of think this was after a tornado hit the River Downs subdivision in Nixa. Refresh my memory... 2006? Those were the good days... I mean, not because of the tornado. But because Jim and I worked together.
I've been so busy these days that I haven't been able to blog. I'm in the process of testing products again, and if you have any insight, let me know!
1. iposture (gives you a buzz when you don't sit up straight!)
2. Haan steam cleaner-- I've always wanted to test these out!
3. Cooljamaz-- these are PJs that you're supposed to wear if you sweat a lot-- good for those who are going through menopause or chemo... we'll see!
4. I'm also in the process of testing out a Shutter cover (that's supposed to bring down your heat bills... ) but I don't know if it's going to make the Does It Work Segment.
These are a few that I'm working now... I think they're bigger and better than what I've previously. The monetary value has gone up significantly... so we'll see! I am going to do the stories a little differently this go-around, so I'll keep you posted on who will test them. But, in the meantime, if you have ideas, would like to volunteer to be a tester, or know a good product to test, leave a comment!
One of our keen producers, Larry Burkum, may have found out the secret the folks at JQH have been trying to keep under wraps until Monday morning.
Country music star Carrie Underwood may be coming to Springfield. In my opinion... if it's true, it would be Springfield's first major concert. Yes, we've had big names come before, like the Eagles, but they're not, um... current. (Don't be mad Eagles fans!)
If Carrie Underwood comes to Springfield, who's next? Please, please let it be Beyonce. :)
Anyway, read the story on KSPR.com-- but all I can say is thank goodness for screen captures!
For the first time, we went to The Albatross. The chance at smoking a hookah was enticing enough, but the BYOB factor made it almost irresistible.
On my inaugural trip, I didn't bring any beer or alcohol. I just brought an eagerness to tryout a new place. And I brought Jim, of course.
We met up with some of our friends who were already smoking out of a hookah. I think they bought blackberry-flavored tobacco. The hookah also had fruit punch instead of water in the bottom. I thought it was a nice touch.
I was really surprised how clear the air felt inside the lounge. I expected the smoke to be overwhelming, but it was really easy to breathe.
The Albatross has a fair amount of college-like charm. I had the chance to talk with the owner, and he said a hookah lounge in Springfield was well overdue. He said it was fairly typical for a college town to have one or two hookah bars. I once smoked out of a hookah at Riad's, but that was several years ago, and I'm not sure if the restaurant still has hookahs. I really got a good impression from the owner, and I liked his approach to opening an establishment that could be, at times, misunderstood. By that, I mean he told me he wouldn't be selling any questionable herbs, like K2. Though the establishment's been open since the fall, it wasn't until December that The Albatross brought in the hookahs, and it seems like there's been some careful planning in doing so.
On a side note, I was especially impressed with the vintage matchbooks.
I am not a smoker, but I had a lovely evening at The Albatross. Next time I go back, I may even bring a beer or two.
I didn't really crash a wedding, but at first, it felt like it.
A pastor of a Korean church in Springfield invited me to a traditional Korean wedding...
He said it was for Josh Kinney(yes, the St. Louis Cardinals pitcher) and Jorni Kinney. The couple officially got married in New York back in November, but they also wanted to have a traditional Korean wedding in Springfield. Jorni graduated from Kickapoo High School and met Josh when he played for the Springfield Cardinals.
It may seem a little weird to others that Jim and I were invited without knowing the bride or groom, but it wasn't really weird, at least not to anyone at the church... A lot of Korean people were invited just to support the Kinneys! Earlier in the week, Pastor Yoon from the Korean Presbyterian Church off Grant Avenue asked if I could come. It was his first traditional ceremony at the church, he said. I wasn't sure if he wanted media coverage... but when I asked, he emailed, "Praise the Lord!" He said it would be a neat story to feature for cultural reasons. I emailed Jorni this week, and she was fine with it. She is such a nice girl...and so pretty! She also looked very beautiful in her Korean wedding dress. I actually got kind of sick for Korea when I watched her and Josh go through all the thingswe did back in October with Hyun Jeong and Glenn. I think it brought back good memories for Jim, too. Oh, and even Josh had to wear a light colored hanbok, like Jim's! Josh's hanbok was peach and blue... not quite pink! Look below to see what I mean!
*Thank you to Pastor Yoon and the Kinney's for letting us witness their special day! And the Korean food was great, too! If you're interested, the church teaches Korean language classes every Saturday... and they are truly a multicultural congregation!
