I got m'am-ed

Tonight at the supermarket, it happened. I knew that someday it would happen to me, but I've got to admit, I didn't think it would be this early in my life.

I got m'am-ed.

After I had meticulously loaded my groceries on to the belt (which is another subject for another blog) I told the cashier that my club card thingy didn't scan but I could give her the number. Not only did she call me "M'am," but she said it in a tsk-ing voice, which especially annoyed me since she was half my age, had bangs hanging in her eyes and talked more to the bagger at the next checkout than to me. But I digress. I couldn't believe my ears - someone was calling me m'am in a completely legitimate way. I use this term at work a lot, more out of politeness on the phone than in deference to age, but I think I will cease and desist all m'am-ing operations after the way it made me feel. OLD!! I asked her not to call me that again.

For the most part, I know you're as young as you feel, and I definitely don't feel 26. As Mark Twain wrote, "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

Just be on the lookout. It happened to me; it could happen to you.

This turkey is stuffed

Hey y'all,

I have been staring at the writing prompt for this week and trying to think of something creative. Sometimes looking at other people's answers messes with my head - I should not do that in the future because I turn into a defeatist and convince myself that I won't be able to write something more creative. So I'll have to work more on that.

However, I did want to post some pictures from our Thanksgiving celebration yesterday. My Aunt Ginger and Uncle Steve hosted 27 family members and close friends at their house yesterday. Because the large party does not dovetail easily with their lovely, but small, home, they rented a tent with sides and borrowed a bunch of propane heaters to let us eat outside! Check out the picture of Megan with spoons on her eyes - my smart aunt used authentic-looking plastic flatware that was actually see through, doubling as T-giving specs. The set up worked out really well and it was so nice to have one large table to celebrate all for which we are thankful. The rain (100% chance according to The Weather Channel - that's not really a "chance," is it?) drummed down steadily, but it didn't dampen the festive spirits inside.

After an amazing meal, and an engagement announcement from my uncle Michael, we partook in a little Catchphrase rivalry, which was more entertaining than it was competitive!

Hope you all had a great holiday and got a big jump on your holiday shopping today!

The blogger

I guess I forgot to mention the reason for creating this blog! A little of it is covered in my profile. As noted there, I am looking for a creative outlet. As many of you know, I toyed with the idea of creating a blog last year, but that was vetoed by popular vote in lieu of continuing the monthly update e-mails. Well, in case you haven't noticed, it's been a while since one of those e-mails went out! We haven't had anything monumental going on and they were becoming a little redundant: work, school, etc.

Therefore, I was hoping that this blog would serve to allow for finer detail of our lives. It should be a showstopper. In addition to that, I am hoping to get a little more writing in. And the final reason is that, according to Kevin, I apparently have an opinion on everything (hence the use of "soapbox" in the title. If you'd like to know more about the origin of that phrase, check here and here.) One of my latest rants has been on George Bush and his creation of the phrase "the Google."

As some of you may know, Dubya was recently asked in an interview if he ever used Google. If you haven't had the pleasure of witnessing this interview, please take a moment. This is only 19 seconds worth - you may want to search for more (or not). This interview has quickly entered the pop culture lexicon because of the reference to the popular search engine as "the" Google. Doesn't really sound like a guy who's in the know, does it? Do you hear that? It's the sound of his staff, political party and children simultaneously slapping their foreheads. Secondly, he uses "the Google" for maps. Maps, people. The man, often referred to as the leader of the free world, has multi-billion dollar satellites as his disposal and he's looking up maps on Google? I mean, I guess we can rest assured that he's not wasting taxpayer dollars and abusing his executive powers. Granted, the directions are excellent, I'll agree with him there. The last thing that bothers me about this clip is the way that the interviewer is tossing her hair and giggling. Maybe she's just got stars in her eyes, but the reaction to his innane commentary is a bit much.

Needless to say, we've now taken to calling it "the Google" as well just for laughs. I must admit that I did vote for this man. Lastly I'd like to point out that my blog host, Blogger, the video links on YouTube and the search engine I used to find the soapbox references are all sponsored by - you guessed it - THE Google. It's taking over the world. Better watch out, George.

Christening the blog with klutziness

I find it fitting that on my first day as a blogger, I do something so characteristic of myself. No matter how old you get, you'll always be that 14-year-old inside (or at least, that's what it looks like right now.)

This morning I was rushing to get out of the house. I had slept to the last possible minute and also decided to straighten my hair for a function at work today, leaving a zero margin for error in my morning schedule. After all my bathroom routines, I grabbed my gym bag and started down the stairs. I was focusing on grabbing the iPod off the banister as I went by. This was when the fashionably pointed toe of my right shoe got caught in the fashionably wide and cuffed leg of my left pant and I started to fall. I fell the last two steps (could have been worse) and landed with pretty much all of my weight on my right elbow and hip. Ouch. Girlfriend has to lose some weight.

With that, I could feel the sweat brought on by adreneline crop up around my hairline, effectively curling all the hair that I had just straightened. I heard Kevin yell in a sleepy voice, "Are you ok?" I said, yeah as I brushed myself off, but he then suddenly bound out of bed and came running downstairs. I was fine, a little shakey, but ok. Needless to say, putting on eyeliner after that event was out of the question.

The point here is...I'm a klutz. I always have been, and it seems, always will be. I haven't had a really klutzy moment like this in a long time (ask Kevin!) and have gotten impressively adept at catching things before they fall or staying on my feet. Today, alas, it was not meant to be. I took some Advil when I got to work and I am fully anticipating being sore tomorrow, which is just a shame because I'm only 26. Or am I 14?