Five on Friday #155

EINS - Random Shit

-I did some Java practice.  I still suck.  That's gonna make this CS class suuuuuuper fun.

-We have officially signed up for 9 Round.  I'm serious enough about it that I bought us both extra hand wraps, mesh laundry bags to store the hand wraps in, and deodorizer sacks for gloves and to put in the hand wrap bags.  They should arrive today, thank allah.

-My Calc 2 class goes from 1015-1330 on Fridays.  What fucking nightmare am I living right now?  Thankfully, I do not have my CS class on Fridays.  But still.  COMEEEE ONNNNNNNN.. Ugh.

-With a Wednesday off, it was like having 2 Mondays and 2 Fridays in one week and my brain likes and dislikes it. 

-With fireworks going off until who fucking knows when on Wednesday night, Thursday was rrrrroooouuugghhh. 

-Speaking of Thursday, it was my first day of summer school (for the first time everrrr) and it was a series of unfortunate events all day.  The only thing that didn't happen was getting stopped by a train.  First I almost left waaaayyy too early, but caught my mistake (I was thinking of my fall schedule).  Then the power went out, so I almost left anyways, but then realized that I wouldn't be able to get out of the garage unless I disconnected the garage door and so I had to google how to fix it so that way I could send it to Teh German so he would know before he got home why the garage door opener wasn't working.  But then the power came back on and I realized I had some time before I needed to leave, so I put my packed lunch in the fridge... where it stayed for the rest of the day.. to include after I left for school.  #MeganFail

I made it to school and class was fine, with the exception of it being 12° (C or F, doesn't matter) in the building.. WTF?  I then ended up spending over 2 hours working on my first Calc homework with some classmates after class ended since my work tasking is still being tossed back and forth between individuals who do not want to deal with the "nightmare" that is this tasking.  After finishing the hw, I left and headed to the grocery store to pick up something for lunch.  I picked up cottage cheese and a peach and headed to my CS class.  I parked in the garage and ate my lunch at 3:15. 

My CS class sounds fun, but is definitely going to be difficult.  I was surprised to learn that summers at the Citadel are like regular classes at any other university.  There are no cadets (I don't think) and the professor is wearing civilian clothes instead of her uniform.  Makes my purple hair seem less of a big deal.  It was interesting going to College of Charleston for a class because there were SOOOO many females in the CS class.  I'm not used to that as the Citadel is not a first choice university for most females... and if they do choose the Citadel, they don't usually major in CS.

The aquarium is sooo close!

My fave bridge from the balcony from my CS building.
This makes a 4:00-6:20pm class bearable.

On the way home, I stopped at Willie Jewell's to pick up dinner for us.  There was an accident so it took longer to get there and the food took fooorrreeevvveerrr.  I was ranting to Teh German that I would have given them a 1 star review on Yelp for just how shitty the service was.  The phone didn't work, so I couldn't call in my order, no one was friendly, there was no music going, and then the wait?  No me gusta.  But then I got home and the food was delicious and we had an extra bread pudding, despite a sauce mix up, and I told Teh German that I'd bump up my review to 3 stars. 

It was a looooonnnggg day.

-Actually having to learn things on the first day of class is overrated.  Ugh.

-I LURVE MY CRICUT.  I WANT TO CUT ALL THE THINGS!  Instead, I get to do work and homework.  This is my life.  No but really, I have 2 projects that I need to do this weekend and I'm on the hunt for more things.

-My primary doc has no idea what is wrong with me after doing bloodwork... and that dumbass didn't check for FSH levels, which definitely should have been on her list of things to check as 1- I am female, 2- I have reproductive organ issues, 3- Hot flashes are a menopause symptom and FSH levels affect that.  This doesn't bode well for our future together.  1- She didn't run tests that I consider common sense, but I'm not the one with a medical degree, 2- She wasted my money ($25 copay for the initial visit, $25 copay for the follow-up where she had nothing to tell me, + whatever LabCorp charges me.  THEN seeing a specialty (ob-gyn) was a $45 copay + whatever LabCorp charges me, + another $45 when I go to get my results next week.) 

