Snow Days

There really is no day like a snow day, am I right? And this snow day is WELL deserved, my friends.

When we were long-term subbing, we had so many snow days, but alas, those went unpaid. We couldn't wait for the 2011-2012 school year to begin, so that we could finally have snow days we got MONEY for!

But.

Not a single snow day last year.

Not. One...

This year, we had high hopes, a few close calls, a two-hour early release, and a two-hour delay. Certainly better than nothing, but still, no snow day.

I fantasized about waking up to my alarm, checking the FCPS website to find the cancellation, and then turning off the next three alarms I have set, and rolling back over into a peaceful slumber.

Today was that day. It happened! And boy is it good. This is my current state, and probably the state I will remain in for the rest of the day:

Snow days are so much better than any weekend day. We were talking about this earlier today. On the weekends, you feel slightly obligated to fill your time with seeing people, nights out, meals with friends, church, etc. But Snow days. Nope. You are fully encourage to lay around and do nothing, with reckless abandon, because after all, it's SNOWING. You can't go anywhere.

Shannon made us a delicious breakfast.

Sticky buns, bacon (the real deal), and eggs with spinach, garlic, sauteed onions and cheese. Like quiche minus the crust.

But delicious breakfast without mimosas is virtually nothing, especially on a snow day. But what was the one thing we forgot? Champagne. Don't worry, we were resourceful. One of the best parts of being adults who don't drink like fish anymore (i.e. college), is that there is ALWAYS liquor in the house. And it lasts a very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very long time.  

Orange juice, vodka, pineapple juice, rum, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and more. It was delicious! See, look how much Evie is enjoying it?

It's been a lovely day here in Fairfax. Not too much on the ground, but we are grateful for a day of rest, friends, food, and Downton.

Hope everyone is enjoying their snow day! Oh yeah, 2 weeks until Spring Break!

Bringing it Back, and Being in Your 20s

I've not written on this in almost a year. I'm not good at keeping up with this stuff, but I'm wondering if I should. I don't gather many people read this, but, it is still a nice outlet.

I just went back and read some of my previous entries. Oy...almost embarrassing. Particularly the in-college posts. Especially how I talked about boyfriends. Yikes! I am so grateful to have learned the value of privacy. I know I was so open about relationships because I was looking for something with an internal timeline, and always hoping that I was finally there. In retrospect, I am so grateful it haven't yet. 25 has been, so far, wonderful. I'm realizing that being in your 20s, in general, is awesome.

I have so enjoyed watching my friends post-college. I am SO proud of everyone. Between jobs, marriages, babies, independence in singlehood, auto and home purchases, we have so much to be proud of and grateful for. I have written in the past about my personal pledge to be present, and I think it has been one of the greatest realizations and changes I have made in my life, and I thank my 20s for it. Early 20s-meh, up and down. But now it's awesome. I highly recommend it, particularly if you are in a "stuck" place. CHOOSE to be happy, because really, life is good. And things could, knock on wood, always be worse.

I don't have exciting anything to tell in this post, but that has been on my mind.

I could talk about some of the unintentionally racist things my kids have said during Black History Month conversations today, but that is risky. Just use your imagination....

One and Done

Here I am,  3 weeks and 3 days away from completing my first year of teaching. What. A. Year. It has been a good year, a growing year. I definitely think I have learned way more about myself in the last year than ever, and fully anticipate on doing more of that next year, and the next year, and the next. Every year feels like the "most" year as far as growth though, right?

Well, I can say I have never looked more forward to a coming year before. I think this year, I did a lot of observing. Definitely acted on things; I did not stand still, but I really did a lot of observing. I think I had missed out on that in life (and not in a melodramatic way). I'm transient. A nomad. A gypsy. I had constant change, never settling into one place too long before picking up and going to a new one. I love that and am grateful for it. I have seen/lived in/experienced a lot of America, and the world. I don't feel stuck, or that I am missing out on anything, which is something I feel like a lot of my friends are struggling with. BUT. I didn't invest. I'm ready to invest! Invest my time, my love, my heart, my happiness, my faith, my heartache, my sorrow, my health. I have found things and activities and I am so anxious to start them. I'm feeling good.

