Life in the fast lane....and the turn signal on....

commiserating

2008-11-13T16:30:00.003-06:00

One of my coworkers is having a BAD DAY. I approached her by asking if I could help in any way.

"I have chocolate," I offered.
"I need beer," she countered.

I feel ya.

The perfect business

2008-05-06T00:00:00.003-05:00

Some jobs are really seasonal. Take my tax guy, for instance. He must be kinda bored right now, post-April 15th and all. That got me thinking of other seasonal jobs...and I came up with the perfect business. It's a tax preparation-fireworks-costume-Christmas store shop stand office! You would be rolling in the dough ALL YEAR LONG baby!

Aloha means hello and goodbye

2008-05-04T20:48:00.009-05:00

I know this is going to come as a shock, but our 7-day trip in Hawaii was fabulous! Let me give you just a few of the highlights:

new friends - Bethany & Jerry from San Diego
helicopter tour of the island
volcanoes
whale sighting!
rain forests
best margarita ever - passion fruit!
boogie boarding
snorkeling - it was like Finding Nemo!
white sand beaches
black sand beaches
Lava!
waterfalls
traditional Polynesian Luau
booze cruise
mai tais
gorgeous winding roads

There are lots of great stories and pictures, but those will have to wait for now. In the meantime, this is a picture of me with the world's best margarita. I love passion fruit!

btw

2008-04-24T20:28:00.000-05:00

We will be in Hawaii in 2 days.

TWO DAYS, PEOPLE!!

This. Changes. EVERYTHING.

2008-04-24T20:16:00.002-05:00

For the last 16 years, I thought I was 5 foot 3 inches. I identified with this factoid. It was a part of me, like my hair color or my middle name.

I learned today that I am actually 5'4'' (and a smidge). I used to think of myself as a little lady. 5'4'' is actually ABOVE average (average height for an adult female in the United States is 5 feet 3.8 inches). Does this mean I am TALL and never knew it? What if I actually CAN reach the top shelf? What if I don't actually NEED to sit 2 inches from the steering wheel? I don't even know myself anymore.

Aloha!

2007-12-26T21:28:00.001-06:00

Ben and I booked our trip to Hawaii!! We leave on April 26th and return on May 4th. I cannot explain how excited I am!!

So, if you are looking for me sometime in the next 3 months, I can be found at the gym. Wish me luck!

Merry Christmas and happy trails!

2007-12-21T11:01:00.000-06:00

Ben, myself, my mom, dad and sister are heading up to South Dakota tomorrow (wish us luck on spending 6 hours in a car together!) for our Christmas celebration. We will be with my mom's family, eating, drinking and being merry. We will play bingo, in the Hanson tradition, and laugh until our stomachs give out. I'm really looking forward to it.

We will return on Christmas Day, as Ben and I both gotta make our endz, meaning we go back to work on the 26th.

I wish everyone a fun, safe and relaxing Christmas!! Happy birthday Jesus!

work safety vol. 2

2007-12-20T11:50:00.000-06:00

So, just yesterday I posted about the carbon monoxide alarm going off....well, today my office was evacuated!

When I got into work today, I noticed a smell and the alarm was still going off. I was feeling lightheaded, but wasn't sure if it was just my aversion to mornings, acute carbon monoxide poisoning or me overreacting.

I had a meeting at 9:30 with a vendor, which I took off-site as not to poison someone that works for us. As we sit down with our coffee, I see a firetruck screaming down the road. I joke, "wouldn't it be funny if it was headed to my office?" Well it was.

My building was swarming with 2 firetrucks and half of the Olathe Police Department. Turns out, we have been exposed to slightly elevated carbon monoxide fumes for a few weeks.

Woohoo! Half day off! Question: should I really be this excited about my health being in danger? Who cares?! I can have a beer with lunch on a Thursday! Totally worth it! Plus, if I have done anything stupid in the past few weeks (only a small likelihood, really), I can blame it on the CO. That's a win-win-win!! Right?

little sweeties

2007-12-19T09:58:00.000-06:00

I was on the Kansas City Plaza last night, ringing a bell for the Salvation Army, and this little sweetie walks by, hand in hand with her mom. She is staring up, mesmerized by the thousands of Christmas lights lining the buildings. She turns to me and says, "thanks for the lights!" I told her, "you're welcome!"

Later, another cute little one was lifted up to the bucket by her dad to drop in her change. Her daddy said, "can you tell her what this is for?" To this the little sweetie opened her big blue eyes even wider and told me, "for people who don't have food."

work safety

2007-12-19T09:27:00.000-06:00

I was greeted at work this morning by the beep beep beep of a carbon monoxide detector. Shouldn't my company provide me with a safe workplace? Why am I the only one who is concerned about this? Maybe everyone else is too woozy from the poisoned air to be able to worry about it....

(slowly going crazy to the tune of beep beep beep)

new favorite past time

2007-12-10T20:29:00.000-06:00

Okay, you may know my affinity for celebrity gossip. Don't get me wrong - I know it's brain rot. I am fully aware of that. But I pass it off as entertainment. Plus it really makes me feel normal. (Britney anyone?) But I found myself wasting too much time with it. So, I grounded myself. I am not allowed to look at celebrity gossip until after the New Year. Obviously, I need a new vice. So, now I am addicted to lolcats. I have been loving lolcats for a while now, but I have really stepped up my consumption. Not only do I visit http://icanhascheezburger.com/ daily, I vote on the new submissions. This means unlimited entertainment for Sal. Check it out: I even made some of my own for Milo and Alex! Click here, here and here.

Is there a 12 step program for this? Any help is appreciated.

