Showdown

I just got back from our moms morning walk.  A few of us are walking after we drop the kids off at school.  So far, we usually walk close to 3 miles each time, with a goal of three days a week.  I walked only two days this week, but next week I'm in for all three.

That last paragraph was a lot of rambling and numbers and poor grammar.  Please don't judge me.  My feet are still tingling from the exercise.  Apparently, an increased heart rate leads to decreased brain activity.

Anyhoo.

The walking has been great.  I'm getting to spend time with old friends and get to know some new ones.   I take Daughter to school, then come home and throw on some old yoga pants and t-shirt and put my hair in a clippy.

We meet each other on a designated corner. This morning I arrived a bit earlier than the rest of the team.  I was all proud of myself until every car going by kept looking my way.  I told the other ladies if I am going to start standing on corners, maybe I should start dressing a little better.  Ahem.

Now it's only 9:30 and I have the rest of my day to clean, do laundry, run errands, and watch Price Is Right.

May I just add that, although Drew Carey is no Bob Barker, I think he is doing a fabulous job. I keep wishing he'd launch into his old sitcom theme song and scream out, "Ohio!"  But, other than that, bless his heart, he has a tough act to follow.

Yesterday Hubs went to work late and we watched Price Is Right together. I realize most couples do not spend their dates together while listening to the sounds of Plinko, but I'll take what I can get.  Price Is Right is such an American experience.  If there were one show I'd like to attend, that would be it.  I spent summers watching Bob Barker give away showcases of Chevrolets and trips to Paris. 

Every kid in the 70's could tell you the going price of corn or if Bounce dryer sheets and Metamucil added up to a total of over $10.00.  We also knew that the most important lesson in life is to spay or neuter your pets.  Granted, we had no idea what that was, but it was the last thing we heard as the showcase winner's family members rushed on stage to climb in the winner's aqua blue Chevette.

The sad thing is that now I know exactly how much dryer sheets and Metamucil cost and it has nothing to do with watching Bob or Drew.

Maybe I should go on the show. I'll be the winner sitting in the PT Cruiser. 

Just look out for my crazy family members rushing on stage. 

Random Dozen: Because people like to say "salsa."

1. What is your favorite Mexican dish?
Really good chicken chimichangas.  Close second- Tamale
I like nearly anything from a good Mexican restaurant. I judge Mexican restaurants by their salsa.  If the salsa is good, pretty much everything else on the menu will be good. Hubs judges them by their guacamole- the simpler, the better. Okay, who wants tacos for dinner?

2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate?
In elementary school, I don't remember having much homework.  I spent the afternoon eating Little Debbie cakes and watching I Love Lucy re-runs.  In middle school and high school, I procrastinated as long as possible.

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings?
Ballard Designs.  Most of the time I "catalog" shop and then look for something similar somewhere else for less.  Sorry, Ballard.  You're not within my price point. 

4. When you were young, did you like school lunches?
I liked elementary lunches. Once Middle school hit, the lunches went bad.  Very, very bad.

5. Is religion a crutch?
It can be.  It can become a crutch for not taking responsibility for developing a relationship with Christ.  It can also become a reason to close yourself to other denominations within the Christian faith.

6. In your region, what is the "big" (most popular in the community or state) high school sport?
Football.  


And I'm not one of the big fans.

7. Do you consider yourself rich?
Not by American standards. I consider myself blessed and thankful for what we have.  I know that it all really belongs to God and what we do with it should be used for His glory.  Do I always do that?  No. I do try and often need reminders of how blessed we truly are.


The truth is that all Americans are rich compared to the rest of the world.  We have no idea what it's really like to be poor. 

8. Which of these would you have the best chance for success in administering:

A) CPR

B) Heimlich Maneuver

C) Changing a flat tire

CPR  I hope I never have to use it.

9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why:

A) Salsa

B) Hip Hop

C) Waltz

D) Swing

Salsa...hmmm...maybe there's a connection to Number 1.

10. What's the worst news you've ever delivered to someone?
Having to tell my family that Maggie had cancer.  That was difficult.

11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics.
It doesn't matter who is or who isn't teacher's pet.  It all boils down to responsibility.  The professor doesn't care if you show up for class.  I loved this!  So many of my teacher's pet friends had a rude awakening.  I was glad to be out of high school and be treated like an adult.

I also had a professor who said not to worry too much about getting straight A's. He said, unless we were trying to get into another academic program, it didn't matter.  Employers will never ask you what grades you made in biology. They want to know your work ethic and if you can manage the job at hand.  What he was trying to do was relieve our anxiety and encourage us to enjoy college, work part-time, and participate any other things.  (May I add that he was a Psych professor!?)

12. New variation on an old question: If there's a song in your head that just won't get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song?
Sock it to me.  Sock it to me.  Sock it to me.  Sock it to me...

Visit the Lid for more Randomization!

Monday Goals and The Spice of Life

I've decided to set myself a few goals for the week and post them here.  I mean, really, what better way to hold yourself accountable than to POST IT ON THE INTERNET?