Your 20s are awesome. They are so fun. They are so hard. They are so full of lessons, its almost annoying. And remarkably, I'm the FIRST woman in my family to be on my own, not married, no kids, living with girlfriends, straight out of college. Isn't that crazy?? I'm the first one. I'm so current, right? :-) Tangent: can I also just say what amazing roommates I have? Seriously. We are girls. We act like girls. We fight. We get annoyed. But dear Lord, do we love eachother. I would walk through fire for them. They are amazing. And they put up with me. There are qualities in each of them that feed a different part of what I am learning about in life at this stage. God has done me right with these girls.

Speaking of Girls...it is a great show and everyone should watch it.

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

Oh Tom Petty. You are RIGHT. Waiting is hard.

I recently finished a great book called "Cold Tangerines". It is a collection of short stories from the author's life, and she discusses finding the blessings in everyday life. It was incredibly well-written, and uplifting. And comforting. I tried to start her other book last night, but it is more depressing, and I just wasn't feeling it.

Anyway.

She has a chapter on waiting. How we are ALWAYS waiting for something. As babies, we wait to be in elementary school, from there, middle school, then high school. Then see who we become in college, and then who we are after college, then who we are when we are married, then parents, then grandparents, etc.

I am in the after college part. Trying not to feel like I am waiting, but living. The hardest part of this stage is making friends. It is so hard to work up the courage to do it. We cling to who we know in the area, and try and grow from there. And we also forget that those friends are there at all. I sit around feeling lonely, then smack myself in the face and tell myself to reconnect with those people that meant so much to me as College-Katie. That's where I am at now.

Thankfully, I am with a great guy who has helped introduce me to other people, and it is wonderful and helpful, and I have met some amazing people, but alas...they are not MY people. They could gradually become "my" people, but we all know there is a certain amount of pride that comes with this place in life. The pride of creating a life for yourself, including friendships.

So here's to NOT waiting. To living, and to doing, and to creating.

Home Sweet Home

So I'm sitting here in my new living room, drinking a glass of sangria, and catching up on Real Housewives of NYC drama, and boy am I happy. Its been the most amazing feeling to wake up in my new beautiful bedroom, make my bed, waltz downstairs and put my coffee on, and sit and enjoy the fruits of our labor: a HOME.

We found a gorgeous, newly renovated town-home within walking distance to the Vienna metro. The walls are painted the perfect colors, and the hardwood floors are crisp and beautiful. They feel so good on my feet in the morning.

I'll post some pictures once its completely finished. The only room we have left is the dining room. We just need a table and nice carpet in there. The living room and kitchen are done, minus a few pictures of course. My room is finished, and Evie's is almost complete. Shan is swamped, so she's balancing work, her show, and unpacking her room all at once. Laura is going to finish her room when she gets back from the beach.

I'm so happy! I can't wait for school to start in the Fall.

Oh yeah, I'm over waitressing. Pretty sure this will be the last summer of waitressing ever. But, I need the money to replenish everything I've spent on this house! Ha! And boooy, is the money good. Woof...

Happy rest of the summer, all!

Domestic Goddess?

I went in to Home Depot to get a fancy pretty flashlight for work today. I parked my car, opened the door, and was overwhelmed with the Home Depot smell. That out-doorsy, wooden smell. I loved it. I walked up and was immediately drawn to the gorgeous flowers on display. This was new. I never gave a flying fig about plants.

Then I go inside. The smell of new home appliances and beautiful fake kitchens welcomed me to my new apparent haven. I was overcome by the desire to create projects, to create a home, make something beautiful to own and be proud of.

Now, I've always loved home design. I've always considered some sort of interior design classes to take on the side in the future. But repairs, shrubbery, and all that...never really interested me. I'm content to work with what I've got. Today, it was just so different. I was carried away to this place, imagining having a home of my own, making the front yard look perdy, re-doing a bathroom, painting the living room, all these different scenarios. It was so grown-up. It was SO WEIRD. Why? Because I don't think I'm there yet! But maybe I'm getting close to being there? I have no idea, but it was strange.

I have determined I better have at least a small front yard to play with next year.

Too Much of a Good Thing

Ok. Let me preface this with a paragraph praising the amazingness of my family, because really, I am so lucky to have such a fun, close family. I have two parents that love each other very much. Seriously...I can't count how many times my dad will pull us aside and ask, "Isn't your Mama beautiful?". And they are both dedicated to service. My dad is soon to be a General in the Army, and my mom has worked for non-profits my entire life. We were raised to live a life of service. I cannot imagine a profession where I wouldn't be serving. Chris is in non-profit as well, I'm a teacher, Colleen wants to go help orphans in any country she an, and Kelly is going to study to be a teacher as well. Its contagious. We're all do-gooders. When my entire family is together, it tends to be outrageous and hilarious. There's usually some form of alcohol flowing, and the laughter is OUT of control. This includes extended family as well (also relentless do-gooders). There's so much love in my family. And now that Kaitlyn is here...oh my gosh...you couldn't smack the smiles off of our faces.

