12 March, 2009

I am utterly and completely addicted to Christian Kane. I can't help it!! Since getting my hands on one of his CDs -- incidently the ONLY one I can put my hands on and I have looked -- I have been listening to it non-stop. In the car, at work, on my MP3 player....everywhere! I have been scouring the net to find his first CD; but alas, no such luck. I have found mention of it, but can't find a place to purchase it. I may just bite the bullet and send email via his website.

I lost a few hours last week watching various videos on You Tube of Christian's performances. He is really an incredible singer -- a little country, a little
rock-n-roll but a lot of soul. It's beautiful! He writes a lot of his own lyrics and I am really looking forward to his new CD coming out as there is a beautiful
song he wrote called Let's Take a Drive -- I stumbled upon that on You Tube recently. I was in tears near the end of the song! Not something I do easily....

It is not often that I find a person that can act and sing flawlessly; but CK can When I listen to him, there is so much emotion and truth that I feel like he is telling me a lot about himself and really opening up. When I watch his performances, I am in amazement of his talent..... From what I've read (in interviews mostly), he has a strong movie and action background. He shows his kick-butt style in Leverage on TNT and as young Hub in Secondhand Lions (where he got the scar on his upper lip). The softer side of him comes from his upbringing; strong family values, determination and a can-do attitude.

7 March, 2009

Our cats amaze me.

Hunter and Tessa LOVE to play in boxes. We got a delivery today -- so after I unpacked the box, on the floor it went. Tessa has been in heat for a few days -- but Hunter wasn't interested in her at the moment -- so she was rubbing all over the box and climbing in it. After Wil and I had lunch, Hunter climbed in the box (that is on the small side) and had this look on his face like "What? This is my box." I couldn't help but laugh.

Hunter tends to be the dominate one -- he has to be: he's the male with two female cats!

Casey stays to herself -- whether sleeping in an office chair, on top of Wil's desk or curled up in a cupboard. Hunter will chase her around and pin her in the cupboard from time to time; but she'll fight back.

Tessa runs the house -- she's the baby (or at least she looks like one, she's four years old) and gets away with almost anything.

Hunter and Tessa play and cuddle together and with us. Usually they try to take over our bed at night....I had to fight Hunter for the covers this morning. You try moving a stubborn 20 pound cat at 830am -- not an easy feat when you're half asleep!!

bnc

6 March, 2009

I have been working for the NHHEAF Network for the past seven years. When I started there, I processed returned borrower mail -- but through a lot of hard work and determination, I was promoted to a Customer Service Representative then Senior CSR; as well as transitioning into full-time positions within the Help Desk Operations team. I have been truly blessed in my seven years here -- a lot of great opportunities, wonderful friends, good benefits and they helped me pay for college!


Now I must ask for your help, please please please. President Obama has released his budget plans, which includes a proposal to eliminate the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). NHHEAF is a lender, guarantor and servicer of FFELP loans. Higher education is clearly a priority for Obama's administration. NHHEAF understands President Obama's intentions in supporting increased funding for the neediest students to attend college; they wholeheartedly share this goal. The organization has been supporting the college goals of students and parents for over 46 years. However, they believe that all things considered New Hampshire is far better served by our local FFELP agency than a big government contractor through Direct Lending.


If you believe that New Hampshire students and parents benefit from having a local, nonprofit agency supporting the student loan program and providing free college outreach programming, I encourage you to contact your congressional representatives and senators letting them know you feel the FFELP program is important.


Please visit NHHEAF for more information: http://www.nhheaf.org/index.asp?page=abt_studentloanindustry They have posted links and form letters to print and send to our government.


Please help. Not only would you be saving my job; but the jobs of 150 other hard working and wonderful people. A lot of us have put in many many years of service to NHHEAF -- we believe in the mission of company: help students and parents attain the goals of higher education.


Thank you for your support.



bnc

4 March, 2009

Today is my seven year anniversary at NHHEAF.

