One Step Ahead (of Kelly, life, etc.)

For all the people that didn't believe me.

2008-06-10T23:33:00.000-07:00

Bonobos are real monkeys and they really fight each other with their dingles.

You can read about it here, but be ready for some specific references to monkeys and their sex lives.

Sometimes I watch CNN.

2008-06-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

Not very often, but sometimes.

Today, I tuned in during the Election Update show. They were talking about Religion and Politics, and specifically the divide between Christian voters between Obama and McCain supporters.

Not long after I became a Christian, someone told me that if you are a Christian, you are a Republican. It was a lady that worked with me. She said "You can't be a Christian and not be a Republican." I didn't know that. So I said, Oh. Well I guess that makes me one.

(side note: I couldn't have told you the difference between a democrat and a republican if someone had offered me 7 million dollars at this pont in my life. Absolutely no exaggeration. Ask Kelly.)

So without thinking or voting from the age of 19 - 21, I assumed I leaned towards being a republican. But I never told anyone that because, well, I didn't even know what it meant.

But a lot of my friends, my Christian friends, voted for John Kerry. WHAT. Did they realize that John Kerry was A DEMOCRAT? Maybe they didn't know the rule. Maybe they weren't really Christians. Maybe they were secretly part of the Anti-Christ movement of people that claim they are Christian and then secretly vote democrat. I was very, very uncomfortable with this. (note: I was uncomfortable silently.)

Anyhoo, time passed and I learned that most of my Bellingham Christian friends tended to vote democrat, even if they didn't call themselves Democrats perse. So, being utterly confused, I looked into what the differences were between democrats and republicans.

Time passed, blah blah blah, and I now also lean towards the left politically, mostly because of social justice issues. And I (and most of my Christian friends) are very excited about Barack! But I still thought it was a Bellingham thing.

Wrong! Apparently, "a growing number of other young, left-leaning believers are entering the political arena ..... And they are placing social justice issues, like poverty and war, at the intersection of their moral and political decision making."

I knew young people were all like, "Party like Barack!" but I didn't know that lots of Christians were behind him. I thought that was very exciting - it made me feel like I was part of a movement. Like I'm in the 60's.

I'd make a good hippie. Peace, love, hippie Nicole.

Coming Soon to CBS...

2008-06-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

This. I think my mom should enter Tucker Jobe.

"Who calls it a dingle?"

2008-06-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite people in the world, I met at Ray of Hope.

I think there's something really cool about a group of people that are passionate about the same thing. Like anime people. I mean, we're not passionate about anime, but think of the people who are. They're a special breed.

As are people that are drawn to be Ray of Hope staff.

Also, I think I like them a lot because they always laugh when I think I'm being funny. And that just makes a person feel good.

Hm.

2008-06-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

I had a dream last night that Jesus had manifested himself on earth again - as a T-Rex.

Hm.

SYTYCD vs. American Gladiators

2008-06-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

I have an inner conflict - what is my favorite show? Is it So You Think You Can Dance or American Gladiators?

SYTYCD sample

American Gladiators sample

Ashley

2008-06-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

Ashley has a man laugh.

Actually, this was my favorite childhood song

2008-06-04T12:50:00.001-07:00

My favorite song in childhood

2008-06-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Ear Beer

2008-06-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

This blog post is not about ears or beer. But that is a fun rhyme.

Other fun rhymes:

Mint Lint
Frisky Whiskey
Poodle Noodle
Rhyme Slime
Snuggle Juggle

In celebration...

2008-06-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

.... that our country has gotten to a point where one of the nominees for president is a black man.

Good job, America.

Ideas for how do deal with annoying people

2008-06-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

Pretend they're not talking to you
Trick them into getting on a plane with a one-way ticket to Azerbaijan
Every time they start talking, play your xylophone
Every time they start talking, do cartwheels repeatedly
If they are being rude and brash, remain extra calm. My mom always called this "killing them with kindness." It really pisses people off. Thanks mom.
Ask Annoying Person to play hide and seek with you.... and then don't seek them
Meditate and pray
Move away

Profile #8: Ricky Martin Van Buren Raden

2008-06-02T22:15:00.001-07:00

Name: Ricky Martin Van Buren Raden

Age: 2 years

Relationship to me: First cat of my own ownership!

Where he lived previously: In some lame-o home where the owner had health problems and couldn't take care of him. So his previous family gave him up to the Humane Society

How I found him: So I've wanted a pet ever since I moved to college but I didn't want to get one until I knew I could take good care of it. Lately I've felt like I reached that milestone in life. So, I started talking to my friends about what pet I should get a few weeks ago.

I was pretty sure I wanted a dog. A smallish dog like a Bichon Frise or a Havanese. But I found out they would be pretty complicated to take care of, and so my mom encouraged me to get a cat. I didn't really want a cat.

If I did get a cat, I wanted to get a female cat. But I didn't really want a cat.

So I went to the Humane Society and Ricky meowed and I got a male cat.

Fame: Ricky was the KAFE 104.3 Pet of the Week the week before I adopted him! He was on the radio! HE IS FAMOUS!

Likes:

Water in cups
Tipping cups that have water in them over
Super-snugging (snugging that involves pushing his fuzzy face up against your face and purring loudly, and then plopping his 13 pound cat body down on your chest and continuing the face snug)
Sitting in small, enclosed spaces
Being in my room and not in the laundry room
Pounce! Kitty Treats
Kitty hugs
Being brushed
Tummy rubs
Pooping 16 times a day
Being my pet

Dislikes

Being outside
Being in the laundry room
Not being with people
Getting neutered
The size of his current litter box (it is too small and he pulls the plastic liner off EVERY DAY)

Summary: Ricky MBV Raden is the best cat ever.

Busy busy busy

2008-06-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

I am as busy as a bumblebee.

Things I'm going to buy now that I'm a cat owner

2008-05-23T10:19:00.001-07:00

A new cat necklace to don so people know when I am not WITH Ricky that I have a cat.

A shirt to go with my cat necklace, just in case people aren't standing close enough to me to realize that my necklace has three cats hanging off of it. They will be able to see my awesome tye-dye t-shirt from further away.

While at home, it is useful to have a place to put my glasses that displays them AND makes a statement about what I love - cats.

And finally, I thought it would be best to display this on my front door.

In celebration of RICKY DAY... Here are some orange cats!

2008-05-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

Announcement

2008-05-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Kitty is now an official tourism ambassador of Japan.

Redonk.

Also, check out the guy in the middle. How much does he love Hello Kitty? Answer: Too much.

Something special I made for tomorrow

2008-05-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

Redonkulously tired

2008-05-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

I am redonkulously tired. I am so tired I could fall asleep in a garbage can, if someone offered me a garbage can to sleep in. I had a fun night of baby-sitting fantasmicism, but it was a late one. So now I'm tired.

I am sippling on a coffee, so that should help at least a tad.

Please leave some ideas as to how I can wake myself up.

