I've never been more thankful for Lid's random than today. I have not a smidgen of creativity in my bones this morning. Evident by the fact I just used the word "smidgen."
1. Have you ever been so lost that you were really afraid?
No. I lost my mom in the grocery store once, but I knew she was looking for me. She found me and I was much better. I'm sure she gave me a good talking to because I never wandered off again, except for hiding in the racks at JCPenney. Ahem.
2. Have you ever been to an island?
Yes. St. Simon's, Jekyl, and the Outer Banks (technically an island.) I've also been to Crab Island in Destin which is not technically an island. It's a sand bar where people hang out and swim and dodge the jellyfish.
3. Are you more of a thinker or feeler?
Thinker. I have feelings, promise. But I tend to analyze and pick things apart. After overhearing Lost on TV last night while I was helping someone paint (long story) I have decided that I must rent the entire collection and catch up. Yes, I'm just a few seasons behind and realize it is almost over. It just reminded me of all the subtle and profound analogies of X Files, which I LOVED.
So there.
I'm a thinker.
4. Do you tend to see issues or situations in life as black and white or shades of gray?
Black and white on moral issues. Shades of gray otherwise. Goes back to my analytical mind.
5. If you were stuck on an island, what book would you hope to have with you (Let's pretend the Bible is already there, so you can't say that.)
I'm gonna go with the obvious and say a book on survival. Call me boring. You can go ahead and read Pilgrim's Progress or Emma over and over while I learn how to start a fire and skin a rabbit.
6. What are you most afraid of?
Failure. This is a loaded question.
7. Would you rather lose all of your old memories or never be able to make new ones?
Never be able to make new ones. I think it would be sad for my family if I could not remember things from the past, especially for Daughter.
8. Pretend I'm looking at a scrapbook page about you. There are three spaces for you to drop in individual pictures. What are those pictures of, and why did you select them?
One picture of me with a book bag headed for school- Mama always took one of these on my first day of school. It says a lot about me. I love to learn and loved school (not jr. high or high school, blech.)
A photo of me and my family. They mean the world to me.
A picture of Maggie- See archives. To say I'm a cat person is an understatement. (I think that understatement phrase is overused, but I am too tired to come up with something new.)
9. If you were re-doing your wedding, what would you do differently? (If you're single, tell me one thing you would do if you were planning a wedding OR huge party.)
Honestly, I wouldn't change a lot. I'd take more pictures outside of the place we had our reception because years later it was torn down.
10. Tell me one thing you know/believe about forgiveness.
It is easier to forgive someone than to forgive yourself.
11. You're waiting in a doctor's office. What is your favorite way to pass that time?
Make notes for the blog or the one-day book!
12. If there were a clone of you in a parallel universe what is one way you hope she/he would be the same as you and one way you hope she/he would be better?
I hope she will send people real cards. It's something I've tired to continue because I think it's a lost art. (See, I worked in the theme, Lid.)
I hope she is not as uptight as me and weighs her ideal weight. If not, I hope she looks at herself in the mirror and loves what she sees anyway.
Whew. Lid, that was deep.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tots and Dreams
Do you know what I wish I could do?
I wish that I could finally figure out how to correctly pull up to the Sonic drive-in.
If I pull up too far, I can't reach the red button. If I don't pull up far enough, the cute little car hop can't reach my window to hand me my corn dog.
She always gives me that look, too.
No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to figure out how to park correctly.
These are things I think about in life.
What about you?
What do you wish you could do?
If you know how to order at Sonic, please leave me detailed instructions in the Comments.
I wish that I could finally figure out how to correctly pull up to the Sonic drive-in.
If I pull up too far, I can't reach the red button. If I don't pull up far enough, the cute little car hop can't reach my window to hand me my corn dog.
She always gives me that look, too.
No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to figure out how to park correctly.
These are things I think about in life.
What about you?
What do you wish you could do?
If you know how to order at Sonic, please leave me detailed instructions in the Comments.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
These are a few of my favorite links.
Favorite links this week from two of my favorite bloggers.
Arabs, Russians, and a Hookah Bar- Carpool Queen's Blog
Proudly announcing the arrival of...- It be's that way sometimes.
Arabs, Russians, and a Hookah Bar- Carpool Queen's Blog
Proudly announcing the arrival of...- It be's that way sometimes.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Horse Highlights
Daughter always looks forward to Wednesdays. Wednesdays equals horseback riding. When weather forces us to cancel, she is always disappointed. Wednesday afternoon is her favorite part of the week.
Yesterday we arrived at the barn earlier than Nancy and her daughter, C. Daughter caught her horse, prepared to ride, then headed to the arena.
