Dude, It’s Dana!

So I was in a car wreck today.  I’m ok, just a little sore, but unfortunately for my beloved car I can’t say the same.  I am shaken and stirred and badly in need of some vodka.  See, what had happen was…(tee hee, don’t you just love that statement????) I had just pulled out of the McDonald’s on Hampton.  It was hot today, so I decided I needed a sweet tea and an ice cream cone.  Right?  Right.  So, as I pull out of the McD’s, I’m in the far right lane.  The two lanes to the left of me had stopped traffic, but my lane was clear.  Well, a girl and a guy were coming the opposite direction, making a left turn into the Taco Bell.  Because of the stopped traffic, they didn’t see me till it was too late and the next thing I know, my ice cream is on the window, my air bag was deployed and all I saw was red (the other car).  By the time I opened my eyes, I thought I was dying.  Who knew that air bags deployed dusty powder that resembles smoke?  Apparently everyone but me.  I thought the car was on fire.  Scared the holy crap out of me.

Thankfully none of us were hurt, other than the cars.  Just scared really.  The firemen who showed up were so nice and super quick.  It took the police a little over an hour to arrive.  I have a major problem with that, but wouldn’t you know it was SHIFT CHANGE.  Note to self:  do not have an emergency during SHIFT CHANGE.

So, both myself and the other driver are with State Farm and the claim was filed and processed in less than two hours!  I was surprised and impressed.  My car got towed to an auto body shop and Enterprise came and picked me up and about twenty minutes later, I was on my way in a rental car.  I’m really glad I didn’t have any added insurance company stress.  Glad = Thankful.

Now, it’s imperative that I start car shopping.  My car is totaled and the auto body shop confirmed this upon arrival.  This is the part that stresses me out, so I just hope it all goes well.

You know, I think about getting into a car accident several times a day.  Mostly because it’s one of my biggest fears…next to flying and getting eaten by a shark as my plane crashes.  Anyway, today, crashing wasn’t on my mind.  I assume it’s probably not for most people when it happens anyway.  I just keep replaying it in my mind.  Also, I think I’m going to be very skiddish going to either McDonald’s or Taco Bell for the next couple of months.  Perhaps that’s not exactly a bad thing.

Anyway, pictures of my poor, broken car are on my FB.  That’s all I have for now.  I’m waiting for the Advil to kick in and then I’m going to sleep for the evening.  I’ve had enough excitement for today.

I did, and all of the sudden it was a year later, and my whole life was different.  And by different, I mean excellent!  Things have been going so great for me the past few months, I just hope I can ride out this good wave for the rest of the year!  My sister is about ready to pop this baby out *any* *minute* and I couldn’t be more excited!  I feel like this has been the longest nine months of my life!  hahaha Yes, *my* life!  Waiting is hard work!  In less than two weeks I will be Auntie Day Day!  Summer is rocking itself out.  I’ve been pretty busy hanging with my lovelies, doing outside activities, and just enjoying the warm weather!  Oh, and I’m also dating a pretty awesome boy.

Yeah, I said boy.  He’s an Air Force boy and he makes my life brighter.  That’s all I’m going to say for now.  Who knows where it’ll go from here, but I’m enjoying him and he’s enjoying me and that’s all that counts.

I’m gearing up for a busy next couple of weeks and I’m kind of excited about it!  I’ve got baseball games (a field visit even included with one!), Wicked, and a birthday trip to the East Coast baybee!  I’ll be spending my 30th in Cape Cod and I cannot wait!  Then, in August, I’m Memphis bound.  Man I love my life!

Well, that’s all I’ve got right now.  Until next time…

So, there’s something I need to get off my chest.  It’s called JJ’s.  Apparently, at JJ’s, you can go to the bar, but as a straight girl, you are apparently not able to dance on the dance floor.  Can I just say, Kiss My Ass?  Really?  After all this time, we’re still experiencing discrimination?   Come the FUCK on.  Yeah, I said FUCK.  You know, a lot of people I love are gay.  SO WHAT??  Like it’s a big deal.  I’m here to inform you that it’s not.  IT’S NOT A BIG DEAL.  And the fact that there are people still out there that don’t get it, baffles me.  This isn’t a long post, it’s just a bitchy post.  Don’t hate.  EVER.  I’m telling you as a person who doesn’t hate…stop it.  If it doesn’t effect you, leave it the fuck alone.  Otherwise, let me dance with you!  I love STL, and I hope someday I can look at STL and think I just may be in Chicago.  Just sayin!

