I always tell myself that the only way I'll ever win the big Powerball jackpot is if I, well, play- but never manage to buy a darn ticket. The truth is, I hate asking for help and the Powerball set-up at the gas station intimidates me. The little creepy booth with papers and mystery writing utensils and papers strewn about. Meanwhile, I know that it's probably super simple to fill out the little card, yet I don't want to ask anyone- so I never get my shot at millions. (there is indeed a lesson to be learned somewhere in there)

Meanwhile, someone (hope it's brother Steve- how exciting would that be?) has the winning ticket. And here I sit in my Old Navy shirt and holey black pants eating Kellogg's Frosted Flakes for breakfast.

Even though I never play, I already have big plans for my winnings. We probably all do, really. If I won the Powerball, I would launch an art business. First step would be to hire an advertising and PR agency and get really neat print materials and promotional items made. Next, I would buy an acreage. I would host a big creative party-slash-art sale in a big refurbished barn (my art studio) several times a year. Throughout the year I would host art classes and retreats for people wanting to learn more about themselves through the creative process. I would buy a cat and two more Great Pyrenees dogs. I'd buy and RV and travel to art fairs throughout the summertime and take pictures and write books about my adventures.

So one of my favorite types of books to read are goal-setting books, and I have learned that often the thing we say we would do with our lives "if I won a million dollars" is often very telling. A lot of us in our late twenties are still wondering what we are meant to do with our lives. If we look at our big 'lottery dreams,' often they are not impossible things that can only be realized with a million dollars. They're things we can work for little by little, day by day, necklace by necklace.

Girl Scout Cookies are here! Oh, how I love thee, tagalongs. Our sweet little neighborhood Girl Scout was quite the saleswoman, with her short yet eloquent pitch. She even had patience for sweet Koda as he was wanting to leap out the door at her. He loves any human under 3 feet 6 inches tall. I wish he was around kids more, because he gets terribly excited at the sight of youngsters. Not pee on Becki's feet excited, mind you- but excited nonetheless. She pet Koda and something about the way she asked his name in this "I have my own excitable furry slobbering mess of a pet" made me feel okay with the fact that he was trying to tear out of my grasp and topple her over into the nearby snowbank. She made sure to wish me a good day after she dropped off the cookie goodness, and gave Koda one more little pat on the nose with her purple mittens before heading on her way.

Happy Valentine's Day to all my lovely friends and family members out there. And to those of you who took the personality quiz thing a few posts ago, thank you! The only thing I wish it had was negative traits, because face it- we all have our imperfections and being aware of all the good and the bad is a good thing. I was once a Psychology major, you know. I actually changed my major a minimum of 4 times in college. I was also Elementary Education, Mass Communication, and can't think of the fourth right now. I can rule out History and Science- never was a big fan.

I'm going to watch my beloved American Idol tonight.

I had been anticipating the release of the movie RENT for months. Due to a big jewelry show coming up, I didn't get to see it on opening night- which coincidentally was just a few days before I was supposed to hop on a plane for South Dakota for the show and to spend Thanksgiving with my family.

I got home on Thanksgiving Day, had Thanksgiving with 482 relatives, only a fraction of whom I enjoy spending time with (if you're reading this, of COURSE I like spending time with you and you and you, well, "get it")then my sister Kelli walks through the American Legion Hall doors (large family + midwest = holidays at the local VFW) We start talking, and she says, "Do you want to see RENT?" I was so excited! I had only been prepping Brandon for seeing it with me opening night for the past 3 months. We sped back to Sioux Falls, and caught the late show. It was so much fun seeing the movie with someone who appreciates it. I saw the musical once, while Kelli saw it several times on Broadway- so she can probably out-RENT me. It comes out on DVD around February 20th, and I'm so going to camp out at Best Buy starting at midnight on February 19th XBOX 360 style. Guess I've got... 9? days to prep Brandon. Shit.

Awesome video from Saturday Night Live

Our little Koda. He almost had some competition today, as our drive across town this morning resulted in a coffee-induced conversation that went something like this.

N: We should go adopt a cat. I really want a cat. Do you think Koda would do well with a cat? I think he'd be really curious then would be all mischevious and chase the cat and the cat wouldn't like Koda. What kind of meds would it require for you to be able to live with a cat?

B: When I went to the doctor, I could maybe pretend that I just didn't know I was allergic to cats beforehand. (sidenote: Brandon's eyes start watering if he even LOOKS at a cat)

N: Well, why don't you just lie and pretend your friends have a cat and you're allergic?

B: Hmmm.

N: What about another animal. How about a HAMSTER! (laughs maniacally)

B: Heh heh. Hamster.

N: Or what other animals are there...

B: Umm, snakes, lizards, turtles perhaps.

N: Snakes?! No way- snakes are the most frightening creatures on earth.

B: Snakes? Yeah right- I'd rather have snakes crawling all over me than a bunch of bugs. Bugs can get into crevices.

N: Bugs only get into crevices if you let them!

B: Snakes... ha.

N: What other kind of pets. Ooh- I know. A rabbit!

B: Rabbits go to the bathroom everywhere.

N: Good point. I know-- fish! Yes, fish- I used to have a fishtank in my bedroom when I was little. Fish it is. Hopefully Koda will get along with the fish.

B: He gets along with Jennifer's snake. Well, except for the time he almost bit it.

N: Yeah, good point.

/and SCENE/

I normally don't do things like this, but this one was espcially fascinating to me. If you have 30 seconds, I'd love it if you took the time to fill this out!

I described myself from a fixed list of adjectives, and am asking my friends and family members to describe you from the same list, then comparing the grid of differences.

Here is the list (it's SUPER easy to fill out):

CLICK HERE TO FILL IT OUT...

I'm always fascinated with the concept of everyone seeing and perceiving through their own eyes- not only considering the world in general, but our sense of who we are. As human beings, we have this innate need to be loved and accepted- so no matter what anyone says, we all at some level ponder, "I wonder what he or she thinks about me?" Some of us more than others, of course.

When I worked in HR, I was talking with my boss at the time. She had been in the field several years and was just a darn smart woman. She said that whenever it came time for employee's yearly self reviews, most often the people who were the high achievers had this sense of humility. They'd rate themselves lower than they should on things they really excelled at. Meanwhile, people who were either the problem employees or the people who just weren't very hard workers due to abilities or choice or whatever always rated themselves REALLY high and thought they deserved huge raises. I always thought that was fascinating, and is just one glimpse of one part of life in which people's self-perception can be off.

With that little tidbit shared- please take a few moments to fill out my form! Thank you.

Went skiing yesterday.