Reasons I (and my blog) rule over Kelly

2008-05-20T17:53:00.001-07:00

My blog is more pleasing to the eye
I am smarter, faster, and stronger
I am an Americorps and Kelly is not - i.e. I am serving AMERICA, and Kelly is not.
My handwriting is bigger.
I am older
I have a stuffed bear that could beat up her stuffed panther
My blog received 10 out of 10 stars on a recent poll
I am more humble
I have gone on more blind dates than Kelly has
My family has been on national television, and their reality show episode was NUMBER ONE.
My cat is cuter than her cat

And there you have it. Undeniable proof that I rule over Kelly.

Coming soon....

2008-05-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

Ray of Hope rules all.

Fashion and the Homeless

2008-05-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

Today, I saw a homeless person who was wearing a perfectly color-coordinated outfit. His outfit included

A forest green do-rag

A beige button up the front shirt (that was dirty and torn, but buttoned up to a fashionable degree)

A pair of forest green sweatpants that EXACTLY MATCHED his green do-rag.

A pair of beige work boots that were the exact same color as his shirt - down to the dirtiness!

I wonder if he had two pairs of green sweat pants and tore one of the up to make the do-rag. Just because you're homeless does not mean that you can't be fashion conscious.

Puppies

2008-05-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

" The cool thing about puppies is that they look awesome. But then they piss on you and chew everything up."

- Kyle Raden re: puppies

Adoption Counseling

2008-05-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

I dropped off my adoption application yesterday for adopting Ricky from the Humane Society. I am very, very excited.

Today I go to the Humane Society for my adoption counseling session. I'm not sure what exactly they are going to counsel me on, but I'm very excited to see Ricky. Everytime I come he pushes against the cage bars and purrs loudly and tries to get himself snugged into my hand. HE'S THE BEST CAT IN THE WORLD. I can't wait to bring him home.

American Gladiators ROUND 2

2008-05-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Could you do the Eliminator? I could.

All you have to do is......

Swim under the fiery surface

Climb the cargo net

Rope swing

Tight rope walk

Hand bike

Run across a spinning barrel

Climb the Pyramid

Grab onto the zip line at the top of the Pyramid

Run across a giant teeter totter

Run up the Travelator

Climb the stairs

Rope swing through a banner and into a pool

And wah-la, you've won the Eliminator.

Also, last night a guy with ONE LEG did it. It was inspirational. I almost cried.

Funny Product Warning Labels

2008-05-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

I was came across this while I was looking for something else, but it is awesome, so I'm glad I did. Here are some of the highlights

Hair Coloring Do not use as an ice cream topping

Mattress Warning: Do not attempt to swallow

Air Conditioner Caution: Avoid dropping air conditioners out of windows.

Blanket from Taiwan Not to be used as protection from a tornado

Infant's bathtub Do not throw baby out with bath water.

13-inch wheel on a wheelbarrow Not intended for highway use

Package of Fisherman's Friend throat lozenges Not meant as substitute for human companionship.

I think #6 is my favorite. No, they're all my favorite.

Ricky

2008-05-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

So Lynn, Carolyn and I went to the Humane Society today and we met the best, most snuggleable cat in the history of the world.

Oh my GOSH! Here he is! I found his picture on the Whatcom Humane Society's website: Here is Ricky:

The best cat in the world. I want him. I WANT HIM.

The Mr Rogers Adventure!

2008-05-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

My brother was in an all-male pageant. Ashley, Carolyn and I went down to Puyallup last Tuesday. Here we are in the car. I had a very un-photogenic day, so don't judge.

Also, I am very beautiful all of the time.

We stopped at IKEA! Ashley had never been there. We bought cookies and picture frames. Carolyn and Ashley each made several inappropriate jokes. They usually do. Also, I looked at couches. Yay couches!

HAHAHAHAHA. Here is Ashley. She fell asleep in the car. Snoozersons. I couldn't fall asleep because I was the in the passenger seat and it is the responsibility of the person in the passenger seat to entertain the driver. So I did. We played would you rather.

Ryan was competing for the title of Mr. Rogers at Rogers High School. The three components of the competition were: Talent, the Catwalk, and Question and Answer. For Talent, Ryan chose to sing A Whole New World (both male and female parts). He also had backup dancers. Here is Lulu helping the Sultan get ready.

And here is the performing crew. Ryan is the one in the purple vest on the top right.

THE PERFORMANCE WAS EPIC.

Hopefully I will be able to post a video on here soon. But if you weren't there, you should cry because you missed the best thing I have ever, ever seen. Ever in my entire life.

Ever.

Necessary

2008-05-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

Popcap's website could revolutionize the way you waste time. It has done this for me.

Games I recommend:

Peggle:

Bookworm:

Chuzzle:

Honestly

2008-05-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

This morning, I had to be at work at 6:55. So I stopped for coffee... and George W. Bush was driving the car in front of me in line at the coffee stand. I'm not kidding. I know him when I see him.

The president was driving a Dodge Grand Caravan with Triple A Logos on the side.

It was very exciting.

Possible pets - What's your vote?

2008-05-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

A Friend for You

2008-05-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

List of the Day 5/2/08

2008-05-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

Things I Like about Buffalo:

They are furry
They move slowly, like they are inside jello
They are brown, which is one of my favorite colors to wear
They would be fun to ride
They have funny fluffy hair-dos
If I had a buffalo for a friend, I would name him Jerry and he would protect me from evil-doers

Profile #7: Rachel Handy

2008-05-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

Name: Rachel Handy

Age: 21

Hometown: Ferndale, Washington

Relationship to me: Housemate and next-year apartment-mate

Occupation: Student

Major: Human Services

Nicknames: Roachel, Shredder, Ching, Rachie Roo, Womples, Flip-flop

Fun Facts about Rachel:

She has curl-tastic hair.

She went through a phase when she ate ice cream for three meals a day.

She is the middle of 7 siblings.

She and her family own an espresso stand called "Handy Shots"

She is taller than me.

She is secretly funny. It's like you know her for 2 years and then she says something outrageously funny and then WHAM, every day she gets funnier.

She went on a mission trip to Haiti this past spring.

She was homeschooled.

Activities:

Volunteering at Compass
Reaching things that are very high
Listening to Ace of Base
Saying funny things
Drinking Wild Turkey
Watching America's Next Top Model
Consuming White Chocolate
Wearing mis-matching grey sweatsuits

How Rachel Sees Herself:
"I am not very strong at doing chores or dishes... but I am very strong..... spiritually. If I had to rate myself, I would say that I am a little bit higher than Mother Theresa, but not quite as high as Jesus."

Rachel eats her macaroni and cheese with a fork.

I know I wasn't wearing a bow in my hair, but come on.

2008-05-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

Today, the lady at the coffee stand handed me my drink and said, "All right, sir, here is your mocha."

Seriously.

Nice

2008-04-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

So today I was eating some grapes at work out of a coffee cup. While looking at something online, I confidently put my hand into the coffee cup to pull out some grapes.