Back in business?

2007-12-10T20:21:00.000-06:00

Hello out there in cyberland! I realize it has been approximately one million years since I last posted. How very un-web 2.0 of me. And I can't promise that I will get back to regular posting, but I will try. I've had a very hard past 6 months and a few things that I enjoy had to be pushed to the side. Things are getting better, but I am still overwhelmed by life.

Anyway, I hope I still have a few readers out there. Thanks!

Happy Anniversary!

2007-10-07T23:34:00.000-05:00

Today Ben and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary.

Labor Day 2007

2007-09-05T21:33:00.000-05:00

Ben, Milo and I went camping at Cross Timbers State Park (in Toronto, Kansas) over the Labor Day weekend. We had a really great time.

Rednecks in Missouri? No way!

2007-09-05T20:56:00.000-05:00

I probably shouldn't advertise this, since I live in the fine state of Missouri, but...there are a few rednecks in Missouri. Case in point: can you see the sticker on the window of the truck below? It's Calvin pissing on something (how clever AND original!!). In this case, it is Calvin pissing on PETA (People for the Ethic Treatment of Animals).

Yikes.

BTW, I took this picture while driving to work. Because that's safe. And you never know when you will see something ridiculous on your commute. Especially in Missouri.

I love this song right now

2007-09-05T10:29:00.000-05:00

I'm not a big Matchbox 20 fan, but I love this song from Rob Thomas, called "Little Wonders." The lyrics are below.

"Little Wonders"
by Rob Thomas

Let it go,
Let it roll right off your shoulder
Don't you know
The hardest part is over
Let it in,
Let your clarity define you
In the end
We will only just remember how it feels

Our lives are made
In these small hours
These little wonders,
These twists & turns of fate
Time falls away,
But these small hours,
These small hours still remain

Let it slide,
Let your troubles fall behind you
Let it shine
Until you feel it all around you
And i don't mind
If it's me you need to turn to
We'll get by,
It's the heart that really matters in the end

Our lives are made
In these small hours
These little wonders,
These twists & turns of fate
Time falls away,
But these small hours,
These small hours still remain

All of my regret
Will wash away some how
But i can not forget
The way i feel right now

In these small hours
These little wonders
These twists & turns of fate
These twists & turns of fate
Time falls away but these small hours
These small hours, still remain,
Still remain
These little wonders
These twists & turns of fate
Time falls away
But these small hours
These little wonders still remain

August 27

2007-08-27T09:13:00.000-05:00

Two years ago, these two crazy kids got engaged on Lake Poinsett in South Dakota. Let me tell ya...that was a pretty good day.

Good/Bad news

2007-08-24T13:02:00.001-05:00

Good news: NBC is bringing back the American Gladiators!
Bad news: They will probably completely change it, making a mockery of the awesome previous version.

Here is a clip of the ORIGINAL AG. How can anyone improve upon this?!?

what did you get me??

2007-08-23T11:00:00.000-05:00

Happy 1/2 birthday to me! You have had 6 months to shop, so I bet the present you got me is pretty good!

In Memory of

2007-08-22T20:30:00.000-05:00

my dad, Chuck Peterson.

Our house is a very very very fine house

2007-08-20T10:42:00.000-05:00

Happy house anniversary to Ben and I!

We have been in our house for 2 years today. I am planning on getting fancy and adding a before and after slideshow of the work we have done to the place.

Now THAT'S something to celebrate.

2007-07-11T09:48:00.000-05:00

I am 10,000 days old today. Yeehaw.

Happy Anniversary to me!

2007-06-26T15:24:00.000-05:00

Today is my 3-year anniversary with my trusty, dusty Saturn. Thanks for all the good memories, little blue! Let's celebrate by driving up to South Dakota over the 4th!

Happy Summer

2007-06-21T10:03:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of summer! I hope you have a good one!

everyone was kung foo fighting

2007-06-20T11:44:00.000-05:00

Just thought I would share a funny with you.
Happy Wednesday!

just another day at the office

2007-06-14T12:42:00.000-05:00

I climbed a tree during my lunch break today. There is a great park by my office, so my sandwich and I made a roadtrip to enjoy the beautiful day. I walked around the park and sat by the lake, taking in the spray from the fountains and the sunny sky. On my way back to the car, I noticed this tree that was just begging to be climbed. I gotta tell you, if you are ever in the market for a good pair of tree-climbing shoes, do not get the little red ballet slippers with the ribbon bow detail, no matter how cute they are.

Hiring for the position of Fashion Consultant

2007-06-12T16:06:00.000-05:00

While dressing for work today, I asked Ben's opinion on my new top. He looked me over, gave me a sourpuss face and said, "Well, it's not very fancy."

What does that even mean? Does Ben think I work at the Opera??

Tea party

2007-05-31T16:39:00.000-05:00

I found a coworker that shares my love for a steaming cup of tea. We have begun swapping our favorite flavors. I think this is the old people version of baseball cards. In a couple years, we will work up to elixirs. Then ointments.

really?

2007-05-29T22:29:00.000-05:00

I visited our local PetSmart today. The second picture shows where everyone else can park.

Don't you just hate it when that happens?

2007-05-23T16:13:00.000-05:00

Yikes

2007-05-08T22:08:00.000-05:00

I ran some errands after the gym today without much thought. Upon looking in the mirror once I returned home, I realized I had a disheveled look that was more "how did she escape the institute?" than "she doesn't even NEED makeup." Sorry about that, John Q. Public.

If you're so smart, why do you live in Miz-er-ah?

2007-04-30T22:40:00.000-05:00

Apparently, the smartest man in the US lives in Missouri. Isn't that ironic?