Have I mentioned lately how much I hate our healthcare system and what a rape health insurance is?  I cannot count the number of times I've had a doctor's office tell me that my insurance company is shit.  #ThisIsMyLife

-We went paddle boarding for the first time on the 4th and it was fabulous and we're considering buying paddle boards and I want to go all the time.  You know, in my free time that I don't have.  Just like I want to ride Bagheera all the time.. but I won't if my perfect conditions are not met.  /shrug

We hid out under a bridge when it started raining.

ZWEI - Money Shit

-PURPLE HAIIIIRRRSSSSS
-Globe decorations
-Linen pants
-Sweet tea x3
-Shutterfly photobooks
-Random house things
-Sam's grocery/house order
-Workout items (extra hand wraps, deodorizer/drying bags, mesh bags)
-Cricut....
-Cricut tools
-Calc book that I probably won't use (I only paid $20 to rent it, so I'm not sooo upset)
-CofC parking pass for the garage
-Doc copay x a mabillionty

DREI - From My Phone Shit

Why are there no knock knock jokes about America?
Because freedom rings.

So thoughtful.

Attack da momma!

Successful test run!

Teh German's cigar case.
He picked the quote, I did the printing.

Metto's apple cinnamon poptart.
OMGGGG YAAASSSS

Meri and Pax have been real attention whores lately.
I'm 50% complaining, 50% not.
Just depends on how many pounds of dog is on my toes at the moment
ORRRR
if they are rearing back like horses and scratching me with their talons..

My favorite German is more patriotic than me.
I'm just gonna call it balance.

Fireworks, because duh.

This peach was huuuuuggggeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Dem red shoes, loool.

VIER - From the Internet Shit

For those Parks and Rec fans, this article had me cracking up!

In fact, I went through our cable drawers a few weeks ago and ensured they all went to something and got rid of any extras.
NO CRAP!  NO HOARDING.
I only went through my drawers, I did not go through Teh German's drawers (hehehe), that's not a task for the faint of heart.

FÜNF - Things that made me happy this week

1. Finally starting school.  I hate waiting for shit to begin.
2. Cheap/free textbooks.
3. Willie Jewell's
4. Willie Jewell's BREAD PUDDING and getting a freebie.
5. Getting this posted before I had to leave for school.
6. All my audiobooks coming in the same time. Ok, this kinda frustrates me too, but YAY books!
7. Cricut!!!
8. An OB/GYN who gets me and gives it to me straight and get down to business instead of trying to be my bestie.
9. Speaking of besties, I get to see Teh Running Bestie in TWOOOOO WEEEKKKKSS!!!
10. Working out.  Punching shit.  Walking in the am.  Walking with dogs.  MOVING.
11. Extra attention from my attention whores.
12. Excuses to wear a sweatshirt in the middle of the summer (when your class is subarctic, this is life)
13. 17 more days of summer school!
14. The ability to telework.
15. Slow mornings and eating breakfast and having coffee at home.
16. Cottage cheese.  I've really been loving that lately.
17. My wireless mouse.
18. Photoshop skills to make pretty pretties for printing.
19. Bloggers who email back and forth with me about school and life and even if we don't know each other IRL, we are friends.
20. MY LIFE.  Seriously ya'll.  I have an awesome, abet mildly stressful, life and it makes me happy.

Happy Friday, Gentle Readers.

Five on Friday #114

EINS

Wednesday felt like Monday and I couldn't figure out why I'd already posted a weekend review because Tuesday felt like a Saturday and why am I so easily confused?  I'm blaming all this teleworking and not being really connected to the real world.

In true Megan's 4th of July fashion, I rocked a solid sunburn on Wednesday and Thursday.  Seriously, SPF and I have a date for always.  I know better.

