Road Trip

I took a trip to my hometown for a couple days. My Grandma, my sister, Courtney and 2 nieces were visiting, so it seemed like a good time to go. Aubrey was disappointed that Gerrit wasn't with me. Her first question as I walked through the door was, "Where's Gerrit?" I guess I'm not the cool one anymore. Actually, when I told Aubrey that Gerrit and I were getting married last year she said, "But I was gonna marry Gerrit!" I'm glad I got to him first! I had fun coloring with Aubrey. We attempted to make bubble letters. She's well on her way to being a great artist. Jozie's a little character. She's so animated! She would follow me around the house with her pillow. When I stopped, she would stop, put down her pillow, and lay down.
I also had fun with my parents and Grandma. We went to see "The Other Boleyn Girl." I give it 3 out of 5 stars. It was a bit dark for my liking.
My mom, Grandma and I had a great talk about the joys of labor. At this point, my dad promptly left the room. How this came up? I don't know. But it was interesting to hear their insights and a great reminder that I am not ready to have a baby just yet! (as if I needed the reminder!) Anyway, it was good to be home, as always.

Caught!

Let it be known that Gerrit is a big, strong man. He has caught the mouse. On Thursday night, the little beast (the mouse, not Gerrit) was getting rather bold...or desperate. We saw it multiple times. Gerrit's senses were becoming acutely aware of its every move as we tried to sleep. He attempted and succeeded (temporarily) in trapping it in the closet. On Friday, we had the maintenance man seal up the holes in our apartment. And by Sunday morning, the mouse was on a sticky trap. The beast of a mouse that had destroyed our peaceful, hygienic apartment living was only an inch long! Just a little guy! Gerrit successfully disposed the sticky trap and mouse. Gross. Thank you all for your prayer meetings and support regarding this matter. I know it's been on your hearts and minds as much as it has been on mine. :)
Update 3/18/08: We have caught a second mouse. I'm so disgusted.

Come on, Spring!

It's so stinking nice outside today! I'm getting tired of the snow. The 40 degree weather is looking pretty good right now. I wish I had an unemployed friend to take a walk with. (me in 2nd grade --->)
I'm still in the job searching process. I thought I had found a really wonderful opportunity. The job post made it sound like a great entry-level marketing position (that's how they get ya). Turns out it wasn't at all what they said it would be. The job involves door-to-door sales (and is possibly a pyramid scheme). No thanks. In my opinion, if they haven't found a better way than that to advertise, they are doing something wrong. Thankfully, Gerrit's friend, Matt had already interviewed for the same position a while back (and quickly realized he didn't want the job). So, I let them know I wouldn't be coming in for the interview. Matt felt bad for shattering my dreams; though, I've never dreamed of being a door-to-door salesperson. So, job well done, Matt. Thanks for letting me know before I had to go to an awkward interview. And thank you, Gerrit, for putting up with your (hopefully soon-to-not-be) unemployed wife. I love you.

There's a mouse in our house!

I do not like them here or there.
I do not like them anywhere.
This mouse has been in our apartment on and off for months now. (Well, not THIS mouse. This is a "Google" mouse.) Just when we think maybe he's gone, he pokes his little head out or scurries across the floor. We've tried various techniques and traps to catch him. When I say "we've tried" I mean, Gerrit has tried. He's been the brave one. I can't bring myself to go near the spots I've seen it. This mouse is out to get me! The Orkin man has come to "patch up holes." Clearly he is patching the wrong holes because this very smart mouse knows how to get around.
We had only seen him in the living room, so I was foolishly feeling comfortable in the kitchen. This past Saturday, I was pouring myself some cereal when the mouse ran right past my feet!!! I screamed and cereal flew everywhere. I'm sure it would have been funny to see. But it's just gross! And we live on the second floor! Why isn't he bothering someone on the first floor? Any suggestions? I'm at my wits end with this rodent.

Is it Me???

I don't know why, but for some reason I attract awkward people and awkward moments. I don't ask for these things to happen--they just do. I have two prime examples just from today!
My first call this morning at work was from a telemarketer. I answered the phone like I always do: "Thank you for calling...This is Cassie." And the man on the other line said, "Did you say your name is Cassie? My girlfriend's brother's girlfriend is named Cassie. She's a real neat girl. Real special. A bit wild though. Yeah....she's got a wild streak." How am I supposed to respond to this??? Obviously sales is not his gift. I didn't buy what he was selling. Pun intended.
Next, I was standing in line to order lunch and this middle-aged business man behind me says, "You do the same thing I do. You must have rubbed up against your car." (I had some dirt on my pants.) I said, "Oh thank you for telling me." I started to wipe the dirt off my leg and he proceeded to wipe my other calf! Before I could object, he had stopped. But what would make him think this is normal? I understand that people feel the need be "Mid-west nice" but back off! I can wipe my own leg!
Maybe it's the area....I was going through the drive-thru a while back when the teenage drive-thru boy told me I had beautiful eyes. Much appreciated, my eyes are stunning, but just give me the cheeseburger.
Is it me? Am I putting out a "please be awkward around me" vibe?

The Tribe Has Spoken

This is sometimes an embarrassing admission, but I love the show Survivor. The season premiere is tonight at 7pm. This time it's Fans vs. Favorites (former contestants will compete against long-time Survivor fans). I don't know how I feel about this. It seems unfair, like the former players have an advantage somehow.We'll see how it goes.

Another slightly embarrassing admission is that it is one of my life goals to be on Survivor. I could totally kick butt. I wouldn't enjoy sleeping on a bamboo bed, but I would dominate in Survivor strategy. Gerrit isn't too excited about the idea though. But I think if I came back a million dollars richer, he'd change his mind.

Pot Roast

I spent the day yesterday running errands and looking for a job. Since I had some extra time on my hands, I decided to make a pot roast for the first time! Now, Gerrit doesn't eat vegetables, but I'm hoping maybe the meat soaked up some of the nutrients from the vegetables. That can happen, right? I was pretty nervous about how it would turn out...I even set the table! (We never use the table.) But it was a hit! or at least edible! After seeing the apartment clean and dinner prepared, Gerrit said I should just give up my job search and be a stay-at-home wife. It's a thought...an unrealistic thought, but...hey! He liked it! I think I prefer my mom's recipe. So, I'll probably try that next time. But if you'd like to make this very simple pot roast, here's the recipe I used: http://kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/recipedetail.htm?recipe_id=75576