Read about him here. His life's work is to prove that God exists.

cool video

2007-04-22T19:11:00.000-05:00

they each have a story to tell

2007-04-22T18:46:00.000-05:00

To see pictures of and learn more about each of the 32 individuals killed at Virginia Tech last week, click here.

The Landlord

2007-04-22T18:15:00.000-05:00

Click here to watch a really funny video with Will Farrell.

Sweet as pie

2007-04-20T11:36:00.000-05:00

Continuing my pie theme, I took a silly quiz called "What kind of pie are you?" Turns out, I am a lemon meringue pie. Go figure. I thought I am an apple pie with a crumble topping. Mmmmmm. I sound delicious.

You Are Lemon Meringue Pie

You're the perfect combo of sassy and sweet
Those who like you have well refined tastes

What Kind of Pie Are You?

Google maps is the best (double true)

2007-04-20T11:13:00.000-05:00

1. go to www.maps.google.com
2. click "get directions"
3. type "New York, NY" in the first box (the start address)
4. type "London, England" in the second box (the end address)
5. read step #24

the old "good pie, bad pie" routine

2007-04-19T23:32:00.000-05:00

Last night, I made my first key lime pie. The first attempt was quickly followed by my second attempt. See results below.

This was my first try. It looks like St. Patty's Day threw up in a pie tin.

This was my second try and what key lime pie is supposed to look like.

Not being a family that wastes desserts, we tried the first pie and it was actually good. Ben is eating his second piece right now. I didn't get a taste of the second pie because it went to my girlfriend Caroline as a birthday gift. Wouldn't it be too ironic if the "normal" pie was terrible??

Polar Bears are too cute for Global Warming

2007-04-18T16:25:00.000-05:00

Did you know chargers for cell phone, Blackberrys and handheld games can consume 10 percent of the electricity in your house?

Polar bears are already suffering the grim effects of global warming: birth rates are falling, fewer cubs are surviving and more bears are drowning. With more than 25 percent of the world's polar bear populations already in decline, further warming could drive this beloved animal to extinction by the end of this century!

Order free "Unplug for Polar Bears" and "Turn Off Global Warming" stickers for chargers and light switches by emailing: polarbearsosinfo@nrdc.org. Be sure to give your mailing address and how many sets of stickers you need (each set contains six stickers, 3 each of "Unplug for Polar Bears" and "Turn Off Global Warming"). Supplies are limited so keep your order to two sets.

Learn more at NRDC .

30 Rock rocks!

2007-04-16T10:44:00.000-05:00

Favorite line from last week's episode of 30 Rock:

"On a personal note, in my mind, the Foo Fighters song "Best of You" is about your managerial skills."

p.s. Do me a favor and watch this show. It is my favorite show on tv right now.

Words to live by

2007-04-11T16:51:00.000-05:00

"Eat healthy, Stay Fit, Die Anyway."
--unknown

"Life is too short to skip dessert."
--SallyAnn

Smile!

2007-04-10T10:24:00.000-05:00

If this doesn't make you smile, there is probably no hope for you.

New Word!

2007-03-28T16:45:00.000-05:00

I found a new word on the internet today: Automagically.

Nice job Bebo! I like the way you think!

Speachless

2007-03-25T21:38:00.000-05:00

Last night we were out with some friends to celebrate a few March birthdays. I brought some marshmallow Peeps to share with the other party goers. I walked up to one guy and offered him a delicious Peep. He said, "Can't. Last year I got diabetes for my birthday."

wow

2007-03-13T21:05:00.000-05:00

Did you know there is Conservapedia? As in, a Wikipedia for conservatives? Yup - there is.

Excerpt: "Conservapedia is a much-needed alternative to Wikipedia, which is increasingly anti-Christian and anti-American."

See for yourself:
Convervepedia and Wikipedia

Blast from the past

2007-03-13T20:46:00.000-05:00

Listening to the radio on my drive home today, I got a blast from the past. "Walk the Dinosaur" by Was not Was! I was so excited! I remember loving this song so much back in 1988. As the song neared the end, it took a turn for the worst...why would this strange, confused singer kill a dinosaur?? And how could I have forgotten about this part of the song?? Had I never listened to the end of the song before? Was I just a crazed 8 year-old, shouting at the top of my lungs about dinosaurs, drowning out the awful turn of events for this poor beast?

So many questions...so few answers.

Lyrics:
It was a night like this
forty million years ago
I lit a cigarette
picked up a monkey
start to go.
The sun was spitting fire
the sky was blue as ice
I felt a little tired so I watched "Miami Vice".

I walked a dinosaur
I walked a dinosaur!
Open the door
get on the floor
everybody walk the dinosaur.
Open the door
get on the floor
everybody walk the dinosaur.
Open the door
get on the floor
everybody walk the dinosaur.
Open the door
get on the floor
everybody walk the dinosaur.

Boom boom acka-lacka-lacka boom
boom boom acka-lacka boom boom. . .

I met you in a cave
you were painting Buffalo
I said I'd be your slave
follow wherever you go.
That night we split a rattlesnake and danced beneath the stars
You fell asleep
I stayed awake and watched the passing cars.

I walked a dinosaur
I walked a dinosaur! . . .

A shadow from the sky
much too big to be a bird
A screaming
crashing noise
louder than I've ever heard.
It looked like two big silver trees
that somehow learned to soar
Suddenly a summer breeze and a mighty lion's roar.