I worked some in the morning so that way we can leave early today to head to NC.  I also researched laptops and finally decided on what to get.  With some encouragement from Teh German, I tried to purchase it, but Teh Sister was ignoring me and I wanted to see if she had any Best Buy rewards that I could use and use her account so she could get whatever rewards from my purchase.  Eventually, she got out of the ocean and answered my texts.  In the end, I just sent her the link for what I wanted and she ordered it for me and I sent her dollas through PayPal.  No more stressing about the laptop situation.  Now I just have to wait on it to ship on July 14th.

After laying by the pool with Teh PT Wife and lots of our neighbors for several hours, we headed over to Roux's house for hanging out and noms.  Mr. Golfer had smoked some bbq and he needed test subjects.  It was fun to hang out with the GLCK ([Street Name] Cool Kids).  Roux even stopped barking after about 10 minutes!

We headed out around 7 to get packed up to head to North Charleston for some fireworks since our city had cancelled ours because their parking lot was flooded.  Boooo.

The fireworks were great.  This is the first year since 2014 that I've seen fireworks.  In 2015, Teh WJL and I were at Riverfront Park for the show when a massive thunderstorm rolled in and they were cancelled.  In 2016, we had our house warming party that weekend and then after spending all day working on the flower beds/outside, we were too tired/sunburnt to actually go anywhere and instead we picked up dinner at stayed home.

Teh PT Wife suggested I put sunscreen on my incisions so they wouldn't scar as badly so I did.  I only used SPF 15.  Here you can see just how much any sunscreen would have made my life better.

I'm a dalmatian!

Despite the holiday being on a Tuesday, it was enjoyable.  I'd do it again.

ZWEI

So what new laptop did I get?  This one, a 15" HP Omen.  HP was the only company that actually gave me options to choose from instead of just giving me 2 options, neither of which were what I really wanted.  I will be adding in another stick of RAM to max it out at 16GB, which isn't the best of the best, but I'm not gaming anymore so I'm not suuuuuper concerned about this.  My broken hinge laptop has 8GB of RAM and I can run Photoshop and Lightroom at the same time, so I feel like 16GB will be fine for my needs.

The next complication will be trying to find Photoshop/Lightroom or just subscribing to the service.  It's too bad that Adobe doesn't give a discount for just Photoshop and Lightroom and that they don't give a discount for paying for a year in full.  #MeganProblems

Also, I can't get my current laptop to factory reset because it's infected with something and it's making me want to violence something.

DREI

From the phone:

#Allthescreens
This is what teleworking looks like.
To think, there will be another computer here in a few weeks....

Teh PT Wife told me to put vinegar on my sunburn to take out the burn.
Life lesson: This will make you smell like salt and vinegar chips.
Suggestion: Wear rubber gloves.

Family snuggles after Teh German got home from work.

Our neighbor brought beer and candy from Germany after we watched his house while he was deployed.
HAPPY HIPPOS ARE MY FAVORITE!!!  Teh German said that the pantry was like our personal food store, so he set up the container like we are "the store."  Mmmkay.

Meri on Neighborhood Watch

This goof.
His feet bang and scratch on the furniture in my office and I don't mind until he's banging on my desk and then I have to tell him to knock it off.  Weirdo.

How to make a German happy.

Seriously, he is so goofy.  He had his mouth open when I first discovered this situation.
PS.  Yes I know he needs his nails done.

The aftermath of squirrel chasin'.

VIER

From the internet:

Cristina is my spirit animal.

FÜNF

10 things that made me happy this week:

1. Being a good neighbor.
2. Getting work accomplished.
3. NO MORE MOTHERFUCKING CRUTCHES.
4. Fireworks.
5. Letting myself off the hook.  This included no post on Wednesday, not feeling obligated to do every.single.thing, and permission to watch Moana and Grey's Anatomy.
6. Dabbing vinegar all over myself sunburn and then complaining that I smelled like salt and vinegar chips for the rest of the day.
7. Erin's Book Challenge finally started!  
8. Audiobooks that aren't a mabillionty hours long.
9. Teleworking.  Part of me misses being among society, part of me doesn't.
10. Mountain time this weekend.