Basically what I'm getting at, is that I look forward to my entire family being together. When I was in college, I loved coming home to visit everyone. I didn't come home unless there were breaks, and usually stayed in Harrisonburg for most or all of the summers, because I loved missing them, and then visiting them.

So, now that I have expressed my undying love for my family...

They are driving. Me. Crazy.

I have been at home this year. For one thing, Student Teaching doesn't pay, and I knew if I wanted to work in Fairfax County, I needed to be here as soon as possible. And I was right. Got the Long-Term job, and now, a solid job at a beautiful school for next year. And Long-Terms pay well, but not "live off this forever" well. So saving has been the big thing for the year.

Its been nice...but its time to go. I'll be 24 in January. At this age, you're not supposed to be home. You're supposed to be MISSING your family. Holidays should be exciting because you're going to be surrounded by the people you've missed so much. I remember feeling less Holiday-ish this year, because I was home already. I missed the "going home for the Holidays" feeling.

But it is getting to me. And I am taking it out on my family. I'm so aware of this too. My mom was sitting next to me, and had her arm on me. It was annoying me so much. All I could feel was her arm. On me. And I wanted. It. Off.

I love my family, but I need to miss them again. As we are drawing closer, and closer to the time to move, I am getting SO excited. Yes, a house will be great, I'll be with friends, I'll be social, yes, yes, yes...but more importantly. I'm going to MISS MY FAMILY! I'll be nicer again. I cannot wait. I cannot wait....

I love my family.

Life Changed Completely in 1 Week...

So I wrote on here...not too long ago. Less than a week probably. And since then, my life has completely changed.

The biggest and most rewarding change: I am an Aunt, to the most precious baby girl I could have ever imagined. My sister gave birth to Kaitlyn Marie Coffey on Wednesday at 9:17 AM, and we were there for every second. Except not during the actual C-section. She is perfect. Perfect round head, so curious. She looks around at everything. She's the most alert newborn I've ever seen, and I cannot wait to see who she becomes in the coming years.

It was amazing how much I loved her, and how we all immediately felt connected to her. It was something I don't think I could understand or appreciate when my sisters were born. It is also a different love. I can't describe it. Knowing that she came from my sister, who I grew up with, who is only 20 months older than me (freaky). But the love I've been feeling has made me so curious about the love I will feel for my own kids. And how Chrissy and Andrew must be feeling. Its all so much!

Ok, moving on...locked in a summer job at a fancy new place in Tysons. Hello, training. The arduous process I cannot wait to be done with so I can start making some real money. This place is fancy y'all. And all about wine. Alcohol=higher bills=better tips. Holla.

And last but not least, I was hired at a school for next year this morning! I interviewed yesterday and felt great about it, thinking it could be a great fit, and got the call from the principal this morning. It all happened so fast, and I am nothing short of relieved! Of course, it has to go through HR before I can be officially hired, but she assured me that should all go smoothly. Fingers crossed there are no hiccups there! I'm really excited about this school. Great community, great parents, great staff, new, FULL-TIME, and all around the ideal place to begin my career.

Life is falling into place, people. Now onto a house....

Dropped the Ball on This One, Folks....

I don't even know who reads this, but I like writing in it anyway. And I forgot I had it for about the last year or so, and OH my goodness, is life different.

I just went through and read my last 20-some-odd posts, and can't believe what a different place I am in. And how my mindset has changed. I was just starting student teaching when I wrote my last post. Since then, I've finished student teaching, graduated, and began teaching at an elementary school. I'm doing it. For real now. Insane! Now, I'm looking for a new school to teach at in the fall. I had an AMAZING experience at my current school, and my principal is working to get me somewhere for next year as soon as possible. How lucky am I? I finished on Thursday, and had an email from another principal asking me to send my resume on FRIDAY. I can't wait to see where I end up next year.

We're also on the house hunt. We put blood, sweat, and tears into this one townhouse for months, and they went with someone else. Not so happy about that one, but we'll make something happen. Can't wait to decorate with Evie! We are clearly the appointed decorators of the four of us.