I killed a dinosaur
I killed a dinosaur!
Open the door
get on the floor
everybody kill the dinosaur.
Open the door
get on the floor
everybody kill the dinosaur.
Open the door
get on the floor
everybody kill the dinosaur.
Open the door
get on the floor
everybody kill the dinosaur.
Open the door
get on the floor
everybody kill the dinosaur.

Boom boom acka-lacka-lacka boom
boom boom acka-lacka boom boom. . .
Boom boom acko-locka-lacka boom
boom boom acka-lacko boom boom. . .

Claim to fame

2007-03-07T23:05:00.000-06:00

I actually met an author of a "for Dummies" book today! I was in seminars all day and sat in on a session led by Richard Goldsmith the author of "Direct Mail for Dummies." He is going to send me a copy. Wouldn't it be hilarious if he signed it?!

Planning for the future

2007-03-01T13:21:00.000-06:00

I found this great (and scary) website called Living to 100. It's a life expectancy calculator based on your heredity and lifestyle. My estimated life expectancy is 89 years. Ben's is only 73.

It's really eye-opening and also gives some great tips. You should check it out.

The ultimate sacrifice

2007-02-27T11:39:00.000-06:00

I have given up celebrity gossip for Lent this year. It's proving harder than it sounds. You can't get away from it! Even the most reputable news outlets are ready to give you that seedy stuff you so desperately need. I can't go to CNN without seeing a headline about Anna Nicole's baby. I have swore off MSN. I go directly to my email at Yahoo. Running at the gym, I keep my eyes away from the 8 tvs and focus on my magazine.

Another problem is the seemingly simple statement of "give up celebrity gossip for 40 days and 40 nights." It brings about so many questions.

How could I have done this to myself while Britney is having a such a hard time?
Does the Oscars count as celebrity gossip?
What about the red carpet arrivals?
What if I just *look* at celebrity fashion, but don't *read* any commentary?

Wish me luck. And don't ask me about Britney, because I don't know.

I'm super, thanks for asking!

2007-02-27T11:13:00.000-06:00

Birthday weekend 2007 was a success! Here's the recap for those of you keeping score at home.

Pop Quiz: from Thursday, February 22nd to Sunday, February 25th, how many times do you think I had dessert?

Thursday night, Ben and I had a nice date. We went to GoJo's Japanese Steakhouse. Ben caught the shrimp, I didn't (bad toss!). Afterwards we went for drinks.

Friday was the official birthday. I had lunch with some coworkers and dinner with my mom, dad, sister, Ben and Ryan at Chipotle (Boo to no free desert!). Then we headed for the Intercontinental for the evening. Thanks to everyone who was able to make it! Our group topped out at about 30 people. The band was fun, but more mellow than at our wedding. I had a great time so hear are some of the highlights: I received a beautiful desert that I demolished, 4 winning scratch-off tickets and the digits of a long-lost friend from high school! We outlasted the band and made it home around 3...I think.

Saturday was hangover day. I slept until noon, when Ben asked me if I like pancakes. I don't think I have ever gotten out of bed that quickly! The rest of the day we just lounged around in the office. I got my iTunes up and running. Later we went to the movie "the number 23" (in honor of my birthday) with my sister. I really liked the movie and appreciated that it was a thriller and not a horror movie! Then I stayed up too late chatting with my sister.

Sunday, I sung in the choir at church like usual. Then Ben and I went to Planet Sub for lunch. I had the best sandwich ever. The Planet Veggie: Tangy olive spread, fresh red peppers, artichoke hearts, provolone, cheddar, sun-dried tomatoes. Heaven!! At 2:00, my family came over and we had ice cream cake and watched the two flower girls from our wedding have a great time. BFFs!

Pop Quiz Answer: E I G H T

Happy 13th birthday, Dakota Fanning!

2007-02-23T11:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, it's true. Dakota Fanning and I share our birthday. Each year we call each other at 7:14 am (sharp) and sing Happy Birthday to each other. It may sounds silly to you, but it's a great way to start a birthday.

The countdown...

2007-02-20T16:45:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I received an omen. I was at Garmin having lunch with my mom. I was in the breakroom, heating up my lunch when the soda vending machine makes a "chink, chink, chink" sound. I look over and no one is anywhere near the vending machine. I *casually* walked over like I was thinking about purchasing a soda. As smooth as Keith Sweat, I reached out to the change return and pocketed my findings. I *casually* walked back to my microwave, as though I had lost my thirst. Minutes later, when I was safely away from the breakroom, I checked my pocket to count my profit. Four quarters found four days before my birthday! So, with my winnings, I will be purchasing a lottery ticket. So, if you don't see me on February 23rd, I am probably in Hawaii.

Aloha!

a three (and a half) hour tour

2007-02-13T11:52:00.000-06:00

I DVR-ed the Grammy's and found that I had THREE AND A HALF hours of my life to lose last night, so I watched it.

There were some good performances, but some parts were pretty boring...I was glad I could fast-forward.

Best performance
Chris Brown! That kid is awesome.

Also good
Mary J. Blige
Police
Dixie Chicks
Corinne Bailey Rae
Gnarls Barkley
Shakira & Wyclef

Completely over the top, but still a little awesome
Christina Aguilera. Her diva vocals actually made me laugh at one point.

Crazier than Bjork
Imogen Heap. Who is this person???

Funniest hair
John Mayer. He seriously looks like the cowardly lion.

Disgusting realization #1
Jessica Simpson is actually dating a Grammy winner (i.e. John Mayer).

Disgusting realization #2
The Pussycat dolls were nominated for a Grammy. I just threw up a little in my mouth.

Yikes
Sharlett Johannson is recording an album.

There you go - that's my recap.