Happy Friday, Gentle Readers.

Weekend Review {5/17}

Have I mentioned lately how awesome Company is?  Because seriously, Company is awesome and I have pretty awesome bosses who are extremely flexible with me and my neediness.

But how did they come through this time?
Welll.. just sit down and I'll tell you how.

So on Thursday, Teh Frozen Lover called me to ask if I wanted to go to Disney World and it would be a surprise to Teh Running Bestie.  One of her friends had backed out at the (very) last minute and there was an available bed space and lodging would be free.  In fact, they even offered to pick me up on the way to Orlando from MD!  Immediately my brain went into overdrive..  It was something like this: HOW DO I MAKE THIS WORK???

My first call was to Teh German to make sure he wasn't going to be upset if I went to Disney for a few days without him.  I know, I know, I said no Disney in 2017, but when certain opportunities fall into your lap, you just don't say no.  Ok?  ANNNDD this trip (and the MD trip) are my last hoorahs before my surgery, soooooooo #reasoned.

After Teh German said it was ok to desert him for The Mouse, I consulted Google Calendar and realized that there was no way I could have them pick me up.  We had plans on Friday and Saturday nights.  I decided I'd just head down on my own on Sunday.

I talked to my boss at work to make sure that I could be out on Mon and Tues without causing too many waves.  My compromise was to work a full day on Friday (which is the most extreme type of work grossness) and over the weekend.  This actually worked out really well for me and I was able to get soooo much accomplished!  When the nerds aren't giving me a deadline 2 hours from the time they send me a document, it's super awesome! 

While it was supposed to be a surprise for Teh Running Bestie, it didn't work out that way and we ended up telling her on Saturday evening that I was coming down.  So here's an "abbreviated" weekend review since so much has went down.  You're welcome.

FRIDAY

I worked.  It was exactly like you're imagining.  I did leave the office early to pick up hockey tickets and a prescription from the Ortho for more meds and to Willie Jewell's to pick up a birfday gift certificate for Teh PT Wife since it was her birfday.  I got home and was able to do some work and pack and then I had to run back out and pick up my meds and my groceries from Walmart.  I did the pickup since I was getting non-fresh (aka produce) items, and it was super easy.  I'd do it again.

a sweet rose from Walmart.  mmkay.

I headed back home and Teh German arrived home soon after.  Then we departed with Teh PT Wife/Husband in tow for birfday celebrations: dinner at PF Chang's, an improv show at Theater 99, then hookah at Tabbuli.

me, Teh PT Wife, Teh Dental Hygienist

Teh Dental Hygienist got to tell everyone about her day and be part of the show!

We ended up coming home after the improv show to smoke hookah since Tabbuli wanted to charge a $5 cover for each person and we weren't interested in that.

SATURDAY

Saturday was delightfully rainy and we slept in some, but I got up and tried to accomplish some work.  We had an appointment at noon with our wedding planner and we made some great progress on table centerpieces and decorations.  It was raining, so it was a perfect day for napping.. except that I had to do work.  Boooo. 

Received this message from Papa G saying our German invites had arrived and he'd be delivering them, woot!

I was able to accomplish a lot of work though since I wasn't having to deal with other people changing the documents at the same time as me.  I had planned for everyone to meet at Community Pizza House at 5 for dinner before the Stingrays game.  It ended up working out perfectly since we were able to be at the coliseum at 6:30.  Teh German was able to grab a beer AND be in his seat for the National Anthem (we like to judge the performers) and the puck drop (which he tends to miss due to getting a beer). 