The three of us arrived at the arena. Our instructor made sure Daughter was safely on, then left to help Nancy and C get ready.
She turned to me and said,"Okay, mom. You're in charge."
"That's scary, but alright," I said with a wink.
Our instructor walked the short distance back to the barn and I sat on the little stool as Daughter rode. As soon as she gets on the horse, she is in her own world. She listens for instruction, but everything else is shut out.
As she walked her horse around the arena, I watched. And listened. I have no idea what she was saying, but she was sharing something incredible with her horse. I could hear the emotion, the giggles, and the inflections in her voice. With every step, she shared something else. The horse's ears turned and listened as my daughter rode.
It reminded me of my visits to the hairdresser. I share my life's moments as she wraps my hair in foil. After she's done wonders, she shampoos and I keep talking. My hairdresser wraps my head in a towel and I plop down in the chair, where I chatter away as she reveals those necessary highlights.
Most hairdressers are patient with us as we tell them everything, but the truth is, they are tired. They really would like to work in peace in quiet. I'm probably the tenth customer of the day who shares her life.
Horses are different. They prick their ears and walk or trot or lope along. They listen intently as they work, capturing a moment with the rider who loves them.
Of course, I love my hairdresser. Who else could work miracles with this hair of mine? But nothing compares to the love a girl has for her horse.
No highlights could ever trump that.
Yesterday we arrived at the barn earlier than Nancy and her daughter, C. Daughter caught her horse, prepared to ride, then headed to the arena.
The three of us arrived at the arena. Our instructor made sure Daughter was safely on, then left to help Nancy and C get ready.
She turned to me and said,"Okay, mom. You're in charge."
"That's scary, but alright," I said with a wink.
Our instructor walked the short distance back to the barn and I sat on the little stool as Daughter rode. As soon as she gets on the horse, she is in her own world. She listens for instruction, but everything else is shut out.
As she walked her horse around the arena, I watched. And listened. I have no idea what she was saying, but she was sharing something incredible with her horse. I could hear the emotion, the giggles, and the inflections in her voice. With every step, she shared something else. The horse's ears turned and listened as my daughter rode.
It reminded me of my visits to the hairdresser. I share my life's moments as she wraps my hair in foil. After she's done wonders, she shampoos and I keep talking. My hairdresser wraps my head in a towel and I plop down in the chair, where I chatter away as she reveals those necessary highlights.
Most hairdressers are patient with us as we tell them everything, but the truth is, they are tired. They really would like to work in peace in quiet. I'm probably the tenth customer of the day who shares her life.
Horses are different. They prick their ears and walk or trot or lope along. They listen intently as they work, capturing a moment with the rider who loves them.
Of course, I love my hairdresser. Who else could work miracles with this hair of mine? But nothing compares to the love a girl has for her horse.
No highlights could ever trump that.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
In Sympathy
Please visit Linda today.
Her sweet friend, Diane, has gone on to be with the Lord after a battle with cancer.
Linda has written a beautiful tribute to her friend.
Her sweet friend, Diane, has gone on to be with the Lord after a battle with cancer.
Linda has written a beautiful tribute to her friend.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
On The Menu
The last few days have been busy.
I delivered a meal to a new mom, baked a cake for a nurses' staff, helped serve at a food booth, made a casserole for a potluck, decorated tables, and hosted a dinner for homeschool moms.
Noticing a theme?
Food. I believe it is the best theme ever.
I only have one more thing to add. Mr. Pyrex, I love you.
Later I'll share pictures of the cutest dessert I made for a new big brother.
How is your week going?
I delivered a meal to a new mom, baked a cake for a nurses' staff, helped serve at a food booth, made a casserole for a potluck, decorated tables, and hosted a dinner for homeschool moms.
Noticing a theme?
Food. I believe it is the best theme ever.
I only have one more thing to add. Mr. Pyrex, I love you.
Later I'll share pictures of the cutest dessert I made for a new big brother.
How is your week going?
Friday, April 16, 2010
Friday's Fav Five- Dixie and Yankees
Thanks for hosting the Fav Five this week, Susanne! Here are mine for the week.
1. This video clip from Designing Women- I recently mentioned Julia Sugarbaker. The clip about crazy people in the South is one of my favorite scenes. It makes me laugh because it is so true.
After my post last week, I learned that Dixie Carter who played Julia for so many years had passed away. Here's to Dixie and her spot-on portrayal of so many strong southern women!
2. Yankee Candles- When spring arrives, I love to buy new candles for the house. Some of my favorites for this time of year are Clean Cotton and Sun and Sand. (Hubs calls them flavors, not scents, which always cracks me up.)