Except I had confidently put my hand in the wrong coffee cup. The one full of cold coffee from yesterday.

It was pretty neat. Slash gross.

Is this real? If it isn't, how did they do it?

2008-04-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

How? How how how? How did this happen?

Starbucks Bathroom Etiquette

2008-04-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

At the Starbucks close to my home in Bellingham, WA, there are two bathrooms. One for boys and one for girls. It's like a normal bathroom, where the door opens right to a small room with a toilet, sink, etc. No stalls.

I have used this bathroom many times. Thus, I have learned the appropriate etiquette.

Rule of the Starbucks bathroom - if you are in it, the light is on. If no one is in it, the light is off.

PROBLEM: Some people do not know this universal code. They just leave the light on when they exit. This presents a problem for me.

If I see the light on underneath the door, I wait outside the door for the person to come out. (Keep in mind I am physically uncomfortable because I have downed a coconut latte and haven't peed in 6 hours.) Then comes the real question - is someone in there? Should I knock? Should I try to open the door?

And THEN, if it IS unlocked, there is still a chance that someone is in there. Oh, hey, surprise visit from Nicole.

World, to avoid this difficult situation, please just follow the rule and make life easier for everyone else.

Light on, you're in there.
Light off, you're not.

Come to RU!

2008-04-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

Raden University is a student-centered university where we expect students to expand their interests and perspectives. We combine the academic distinction and personal attention of a smaller, private college and the choices and variety of a comprehensive university.

We offer bachelor's degrees in -

Impromptu Song Writing
Cool Ranch Doritos
Stuffed Animal Appreciation
Fireworks
Funny Words

With addtional Master's Degree opportunities in -

Friendship
Friends (the TV series)
Frolicking
Free-lance Snuggling

Please contact our Admissions office at radenuniversity.edu in the future. (site is not currently up and running but surely will be soon.)

We look forward to seeing you this fall!

Why I love Walgreens is twofold -

2008-04-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

They never close. I can get a perscription filled at 3am if I want to. On Christmas.

They have their own brand of every medication available and they all have a Walgreens spin on the normal name. For example:

Claritin becomes Wal-atin

Aleve becomes Wal-eve

Airborne becomes Wal-borne

Sudafed becomes Wal-fed

Ibuprofen becomes Wal-profen

Benadryl becomes Wal-dryl

Robitussin becomes Wal-itussin

Zyrtec becomes Wal-zyr (that one's kind of tricky, they mixed it up a bit.)

Etc. Some of the Walgreen brand medications have boring names like "Walgreens Extra Strength Acetomeniphen." I think they should stick with their creative re-naming scheme and go with wal-omeniphen or something.

I love you, my Z-22

2008-04-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about my new ELECTRONIC ORGANIZER? I love it. I love it forever. I might be IN love with it. If you could marry electronic devices, I would marry my organizer. I really would. Here is what it can do:

Keep my to do list
Prioritize my to do list
Sync to my Microsoft Outlook so I have my calendar with me ALWAYS.
Dance
Display all my contact information for everyone I ever met.

It has a game called Crazy Daisy. Ha! Crazy Daisy! It's very crazy slash the best game ever.

I heart you, electronic organizer aka z22.

A WHOLE New World

2008-04-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

My brother Ryan is going to be a contestant in the Mr. Rogers pageant. It is a male beauty pageant put on at his high school.

They have to do a talent portion and so my brother is going to sing.

And he is not just going to sing, he is going to sing a song from his favorite movie, Aladdin.

And he's not just going to sing a normal song, he's going to sing both parts of A Whole New World.

And he's not just going to sing both parts, he's going to be half dressed as Aladdin and half dressed as Jasmine.

And he's not going to be alone - he has four of his friends as back-up dancers.

And they won't just be dancing - they will be dressed as Abu, Carpet, the Sultan, and Rajah.

Seriously, I can't wait. I'm going to video tape it and maybe I can figure out how to post it on my blog because it will be the best thing America has ever seen.

FYI, there are at least 2 lifts in the presentation. On the final one, all his friends will lift him up and the person dressed as Carpet is going to be underneath his feet as if he is actually floating off the stage on Carpet.

It's going to be epic.

Nickitynangle

2008-04-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

One time Carolyn called me Nickitynangle and it was awesome.

Profile #6: Rachel Handy

2008-04-14T21:41:00.001-07:00

Name: Rachel Handy

Age: 21

Hometown: Ferndale, Washington

Relationship to me: Housemate and next-year apartment-mate

Occupation: Student

Major: Human Services

Nicknames: Roachel, Shredder, Ching, Rachie Roo, Womples, Flip-flop

Fun Facts about Rachel:

She has curl-tastic hair.
She went through a phase when she ate ice cream for three meals a day.
She is the middle of 7 siblings.
She and her family own an espresso stand called "Handy Shots"

She is taller than me.

She is secretly funny. It's like you know her for 2 years and then she says something outrageously funny and then WHAM, every day she gets funnier.

She went on a mission trip to Haiti this past spring.

She was homeschooled.

Activities:

Volunteering at Compass
Reaching things that are very high
Listening to Ace of Base
Saying funny things
Drinking Wild Turkey
Watching America's Next Top Model
Consuming White Chocolate
Wearing mis-matching grey sweatsuits

How Rachel Sees Herself:

"I am not very strong at doing chores or dishes... but I am very strong..... spiritually. If I had to rate myself, I would say that I am a little bit higher than Mother Theresa, but not quite as high as Jesus."

Rachel eats her macaroni and cheese with a fork.

Heading to P-town

2008-04-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

Yeah, vaca in Puyallup!

I am heading home to Puyallup, Washington today and well, it's going to be awesome. Here are some things I will do while in Puyallup:

See my family's new house

Snorgle all the pets

Beat my brother Kyle at Limbo

Make sure that my family's new house has a snack drawer, because that's the most important part of a family home

Make loud unneccesary noises

Being busy is kind of stupid

2008-04-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

A poem:

Being busy is kind of Stupid
by Nicole Raden

Being busy is go go go
Being busy is never slow
Being busy makes blogging harder
In September celebrate Arbor (day)

Snowy Jr.

2008-04-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

Seriously, you have to see this. <-- click there

Worky work

2008-03-31T13:38:00.000-07:00

I am currently eating some very questionable leftovers from going out to Phad Thai last week with Carolyn. That's what happens when you don't bring your lunch to work. You have to eat questionable leftovers.

Jabbawockeez are America's Best Dance Crew!

2008-03-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

Skip the first part and watch the dance. Towards the end one of the guys spins on his head for like 3 minutes. Seriously, it's amazing.

Profile #5: Charles Lewis Jobe

2008-03-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Name: Charles Lewis Jobe

Age: 45

Birthday: October 21st (Although until last year, literally, I thought it was the 23rd)

Hometown: Puyallup, WA

Relationship to me: Dad. Technically, he is my step-father, but I don't think of him that way. He's just my dad.