Well hello friends!  It’s been a minute.  To follow up from my last post real quick, I did receive a response back from Oral-B.  The response said absolutely nothing about the problem I addressed other than, “Thank you for writing, we like hearing from our customers….blah….bullshit…blah and ps.  we are sending you a coupon for a FREE Oral B MANUAL toothbrush.”  WHAT?  Seriously?  So, as much as I like the Oral-B toothbrush, I’m switching to a different brand.  That, my friends, is how you lose a loyal brand follower.

In other news, the STL home opener was Monday!  TIME OF MY LIFE!  By far, the best opening day I’ve ever been too!  My cousin Justin, and his 7 year old, Devon went with me.  It was Devon’s first opening day and MAN was it fun!  I’m so glad baseball is here…it’s like a new part of me came back alive!  On Tuesday, the big D was finalized.  Phshew!  That’s 10 years of life I can say goodbye too.  Time for the next 10!  Yesterday I went out with a few friends, and tomorrow I’m going to my nephew’s ultrasound!  Pretty eventful week if you ask me!

I’m living back in the city now!  LOVE IT!  I love my neighborhood, my neighbors, and everything about my apartment.  I love it so much I hardly ever want to leave!  The coolest part is, my landlords (the coolest guys alive) have bonfires in our yard pretty much each weekend and we all go out and sit around and drink beer, grill out, and just have a good time!  I couldn’t ask for a better spot to call home!  I have to admit though, I do miss Matt and India.  I can only imagine how much I’m going to miss little Aston as soon as he’s born!  Oy vey!

Hmm, what else?  I’ve been couponing for a while now.  You laugh all you want, but until Matt’s mom introduced me to couponing, I had no idea how it worked.  Well, lemme tell you, I went to Walgreens the other day to pick up a few things, and after all my coupons, it cost me a mere $0.53.  Yes, that’s right..less than a dollar all thanks to my coupons!  I have a huge binder with all my coupons separated out by category such as bread, dairy, frozen, etc and I even have store sections like Target, Walgreens, etc.  Every week I look forward to the paper coming out to see what kind of deals I can score for the week!  If you get the paper, and you don’t use your coupons, HOOK A SISTER UP!  LOL.

Anyway, that’s a little glimpse into my world this week.  Hope you’re all enjoying the beautiful weather!

The 'Brushes in question (Red - new/Teal - old)

Okay, so a few things on my mind this evening.  Kinda dumb, but whatever.  So, my dentist suggested I start using the Oral-B Pulsar toothbrush a while back, because he says that he can always tell a difference in his patients that use them, vs a manual toothbrush, whatever.  So, I’ve been using this toothbrush for several years now.  I love it.  I can always count on a great visit to my dentist and I always feel like my teeth are clean.  (Cheesy, I know…but I have a thing with my teeth.)  Anyway, here’s my problem.  This evening, I went out to buy a new toothbrush.  Why, you ask?  Well, it seems as of lately, my trusty Oral B Pulsar runs out of battery power sooner and sooner.  So, as I was looking at the toothbrushes, I noticed Oral B has a new one out, some Advantage 3D Whitening something or other.  So, I have to admit, the “3D” bit caught my attention, so I bought it.  Hey, I needed a new toothbrush and I’m brand loyal.  Plus, I like to follow my dentist’s advice.  Ya’ll know how freaked out I get by guys with sharp tools in my facial region.  Anyway, so I get to the checkout and pay for this toothbrush (among other things) and after I get home, I realize I just paid $7.99 for a toothbrush that runs on a AAA battery.  WTF?  I compare it to my Oral B Pulsar, and what do you know, IT’S THE SAME DAMN TOOTHBRUSH.  Now, as I was standing in the bathroom doing my toothbrush analyzing, I began to get really angry.  I mean, why mess around with people and their teeth?  First, you’re gouging me with your price of a regular toothbrush with a freaking AAA battery in it, then you’re going to insult my intelligence by putting out a “new” product that looks exactly like the “old” product.  I fully plan on writing a letter, but I had to vent to someone.  And yes, I know I could just buy a rechargeable toothbrush, but I don’t want to do that.  I used to have one of those and for some reason, it grosses me out.  That’s why I stopped using it.  Don’t ask me why, I don’t know.  I just see visions of germs and more germs with ugly faces.  So anyway, that is currently part of what’s bugging me.

The other part of my distress this evening involves men.

Mainly men who seek out women on the internet.  So, here’s what I think.  If you’re seeking a woman out on the internet, it seems to me that you would really concentrate on your wording and use words that aren’t offensive or degrading.  I mean, I realize some (SOME…relax.) men are not the brightest bulbs in the cardboard, but COME ON.  I recently ran across an ad on StinkyFish from a guy who says:

“I always meet attractive women out but they bore me to death.  I’m hoping to find a woman who can hold my attention.”