Lazer Cats are 2 cool

2007-01-24T23:07:00.000-06:00

In place of a meaningful post, I will share with you a funny clip from SNL.

By the way, SNL may be funny again.

p.s. That is Jake Gyllenhaal posing as the bad guy.

I'm so unique, there's not even ONE of me

2007-01-17T14:47:00.000-06:00

According to the website www.HowManyOfMe.com, there are no SallyAnn Gray's in America.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are:
0
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

I am woman, hear me roar

2007-01-15T14:01:00.000-06:00

Ben's not the only handy one in our house. This weekend I added additional shelving to our bathroom closet. I used lumber, primer, a corded drill, a cordless screwdriver, a level and pure genius to turn a tree and a need for more surface area into shelves. Watch out, Bob Villa!

I love the nightlife

2007-01-11T21:07:00.000-06:00

A few nights ago, we had a scare. At 3am, a loud crash was heard downstairs. Everyone was up immediately. Milo was barking and hiding under the covers while Ben went downstairs to find out what caused the noise. By the time Ben came back to bed, I was sound asleep. I awoke when he got into bed and asked him why he was doing laundry at 3am. Apparently, I wasn’t going to let something like a potential home invasion get in the way of my beauty rest.

By the way, it wasn’t a burglar.

Gym behavior

2007-01-11T09:36:00.000-06:00

1. I have an “I’m with stupid” t-shirt. I wore it to the gym last night and really got a kick out of the fact that for 30 minutes I was telling everyone that the guy next to me was stupid. When I got off the elliptical machine to wipe it down for the next masochist, he saw my shirt. Luckily, he had a sense of humor.

2. I just got my ears pierced a year ago and really enjoy wearing fancy, dangly earrings almost everyday. So inevitably, I often end up sweating at the gym in a free t-shirt from 1991, grubby pants, messy ponytail and beautiful earrings. Yesterday I was running in pearls. Mrs. Cleaver would have been proud!

Rappin’ with the kids

2007-01-10T13:21:00.000-06:00

I molded young minds today.

Through a connection at work, I spoke to a group of high schoolers today about Marketing. It was ridiculous how nervous I was beforehand! Even though it was just a group of 17 and 18 year olds, kids can be brutal. And I couldn’t fall back on the old reliable: “picture them in their underwear.” GROSS!! But, once I saw them, I realized they were not intimidating at all. I actually had a pretty good time. I just hope I didn’t bore them to death.

and a Happy New Year!

2006-12-31T12:42:00.000-06:00

Happy New Years from Milo and Alex! (I just hope your midnight-kissing buddy is a little less hairy!)

Sally's favorite quote of the day

2006-12-29T12:01:00.000-06:00

''No, I don't have a gambling problem. I'm winning, and winning is not a problem. That's like saying Michael Jordan has a basketball problem, or Def Leppard has an awesomeness problem.''

EARL (JASON LEE), ON MY NAME IS EARL

Smoothie 101

2006-12-27T12:08:00.000-06:00

Ben and Ryan like makin' smoothies. Milo is scared of people makin' smoothies. Sally is unimpressed by smoothie makin'.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

2006-12-26T10:56:00.000-06:00

I hope you had a happy holiday! I know I did. I think I have a holiday hangover today from all the food, fun and festivities.

Ben and I hosted a big traditional Christmas meal at our house on Christmas Eve. The guests included my mom, dad and sister, Ben's mom and dad, our roommate Ryan and Ben and I (see the picture below of our happy crew). I got all Martha Stewart and made place cards for everyone. I had never made a meal like that before, so I went completely overboard and made enough food for about 23 people. The menu consisted of: pineapple glazed ham, pear, walnut & blue cheese salad, mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, Waldorf salad, scalloped corn, broccoli salad, marsala glazed carrots with almonds and fresh baked bread. For dessert, we had pumpkin and apple pie. (Nothing was store-bought, by the way.) Needless to say, we will be eating leftovers for the next 8 months.

After dinner, we went to church and then came home for pie, snacks, presents and games. For those who are wondering, I gave Ben a laptop case, sweaters, Converse shoes, socks and underwear. (Yes, we are officially married.) He gave me a black jacket, red shoes and a pizza stone.

Christmas day was spent in Burlington, Kansas with Ben’s extended family. There was a lot of food there as well and I had approximately 9 desserts. Don’t worry – I paced myself. I’m thinking about going professional. Do you think you can earn a certificate in eating or is it more like a pilot’s license, where you need to have a certain number of hours? I better look that up.

Is there crack in Starbucks?

2006-12-12T06:42:00.000-06:00

I have never been a fan of Starbucks. I think it is wildly overpriced (it's just coffee for heaven's sake!), unnecessarily complicated (1/3rd decaf, triple shot, Grande, sugar free vanilla, sugar free hazelnut, soy, light whip cream, extra hot, white chocolate mocha, with a smiley face on the bottom of the cup) and I HATE that Tall is actually small.

That being said, I had a coffee from Starbucks this morning and now I can't stop thinking about it. Where can I get my next cup? When can I get my next cup?

Bad puppy!

2006-12-11T07:14:00.000-06:00

We made smoothies the other night and Milo wanted in on the action. He ended up sneaking a few licks from the dishwasher while I was loading it with our dirty dishes. I think he got more than he bargained for.

Pretty cool trip

2006-11-26T17:00:00.000-06:00

One week before Thanksgiving, I went on a trip for work. We traveled to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for a one-day meeting with potential clients. While it was a great meeting and I learned alot, the best part was our transportation. We chartered a plane and flew from Olathe, Kansas to Sioux Falls. It was a twin-engine Beechcraft (see stock photo), with enough room for a pilot and a passenger up front, with four seats in back. We only had three in back and our knees were touching.