Teh PT Kid was SUPER into the game and I am pleased that we have created a new hockey fan.  #Ididthat  Sadly, we lost, but we did at least trrrryyy to win by the end and we only lost by 1 point.  When we got home, we decided to stay home and go to bed, rather than socialize.  It didn't help that I still hadn't packed for Disney.

SUNDAY

Originally, I had planned on leaving SC early in the AM to get to Orlando about mid-afternoon.  But then I learned that Teh Running Bestie had bought backstage passes to Universal Studios, which meant that I could leave Charleston later to arrive closer to when Teh Running Bestie would be leaving the park.

I took my turn to release Meri and ended up staying downstairs to finish up some work I hadn't completed on Saturday.  After finishing, I headed back upstairs to snuggle with Teh German.  He ended up leaving around 12:30 to go on a ride with his "Biker Gang" and I finished packing and laid down for a nap before finally hitting the road around 2:30.

I did stop for dinner at Willie Jewell's in Georgia to compare it to our Willie Jewell's and it was satisfactory, even if they didn't let me get bread pudding as a side.  I made it to Orlando a little bit before 9pm.  Teh Frozen Lover and gang were already at the hotel so I was able to go inside and hang out with them while waiting on Teh Running Bestie to get back from Universal.

After Teh Running Bestie arrived back to the hotel, we all socialized for a bit, had a serious girly moment when 6 ladies were all huddled on 2 full size beds together giggling, and finally decided to call it a night since we were headed to Magic Kingdom (MK) the following day.

MONDAY

We were all loaded into the car by 0830.  We made it into MK by 10, after a bit of a wait for the ferry.  Our first stop was Space Mountain since we didn't have fast passes and the line was only 30 minutes. 

The homemade 101 Dalmations ears made an appearance so my brain wouldn't be squeezed our entire time at MK.

Teh Running Bestie's first time riding Space Mountain!!!!

We did a lot of walking around and riding short line rides.  Rather than try to recall all that we did, I'll just share the photos.

We waited on Gaston and I asked him if he got his "smoulder" from Flynn Rider and then said that I'd heard every last inch of him was covered in hair.  I was actually going to say, "Every last inch?" But thought that might be too much, instead, I groped his fake pecs and he told me, "This isn't a grab and greet!"

After, we met Merida from Brave.

Obligatory photo of the castle.

It was stupid hot, because Florida, so we decided to get Dole Whip (yay for them finally making the Dole Whip stand not in a tiny freakin' space).  While Teh Frozen Lover and I waited in line, a Cast Member came by and asked how we were doing and what my name was.  I told her and she filled out a form for FREE Dole Whips for us!  No idea why, but this girl isn't complaining!

Fuck yassss, Dole Whip Float all to myself.

 We used a fast pass on the Haunted Mansion (which is totally overrated if you ask me).

On our way to somewhere, we saw the midday parade going through and we HAD to get a photo of the 3 Fairies!

Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather

Maleficent

Seven Dwarfs

While some of us rode Thunder Mountain, others waited in the shade and watched this guy "paint" on the walk way.  Totally cool.

Coke sends special bottles to Disney World.
#itsthelittlethings #makinmagichappen

We had dinner reservations at Liberty Hall at 6:30, which was perfect.  Everything was delicious, as expected. 

Silly faces!

De-fucking-ssert.  YYYAAASSSS.

After dinner, we headed towards the Castle to find seats to watch the night show/fireworks.  To our dismay, half the park had already taken all the good seats!  Ugh.  I did manage to find a spot for us a little further back than I would have liked, but we had something to lean against, which was most important since we were exhausted.  We adopted a "grandmother" and "grandfather" (an older couple who were nearby) as our own and Gramps helped me defend our spot from people who were trying to squat in our place while the other ladies were shopping down Main Street.

Gramps was part bouncer, part racist.  He was vocal about both jobs.
Awwwkkkwarddd.

