This morning I saw the most beautiful sunrise on the way to work. My route takes me through some slightly rural areas, past some still undeveloped farm land and over many wooded hills as I live in what is described as the "foothills of the Appalacians". As I was coming up over one of the last hills of my trip, the sun was just starting to peek out from behind a stand of trees on my right, the sky was quickly turning those thousand shades of red and pink it takes on just before the sun is completey in view. It was amazing. Just something I wanted to share with you all.

How about this? Women in government? Pshaw you say. Look out, we're coming on strong and this is just the beginning. I have always had an interest in politics, hence my government minor from good old Camp Shippy. In fact, my very good friend from my high school days, Leslie, and I use to joke that we would be the first female president and vice president. I would be vice president of course, as you do not really do anything in that position. Who knows, maybe that is the next course of action for me, get back into politics? My friend Andrew works with the Democratic party in our state and when he heard about my job displeasure, told me to send him my resume. If anyone has connections, it's Andrew.

I can just just hear it now..."Ladies and Gentleman, the President of the United States" (think Hail to the Chief playing in the background).

All is well. No need to start the funeral preperations. Turns out my problem is just a very bad case of allergies. That and my very low blood pressure. I thought I had outgrown my allergies. Guess not. Seems as if (and I do not mean to gross you all out) the back up of fluid in my inner ear caused me to lose my balance and that is why I fainted Monday morning. I am clutzy enough with out something like that happening. So now I'm on Claritin and Flonase for the rest of the summer. Woo-Hoo!

The U.S. Men's National Team for the World Cup in S. Korea this year looks pretty good. And I'm not just saying that because Brian McBride is on there either. As long as everyone stays healthy, especially Claudio Reyna and the rest of the midfield, the U.S. Men may have a fighting chance. I heard coach Bruce Arena on Mike & Mike in the morning yesterday and he said their goal this year is to pretty much just get past the first round and make it into the single elimination round. That would be a major step forward for U.S. men's soccer as the team has never made it out of the first round. Not like the women, who have won several World Cups. Tee-hee. Check ou the full interview on ESPN Radio's website.

On that note, I had better get started on work. Other people, namely my boss here at Job #1 will be arriving soon and I can't get caught doing "personal internet time". God I hate this place. Oh, one last thing. Check out my friend Chris's blog. He just added some pretty cool links. Where he finds these things I have no idea. The boy has way too much free time on his hands. (JK, Yaz).

Hasta Luego.

Trip to the doctor scheduled for tomorrow after work. This whole being light headed thing really stinks. I kept getting this feeling for no reason throughout the day today. Ugh. I'm hoping it is not anything serious, just my blood pressure acting up. Of course, I'll be worrying about it for the better part of the day. Sigh. I guess I will just have to be patient. Not one of my better attributes as those of you who know me well, know.

So maybe I overreacted a little bit on that last post. The money situation is not quite as bad as I thought it was (forgot to factor in the whole things with deposits getting posted the next day if after 2 p.m.). Still, it would be a good idea for me to budget myself. Maybe I will eventually get to the point where I will not be living paycheck to paycheck. Hmmmm, that would be so nice.

I have been sitting here for the better part of the last hour eagerly awaiting the announcement of the U.S. Men's National Soccer team. At the beginning of Sports Center the advertisement promised it would be done by Bruce Arena from the ESPNZone in Washington, D.C. during the 6 p.m Sports Center. It is now 6:40 and there is no sign that the announcement will happen any time soon. Why, does the wonderful sport of soccer get no respect in this country? It is fast paced, exciting and one of the top participation sports in the U.S. Unfortunately media coverage is almost nil for MLS or WUSA and the only time the Men's or Women's National Teams get any attention is during a World Cup year. Sigh, the noble sport deserves more credit than that.

On a more personal note had a little scare today. While I was getting ready for work this morning I fainted in my bathroom. It is the second time it has happened and I have become sufficiently freaked out enough to call the doctor.