We left the ground at about 6:40 am. As we broke through the clouds, we watched the sun come up from the teeny-tiny plane. It was very cloudy, so the rest of that leg was uneventful.

The flight back was a treat. It was a beautiful, clear night. We departed Sioux Falls at about 5:50 pm and followed I-29 all the way home. I am very familiar with that route (I usually traverse it by car at least 3 times a year), so I was able to pick out the towns and cities as we flew by.

Even though we are all adults, it was hard to hide our excitement once we got close to home. By the time we came upon Kansas City, we were all like little kids at Christmas.

"There's the speedway!"
"I think that's downtown!"
"Is that KCI?"
"There's our office!"
"I see Target!"

It was pretty cute.

switcharoo

2006-11-10T14:19:00.000-06:00

Can someone please explain this Joe Lieberman situation? How does this guy lose a primary as a Democrat, yet win an election as an "independent?" Who voted for this guy? The Democrats of Connecticut tell him they don't want him around anymore in the primary, so he makes one technical change (scratches out Democrat and adds independent to his yard signs) and the general populace votes him in?

I don't care what his policies are, I wouldn't vote for him strictly on principle. Can you really trust a guy who is essentially lying about who he is? This guy will do anything to get elected, even trade sides. If he were fighting as a Confederate during the Civil War, would he have defected to Yankee when he saw the impending outcome?

I have seen NO press about this sleight of hand and I am starting to wonder if I am the only one bothered by this.

Smoke and mirrors.

2006-11-09T12:19:00.000-06:00

Have you seen this? I don't know if I should feel empowered or helpless.

He said/She said

2006-11-07T09:03:00.000-06:00

My version of what happened early this morning at the Gray residence:
In the middle of the night, Ben asked me what time was it. I stared and stared through foggy, squinty eyes. Finally I could make out the numbers and told him, "4:04." I rolled over and went back to sleep.

Ben's version of what happened early this morning at the Gray residence:
In the middle of the night, Sally sat straight up in bed and shouted, "Error 404!" She then rolled over and went back to sleep.

The American Dream

2006-11-06T17:36:00.000-06:00

It is 5:32 pm. I haven't seen natural light since 8:10 this morning. I am eating my second frozen meal of the day at my desk. And I won't be home until 10 pm.

This is truly the land of opportunity.

I've always wanted to be cool...

2006-11-03T16:56:00.000-06:00

...and now I am one step closer. I got an iPod shuffle! It was a wedding gift from my mister. It is totally awesome! It holds 240 songs and weights 1/2 ounce.

Electronics are the way to a woman's heart!

Do you enjoy luxury?

2006-11-03T16:33:00.000-06:00

As a married couple, we must now purchase married things. Like a mattress. It was delivered on Wednesday and it is divine. How domestic are we?!?

What was Sally for Halloween?

2006-11-03T16:21:00.000-06:00

Okay, so what was Sally for Halloween? I was a bad mime...I talked all night. Ben was a box (and a cheerleader). No one knew who was approaching the house in a cardboard box. It was pretty funny!

Get Your Own! View Slideshow

Regarding the frightening hayride...it was a joke. The hayride was for his kids that evening, but he drove the truck with trailer and hay to work. If he was trying to scare people, it worked!

Halloween in the office

2006-10-31T13:05:00.000-06:00

I love Halloween. And I love Halloween in the office. At a company I used to work for, every Halloween kids would start parading through the office around 3:30. Children and adults alike were hopped up on candy. It was a total distraction and it was great. I looked forward to it every year.

Today is my first Halloween with the company I work for now. New company, new traditions. Earlier today we got an email from the owners inviting us on a hayride. A hayride with my coworkers in the middle of the day on a Tuesday in the suburbs. The part of the email that concerned me most was the fact that he called it a one-way ride. The trailer filled with hay is waiting outside.

Is this a trick? Are they hazing me?

The bright side a truly terrible disease

2006-10-26T13:08:00.000-05:00

Today I thought of a few instances when having Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis (CIPA) [a rare disease that prevents the feeling of pain, heat and cold] could actually be a good thing.

1. Fashionista female
Explanation: SHOES SHOES SHOES!
2. Marathon runner
Explanation: have you seen the movie "Prefontaine?" [I like the version with Jared Leto because Jordan Catalano's dreamy.]
3. Postal Carrier
Explanation: rain, snow, sleet and dog bites
4. Competitive eater (see website)
Explanation: it would take a heart attack to stop them from winning. Literally.
5. Kindergarten teacher
Explanation: that just sounds like a painful profession to me.

There you go! The bright side of a truly terrible disease.

To learn more about CIPA, check out wikipedia. And here's a story that will make you cry.

Pimp my DMV

2006-10-25T17:03:00.000-05:00

I lost 70 minutes of my life today to the DMV of Missouri. Rather than bloviate (that's right - I'm not scared of the $.25 words) about their complete disregard for customer service and remarkable inefficiencies, I will share with you the highlight of my trip.

They have decided to start selling things at the Missouri DMV. Thankfully they are not selling firearms (demand would outweigh supply), but accessories for your vehicle. The list of items includes steering wheel covers, carwash supplies, floor mats and black light accessories.

Are they using taxpayer money to keep a stock of black light accessories in their breakroom? Why am I shocked?

You, Tyra Banks, are no Oprah

2006-10-22T21:26:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know that sometimes Oprah Winfrey goes a little over the deep end. But, people, this is Oprah we are talking about. I think she and her audience members are allowed to freak out when she gives each of them a new car. Or cures diseases or whatever she is doing now on her show. But Tyra Banks is no Oprah.