Nicknames: Noodles, Papa Bear, Papason, Chuck Diesel, Chuckles, Cranky Curls, Chaz (that's a new one I picked for him), Posh, Posh Spice, Vic, Father Dearest, Thor

Quick Summary of life history: Mom was from Germany and dad was in the military; lived in Germany for a few years in his childhood; became an optician, worked at Willows Optical, became co-owner, married my mom Laureen circa 1988.

Nuclear Family - Mom, Guisella; Dad, Charlie Sr; Brothers Leary and Dave, Sisters Linda and Caren, he was #4 of 5 kids in the family

German words I've learned from my dad: (I am making up the spelling of all of these words)

- Machenelle = Hurry up.
- Splikenze Deutch? = nothing, he just always says that when he wants to make noise for no reason
- Guten morgen = Good morning

Things Papa Bear Likes:

- MASH (the TV show)
- Monkeys (they make him laugh)
- Answering the phone in ways that he thinks are funny (ie "Dominos Pizza, how may I help you?" or "Why are you calling again?")
- Chasing my brothers
- Howling so that all the dogs will start howling
- Remodeling the house and building things
- Medical TV shows
- Eyeballs
- The name "Vic"
- Beating my brothers in physical challenges

Comfort Item: His super-gross decaying pillow from like 1965 that he insists is the perfect consistency for sleeping on. Seriously, it's grosser than Snowy.

Claim to Fame: He has several.

1) He starred in plays in high school. This includes playing Edmund in Narnia and Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar.

2) Our house was featured on an episode of Trading Spaces. It was recently voted the #1 Trading Spaces Episode of all time. You can even watch it on DVD.

Fun Facts About Charles Lewis Jobe:

1) He had an afro in high school.

2) Once, I was upstairs sleeping and he didn't know I was home so he thought he was alone. I was awakened by an extremely loud vocal rendition of "WHO LET THE DOGS OUT? WOOF, WOOF WOOF-WOOF!"

3) He has always coached my little brothers' sports teams.

4) He pretends not to like the dogs but he really, really does. (He actually doesn't like the cats, however.)

5) He has 2 jokes that he loves to tell over and over to new people. These have been the same 2 jokes that he has told since I was 13.

Love Language: My dad expresses love through Acts of Service. I wouldn't mention this except for that it is so, so true about him. Once, I really, really wanted to go to Ellensburg to see my friend but I there was some complication with me driving my car over there...the pass... something. Anyway, I wasn't going to be able to go and I was absolutely crushed and then my dad was like, "I'll take her." He voluntarily drove for like 4 hours to drop me off in Ellensburg. It was ridiculously generous. It was the nicest thing.

I've got a good dad.

I rule over Lynn

2008-03-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

105

Honestly, I stomp Lynn in everything I do. It's almost embarrassing.

Profile #4: The Llama at Frontier Ranch

2008-03-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

Name: Funny Llama

Age: Unknown

Relationship to me: Inspiration.

Fun facts about Funny Llama: I met this llama 2 years ago, once. He stuck his face in the hay and then looked at me. I was laughing so hard I am impressed that I was able to get a picture of him.

He continues to inspire me daily.

I have been practicing.

2008-03-21T14:17:00.001-07:00

Yes! My highest yet!

2008-03-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

">73

"

I have been obsessed with this for awhile. I have also learned a lot by being obsessed with this. For example, Christmas Island is a real country.

Profile #3: Rebecca Barber

2008-03-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

Name: Rebecca Barber

Nicknames: Becca, Beaver, Schnoodle, Fartface

Age: 23

Hometown: Shelton, WA

Current home: Bellingham, WA

Education: BA in Sociology from WWU

Occupation: Full-time (and by full-time I mean like 70 hours a week) Inntern at the Inn Ministries

Once.... Becca dressed up like Mrs Beaver from The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. She wrapped a scarf around her head to be the fur. We didn't realize that she was going to do this. We laughed and laughed and laughed.

Becca Likes:

Babies
Chocolate
Facebook Photo Albums
Jesus
Justin Timberlake
Heartwarming stories
Baby Blue

Diseases Named After Becca: Becca-rettes. Becca-rettes can be defined as an "uncontrollable outpouring of inappropriate comments or gestures, often sexual in nature." Becca-rettes was given its name after this event:

Several friends were visiting Tommy Lingbloom's house during the summer. During lunch, there were a few different conversations going on simultaneously. Without warning, Becca interrupted herself, turned towards people that were engaged in another conversation and said very loudly and directly, "COW BALLS." All conversations stopped. What? What did Becca say?

Cow balls.

Becca's Skills:

Singing
Taking care of people when they are sick
Taking pictures
Pretending to be her butt in slow motion

Great Becca Quotes:

"He'll always be Lil Bow-Wow to me." (re: Lil Bow-Wow changing name to Bow Wow)

"I like to part my hair down the stairs."

"He was dating a 5'2-year-old."

"How much smoke did he pot?"

Fun Fact About Becca: She has a larger than ordinary collection of photos she's taken of herself. She very much enjoys snapping several photos of herself in one session.

Evidence:

And that's Becca. I love you!

Profile #2: Tucker Jobe

2008-03-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

Name: Tucker Jobe

Age: 6 human years... 42 dog years? (Geeze, I didn't realize Tucker was middle-aged)

Home: Puyallup, Washington

Breed: 3/4 ShitZu 1/4 Poodle

Weight: Like 7 pounds

Relationship: My mother's dog / my replacement in her life when I left for college

Comfort Item: Small squeaky frog, deemed "Froggy." Froggy smells like the underside of a dead animal carcus. He has many similar animal toys that also squeak (Ducky, Squirrelly, Beary, Santa Frog) but he doesn't like them as much as he loves Original Froggy. (Note: This is actually a cat toy. No one has told Tucker this.)

Favorite Pastime: Tucker enjoys a variety of activities, but his favorite would be the game "Where's Froggy?" which consists of hiding Froggy under a blanket and squeaking him. Tucker then paws at the blanket until he's tired (usually after about 30 minutes of incessant play) when he will crawl under the blanket, find Froggy, lay down and squeak him in his mouth for awhile. It's a very fun game.

Other Favorite Games:

"Gimme Dat Frog" (chasing Tucker with Froggy in mouth around the house)

"I Love Froggy" (holding Froggy tenderly in your hands and squeaking him tantalizingly at Tucker)

"Fetch Froggy" (just like it sounds)

Occupation: Full-time Neighborhood Patrol. Tucker takes this job very, very, very seriously. If anything goes by the window at all, even if it has gone by the window every day for the past 6 years, Tucker alerts the family through a series of high-pitched, ear-piercing barks. It is very useful. Last time I was home, Tucker alerted me to the fact that one of our neighbors was pulling into his driveway. I wouldn't have realized this essential fact were it not for our Tucker Alert System.

Biggest Pet Peeve: When any other animals get attention of any kind from anyone in the house. Tucker knows that he is the cutest, sweetest, best animal available, and it rightfully bothers him when not everyone is paying attention to this fact.

Most Painful Memory: He actually has 2.