1.  Breathe a little life into the 'ole blog.  Seriously, the dust is settling, mainly because I've had serious writer's block.  I hope to lift that block write out of the way (get it? WRITE out of the way? Tee Hee... sheesh. See I told you.  Blocked.)

2. Walk with friends at least twice a week. 

3.  Get most of the housework complete by Friday so I can enjoy my weekends with the family.

4.  Blog about all the sore muscles which will be the result of #2.

5.  Clean out the spice cabinet.  I realize this isn't a monumental accomplishment in the grand scheme of life, but have you seen how many bottles of oregano I have stashed in there?

Hope your Monday is off to a great start, with or without the oregano.

Random Dozen: Fair and a bit unbalanced

1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food?

I haven't been to the fair since Daughter was a tiny baby.  It may or may not have something to do with Hubs' aversion to carnies.  Or it could have something to do with the fact that I can't even look at a ride without needing some Dramamine.  The only things left are the games (which are soooo rigged,)  food, and the animal exhibits. I will still play a few of the games in denial and I can see the animal exhibits by looking out my back door. Hello! SmallTown. 

That leaves us with the food.


My favorite fair foods growing up were the Jaycee's foot long hot dogs.  Local Albany non-profits had their own booths and they were always better than those little wagons the carnies brought to town. My second favorites were the freshly made pork rinds.  (Hey, it's the fair.  Cut me some slack.)

If I have to go with the typical fair food, I'd say funnel cakes.  Who doesn't love fried dough topped with powdered sugar?


2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

My aversion to carnies?

3. What is your favorite gift to receive?

Something handmade or something that is simple, but shows someone remembered me mentioning it.  My close friends are the best at this.

4. When was the last time you tried something new?

This one made me think for a loooonnng time.  Can't think of a single thing.  Wow.  Guess it's been a while.  Maybe I should try something new, like daily posting to the blog. 

5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre?

Memoir, Mystery, Political Intrigue, Romance, Humor, Historical Fiction, Historical nonfiction, Chick Lit, Self-Help, Other

Least Favorite-  Historical Fiction in it's true sense. I like fiction set in different times with the historical setting as a minor component.  I don't care for fiction drowning in empire waists, Lords of The Manor, or prairie fires. 


Favorite- Good Southern Fiction in any time period (I realize this isn't really a category.  Please don't judge me.)

6.Silver or Gold?

To wear- Silver
To win- Gold

7. What makes you sigh?

People in car line who refuse to follow the rules but still want me to let them in/out, even though they are going the wrong direction, in the wrong lane, and making other people sigh. 

Sometimes I don't just sigh. Sometimes I talk to them from behind my windshield in a higher tone than my normal voice.  Ahem.


Sigh.

Note to self-  New thing to try:  Relaxation techniques

8. If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you claim you are?

I've always felt older in the mental sense, not necessarily in the physical sense.  I think it has something to do with growing up an only child and being around adults a lot.  You could say I have an old soul (not that I believe in that sort of thing.)  One of my best friends is the same way. 


I'd say 45. 

9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one?

I am normally a rule follower (see number 7) unless it is a matter of life and death or goes against common sense.  SO, yes to this one.

10. If you had to teach something, what would it be?

Reading

11. You're having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do?

Take up for her.  This has happened to me regarding someone I barely knew and I spoke up.  When I tactfully (I hope!) said something, the women got really quiet.


I can't imagine what I would do or say if it were a close friend.  (Probably do more than sigh.)  I'd want someone to do the same for me.


12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love?  (Check out Lid's blog for a link to the quiz.)

Quality Time

Physical Touch

Acts of Service

Gifts

Words of Affirmation

My love lanugage is definitely Acts of Service, followed closely by Words of Affirmation

See Lid for more great Dozens!

Piggies and Betrayal

Well, the week is nearly over and the cobwebs are forming in the corners of the blog.

I'm sure you've moved on with your life by now, but the consensus seems to be that the little piggy from the rhyme was sad.

I think he was said, too. Hubs is convinced he was happy. Who knows, really? And who cares, right?

This is my life, people.  I spend time pondering the emotional state of swine.

What I really should be concerned with is why a pig would eat roast beef. That's just wrong. There should be some sort of farm animal pact. 

Little piggy

Hubs and I were watching TV last night when the new Geico commercial came on.  (Have you noticed a theme here lately? I love commercials.) The one we watched featured the little piggy going "Wee, wee, wee all the home."

This launched into a controversy which I hope all of you will settle.

In the story we all told to our children, was the little piggy happy or sad?  Was his "wee, wee, wee" a gleeful one or a teary one? 

What do you think?

I'll tell you my take on it later. 

As you can see, we had an exciting weekend.

Looking forward to your thoughts in the comments!


Love the comments.  Keep 'em coming!

Also, CPQ has written a wonderful tribute to her dad. Today is his birthday. Be sure to head on over and wish him a happy one!