Seven years ago.... I was working in Borrower & Loan Services (BLS) processing returned mail -- often times repetative and boring, but I needed a job at that point. My supervisors saw my potential and promoted me to a Customer Service Representative (CSR). I spent a few years as a CSR -- even promoted to a Senior CSR, training other CSRs, watching the phone queues, outbound caller queues and working on various reports.

In March 04, I was extremely fortunate to be able to join the nightime Help Desk operations team (Ops). I split my time between Ops & BLS -- but it was definitely a step in the right direction to where I wanted to be: computers. Working nights, I was often teased about being the company vampire -- not that it mattered to me, I'm not a morning person.

In the spring of 2006, I was even more fortunate to be able to join Ops on a full-time basis and I left BLS. Since then, I have worked days and nights, weekdays and weekends. Anything to show my dedication to learn, grow and succeed in my career. Currently, I am a Computer Operator on IBM AS400 systems.


NHHEAF has been VERY good to me over the years. Great benefits -- including helping me pay for college -- fabulous career opportunities. Good friends. Great flexibility.

The Greatful Dead said it best -- What a long strange trip it's been.....

bnc

1 March, 2009

As you can see, I've been surfing the web for different backgrounds and graphics to use around my website. I'm not a great artist -- can't draw without graph paper or a ruler. Plus I don't have one of those tablet writing mice (you would think I would). Anyways.... I was searching on a favorite backgrounds & graphics website and found the picture above.... I just thought it was so pretty that I should share. :^)

bnc

28 February, 2009

The Idiot Box
Ok, so I probably watch WAAAAAAAAY more television than any other person..... Whatever. It's a way to relax, escape, background noise, entertain, educate or enlighten. Sitcoms, dramas, cartoons, movies (made-for-TV or regular), some reality shows, infomercials or on-demand -- whatever happens to float my boat at the moment. Usually fall asleep with the TV on -- which I've been doing for years -- and I'm sure annoys my husband (he likes the quiet).
My new favorite show is on TNT - Leverage. It was on for about three months and will be coming back this summer -- starring Timothy Hutton, Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Aldis Hodge and Beth Riesgraf. A crew of high-tech crooks attempt to steal from wealthy criminals and corrupt businessmen.
It's FABULOUS!! The writing is superb -- definitely action packed, great one-liners, interesting plots and characters, great guest stars. The show has found a niche and not like anything else out there.

"Sometimes bad guys make the best good guys."

A modern day twist on Robin Hood -- helping the less fortunate by taking down or hurting corporate evil and greed. At the same time, we see more of each characters internal demons. Nate is an alcoholic, Sophie is a grifter, Eliot is a thug, Parker is a thief and Hardison is a hacker.

I originally got into the show because I have enjoyed Timothy Hutton's work and the teaser's on TV made it look interesting. After the first episode I was hooked. Lately, I have been doing more research on the various actors on the show -- where did they come from? What have they done before? I was surfing Facebook the other night (shocker) and found that Christian Kane is a musician. Holy Schnikees!! Well....I dug further (after I added myself as a fan to his FB page). He is a fabulous singer! I was able to download his CD from his website -- www.ChristianKane.com -- and I'm just amazed. Haven't quite figured out which came first -- the acting, singing or writing (he does write his own songs) but he is quite multi-talented and VERY quickly becoming a new obsession.

If you click on the "LC on MySpace" button on the navigation bar on my website, you can listen to a few of Christian's songs. He wrote "More than I Deserve."

26 February, 2009

Dear Dogs and Cats:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food, does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish; nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It Is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time -- there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

1. They live here. You don't.
   
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
   
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
   
4. To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons or daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.
   