When Derek dropped him as a puppy. It took him about 5 years to forgive Derek, and is still fairly agitated towards all teenage boys.
When my mom put him in a tiny red dog t-shirt that said "Little Devil" and he thought he looked quite handsome until Sassy (our other dog) laughed at him. Now he won't wear tiny dog t-shirts.

Personal Qualities:

Opinionated

Barky

Snugly (when he wants to be)

Perky

Favorite People: My brother's best friend Chris Perez, my grandmother, Monica McLean, me

Food of Choice: Cheese. Tucker loves cheese forever and if you say "Cheese" he will sit by the refrigerator and wait for you to give him some.

Look-Alikes: A Gremlin, The Grinch, a Yeti, occasionally Mickey Mouse (when he gets his ears cut really short)

Poem I wrote in honor of Tucker Jobe This Christmas

Profile #1: Earl Johnson, Grandfather

2008-03-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

Name: Earl Johnson
Age: Grandpa-age
Home: Orting, WA
Relationship to me: My grandfather on my mom's side.

Fun Facts about Grandpa Earl:

He worked as a commercial fisherman.

He is left-handed, but went to a Catholic school as a child and they taught him that left-handedness was Satanic. So they made him write with his right hand. Now he is right-handed.

I call him Early Bird sometimes.

Early Bird does not think that students should use calculators. When I was in high school, I was taking Advanced Placement Calculus and I was doing my homework on the kitchen table. As I was taking an fractional equation to the fourth derivitive and graphing it, my wise grandfather snatched my calculator away and told me, "School's gotten to easy these days. You know, Nicole, when I was in school we didn't have these little machines. You had to use your BRAIN." Thanks Grandpa. I had to do the remainder of my homework without a calculator (which, by the way, is impossible. After he went home, I took the calculator back and finished my homework.)

He looks very cute in Irish hats.

He sometimes makes offensive comments about drunk drivers. Not offensive TO the drunk drivers, mind you, but offensive to society. Things like, "Some people drive better drunk because they are more careful."

One of my favorite pictures ever taken is with him. He's throwing me up in the air when I was like two. I don't remember this, but I look very joyful in the pictures.

He was locked in a closet for "a long time" as a child and when he came out, he had lost the ability to speak. At his school, Sister Laureen (one of the nun teachers) taught him to talk again and he named my mom after her.

He was quite the hottie as a young man. I've seen pictures. Yeah, Grandpa.

He likes the Cougars.

He goes to Alaska every year and used to bring me back presents. He doesn't so much bring me presents anymore. What's the deal, Grandpa?

His mother's name was DeMay. I have one of her piano books with Christmas songs in it. I think about her when I use it at Christmastime.

He has donated a lot of blood in his life. I know because the blood bank he goes to always gave him fuzzy-ball people with sticky feet that said "I Donated Blood" and he would give them to me.

Early Bird is a fantastic grandfather. He always came to my dance recitals and I know they were super boring. Thanks, Grandpa. I love you.

Upcoming Blogging Event

2008-03-10T13:09:00.001-07:00

I have decided to write profiles of people in my life that I love. This is for many reasons:

It would be fun
In case our planet gets taken over by robots and I die but become a robot version of myself, I can download this information and remember you all.

Examples of possible upcoming profilees:

Unsuspecting Family Members, friends,

pets,

Jacson,

and freaks.

More to come!

Narnia 4EVA

2008-03-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

Today I am meeting with my favorite little genius. I meet with him on Wednesdays at the tutoring site I oversee. He's not officially signed up for Flying Colors, but he lives next door to the tutoring site and I met him through some of Rebound's other programming. Since I was sitting at the site "overseeing" it every week, but really doing nothing, I called his mum and asked if he would like to come and have some one-on-one friendship time every week.

I'll call him Little S. Little S is a smarty. He is five (5) years old and just entered kindergarten this year. He was tested and is at a 7th grade reading comprehension level. He can not only read, but comprehend what he's reading at a 7th grade level.

Not that I'm totally surprised by this. The other day I was hanging out with him and he was reading to me from a (lengthy) children's book that was obviously written in the seventies titled Ancient People Groups. It was very boring.

Anyway, today I'm bringing The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe to start reading with him. I think he'll really like it. Also, I will really like it. So that makes it all the more fun.

This is my favorite cover of the Narnia book. You know, it's been published a bunch of times with "cooler" covers, but this is the one I read and I love the most. Yeah for things from the seventies.

Also, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES. Some other people (idiots, the AntiChrist, his minions, etc.) might try to convince you that the first book is the Magician's Nephew. UNTRUE. DO NOT FALL FOR THIS.

The Magician's Nephew is book number six (6). SIX. Read them in this order:

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
Prince Caspian
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Horse and His Boy
The Magician's Nephew
The Last Battle

Proof. You're welcome.

I rule. I rule at Scrabulous.

2008-03-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

So, let's just say that I got an 89 point word today. "Injects." Did you get that?

89 POINTS

* For those of you that live in the Stone Age and don't know what scrabulous is, it's just like online scrabble. The average word is worth like 10-15 points. People who rule at scrabulous can get more. Like me. Like I did today. I rule.

Funny / Awesome / Click on it Now

2008-03-03T22:10:00.001-08:00

Just as you requested

2008-03-03T09:16:00.001-08:00

Dear Contingency,

Per your request, I have enlarged the photo of myself below (see post: Queen). Your opinions matter!

Cordially,
F.Q. Nicole Kristine

Hehe.

2008-03-02T13:31:00.000-08:00

Queen

2008-03-01T21:02:00.000-08:00

Reasons we should do away with the current government structure and create a monarchy in which I am Queen:

I am very physically attractive and my face will look great on our new currency.

I could end poverty with all my good ideas.

You know how there's laws that have to do with employment, like minimum wage and stuff? Well, I will create minimum requirements for fun levels on the job. For example, every American worker will have to participate in one (paid) 30 minute stress-free recreation activity during the work day, like frisbee, video games, bouncy castle jumping, gardening, etc.

I will implement tea-time in America.

I will implement siestas mid-day, like they have in Spain and Mexico.

When people file their taxes, I will send them their tax returns like normal, EXCEPT everyone will also get one special tax-return present, wrapped up and everything. Delivered to their house. Who doesn't like presents? No one. It'll make everyone happy about taxes. (People might even send in extra tax money just because they like me so much!)

My queen dress would be made out of an American flag (but I will only wear it for the remainder of my VISTA term).

Annoying people will be deported instead of immigrants. They won't go to Siberia or anything, but a special annoying colony on an island where they can all irritate themselves instead of us.

I would have Usher write me a Queen Theme Song, that will be sung after the National Anthem at large gatherings (like baseball games and school assemblies.)

Snowy would be one of my advisers.

I would probably give all my friends and family some of my gold and jewels. (Royal people have gold and jewels.) (And also, not jewels like guys refer to their weenies as jewels. That's gross.)

I am regal looking.