Friday's Fave Five: Silly This or That

1.  Yesterday I was at a local gift shop purchasing a stack of cards.  I like to purchase cards in bulk. If I need a card, I buy that particular one and also buy some for any birthdays or other occasions over the next few months.  That way I can have them on hand when I need them or just completely forget I have them and buy duplicates later.  It all starts out to be a very efficient plan.

So I was paying for my cards when a little boy behind me kept stomping his foot. I thought he was marking time with the Sinatra tune playing overhead, but then I realized he was just a nervous kid.  After a few minutes of this, his mother finally said,"That's enough."

I wanted to turn to her and tell her it was enough for me about 100 stomps before that.  However, bless her heart for her patience.

Did I mention they were standing in line to buy candy?  That's just what you need to give to a nervous kid- a bag of candy.

The clerk put the candy on the counter after she counted the pieces.  She added up the amount, then waited as another clerk rang up my cards.  In the meantime, the leader of Stomp nervously waited for his candy.  The clerk then offered him his choice of one free silly band from a basket behind the counter.

Silly bands have been around for a while but they have just caught on here in Small Town.  New fads arrive to us via Pony Express.  It takes a while.

So the little nervous boy, wide-eyed, chose one silly band from the basket (which is like eating one potato chip) as the clerk quickly snatched it, I mean gently placed it back behind the iron bars of the counter.  The little boy's mom asked her if they sold them, which they did, in packs, on the other side of the counter.

I chuckled and said to the clerk,"Yep.  Go ahead and give them some crack and then get them addicted."

The mom laughed but the clerk was not amused.

All of that leads me to my favorite thing of the week, which is not silly bands, as you may have guessed.

No, it's the fact that I have a dark, sarcastic sense of humor which old clerks do not understand, but tired moms of nervous kids find amusing.

2. The hamster commercial. Hubs and I have laughed and laughed.  Either you hate it or you love.  We love it. 

3.  Lunch with friends.  I had a nice lunch with a friend yesterday. Our girls played while we talked.  It was great. 

4.  The bug man.  I am waiting for him to arrive as I type.  One of those New Mexico fire ants got me the other day.  We have an area in our driveway where they have taken up residence.  They are about to get evicted.

5.  Good Mexican food.  This was one thing I missed while we were away from Small Town.  There's nothing like taco grease to lift a girl's spirits, until she stands on the scales.

Suddenly silly bands are looking more interesting.

See Susanne for more faves this week!  Thanks, Susanne for hosting.

On Beauty Products and Brides

I really should rename this blog "This Ain't Updated Very Much.  Check Back When I Remember To Write Something, Probably In List Form."

But that would be really wordy and tough to center in my header.  It could encroach on the curious cow photo.

I'd say we've been busy and productive this week, but I'd be lying. 

Daughter had some friends over one day.  We've had horseback riding, several unfruitful trips to the grocery store (I am holding off for the BIG shop,) and one trip to Sonic. 

My big accomplishment?  Cleaning out three drawers in our bathroom vanity. 

Poor Hubs gets a small area under his sink. The drawers are mostly for me and all my make-up, hair and moisturizing products.  I would say I feel sorry for him, but I really don't think a man needs more than a small area under the sink for his morning routine products. Do you?

As for the results of the clean-up, I realized that I buy a lot of anti-aging products that don't work and that we have every shade of pink nail polish known to woman. 

Maybe that shade of fuchsia will distract from all the wrinkles. 

On a completely unrelated note, I am tickled pink about the upcoming Say Yes To The Dress- Atlanta.  I watch the New York version, but I can't wait to compare the two shows.  It should be a delight in accents, opinionated mamas and the importance of deciding on a hairstyle before purchasing the bridal head piece.  (Priorities, people.)

Have a great Thursday. 

I hope your toes are pink and wrinkle free.

  

More things I don't understand: Flying

1.  Why does the pilot always tell you the weather of the arrival city during the flight?  It doesn't really help me to know it's 95 degrees and humid in Atlanta or 42 degrees and cloudy in New York.  I already packed.

2.  Why does he tell us our altitude?  The number of thousands of feet we are cruising at doesn't really matter to me as long as that number isn't rapidly decreasing and that little oxygen thing doesn't pop down.

3.  The extra weight fee on luggage is a total scam.  I recently was charged for one piece of luggage being 4 pounds over the weight limit. The baggage checker lady told me I could take things out of it and put it in another suitcase.  That makes no sense to me.  Shouldn't it be TOTAL weight of all my luggage? 

I just let them charge me extra because I knew if I had opened that piece of luggage, it would have been like opening a can of silly snakes.  Stuff would have been flying everywhere. Not that I packed snakes.  That's out of regulations.

4. Why do I get excited about the free soda on the plane? I don't even like my Diet Coke over ice.

5. Is it just me or does that little drink cart look like a cross between an ice cream vendor's cart and something from a HazMat team?

That being said, where's my ice cream?