And the biggest news of all, MY SISTER IS HAVING HER FIRST BABY/my parents' first grandbaby/my first niece! In 4 days! Baby girl is breech, so its a c-section for Chrissy. So unless she comes early, she'll be here around 3:30 PM on Thursday! Can't wait for this new chapter for my family. The entire dynamic is about to shift. This begins a whole new way of living for my family. Its crazy to think, Chrissy and I are only 20 months apart. By my age, she had been married for 6 months already. She was 11 months older than I am now when she got pregnant....Oh. My. Lord....I cannot even imagine that.

This year has been great, but I'm over it. Its been "limbo year". Like Britney once said, "I'm not a girl, not yet a woman". I've been at home, working at a temporary job, unsure of where I'll be (and need to be) in just a few short months. We're working hard to get these questions answered as soon as possible because we are READY! Ready to be on our own again, making thousands of dollars (woo!), paying bills, cleaning our own house, having benefits, and meeting new people! Its going to be amazing...and this year will pay off, I know it.

Next posts will be updates to the aforementioned milestones.

Naps.

So.

I've begun some pre-student teaching activities at a high school in Alexandria, and so far, it's been great. I'm getting very, very excited. But that's not the point of this post. I'll write one gushing about my love for teaching later. Because it's gunna happen. Sorry not sorry.

Anyway. I have made plans to meet up with my roommate from all 4 years of college for dinner in old town Alexandria tomorrow, since we both work in the area. And since I have no idea when I'll be done tomorrow, the first 2 thoughts that popped into my head, should I finish up earlier than expected, were 1.) No big deal, I'll just go home and come back, and 2.) No big deal, I'll just find a couch somewhere and nap.

Welp, my friends. This was my first rude awakening to the real world. That bubble we all live in for 4 years during college...well that bubble just got about 50 times bigger.

These two options were always the way to go back at JMU. My house was 5 minutes away, and a person sleeping on the grass of the quad, or a couch in some random building...not so strange. This might not be as well received in the metropolis of Northern Virginia, unless of course I were actually in the city and passed out on one of the great lawns. But even then they'd probably assume I was drunk and/or homeless.

So what will I do? No idea. But I guess I'm about to discover what everyone else in the big bubble does when they have time to kill. I'll get back to you.

A new lease on life...for today anyway...

I have had this plan. For four years, I have had "the plan" of how things would go after classes were done, and student teaching was the only remaining part of my education left. Starting about...14 months ago or so, I became completely terrified of "the plan". Do I want this still? Do I like this? Am I too burnt out? My experience with the SoM was interesting, and not as fulfilling as it should have been. And it has created a ton of doubt within me, if you could tell from just about every blog post I have, and that has bread insecurity. Today has been a good day, for no particuar reason, and I'm beginning to feel myself becoming more positive. I think a lot of it has to do with CAMPPPPP COMING UPPPPP!

Every summer I have worked at this camp here at JMU for kids from elementary to high school, focusing on choral music, some dance, and DHALL 3 TIMES A DAY. It has been the bigest refresher for me. And I forget about it as the year goes on, until it comes time to be with my kids again. It's always the same kids, and they are wonderful, wonderful people. I need it. And now, more than ever, I'm realizing that THIS has actually been the closest to student teaching that I have gotten in my 4 years. Even during practicum, even while teaching women's chorus for 2 semesters. The relationships are what will make this worth it to me. Today, I am remembering that a lot more than I was yesterday, a week ago, 14 months ago.

It's a good, good day.

Time is of the Essence...

So I've pretty much abandoned this blog. Sorry about it. It's been quite a summer so far. Lots and learning and growing, and a pretty useful time of transition into "real life".

I've learned that there are actually people who think more than I do, and it made me see the other side of things. What my overthinking can do to others. Of what I've done in the past, and how it can affect those around me. And how the combination of more than one thinking head can be...not so good. I guess we need to fall victim to our own pitfalls to really learn how to grow out of them.

I'm not one for horoscopes, but mine today said something about taking our own share of blame for things that go wrong in our lives. Horoscopes are generally bogus, but sometimes they have little hidden life lessons. I've been doing that a lot, looking for my "part" in things that go wrong, even in everyday life. Little things, but it all matters. It is so easy to blame everyone else, the other person, whatever, but I am not perfect. I contribute, good and bad.