What on earth could have caused these women to lose it like they did? Is it the fact that they were just given a gift valued at $100? If they had actually gone to work that day, those audience members could have EARNED that much money. And with that $100, they could have purchased something less atrocious than a rhinestoned tub of Vaseline.

(I can't believe I just typed the phase " rhinestoned tub of Vaseline.")

Heard from the cubes

2006-10-18T16:32:00.000-05:00

“Yeah, she got around.”
– one of my coworkers, speaking of his grandma

Sweeties

2006-10-18T16:31:00.000-05:00

Ben and I got home late on Sunday night from our wonderful honeymoon in Mexico. We were so glad to be back to our own bed, even if it’s size does pale in comparison to our bed at the resort. After traveling all day and dropping into bed around 2am (to rise only 5 hours later, mind you), you would think I would have slept hard. That was made impossible by the Milo-doggy between my feet and the Alex-kitty in my armpit, on my stomach or trying to spoon me. And I loved every minute of it.

An open apology from SallyAnn

2006-10-18T16:30:00.000-05:00

Dear fans,
I have let you down. I know so many of you rely on me and I have neglected my responsibility to all of you. Please accept my heartfelt apology to all of those I have hurt by my complete disregard and lack of updates to my blog. I am deeply ashamed. I want you to know that I am seeking professional help and expect to fully recover to regular postings. Please respect my family’s privacy during this difficult time in our lives.

Truly,
SallyAnn

Another one

2006-09-14T14:18:00.000-05:00

This one is kinda funny. Women can "rent" outrageously expensive handbags for weekly rates! It's like Sex & the City for bargain hunters!

www.frombagstoriches.com

I suck

2006-09-14T09:50:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry for the lack of updates. My excuse is the wedding. It is only 23 days away people!

So in place of a meaningful post, I will give you a few cool websites that I have found lately.

www.balloonhat.com
These guys travel all over the world and take pictures of people wearing balloon hats!

www.worldrps.com
Rock, Scissors, Paper!

www.spellingsociety.org
Speling is hard! Being an offul speller, I suport the simplified spelling society!

www.foundmagazine.com
A great compliation of "found" items.

Keep Olathe (Kansas) weird.

2006-08-18T09:24:00.000-05:00

http://www.ospri.net/phpnuke75/html/index.php

Hitchhiking as a form of commute

2006-08-18T09:23:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of this? Washington DC-ers have created a modified commute which combines carpooling and hitchhiking. They call it "slugging."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slugging
http://www.slug-lines.com/

Europeans love David Hasselhoff, Scares America

2006-08-18T09:21:00.000-05:00

Seriously, David Hasselhoff freaks me out. The first time I saw this video, I thought it was a joke. No such luck, America. Apparently, his latest single "Jump in My Car," is blowin' up on the British Charts. There is no way this guy takes himself seriously, right? You have to admire that. I think. But I have to admit, I need his "don't hassel the hoff" shirt.

Click here to watch "Jump in My Car."

Drama predates history

2006-07-17T11:16:00.000-05:00

"Love was a dangerous game for tyrannosaurs," says Gregory M. Erickson, teacher of comparative anatomy at Florida State University.

To read more about dinosaurs afflicted by mid-life crisis click here.

lights...camera...justice.

2006-07-14T16:33:00.000-05:00

Some of you may know that I am suing my former employer in small claims court. Earlier this week, I came home to a letter from Judge Mathis inviting me to take our matter to the small screen. I had a good laugh and set the letter aside. Today I recieved a phone call from Judge Mathis' office. His minions are trying to convince me to seek justice on tv. They are wooing me with a free trip to Chicago and $200 cash. I can just see myself wearing a tube top, chewing gum and pleading my case on tv. Momma would be so proud.

Recycling

2006-07-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

I love thrift stores. It is the definition of recycling. Ben and I are working on alot of projects around the house and are beginning to make frequent trips to Goodwill to donate our unwanted items. (read: exorcise the remnants of our college days) During our Saturday trip to Goodwill, we were actually worried they wouldn't accept our junk! Luckily they did, but I had a flash back to last year when we moved into our house. My family told me they would never move that raggity furniture again. Maybe on the next trip to Goodwill, I should just bring the receipts from 1998 and return it all, as it probably came from there in the first place.

plan b

2006-06-30T08:50:00.000-05:00

Like so many brides, I have fallen victim to the awful cliche of trying to lose a few lbs before the wedding (which is 99 days away). But as many of you may know, losing weight is hard! Don't worry though, because I figured out the fool-proof solution. Gum. I recently learned that chewing gum burns 11 calories per hour. If I chew gum every waking hour until the wedding, I will lose 4.7 pounds by October 7th! Good thing I have a membership to Sam's Club.

I heart Christopher Walken

2006-06-16T13:06:00.000-05:00

I just wanted share some pictures of CW on the set of the film he is currently filming, Balls of Fury. As you can tell from the photos, he plays a crime lord who is obsessed with pingpong.

Favorite quote of the day

2006-06-14T13:44:00.000-05:00

"I think everybody should be pro-love."
-- Britney Spears

More on (or moron) the Spelling Bee...

2006-06-02T13:12:00.000-05:00

How addicted to gambling do you have to be to put money down on the National Spelling Bee Championship?!

From the Associated Press:
"Even gamblers got into the act, putting money down on questions including whether the final word would have an "e" in it and whether the winner would wear glasses. Simon Noble, CEO of PinnacleSports.com, said his offshore Internet sports betting company had received about $70,000 in wagers on seven propositions about the bee as of noon Thursday."