FCC stuff- Yankee did not ask me to say that, nor have they sent me any free candles. Now that we've covered the legal nonsense, let's move on.
3. The casserole- I believe the casserole was created by some tired soul who had to make a meal for a large group of people and couldn't decide on a menu. Then she thought to herself,"I know just the thing! I'll just dump it all together, stir in some creamofsomethingsoup and top it with Ritz crackers!"
Thank you, m'am. You are a life saver.
4. Bible Study- If you are not in one, find one. You will be amazed at the friends you can make and the incredible things you learn when consistently in a small group. Each and every time I am involved in one, I learn something new that greatly affects my life.
5. Spring skirts- I love wearing a skirt in spring. They are so comfortable and just make me happy. I just need to work on my fake tan so I don't blind small dogs while walking down the street.
If you are wondering about my own family in relation to number one, the answer is both. :>)
Be sure to check Susanne's blog for more favs!
1. This video clip from Designing Women- I recently mentioned Julia Sugarbaker. The clip about crazy people in the South is one of my favorite scenes. It makes me laugh because it is so true.
After my post last week, I learned that Dixie Carter who played Julia for so many years had passed away. Here's to Dixie and her spot-on portrayal of so many strong southern women!
2. Yankee Candles- When spring arrives, I love to buy new candles for the house. Some of my favorites for this time of year are Clean Cotton and Sun and Sand. (Hubs calls them flavors, not scents, which always cracks me up.)
FCC stuff- Yankee did not ask me to say that, nor have they sent me any free candles. Now that we've covered the legal nonsense, let's move on.
3. The casserole- I believe the casserole was created by some tired soul who had to make a meal for a large group of people and couldn't decide on a menu. Then she thought to herself,"I know just the thing! I'll just dump it all together, stir in some creamofsomethingsoup and top it with Ritz crackers!"
Thank you, m'am. You are a life saver.
4. Bible Study- If you are not in one, find one. You will be amazed at the friends you can make and the incredible things you learn when consistently in a small group. Each and every time I am involved in one, I learn something new that greatly affects my life.
5. Spring skirts- I love wearing a skirt in spring. They are so comfortable and just make me happy. I just need to work on my fake tan so I don't blind small dogs while walking down the street.
If you are wondering about my own family in relation to number one, the answer is both. :>)
Be sure to check Susanne's blog for more favs!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Good Horse Sense
I grew up hearing all kinds of odd sayings. Of course, I had no idea they were odd. To me, they were perfectly normal.
It took marrying Hubs to learn that not everyone says things like,"Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth," or "You can get glad in the same pants you got mad in," or how about "He's a good egg."
The butter phrase is one of his favorites, by the way. I used to think it was because he found it clever. Now I know it is just because he loves butter.
Over the years, I've explained a lot of words and phrases to Hubs, or at least I've tried. He pretends to make fun of me a little, but I like to say he is channeling his third grade boyish charm in an effort to show he likes me. I just hope he doesn't give me a toad for my birthday.
There's one phrase Mama used that is fairly common- measuring a person's intelligence to that of a horse, "using good horse sense."
Whenever a person would do something not-so-bright (the Southerner's nice way of saying you're being an idiot,) Mama said,"Well, he doesn't have good horse sense!"
My sheltered self had no idea the magnitude of that statement. I'd never been around horses and I certainly had never given one an IQ test.
The weather here in SmallTown is schizophrenic. One minute it's nice and sunny, the next it's Sybil.
Every Wednesday, Nancy and I watch the forecast to see if we will have horseback riding lessons. Our instructor does the same. Some days it is obviously a day to cancel early in the morning. Other days we've had to cancel on our way there.
Yesterday all three of us were watching the weather. Nancy was watching the skies, I was watching the forecast, and our instructor was watching the radar images. If this horseback stuff doesn't work out, we could all work for The Weather Channel.
A stormy morning turned into a sunny afternoon. Horseback lessons were on.
When we arrived there was a nice breeze. The girls didn't even need a jacket. They tacked up and headed to the arena. Within minutes, the wind blew in clouds and cool weather. The three of us sat there and watched the girls on their horses underneath an unpredictable sky.
It was unanimous. We'd let them ride as long as the weather was decent, or as long as they could stand it.
The horses' behavior indicated the change in the air. Ears turned, lips twitched. The girls kept riding as it began to drizzle.
Their instructor asked the girls several times if they wanted to quit. They declined.
Because of their good training, the horses continued to work as commanded, but with a little protest. They changed direction on their own to keep the rain at their backs.
And they trotted by our instructor with the most hilarious expressions.
As the drizzle became a light rain, the girls kept riding. Each time they passed their instructor, the horses gave a new look.