I've learned that people are good. And that God is so good. And He brings the right people into our lives at the perfect time. He has never failed me on that, even in some of the worst moments, and I have never been so appreciative as I have lately. I think these are actually things I learn over and over again, and I think now I'm actually taking it seriously. I'm not a kid anymore, I'm not a teenager, I'm not even I college kid anymore. I'm a grown-up (sort of...). I'm embracing responsibility in every way that I should.

I've learned that I THRIVE on change. When something causes a sudden change, I have to change right along with it. Almost to a fault. Whether its avoiding the cause of change, a television channel, who I spend my time with, my attachment to certain places. Like my house, for example. My roomies (who I love and miss, so much) are gone. I am no longer attached to this house. I'm packing up gradually on my days off, and it feels awesome. The room is practically done, downstairs pretty much done, etc. It's not the same place to me anymore, so I change. I anticipate the next step. It's something I never really noticed until recently. But I also think my coping strategies have changed, to cope more healthfully. But reading what I just wrote, I wonder if it's actually healthier? Haha...and then I think.

I've learned that I LOVE some of the people I work with. They are so different from what I have been around in the 4 years I have been here, and they are wonderful. Dan and I were talking about it, and it is such a breath of fresh air. And they are making my summer. It has been so fun so far! It almost feels like I'm living in a different place, which coincides with the aforementioned thriving on change, hahaha...

That's all I've got.

Silence is Golden

I've been driving with the windows down, and music off a lot lately. I feel like I constantly have things to think about. The uncertainty of the future, because lets be real, it's pretty friggin' up in the air, makes me think about everything little thing in my life, analyzing solid things, and worrying that they are not. Like, oh I don't know...my major. Yikes.

It's my M.O...worrying. I do it enough for pretty much every person around me. Like that darn hampster wheel on the Duke Lawn. Mark my words, someone will die on that thing. It is the human hampster wheel of DOOM.

I'm working on it...the worrying, that is.

When I'm thinking, I like silence. It helps me process my thoughts, or calms me or something. When I'm stressed and go on my little night time drives, I like it silent. I drive out way passed Harrisonburg, into Dayton-ish area. There are no lights, just hills and cows.

All this culmination stuff makes me so stressed. Mostly because I feel like we have all been so busy, we haven't been able to process and enjoy it. Oh my gosh...typing this makes me stressed. My roommates' slowly emptying rooms puts a pit in my stomach. Emily's dad picked up the island from the kitchen over the weekend, and that one thing being gone makes me so sad. I'm sooo delaying emptying anything from my room. I'm going to do that progressively over the summer. It's been such a good year in this house, so being without them this summer, and forever, will be hard and something to get used to.

Time for work. I love JMU and my roomies and my friends and my family.

AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BIG SISTER, CHRISTINE ANN MORRISON COFFEY!

College, Week #...last.

So here I am. Last week of real college. It feels good. It feels weird. I am refusing to let it feel sad. I am sooo in denial about it being the "end". I have been disconnecting for this entire semester. Keeping myself surrounded by a small, close knit group of people. Avoiding the huge, "i-don't-know-half-these-people" party scene. I think it properly prepared me for this week.

The saddest time thus far was the Overtones final concert. They were my people this year. When the big kids I love the most left, they know who they are, college felt a lot younger. Overtones came in at the perfect time, and were so amazing to me. During stressful rehearsals, snapping at each other, singing in the dark, jumping, warm-ups, recording sessions, Overtones thanksgiving, everything, it was the small family I needed this year. I am so grateful to this amazing group of people, and I am so thankful for the permanent family that I am a part of.

Buy our new CD. It's legit.

Life news: Ordered a BlackBerry online today. Kind of terrified of it. I have always been a regular phone girl. Getting my emails to my phone makes me excited though.

But now, I finish this week, get my Senior Recital over with (Ugh), become addicted to the CrackBerry, work at the restaurant (which is proving to be wonderful and profitable), and enjoy the summer! Lots of exercise, tanning, and working. Sounds good.

SpringFest/Blockparty Dramz...

Every class I had today, professors felt the need to talk about what happened at Blockparty this past weekend. It was really awesome to have them scold us and tell us that our actions embarrassed them.