Click here for the whole story.

everyone knows how to spell "ursprache"

2006-06-02T12:55:00.000-05:00

The National Spelling Bee Championship was last night. The winning word was "ursprache," spelled correctly by a 13 year-old girl. Through a 7-steps-of-separation google search to learn what the heck that word means, I stumbled across something called the ding-dong hypothesis. Other favorites include the pooh-pooh hypothesis, ta-ta hypothesis, Yo-he-ho hypothesis and the uh-oh hypothesis. (I don't know much about the uh-oh hypothesis, but I am guessing that one was discovered by a 4 year-old covered in chocolate.)

All these hypotheses make me want to be a scientist. They just make stuff up, all day long. It reminds me of those people who create nail polish names. "Let's call this one Sugar-n-Spice" is not very dissimilar to, "let's call this one the ding-dong hypothesis."

Ironic sidenote: Katharine Close, Spelling Bee Champ, may know how to spell "ursprache," but not Microsoft Word spell check!! It didn't even give a suggested spelling. In in the suggection box, it actually said "are you freaking kidding me with this?" Okay, it didn't actually say that.

All about Sally quiz

2006-05-26T12:30:00.000-05:00

1. Do you live in a zoo?

One smelly boy, one hyperactive dog and one silly cat. The answer is yes.

2. What did you do this morning?

Woke up, picked a fight with Ben, cried and went to work. Sounds very glamorous, doesn’t it?

3. Where do you work?

A database marketing firm in Olathe, KS. I hate the traffic. I see car accidents every day.

4. What do you dislike at the moment?

When my boss gets to leave early for the holiday weekend and I am stuck at my desk
Dirty laundry

5. What food do you crave right now?

I kinda want a jollyrancher. Isn’t that a funny name for a candy? What is this Rancher so jolly about? What exactly are they ranching anyway?

6. Are you on any medication?

Why? What have you heard? Who have you been talking to?

7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?

Let’s talk percentage. Ben gets about 52%, Milo (doggie) gets about 30% (for being only 13 pounds, he knows how to maximize), so that leaves me about 18%.

8. What color is your car?

Bright blue

9. What are your favorite stores?

I love the grocery store. I love all of the options! You have to eat, so might as well enjoy it. I also love love love Ikea, but the closest one is in Chicago, so I don’t get to go very often.

10. Can you imagine yourself ever getting married?

I can imagine it in great detail, happening on a beautiful day in October.

11. What did you do last night?

I played softball. It was the first game I have ever played and it turns out, I am awesome. I got on base and got a run. Minor leagues, here I come!

12. Have you ever done something to instigate trouble?

I occasionally play devils advocate when I think someone needs to be called on their shit. But I prefer harmony. Leave the drama for yo’ momma.

13. Do you like your nose?

I’m not in love the zit parked on the end of my nose currently. I look like Rudolph.

14. When was the last time you worked out?

I was doing squats in the outfield during the softball game last night. It wasn’t exactly a fast-paced game.

15. Do you like pedicures?

I really love to be pampered. I love haircuts, manicures, pedicures, massages. I love it when someone’s focus is entirely on me and making me feel good.

16. What is the thing you'd want to change most about yourself?

I wish I were more patient. I also wish I was more motivated to finish projects. (I have been working on the same Christmas stocking since 2001.)

17. What is your favorite color?

Red

18. Would you ever sky dive?

No thank you. I would have to be pushed out of the plane and would land with pee stains on my pants. I can think of better things to do with my time.

19. Do you enjoy giving hugs?

I love hugs! Why? Do you need one?

20. What books, if any, have made you cry?

I cried nonstop while reading the last quarter of “The Notebook,” by Nicholas Sparks. It was the MOST romantic book I have ever read (not in that make-you-want-to-throw-up way) and I honestly did not believe a man wrote it for quite some time. I saw the movie years later, but don’t really remember how I felt about it.

21. Do you ever feel guilty after eating meat?

Hell no! I love meat. I am a carnivore.

22. What is the silliest prank you ever played on someone?

I convinced my 2nd grade class that I was a BOY scout. I showed up to school in my dad’s old scout uniform with a matching skirt to make appear even more authentic. I think they bought it.

23. If money were not an object, what would you do with your life?

I was unemployed during March 2006 and totally enjoyed it. So, I think I would be a stay at home person. I figure I would become bored after a while, but who knows? Maybe I would appoint myself as the social chair of my friends and family and be completely content…

24. What place in the US would you most like to visit?

I really really want to go to Hawaii.

25. Coke or Pepsi?

My favorite soda is Fresca, but it is hard to come by. I also like the DDP (Diet Dr. Pepper).

26. American Idol fan? Katharine or Taylor?

I religiously watched the first American Idol. I had it on speed dial. And I firmly believe there is only one American Idol and that is Kelly Clarkson. The others are dead to me.

27. What is your superpower?

I have a couple:

I remember my dreams almost every morning.
I am brilliant at telling when people have gotten a haircut.

I realize these aren’t exactly the most coveted superpowers, but you make due with what you have.

28. Who would you want to play you in the movie about your life?

I am very sure I am the worst actor on earth. Also, I have debilitating stage fright and I do not believe people would pay money to watch me throw up on myself. So, I guess my answer is no.

He is VERY cultured

2006-05-24T20:10:00.000-05:00

Normally I don't let Milo chew on things, but I made an exception in this case.

Welcome!

2006-05-24T11:48:00.000-05:00

Hello! This is my very first blog. I am excited to be actively participating in the 21st century. Let's pray this thing has a spell checker.

More later!