"Hello, do you know it's raining?"
"Ahem, are we done yet?"
"Who is this kid you put on me who continues to ride in the rain?"
The three of us just laughed. Although, we should have been the last ones laughing because none of us had a jacket or a real hat.
Finally, the instructor called it and we all headed to the barn. I was proud of our girls for toughing it out.
The girls enjoyed their ride in the light rain. It was a new experience for them in riding and in horse behaviors. They put away their tack and brushed their horses as we looked on.
I stood in the barn, in my damp shirt and muddy boots, realizing the true intelligence of horses and the real meaning of another popular phrase.
As Mama would say, "Some people don't have enough sense to get out of the rain."
It took marrying Hubs to learn that not everyone says things like,"Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth," or "You can get glad in the same pants you got mad in," or how about "He's a good egg."
The butter phrase is one of his favorites, by the way. I used to think it was because he found it clever. Now I know it is just because he loves butter.
Over the years, I've explained a lot of words and phrases to Hubs, or at least I've tried. He pretends to make fun of me a little, but I like to say he is channeling his third grade boyish charm in an effort to show he likes me. I just hope he doesn't give me a toad for my birthday.
There's one phrase Mama used that is fairly common- measuring a person's intelligence to that of a horse, "using good horse sense."
Whenever a person would do something not-so-bright (the Southerner's nice way of saying you're being an idiot,) Mama said,"Well, he doesn't have good horse sense!"
My sheltered self had no idea the magnitude of that statement. I'd never been around horses and I certainly had never given one an IQ test.
The weather here in SmallTown is schizophrenic. One minute it's nice and sunny, the next it's Sybil.
Every Wednesday, Nancy and I watch the forecast to see if we will have horseback riding lessons. Our instructor does the same. Some days it is obviously a day to cancel early in the morning. Other days we've had to cancel on our way there.
Yesterday all three of us were watching the weather. Nancy was watching the skies, I was watching the forecast, and our instructor was watching the radar images. If this horseback stuff doesn't work out, we could all work for The Weather Channel.
A stormy morning turned into a sunny afternoon. Horseback lessons were on.
When we arrived there was a nice breeze. The girls didn't even need a jacket. They tacked up and headed to the arena. Within minutes, the wind blew in clouds and cool weather. The three of us sat there and watched the girls on their horses underneath an unpredictable sky.
It was unanimous. We'd let them ride as long as the weather was decent, or as long as they could stand it.
The horses' behavior indicated the change in the air. Ears turned, lips twitched. The girls kept riding as it began to drizzle.
Their instructor asked the girls several times if they wanted to quit. They declined.
Because of their good training, the horses continued to work as commanded, but with a little protest. They changed direction on their own to keep the rain at their backs.
And they trotted by our instructor with the most hilarious expressions.
As the drizzle became a light rain, the girls kept riding. Each time they passed their instructor, the horses gave a new look.
"Hello, do you know it's raining?"
"Ahem, are we done yet?"
"Who is this kid you put on me who continues to ride in the rain?"
The three of us just laughed. Although, we should have been the last ones laughing because none of us had a jacket or a real hat.
Finally, the instructor called it and we all headed to the barn. I was proud of our girls for toughing it out.
The girls enjoyed their ride in the light rain. It was a new experience for them in riding and in horse behaviors. They put away their tack and brushed their horses as we looked on.
I stood in the barn, in my damp shirt and muddy boots, realizing the true intelligence of horses and the real meaning of another popular phrase.
As Mama would say, "Some people don't have enough sense to get out of the rain."
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Observations from the Couch
What you may have overheard at our house last night:
Sound of me typing on the laptop. Seinfeld re-run playing in the background.
Hubs- "You know, Mike and Ikes are genius because you have the Mike and Ike in the same box."
Sound of my brain cells trying to comprehend, followed by the sound of me typing on the laptop.
Hubs- "Did you know that if you need your teeth permanently altered that it has to be done by the dentist? The hygienist can't do it?"
Me- "What does that have to do with anything?"
Hubs- "Nothing. You just may need to know that if you have your teeth permanently altered."
Sound of me typing all the nonsense on the laptop mixed with the shaking noise of a box of Mike and Ikes.
And the faint cries of a dental hygienist off in the distance.
Tomorrow we discuss the complex nature of the doctor/nurse relationship and why neither of us likes Raisinettes.
Sound of me typing on the laptop. Seinfeld re-run playing in the background.
Hubs- "You know, Mike and Ikes are genius because you have the Mike and Ike in the same box."
Sound of my brain cells trying to comprehend, followed by the sound of me typing on the laptop.