Then, I found an online code to help with my order (type CAROLINA) and save 50% on orders of $15.00 or more. (I think it's just up to $7.50, though)...
So, I went a little nuts. I ordered 100 pairs of fake eyelashes... for $24.95. You can't beat that price anywhere else.
I know it sounds crazy, but I get so sick of buying eyelashes and spending $3 or $4 a pair.
This aired on ABC during my birthday (how did I miss this?!)
But, my pal Emily showed me this tonight... the funny thing is, these are real Korean dancers... doing real, traditional drumming! I'm not sure I'm sold on the mix of traditional Korean drummers and Shakira, but I really do appreciate the effort.
I've been really slacking off today. It's the first time I've had a day off... and done absolutely nothing! I literally watched two movies, the news, several TV shows, updated my Twitter and Facebook accounts probably a dozen times.
And I don't feel guilty about it. (Though I have family coming into town late tonight, so I guess I should start cleaning!)
I am so super pissed I can barely see straight. As I type this, I'm on hold with my insurance company, strapped to my computer trying to find glass companies...
Someone broke into my car between the time I got off work last night and the time I started going to work this afternoon.
It practically happened at my front door, as you can see my front porch in the background.
I've never had any trouble in my seven years of living in Springfield. Until, of course, I bought a house in my favorite neighborhood. In September, someone stole my scooter, feet away from our front door. Today, someone bashed in my front passenger door and ransacked my car. News folk will recognize... they left my spare IFB (earpiece for news)... though I will definitely have to disinfect it.
I'm mostly mad at the jerk(s) who did this. Then, I find myself getting mad at Jim because we always fight over the driveway. My argument is that our personal car should go in the driveway and the company car should go out in the street. He gets home before me so I've always lost that one. It's a fight we had back at our old house, too. Now, I'm stuck with calling the police, the insurance company, the car shop... and looking for rides to and from work, the car shop, and am stranded without a car. Let's hope it doesn't snow or rain! I'm left with a ton of frustration. I love Jim, don't mean to complain. Just so mad!! Blacking out as we speak!
AAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH. No offense to St. Benedictine, but I could've really used his help overnight. At least the thief (theives) left him to fight another day.
By the way, I'm also irritated that the police won't come to my house. What will it take for people to get the services they need? Vandalism and theft leave people feeling so vulnerable, and it's really sad that in this day and age, police don't have the resources to accomplish helping solve the crimes that are most likely to happen to people. I'm not blaming police. I want to know what we can do to change that. Taxes? I could rant on...
**NOTE** A big thank you to Sandy D., Bob D. and Curtis H. for coming to my aid. It was really unnecessary, but the Greene County Sheriff's Department took fingerprints just before 5 p.m. Wow, I'm impressed! What professionals!
I guess it's not that bad, but it felt really awkward at the time. Kind of like my life, really. But, Slick Willie Shaw was such a great person, and I really was fascinated and awestruck by his amazing talent!
In the meantime, the Harlem Globetrotters will be in Springfield January 21. We are giving away 4 tickets! If you buy them, you'll have to pay between $20 and $70 each! Click here for details... and watch Joe do the butt-bump! (*We also have another contest going through our promotions department... that will get your kids a chance to be near the bench! If you want details on that, email me!)
I'm not trying to brag, but my Shape Up Shoes are all the rave at work! People keep staring at them and trying them on... it's been fun. (Sorry the pic isn't very good.)
The question is... do they work?
The jury's still out.
I wanted to try the Reebok or the Skechers shoes, but I DID NOT want to spend $100! A google search led me to the Shape Up Shoes... for just $39.99. Still a little expensive, but they definitely won't break the bank.
What I hope they DO break... is my bad posture. I also hope to shape up my legs. (These shoes promise to work out your legs and butt without hitting the gym...)
I asked Jim to get them for me for Christmas (we decided not to buy presents this year, but we each got one.) Women swear by them! I will say, I can notice a slight burn when I walk in them for a distance.
I'll keep you posted on this one. In the meantime, here's a story that KABC out of Los Angeles did:
This is my personal blog! I like to write about my family, friends, and passions. No hidden agendas, though I'm a crazy advocate for adoption. I'm here to make friends and peace, and I hope you do the same when you leave a comment!
![[SB10001424052748704479404575088424207753564]](http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-HR447_0226sk_D_20100225233224.jpg)