I personally did not attend. I was at home with Kyle and my family for my mom's birthday. After hearing what friends and professors had to say, I watched some of the videos on You Tube, these are a few things I have to say:

1. Police were amping this up before it even happened. With borderline threatening emails and written letters to residents. You think that WON'T encourage underage drinkers, who live to push the boundaries?
2. JMU has a population of 18,000 students. Of 8000 people there, no way were they all JMU.
3. Did anyone else notice the REDICULOUS mass exodus from campus ALL day Sunday? It was impossible to move anywhere because OTHER school populations were in attendance.
4. JMU ALSO failed to recognize that they planned Choices for the Friday of that weekend, and the following Monday. I wonder how many of the people throwing bottles were high school Choices visitors crashing with some friends for a "wild college weekend".
5. Have you watched some of these videos? I watched people standing around get pummeled to the ground and maced in the eyes. The cops were out for blood.

Ok...I FULLY accept that 8,000 people is absolutely too much, and I agree that some sort of dispersion was necessary. I wonder if it had to get as crazy as it did, but it did. With 8,000 drunk people, it might have even been inevitable. And I also see why JMU students are getting the blame. It is a JMU (student) hosted event. I just wish that all factors could be taken into consideration. I am disappointed that it turned into the event it did, and I am sad that JMU's reputation as a party school is only going to get worse. I know people who even go to Blockparty and DON'T drink...but it doesn't really matter I suppose.

I just don't want my degree to be a mockery.

JOB.

I got a job. WABAM.

Serenity

It is amazing how many times this semester I have been able to come home, early in the day, and lay in my bed, just because. I have spent the last 3.5 years being busy, and now, I'm just tying up loose ends.

I would love to fill this downtime with a job though...but that is another frustrating post...

But it has led to my aforementioned addiction to the Discovery Health channel. Which I must be thankful for.

Anyway, I am really trying to appreciate this downtime before the craziness of student teaching begins. As much as I am ready to be finished, I know in about 6 months I'll be wishing to have this semester back. But I also know I'll be happier than I have been doing music in the last 2 years. I don't like that music here at JMU doesn't excite me anymore, and I know where to place blame, but I really believe that student teaching is going to rejuvenate me and my appreciation for music.

There is a lot of paperwork that goes into student teaching apparently. This semester has made me a lot better with paperwork. A blessing, considering I'm about to be a teacher.

Also, weather-Gods, I'm going to consider the last 2 days a blip. I'm sure tomorrow will be 72 degrees and sunny again. Mhm.

Quad Quad Quad Quad Quaaaaad

The best part about JMU is without a doubt, Springtime on the Quad. Every year, we suffer through Winter, slipping on ice, shielding our faces from the piercing wind, tears streaming down our faces (yes, it gets that bad), and bundled up in our most un-cute outfits. The snow days are appreciated, yes, but the cold, glooomy weather puts you in a bad, unmotivated mood.

However, with suffering comes reward, in the form of sunshine, dresses, biddies, frisbees, and football, all taking place on the gorgeous JMU Quad.

Thank the Lord for Spring. I'm in a much better mood now.

Makes Me Think

So there is this website called "makesmethink.com". I picked up on it from a friend, and have come to love it. It's similar to those "f my life" and "my life is average" sites, where people post an anecdote that begins with "Today, I..." but it is not superficial, distgusting, boring or unfortunate. They are just simple, happy, sad anecdotes based on moments that "make you think". Check it out, they are wonderful.

Lock Your Car Doors, Friends.

So I have never locked Big Bertha's doors. Ever. I've had her for 5 or 6 years now, and she's a cutie, but honestly, no one would steal that hunk o' junk. She has manual windows, locks, the works. So I'm lazy and just...don't lock the doors. It's easier.

Well last night, I learned a valuable lesson on why NOT to do that anymore. And this is how...

I took my baby sister out to dinner at Outback. We had a nice meal then wondered to the other side of the shopping center, and I treated Kelly to a little eyebrow waxing. No big deal.

So we mozy on back my car...there it is! We're chatting, etc...then we open the doors, and sit in our respective seats.

Why does my car wreak of cigarettes?

Why are there tissues everywhere?

Why is the bedding in the back seat?

This is not my car.

Gross.

I sat in someone else's car, without their knowing. And it was dirty. And it felt so wrong.

Then I kept thinking...who has accidently sat in my unlocked car? How many times has that happened to poor Big Bertha? How many times has she been violated in such a way?

With that, I made a vow to always lock my car.

Except in my driveway. Because I came home and nay locked my doors.