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

1. eat less
   
2. don't ask for money all the time
   
3. are easier to train
   
4. normally come when called
   
5. never ask to drive the car
   
6. don't hang out with drug-using people
   
7. don't smoke or drink
   
8. don't want to wear your clothes
   
9. don't have to buy the latest fashions
   
10. don't need a gazillion dollars for college
    
11. if they get pregnant, you can sell their children.
    

bnc

13 February, 2009

Our pets are our children. We care for them, cuddle with them and give treats. Two of our cats, Tessa and Hunter, usually
sleep with us at night. They usually get along wonderfully -- especially when Tessa is in heat -- unless Hunter is being a
brat and is feeling playful. He'll chase after Tessa for no reason or try to trap her somewhere (usually a box).

This is what I woke up to today..... Cute, eh? :^)

13 February, 2009

Facebook

My new favorite obsession is Facebook. I can spend hours on there -- searching out friends, playing games, sending messages, etc. It's not bad enough that I'm a geek to begin with....but there has to be a limit, right?

The Geek at work

Ok -- no limit. Have you ever spent so much time surfing the web or chatting or working on a site that you lose track of time? I have.
I've looked up from the screen long enough to notice what time it is -- usually some god awful hour of the night. But anyways....my point was Facebook.

I'm so in love with this site! Just today I've reconnected with my first college roommate, from Plymouth State. We never really had a lot in common, but in the back of your mind you wonder what happened to her. A few weeks back, one of my best friends from high school found me -- it was awesome to see her! Most of my cousins are on Facebook -- which is fabulous beyond words! Grampa always said that familys only get together for weddings and funerals; well this way I can keep tabs on my cousins! Beyond my website (which I'm guessing probably doesn't get as much traffic as I'd hope), FB is a great way to share news and photos. Especially with people that you don't/can't see all the time. Hell....my ex-roommate (Scott) & I used to "talk" via FB more than we did in person sometimes! Scary....

There are groups that you can join on FB. One of the groups I found is for Bear Hill 4-H Camp! Holy Schnikees! I spent 1-2weeks there every summer from age 8-15 -- loved it! I've been able to reconnect with that part of my past and see what became of my favorite counselors. Wow.....

bnc

11 February, 2009

HEATWAVE!!

The average temperature since the beginning of the month has been -- 33.45 degrees!! Heatwave!! :^)

Some of the snow has melted from our yard and I can almost see the entire driveway again. Course, we can now see all the spots where the dog did his business.... Oh well.

bnc

6 February, 2009

Ode to the Lump

I'm not a poet -- but my lil lump was in my heart. Davis Piggie Campbell 2004-09

Wil woke me up this morning to let me know that Davis had passed away. I didn't check his cage when I got home from work last night; since Davis wasn't climbing on his cage or chewing the bars, I figured he was sleeping. Good sleeper....

I got Davis from PetCo during the World Series of October 04. My brother had left for California the month before and in some small way this was a memory to hang on to (had guinea pigs when I was a kid). In my apartment, Davis's cage was in the living room and I usually left the door open. He would climb on the cage and poke his head out -- as if saying "hello!" The cats usually didn't bother him. When we moved into the house, the cage was in the dining room (warmest room in the house). Tessa turned Davis into her pet, so we stopped leaving the door open.

Davis was a lump -- he liked being in his cage munching on veggies. I have a ball for him -- but he never quite got the point of it and was usually upset when I took him out of his cage.

Miss my lump already....

bnc

31 January, 2009

Superbowl XLIII is on Sunday..... Yay.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals



My family was never big into sports -- naturally neither was I. I love baseball -- Red Sox are the best!

Wil is from Pittsburgh -- Steeler Nation -- you won't find any better or more devoted fans in the NFL. There is a house in Monroeville PA that is decorated to the HILT with Steeler's colors and paraphernalia. I've driven by it several times on some of my trips to PA; think I did a double take the first time I saw it. Couldn't believe it!! As loyal as the NE Patriots fans are up here, I don't think that any of them would do as much as this person did. But I'm getting sidetracked.... (Not hard to do!)