I have officially hit rock bottom. You would think that with two jobs I would be able to actually manage my money and have a little something in the bank. Oh no, not me. My money situation right now is not good. Not good at all. Sigh, I think I may need to pick up another job. Target looks good. It's a shame the new Old Navy doesn't open until December. I would go there in a heart beat. Then again, I would probably spend all of my money out there too so maybe it is a good thing it is not open.

God, I used to think I was responsible with my money. So much for that idea. I swear, I am so not going out for the rest of this month or May so I can save some dough. I have no idea where all my dinero goes! It feels like all I do is pay bills, it's not like I'm out shopping or spending on other stuff every weekend. Ugh. What did I say before, as a general rule my life SUCKS!

Wilmington was good. Especially enjoyed the session on writing a sports column. Inspired me to speak up to Chris and ask him if I could do a first person kind of thing on the hockey I'm playing. He gave me the green light so I'm going to try to get in touch with the guy that started the program, interview our coaches, some of the people I play with, yada, yada, yada. Also had fun post sessions. Nothing I can put in print here for fear of incriminating myself but let's just say the security guys at the Double Tree got a thrill (or very ill) watching footage from the pool area.

All right, got to run. Lots of stuff to do. Fun. God I'll never survive a 3rd job.

Let me just preface this by saying I apologize for the continuous rant regarding the family situation but they are all driving me freaking crazy! We had another "incident" last Saturday. Not that this was any different from any of the others. No, it was the same old crap, just a different day. The hysterical call from my sister who was going to go kick someone's ass. She didn't care whose it was, my dad's, that other woman's, anyone she ran into. My mom crying and trying to talk incoherently at the same time. The worst part about my mom is the fact that she feels the need to actually APOLOGIZE for my dad. Uh, yeah right. I finally laid it all out for her Saturday night and told her exactly what I thought of all this. Sigh, I am so tired of all this. Is it any wonder I am in no hurry to get into any kind of a serious relationship?!

No offense to my male friends but it just is not worth my time. I've got other stuff to do. Besides, what is the point when I could just end up like my mom? No thanks, I've been hurt way too much lately. I'll stay happily single for now. If by some chance, a half decent guy comes along then we'll see. He's definitely going to have to be someone really special that's for damn sure. Sigh, who am I kidding, there are no guys like that out there.

While I'm on the subject, why is it that people who are coupled up, people who had previously shown some sign of sanity, suddenly want to match those of us who are single up with someone else?! For the love of god. After the last debacle (the Dan incident), I would need a large blow to the head to go through that again. I'll stick to the random hook-ups with guys whose names I don't know, thank you very much.

But enough of that.

Very excited for this weekend and my first trip to the Wilmington Writers Conference. Should be a good experience for me writing wise. There are at least two sports related sessions I want to attend, I'll just play the others by ear. I've also heard that there is a rousing good time while the YDR staff is in town. That's a good thing, I need a weekend like that again.

On that note, I'm out of here. I should be working on baseball boxes for tomorrow but instead, I'm doing what I do best, procrastinate.

Until later.

Who knew it could happen? Definitely not this Duke fan. Maryland, with an NCAA Championship?! Watching that game and picking someone to cheer for was like trying to pick the lesser of two evils. On one hand, the Terps. Just can't bring myself to cheer them on. On the other, Indiana. The team that knocked my beloved Blue Devils out of the tournament. So now they're celebrating in College Park and Coach K is plotting his revenge for next year. Let the games begin.

Managed to get to Camden Yards on Monday for the O's opening day. There is nothing like a baseball stadium on opening day. It is almost like getting your first new car. The smell of the hot dogs, the taste of the beer, the excitement of a new season all combined to bring a memorable day.

I have decided to put myself on a budget. Somehow my finances are not in very good shape right now (then again, whose are?). After balancing my checkbook over the weekend and realizing my sum worth as of Sunday was $2.46 (that includes what was in my wallet), I made the decision to try and get things under control again. Part of my problem is I am the worst kind of impulse shopper. Best example is the string of lights now hanging in my room. I did not need to buy it, I did on a whim. So for now the credit card is out of the wallet and I am only spending on necessities (groceries, bills, etc.). God I hate being in the real world. Can't I go back to college and be happily oblivious to all of this stuff.

O.k., better go start doing some work. Fun.

'later.