Uh, I’ll give the guy the benefit of the doubt and ASSUME he just typed out a thought without actually reading said thought, however, you know what happens when you ASSUME.  Needless to say, this guy emailed a friend of mine and tried to make a “connection.”  My friend matter of  factly told him that she was not interested and told him he should proof read his profile.  Okay.  Are we the only ones who just find this hilarious, but appalling at the same time?  Girls?  Scott?

So, that’s about it.  Nothing too big on the mind this evening (thankfully).  I did have a pretty kick ass meeting this morning, but I won’t have more details until next week, so keep your fingers and toes crossed for me.  Today marks exactly 1 week until I move.  I *really* need to start packing.  I’m thinking tomorrow my goal is to pack one box.  Just one.  We’ll see how that works out!

So, as I sit here and type this post, I’m watching my lovely, pregnant sister drink her “orange drink” for her glucose test.  She says it’s like kool-aid, except super super super sugary sweet.  It’s kinda funny.  I suppose it’s a sister thing.  My nephew, Aston Douglas, will arrive on or about July 10th and I couldn’t be more excited!  Every week I go out shopping for the little guy.  I’ve already bought him clothes, diapers to last a good 6 months, wipes to last a year, his first binkie, and tons of Johnson’s Baby Bath products.  He will be one well dressed, smelling good little guy!

In other news, I am moving back to the city on April 1st!  Very excited as my new place is in a fantastic area with friends nearby!  I also will have two wonderful roommates!  We’ll call them L and JT.  Now all I need to do is start packing.  Yeah, procrastinate much?  If you know me, you know this has become a thing of common.  I’m sure I’ll do a marathon packing session two days before the movers show up!

School is going well.  According to my professors, I will make a most excellent social worker.  Little do they know that recently I’ve been thinking of going the mental route, with maybe a hint of research involved in my future career.  We’ll see.  Right now, I’m looking for a case management type position to get me through school.  We’ll see what happens with that.

So, my friend Scott has a blog and you should check it out.  He can bring the LOL’s every once in a while

Well, that’s it for now my friends.  I have a lot going on, but you don’t need to know all the gritty details.  Just know things are great in my life right now and the future is lookin’ bright!  Till next time…

Can I just move to the beach?  Seriously.  It’s where I belong.  I don’t think anyone can dispute that.  I am looking forward to heading home tomorrow though.  I miss my family, I miss my friends, and I miss my everyday activities.  Oy vey!  I’ve had some boy drama to deal with and I simply do not like it.  Home ball please!

Really though, I’ve had a great time down here as per usual!  I had the most fantastic crab I’ve ever tasted since I’ve been here from this place called the Rustic Inn.  It was super fun and so delicious!  If you get down to Ft. Lauderdale, you should check it out.

Well, I’m just on my way to sleep land, so I’ll try and post some more at the airport tomorrow.  Night ya’ll.

Okay ya’ll!  I know it’s a few days late, but I was only home from New Orleans for 3 days before I left for Florida.  Give me a break!  I’ll just jump right into it and keep it short and sweet.  Mardi Gras was amazing!  I have seriously never had so much fun in my LIFE.  And honestly, if you know me, you know this is near impossible!  From the city itself to the thousands of people in the streets.  It was just completely amazing!  When we got down on Bourbon, we were immediately checked into our hotel, which rocked.  We stayed at the Bourbon Orleans and it couldn’t have been more perfect!  The hotel staff was excellent and our room was awesome!  We faced the courtyard and we had garden doors that opened right to the heated outdoor pool.  Fantastic!  (That comes into play later).  Anyway, our first night, we started out walking around and checking out the sites.  Laughed our asses off at all the crazy people, and then finally found ourselves on a balcony throwing beads.  Funny how I always seem to find the good stuff  Anyway, we met the best people on the balcony and ended up hanging out with some “photographers” who were just a hoot and a holler!  After we threw out what seemed like a million beads, our “photographers” gave us beads to throw out.  It was just a freaking bead frenzy.  After we got bored with that, we walked down to the Bourbon Cowboy and rocked it out!  I’ve literally never had so much fun at a bar before!  The highlight of the night was getting swept off my feet by a young boy who just got back from Iraq.  Cute as a button and cracked me up the entire time he tried to “teach” me to country dance.  Oh man!  The laughs just never stopped.  We eventually ended up at this bar/grill/bowling alley place where we finished our drinking, got some food, and laughed over “Elvis” our waiter.  Now, this was just the first night.  The second night however, was the best night of the trip.  More balcony, some Jesus people, boobs, boys, boys, boys.  Oy vey!  When I have more time, I’ll tell ya about my skinny dip in the heated pool, and the whistle security guard with a lisp!  Oh man.