I was pleased with our adopted grandparents until Gramps said how stupid it was that someone had proposed at Disney World and well.. I didn't have much to say after that.. Mostly because I didn't want to be rude to the people who would be neighbors with us for the next hour and a half. 

Obligatory lit up castle selfie!

Approximately one mabillionty photos of the new night show, Happily Ever After, which made me cry like a little bitch.

After the show, we headed to Main Street to take care of any last minute shopping and get a group photo in front of the castle, which we hadn't done all day.  Whhhhhhaaatttt??

Besties!

IDK who these strangers were, but they were trying to do the "prom pose" so I posed them, then took a photo with them!
Such good sports.  I love awesome people.

Exhausted, we made the trek back to the car via ferry and tram ride, then finally made it back to the hotel room where we all promptly showered and passed the eff out.  Seriously, I feel asleep with the lights on and that never ever happens.  I was TIRED.

TUESDAY

Tuesday, we mixed it up.  Teh Running Bestie had planned to take her nice back to Universal, and I tagged along.  Since Niece had a magic Harry Potter wand, they let me do some of the wand activities and we rode a few rides before taking the Hogwarts Express to Islands of Adventure for lunch and more rides.

Minion ride!

Doing magic!

The trrrraaiiinnnnnn

Obligatory Hogwarts Castle selfie!

We met the Grinch.. and whoever that other not Cat in the Hat character is, lol.

I finally got to ride the Hulk coaster again and it was everything I knew I needed.

#exactly

We ended up leaving Universal around 3 to meet the rest of the gang at Disney Springs for (more) shopping and dinner. 

If Gloria (from Modern Family) can walk around in Minnie slippers, I felt like I could too.
Teh Running Bestie said I wasn't allowed to wear these for the wedding.  She's a real Debbie Downer.

A style of ears I had never seen before!
#mandatoryduckface

Mike and Sully!!!!

GEGR friends at Disney!!!

This lady ground up 3 bags of coffee for me to bring home to Teh German.

Teh Frozen Lover has some dietary issues, so the sous chef came from the kitchen to speak with her!
Disney is awesome for their ability to serve all dietary needs.

This is our server, Dylan, who endured our my shenanigans like a pro and joked along with us throughout our meal.

After dinner, we picked up a smores crepe for dessert to share, then we spend some more money and then it was finally time to call it a night.

When we got back to the hotel, my feet were so stinky that I rushed Niece out of the shower so I could shower and wash my stinky feet.  I rarely have stinky feet, so now I am paranoid about it. 

After my shower, I packed up all my stuffs so it was ready to be loaded into the car the following morning (at 0530).  It was another night that as soon as my head hit the pillow I was out like a light.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday morning, we were out of the hotel by 0600, which was when Teh Running Bestie had announced we were leaving.  After stopping by McDonald's so I could grab breakfast, we were on the road, dealing with Orlando/I-4 morning traffic.  We hit a bit more traffic in Jacksonville, but after that, we were in the clear.  We made a few pit stops for bathroom breaks (I drank 2 huge sweet teas.... #sorrynotsorry) and we stopped for lunch.  Once we reached SC, traffic got super tangly because of this stupid fucking boat:

Shortly before I passed the boat, Teh Running Bestie had said they needed to make an emergency stop and that I should continue on without them.  I put the pedal to the metal and made it back to Charleston shortly before 1:00. 

After greeting Meri, who was extra excited to see me, I set about catching up on work.  Roux's Humom stopped by mid-afternoon to pick up Meri for a play session and I surprised her by being home.  I worked on work things for a bit and eventually Meri was returned and Teh German came home!

I was looking forward to a quiet evening, but we had a community meeting that Teh German wanted to attend.  When we got home, we did a pack walk with the beasts.  I was super exhausted and passed on hanging out at Teh PT Neighbor's house because I still needed to finish up the laundry and pack for MD..... which we were leaving for on Thursday.


Continuation of a crazy, completely by the seat-of-my-pants week...