So, Sunday is the big game -- Wil is going to be decked out in all his Steeler gear and we're having a SB party. First one that I've ever thrown -- think I've only attended two other SB parties in my life. (See? Not a football fan.) It promises
to be a great time; food, friends, laughter and a great matchup.

bnc

30 January, 2009

I love roses. Any color, any size, any time -- doesn't have to be a special occasion.



Probably the best surprise Wil gave me was two valentine's ago -- one dozen red roses delivered to my office. I wasn't in the office that day; but had been to Manchester with some co-workers for an AS400 meeting. Since I was car pooling with
someone, I had swung by the office in the morning & then had to drop him off in the afternoon. I checked vmail on my cell on the way back from Manchester -- "Please stop by the office, you have a package." Odd....

To my surprise, this wonderful sweet man sent me roses. I was in seventh heaven!!

bnc

24 January, 2009

Wil and I have been newlyweds for almost eight months.

Our first date was on Friday 13 October, 2006 -- bad omen? No way!! We fell for each other immediately. This quiet shy, romantic and caring man from Pittsburgh, PA stole my heart. We enjoyed the pitfalls and wonders of any relationship -- but did it from 700 miles apart. Wil proposed on 25 June, 2007 -- he moved to NH on 5 July, 2007.

By the time we got married, we had been living together for almost a year. So when we got married -- not much seemed to change. Don't get me wrong, our wedding was a wonderfully romantic affair that I will have beautiful memories of forever. I couldn't have asked for more that day -- everything I dreamed of, came true and the man of my dreams was now my husband.

Ok....now I'm not being rude or mean -- but why is everyone's favorite question: How is married life?


What is up with that? How many times can I say "good" or "great"? Though...I suppose it's nice to be asked that, as people are acknowledging that I am a married woman instead of someone just "playing house." All kidding aside -- we are doing great. Today is better than yesterday and tommorrow holds the promise for better still. :^)

Our life is a quiet one. Work, spend precious moments together (with our work schedules those are sometimes few & far between), spend time with family or friends and plan for our future. We would like to buy a house this year; something in the Manchester area as Wil works in Billerica MA and I work in Concord. He's a little tired of driving 60 miles to work every day and I don't blame him. Plus, the house we're renting is on a very busy road and is not conducive to having a family -- something we'd like to try for.

bnc

23 January, 2009

Ok, so the whole point of having a blog is to keep it updated so that family and friends will return often -- makingsure to keep up with one in their busy life. What can I say...? I'm lazy and my life is somewhat boring. Ok -- not quite that true, but there is a bit of truth to the sentiment.
It's the new year (well, three weeks into it) -- everyone talks about resolutions: get out of debt, find a new job, finish school, lose weight, etc.... Blah, blah, blah, blah. I used to make resolutions, but like many others, by mid-March (or earlier) I was off on another track and completely forgot what I was resolving to do. Or I just got too lazy and easilyslid back into my old habit.
Alright, so what does this have to do with my blog? Well, I resolve to write more often and write more like I talk/think. Life is a story to be told -- since you can't experience it with me, then I supposed you'll just have to hear it the way itis, the way it was and the way it shall be. Now, if I could figure out how to slow my brain down to the speed with which I type or speed up my typing....now that would be ideal!!
I have a great imagination. As a teen, when I couldn't fall asleep at night (which was every night of the week), I listenedto the radio and talked to myself. By talking out loud, I would be able to tire myself out and eventually fall asleep around 1am. (Course then I was a grump 5 hours later when mom wanted me to get up for school....) My favorite thing to do was to pretend thatI was much older and then retell my life -- different parts, not neccessarily in order and usually starting with getting the hellout of high school. It was as if I was in my twilight years and dictating my life to a writer for my biography. The "real" story straight from the horses mouth.

So.....a new look, some fun random cartoons & a new outlook on life :^) Enjoy the journey.

bnc