Now, I’m in Florida and I couldn’t ask for a better trip!  My flight was excellent, the cocktails courtesy of Southwest were excellent, and I have nothing else to say but Excellent!  Last night we went out to the Carolina Ale House and had a few drinks and watched the Laker’s game.  It was really fun.  The thing about this trip, is, it’s just very chill.  I can’t remember the last time I came to Florida and just had a “chill” time.  I’m lovin’ it!  Tonight we’re going to some world famous crab place, and then hitting up some bar/club scene called Riverwalk in Ft. Lauderdale and see what kind of trouble I can find there!  Tomorrow I’ll be hitting up South Beach and then I’ll be home late Monday night.

And, in case you are wondering…I’ll be home for a while this time!  hahaha  My friends and family are concerned that I’m going to disappear and become a traveling gypsy.  Well, the truth is, while I’d love to do that, I’ve gotta go home and take care of business.  Ugh.  I know.  So, not me.  But so me.  I’ve got a nephew on the way, a crap ton of homework to do, mid-terms coming up, and a new apartment to find.  So, I’ve gotta do it up big before I get back to the real world!

Well, hello little monsters!  Guess what blog just turned 6?  I know, right?  Hard to believe.  Happy Blog-a-versary to me.  Speaking of little monsters, I cannot get GaGa out of my head since seeing her show at the Fox.  All day/all night it’s gaga for GAGA.  This must be stopped.  But, while you’re stopping me, could you show me your teeth?

In other news, this little monster is now a full time student at SLU.  The world of social work is calling and I picked up the phone to answer.  So far, the experience has been awesome!  Even though I’m the oldest person in all my classes, I’m really diggin’ it.  Especially the perverted side of me that loves young college boys who come to class hung over and breathe through their mouths.  Yeah, I know, save your comments for someone who gives a shit.  I’m taking a Spanish class because I plan to go to Madrid for a semester,  so I’m looking forward to that!  However, I will just go ahead and admit, this Spanish stuff is kicking my ass.  It’s way harder than I thought, and the little bit of Spanish I knew before taking this class just flew right out the window!  I’m not giving up though, I’m just taking the long way around.  ;)

On the baby front, we still don’t know what she’s having.  She’s hoping for a girl, Matthew and I are hoping for a boy.  Honestly though, at this point, I don’t care if it’s a boy or a girl.  I just want a healthy little baby!  This baby is already spoiled and it’s not even here yet!  The kid already has plenty of blankets, diapers, and toys.  Come July, we’ll have to move to a bigger house just to store all the kids toys and stuff!

So, needless to say, life has been pretty perfect lately.  And considering the past year was a miserable excuse of a year, I’m SO glad that 2010 is becoming the year of the perfect.  I seriously am blessed to have the life I have.  The best friends and family anyone could ask for and things just seem to fall into place.   I don’t even really have anything to complain about!  Ain’t that a bitch?

Well, it’s 3:30am and I’ve yet to fall asleep so I suppose I should get around to that.  I know I promised you more blog posts in 2010, and I still fully stick to that.  It just might be a minute in between studying and homework!

Woah!  Look at me!  Finally posting after another blog break.  You can thank my good friend, Nicole for this one.  Today at lunch she reminded me that I STILL HAVE A BLOG!  Imagine that!  On to other things.

2009 has been the year from hell.  I won’t sugar coat it.  My life has been turned upside down, flipped around, knocked across the room, jaw stomped, and then ran over by a dump truck.  I’m still standing though!  I’m stronger than I’ve ever been, happier than I ever thought possible and sad at the same time.  I’m still the same person, but different.  And I like it.  I’m ready for 2010.  Like many others, I’m sure.  2010 will be the year of the happy.  I won’t settle for less.  I’m also implementing a zero tolerance policy.  What is this?  Well, basically, I’m not gonna take the crap I took in 2009.  I have zero tolerance for stupidity, heartache, liars, and cheaters.  If you’re one of these things, you will not be in my life in 2010.  Right, wrong, or indifferent, that’s the direction I’m taking.

I hope for you 2009 was good and for those that are ready for it to be over, I wish you an amazing 2010.  Do what makes you happy.  Do the right thing.  Smile often, and never under estimate a woman when she’s down.  She just might do something to makes you say, “DAAAAAAYYYYYUUUUMMMM!”

Happy New Years everyone!  My NY resolution is to blog more!  So, at least you have THAT to look forward too!