Who better to function as our country's next monarch than someone who has so much experience running programs/countries? (Flying Colors Tutoring Program, for example.)

Well, I expect that you can see that I possess the necessary qualities (and then some extra) for running a better country.

New Template

2008-02-29T09:55:00.001-08:00

Wow! Look at my new template!

I have been so productive at work today.

No Title Necessary

2008-02-29T09:37:00.001-08:00

Pain.

2008-02-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

This morning I accidentally used contact cleaner instead of saline solution when putting in one of my contacts.

I cannot express how much that hurt.

But I can try: Imagine having a vial of potent acid and not pouring it into your eye - no, that would be too easy. You use a tiny eye-shaped suction cup and rub it in the acid and then adhere the acid-soaked suction cup directly to your eyeball. Just imagine that. If you do, you might understand 4% of how much my eye hurt this morning.

So I am wearing glasses today.

To Do List

2008-02-28T13:05:00.000-08:00

Take out garbage
Figure out which of my contacts is inside out
Switch work computers
Commit a crime that benefits me (like stealing from Best Buy or a bank) and frame Kelly effectively
Refill water bottle
Call mom
Vacuum bedroom
Call Lynn and only speak in rhyming phrases
Figure out when KyKy the Clown is coming to town (example of rhyming I could use with Lynn)
Save up to buy a boat
Perform my daily chant to Ra, the Egyptian god of the mid-day sun
Mail Sam's birthday present
Go to Australia
Mail Kyle's birthday present
Go to Bible Study
Buy a rifle
Learn 7 interesting facts
Design Sharon's new "LadyCub" graffiti tag

Oooookay.

2008-02-28T12:33:00.000-08:00

How can I get a hug from a giant cat? Does anyone know? This needs to happen in my life.

Is this professional?

2008-02-26T09:27:00.000-08:00

I sit in the front room at my office. I have a pink water bottle that has a squishy plastic straw attached to the lid. Very convenient.

Anyway, today I realized that most of the time I am at my computer, I have my head hunched over with the straw in my mouth. I occasionally drink some water. But even when I'm not drinking, I have the straw in my mouth.

I need Lynn again to play the "Is This Socially Appropriate?" game with me.

Don't Judge Me....

2008-02-25T10:07:00.001-08:00

...because I didn't post last week. Not that much happened.

HOWEVER, much DID happen this weekend! I went on a blind date with Raquetball Ray. Here are some facts about the date:

RR is hilarious.

We went to a laser show - LASERQUEEN.

I had a chai tea.

I learned what "going dutch" means.

We talked to several crazy Seattlites.

It was very much fun. And thus, I embark on a new section of my life. The Blind Date section. No, Era. The Blind Date Era. That's what I call it.

Also, I went to the zoo with Kelly. PSYCH. I wanted to go to the zoo with Kelly, but Kelly is a huge baby and didn't want to go only because we couldn't find a parking spot within 2.5 miles of the zoo parking lot. Psh. So what? Anyway, we did end up going out to greek food and it was very greek and delicious.

AND Kelly and I saw a bridge go up for a boat! That was the most exciting.

I'm at work now.... so I should be working....

This Weekend in Review:

2008-02-18T22:56:00.000-08:00

Here are things that happened this weekend:

Took several naps

Painted bedrooms at an in-patient facility for teen girls addicted to drugs with RCC Saturday morning

The room I helped paint was the best

Went out to breakfast at the Little Cheerful

Let Carolyn dress me up fancy

Bought an eyelash curler from Fred Meyer

Watched the finale of AMERICAN GLADIATORS!!!

Went to Poppe's for HLP time and had a Gummi Bear (not just like one gummi bear but a martini CALLED a Gummi Bear, you knuckleheads)

Watched Friends episodes

Took a walk downtown in the awesome sunshine

Went shopping at the outlets in Marysville and bought fun things

Cleaned my room

I was very productive. Some people call me Productive Patty. Or if they called me Productive Peggy it'd be like I was named after my mom. When she was in foster care as a baby they called her PEGGY. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. HI PEGGY. I wonder if Peggy is reading this. Maybe they spelled it a different way.

Peggy, how was your name spelled as an infant? Peggie? Peggi? Pegy? Pehgee? Pehgy? Peghee? Peghie? There are so many ways to spell Peggy!

I'm so interesting.

People with accents are just cooler than regular people

2008-02-14T16:46:00.000-08:00

I have recovered now from the finger episode. Physically, at least. It will be awhile before I can fully emotionally and spiritually recover from it.

So I was watching SuperNanny last night and I was like, my voice is so boring. I bet people would like me better if I had an awesome voice. So I'm trying out some different things.

Ideas for my new voice:

British accent
New York accent
Southern accent
Traveler's accent
Fake speech impediment
Fake lisp
Whistling all my s's
Talking in monotone
Australian accent
Singing instead of speaking.

Wait! I already do one of those things. Can you guess which one? This is a friendship test. Who knows me the best? Who can answer that question?

My finger is red and swollen.

2008-02-14T16:07:00.000-08:00

Why, you ask? Here are the facts:

I am wearing a fairly new pair of pants.
Because the pants are fairly new, the back pockets are still sewn shut*
While I was talking to the board of directors president at our organization today, I was fiddling with my back pocket (still sewn shut.)
I realized that the corner of the pocket had a small un-sewn area, and that it was roughly finger-sized. I wiggled my finger into my back pocket absent mindedly.
I continued to talk with the board president.
There came a moment where I wanted to use my hands to gesture, and as such I lifted my hand from behind me.
Oh wait! I pulled my pants up and twisty, because my finger didn't come out of the pocket.
I ignored that that moment happened and continued to talk to the board president. (Who, by the way, is a man who I would guess is in his late fifties.)
As we talked, my panic rose higher and higher. No matter how I twisted my finger, I couldn't get it out of my pants.
The board president left.
I cried out to Rachel, "Shredder!** I can't get my finger out of my pants!!! Seriously!"
Shredder laughed at me.
I had her hold my pants on both sides of my finger, and on 1-2-3 I yanked my finger upwards and twisty-like.
My finger DID NOT COME OUT.
I started freaking out.
Shredder was laughing to hard to be very useful.
My finger really hurt at this point.
I had to give Sharon her messages because she was in a hurry to leave, so I had to access my computer left-handed because literally, there was no way to get my freaking finger out of my pants. It absolutely would not fit. I don't know if it had swollen from my panic or what, but it would not come out.
It was very difficult to do things with my finger stuck in my back pocket.
I should mention that it was the pointer finger on my right hand.
While I was talking to Sharon about her messages, Shredder got some SCISSORS and started SNIPPING near the area of concern. By my butt.
She poked me slightly with the scissors.
She laughed again .
She finally managed to snip the thread that was restraining me and
FREEDOM.
Now my finger is red and swollen. Seriously. What's the deal with the dangerous pants, here?

* I would like you to note that I don't know if back pockets of pants are supposed to stay sewn. I usually undo the sewing so they are just regular pocket-y pockets. I have always assumed that you are supposed to do that, but I don't know how the general public feels.

** I call Rachel "Shredder."

A few questions for you to answer

2008-02-12T14:09:00.001-08:00

1) Did you know that when you wash your hands, you should scrub for approximately the duration of 2 rounds of the "Happy Birthday" song?

2) Do you do that?

3) Whose name do you put in the song when you're singing it?

Just wondering.

Vasovagal or Syncope?

2008-02-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

Today, I went to the doctor's office. I told them that sometimes I faint when people draw my blood. They drew my blood. I fainted in the hallway.I warned them.

** I looked up 'vasovagal' and 'syncope' online, because I thought they were 2 different "disorders" and people have told me on different occasions that I have both - but I read online that they're just the 2 words in the title of the same thing. Phew! That clears up my confusion, and I'm sure, yours.

Just a treat for you

2008-02-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Very sexy.

Two things

2008-02-11T11:10:00.001-08:00

1) My password for this blog is really funny and I wish I could tell you all what it was, because then you would laugh and think I was really funny.

2) Sharon saw Fats Domino's house when she was in New Orleans last week!

Lulu Day February 2008!

2008-02-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

My mom came to Bellingham. My mom is the coolest mom that has ever lived. Here are some reasons why she is a cool mom:

1) She is drinking a pina colada with me in this picture

2) She can almost still do the splits

3) She buys me clothes so I won't be a fashion-tard

4) She respects Snowy

5) Once, I was in the living room doing homework and my mom was in the kitchen putting away the dishes. She was reaching up high to put some plates away and she dropped one and it smashed on the floor. Non-hip moms would have said something like, "Shoot!" or "Shooty-booty!" But not my mom. My mom started singing and dancing around the kitchen, singing "Another one bites the dust!"

I laughed for a long, long time.

6) All my friends like her

7) She can whistle the Pledge of Allegience

8) She is an IBO

9) When she owns animals, they live longer than they naturally should. (I think she loves life so much that she infuses it into them and they just never want to die.)

10) She's MY mom, and since I am cool, she has to be cool. I grew in her.

So that's my mom. Lulu Day February 2008 was awesome, and we're planning on having another Lulu Day, maybe Lulu Day March 2008. Don't miss it.

My New Job

2008-02-08T11:17:00.001-08:00

I have a new job! I am the Children's Ministry Director at Roosevelt Community Church.

http://www.rooseveltcc.org/

*Note: I also still have my other job, as Head Honcho i.e. Flying Colors Tutoring Program Director at Rebound of Whatcom County via Americorps.

< ------- Me with a child.

Darn it

2008-02-08T11:15:00.001-08:00

After I was at work today for about an hour and a half, I realized that my shirt was tucked into my pants and I looked like one of those kids that stayed in for recess to help the librarian. Thanks for letting me know, co-workers.

Is there a stray dog problem in Bellingham?

2008-02-07T15:13:00.001-08:00

Since I have been at my new desk with a window to the outside world, 3 stray dogs have wandered by. None of them stopped to greet me, so they were actually 3 RUDE stray dogs.

One of them wandered by today; he was speckley black and white. He was trotting at a semi-brisk pace. He looked friendly enough, except for he wasn't because he didn't STOP TO SAY HELLO.

I want a dog.

<---- Look at him! Don't you want a dog, too? I sure want this dog. Do you think he's for sale?

WHOA, there he was again! Mr Speckles! He's trying to torment me. He's all like, "Hey, I'm all dog-doggersons and you don't have a dog! hahah!" Ruditude.

Here are the kinds of dogs that potentially want:

A Puggle
A Havanese
A Bichon Frise
A mutty-mutt-mutt

Results are in

2008-02-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

In a poll by Raden Researchers, the Camelbak Water Bottle with the Nifty Straw wins for Best Water Bottle ever.

Do you have one? If you don't, get one. If you do have one, then your water drinking has been revolutionized already and you should be preaching the Good News alongside me.

Go buy yours today!

The Best Cookie

2008-01-31T16:11:00.001-08:00

The best cookie in the world is the cookie I am eating RIGHT NOW.

Oatmeal Raisen Cookie, I could fly away on the wings of your love.

Bushisms

2008-01-31T13:38:00.001-08:00

I don't rail on politicians generally - but these make me giggle.

TOP TEN BUSHISMS (as chosen by viewers of dubyaspeak.com)

I want to be the peace president.

My most important job is to defend the homeland, to protect innocent Americans from the deaths of the killers.

First thing that Medicare has done is it says that if you're — when you join Medicare, you get preventative screenings. Put in Texas terms, in order to solve something, you got to diagnose it.

Border relations between Canada and Mexico have never been better.

A political candidate who jumps to conclusions without knowing the facts is not a person you want as your Commander-in-Chief.

I want to send the signal to our enemy that you have aroused a compassionate and decent and mighty nation, and we're going to hunt you down.

I want to thank the President and the CEO of Constellation Energy, Mayo Shattuck. That's a pretty cool first name, isn't it, Mayo. Pass the Mayo.

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.

This notion that the United States is getting ready to attack Iran is simply ridiculous. And having said that, all options are on the table.

There — it's — you know, one of the hardest parts of my job is to connect Iraq to the war on terror

List of the Day 1/21/08

2008-01-31T11:39:00.000-08:00

Some interesting facts:

The average coach airline meal costs the airline $4.00. The average first class meal: $50.
The first toilet being flushed in a motion picture was in the movie Psycho.
There are 10 towns named Hollywood in the United States!
Medical studies show that intelligent people have more copper and zinc in their hair.
About twenty-five percent of the population sneeze when they are exposed to light.
Babies that are breastfed are more likely to be slimmer as adults than those that are not breastfed.
You are more likely to be killed by a champagne cork than a poisonous spider!

I liked the last one.

Carolyn needs to watch out for champagne corks.

Hello, hello, hello

2008-01-25T15:46:00.000-08:00

I'm back. It was rough going there for awhile with the whole Fats Domino experience, but we made it through. And we're stronger now.

So I looked up Fats Domino, and here's what he looks like:

Charming.

I am currently babysitting for my pastor's baby. He's very cute, and he kind of has a comb-over. But I think it makes him cuter. They have a big friendly dog named Tok that looks at me a lot. I want a dog.

I am super-de-duper tired. But I have a PAR-TAY to go to tonight, so I need to wake up.

Well, it's good to be back. I'll be updating regularly now.

Public address to "Fats Domino"

2008-01-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Creepster:

Why do you have to be so creepy? Lately, you have been leaving "comments" on my blog, and they have all been excessively, unnecissarily creepy. If you do not stop, you are going to force me to make it so only other bloggers can leave notes. That would be unfortunate. Do you want to make me have to do something unfortunate?

[Note to other readers - here is an example of Mr. or Mrs. Creepster's comments -

Darkness
Darkness
As the last of the rain of light hides for all eternity I gaze upward into the sky of terror. A heinous face looms above this forsaken earth. It speaks in a bellowing voice. The earth trembles with each breath. I crumble to my feet. I fall to my grave.
Thoughts from a Domino.
Crying for help.

????????]

Creepster, (as that is how I want to address you, and not as "Fats Domino") please stop leaving creepy comments. You can certainly leave comments in the form of compliments, friendly notes, etc. However, if you continue on the path of creepiness, I will have to take action.

Sincerely,
Nicole Kristine

List of the Day 1/16/08

2008-01-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

I'm so counter-culture. Watch this:

Reasons I'm Glad I've Gained A Little Weight

I am warmer in the winter months.
If there was a famine, I would probably survive longer because I have more stored fats to live off of.
If I were to die (of natural causes, of course) whoever ate me would be 1) more satisfied with the meal and 2) probably live longer than if they ate a skinny person
I had to buy new pants and they are very, very soft. I would not have had the opportunity to buy these pants had I remained all skinny-mini.
My boobs are bigger.
My internal organs are probably happier and more comfortable.
I don't have the stress you have when you look really, really great to STAY looking that great (very stressful).

Exerpts from my Junior High Year Book

2008-01-12T22:14:00.000-08:00

1999-2000, Ballou Junior High, my 9th grade year

Nic - It has been a very sexy yr this yr. Now please just don't abandon us as you pass into cheerleader oblivion. Love ya, Jon

Nicole, How are you? I'm doin ok. Congrats on being a cheerleader. I hope you have lots of fun. I'll see you later! Love, Kristin

You cool, so don't get your brother to beat me up, please. Written by David Nam

Hey! Thanx 4 being really kewl & crazy! Heart, Tanya (Airhead)

Nicole - Have a great summer. It was nice to know you. Emilie

Nicole, I didn't know you long but have fun in high school. You're a great gymnastic person. I love you and I'll miss you. John Allen (Buffy))

Nic - I have enjoyed you so much over the time I have known you. I can't imagine not going to school with you. It will be a change... I will miss your wonderfull personality. I will always be your friend and whenever you need to talk about guys, girls, your pom-pom getting wrinkled you just call. Love, Frederick 3

NICOLE! Ahoy! [Large picture of a tomato with thought bubble, "I am a tomato!") Look, I'm writing large! "Have a great summer!" says I. Make sure you don't get too overdramatic... hehe. Good luck on your AOL addiction (wish me luck too). (Picture of a tree) Make sure you don't get too stressed out with all your sports. And don't dye your hair blonde, please. And don't stop talking to e because you're a cheerleader and I am not. Lodocle, KJW- 555-5555 (my exotic dancer number)

Nicole, I'm glad you didn't get lost in Seattle. Good Luck! -Mr. Downing

List of the Day

2008-01-12T22:05:00.000-08:00

Songs I Rule at on SingStar 80's, My New Favorite Game

(It's like Guitar Hero, but with singing)

Material Girl

Tainted Love (especially the Ohhhh's)

Final Countdown

Eye of the Tiger

It's Tricky (Run DMC)

All the other songs

List of the Day

2008-01-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

Things that are Giggle-Worthy:

Elf shoes

The way birds walk

Lynn's conversational sparkle

Meerkats

6th graders that think they are bad-ass

American Gladiators

Dating On-Demand

When my brother Ryan took off his pants by rolling repeatedly on giant exercise ball

Cotton-headed ninny-muffins

The Baby-Sitters Club

When dads take kids clothes shopping

Tucker Jobe

The girl at Ray of Hope that wanted to be called "Half-Dog"

Exercise videos from the 80's

All of the nicknames my father has, including: (but not limited to) Posh Spice, Cranky Curls, Papa Bear, Chuck Diesel, Noodles, Papasan, Chuckles, Sire, Char-Char, Toots

(Feel free to add to my list with your own ideas.)

Just a little joyful image.

2008-01-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

I'm the white tiger and the orange tiger represents everyone I know.

This is why 2008 rules

2008-01-07T16:06:00.001-08:00

Please take a moment to enjoy:

http://www.nbc.com/American_Gladiators/index.shtml

Taste Buds

2008-01-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

News Flash - I now like carmalized onions.

History:
1984 - 2007 Did not like onions of any kind
Late 2007 Tasted a carmalized onion of Ashley's
2008 Officially like carmalized onions

We Welcome You, New Year!

2008-01-02T13:05:00.001-08:00

Here are my New Years Resolutions:

To answer my phone when it rings.
To be nice to my body (via food and exercise)
To get in touch with Amanda
To annihilate Kelly's blog with my blog-ful-ness
To look at my 101 Life Goals at the beginning of each month and plan on how I'm going to work towards one of them that month

January's 101 Life Goals work will be towards.....

(to be continued)

Coffee here and coffee there...

2008-01-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

I read this article on msn.com and it made me so happy!

http://www.slate.com/id/2180301/?GT1=10837

It was saying that Starbucks opening everywhere are actually HELPING the profits of local coffee shopes instead of hindering them. They interviewed coffee shop owners and a lot of them said that Starbucks attracted coffee drinkers and then people would wander over to their little shops all the time!

Way to go, series of events! I'm glad things always work out for the best.

The pictures say it all.

2007-12-26T01:37:00.000-08:00

It was a good Christmas.

CHRISTMAS RULES!!!!

2007-12-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

Wow, the past 24 hours has been awesome. Here are a few highlights of Christmas Eve, I will add pictures and highlights of Christmas DAY later.

I worked on my dad's sock monkey for 4 hours while watching the Tacoma City's Ballet on TV.

I went to Tom Raden's house for Christmas Eve nightime activities.

We added costumes to our annual "Twas the Night Before Christmas" reading.

I wore a new Christmas nightgown.

Cooper wore antlers.

Kyle, Tom, Andre and I played Cranium. MY TEAM WON. (Kyle's team... did not.)

Haha!

The eve was awesome.... but the day (so far) has ruled all. Updates to come.

JFC Report

2007-12-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

The JFC has come and gone. It was fine. My mom has a JFC hangover (mental/emotional/physical, not alcohol). She occasionally mutters things to me like "The JFC is over" and "Mmm-schmulff-mmsch."

(*JFC = Jobe Family Christmas)

At this year's JFC, the following things happened:

I got a GameStop gift card for $25.

Molly, my 8-year-old cousin, WHOOPED my brother Derek (age 15) on Wii Bowling.

Tucker forced me to hold him for 3 hours.

My mom did not get $50 from Grandpa Jobe. (Everyone has for the past like 15 years. Now he has a new hot grandma-wife and she spends all his money. So all the grandkids got $20 and grown-ups got nothing. Poor Lulu.)

Kyle had "the flu."

I ate 2 sandwich roll things (high-rollers), 3 cream puffs, several potato chips, 149 grapes, a few bites of Caesar salad, and an unbelivably delooshous cookie bar with bits of heaven baked into it.

My stomach flab hung over my pants.

I played with the children because all the adults were ignoring them.

I was the life of the party, as usual.

All in all, a pretty good JFC.