Hubs- "Did you know that if you need your teeth permanently altered that it has to be done by the dentist? The hygienist can't do it?"
Me- "What does that have to do with anything?"
Hubs- "Nothing. You just may need to know that if you have your teeth permanently altered."
Sound of me typing all the nonsense on the laptop mixed with the shaking noise of a box of Mike and Ikes.
And the faint cries of a dental hygienist off in the distance.
Tomorrow we discuss the complex nature of the doctor/nurse relationship and why neither of us likes Raisinettes.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Trans Fats and The Nervous Digestive Habits of the Equine
I don't know about y'all, but I don't want any more ham for a while. We ate leftovers until my sodium count reached near Dead Sea levels. On Monday afternoon, I had a migraine and realized it must be due to the nitrates.
At that painful moment I said, "That's it! I'm switching to the original white meat!"
Let me point out that I am not giving up ham completely. I am just going for smaller portions of the preservative-filled meat. Ham is a necessary part of my Southern diet. What else could I cook my vegetables with?
Don't tell me EVOO. I can use olive oil now and then, but good pole beans require a ham hock.
But, I know you didn't come here to read about my pork product preferences.
Our week has been fairly routine. We've homeschooled, gone to Bible study, and had horseback riding lessons.
This week Nancy was not feeling well, so I took her daughter and mine to riding lessons. Both girls have taken lessons for nearly a year, so all I had to do was surpervise.
However, there must have been something in the air, because both horses decided to do their business in the barn. These lessons are real lessons in caring for horses, so when your horse goes, you have to clean it up.
I'm suddenly understanding why I never took horseback riding lessons.
Daughter and C took turns with the pitch fork and literally pitched it. Neither complained really, which shows me they are much more mature than I am.
All the while Nancy was at home, leisurely lounging on the sofa with a stomach bug or something.
After the girls' lessons, we headed for Sonic. It has become our weekly routine. Daughter loves the root beer float and C goes for a Reese's Blast.
Nancy and I pretend to go for the girls, but the truth is I love the cherry limeade chillers and she loves the tots. She has been much more health concious lately, opting for a Diet Somethingover.
I'll bet she uses EVOO.
Which shows me she is much more mature than I am.
Hope you are feeling better Nanc. :>)
At that painful moment I said, "That's it! I'm switching to the original white meat!"
Let me point out that I am not giving up ham completely. I am just going for smaller portions of the preservative-filled meat. Ham is a necessary part of my Southern diet. What else could I cook my vegetables with?
Don't tell me EVOO. I can use olive oil now and then, but good pole beans require a ham hock.
But, I know you didn't come here to read about my pork product preferences.
Our week has been fairly routine. We've homeschooled, gone to Bible study, and had horseback riding lessons.
This week Nancy was not feeling well, so I took her daughter and mine to riding lessons. Both girls have taken lessons for nearly a year, so all I had to do was surpervise.
However, there must have been something in the air, because both horses decided to do their business in the barn. These lessons are real lessons in caring for horses, so when your horse goes, you have to clean it up.
I'm suddenly understanding why I never took horseback riding lessons.
Daughter and C took turns with the pitch fork and literally pitched it. Neither complained really, which shows me they are much more mature than I am.
All the while Nancy was at home, leisurely lounging on the sofa with a stomach bug or something.
After the girls' lessons, we headed for Sonic. It has become our weekly routine. Daughter loves the root beer float and C goes for a Reese's Blast.
Nancy and I pretend to go for the girls, but the truth is I love the cherry limeade chillers and she loves the tots. She has been much more health concious lately, opting for a Diet Somethingover.
I'll bet she uses EVOO.
Which shows me she is much more mature than I am.
Hope you are feeling better Nanc. :>)
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Random Dozen: Elmer's Glue and Designing Women
Here are Linda's questions for the week.
1. Define a great relationship.
Nothing like starting out with the easy questions, Linda.
I think a great relationship, whether friendly or romantic, requires loving honesty, trust, loyalty, common values, and some common interests. I am blessed enough to have two wonderful friends who fit this description and an awesome husband.
2. Why is it called a "drive-through" if you have to stop? (Real question: What was the last food/drink you purchased at a drive-through?)
It really should be called a "drive around," now that you mention it, Lid. I bought Daughter a Frosty, fries and chicken nuggets from Wendy's.
3. As I type this, the Butler Bulldogs are getting ready to play in the NCAA championship game. Every Hoosier is hysterical about this except me. So in honor of the Bulldogs ... what is your favorite breed of dog? (I tried.)
I was so glad to see you weren't going with a sports question. We know how much I love sports. Ahem.
My favorite breed would have to be the beagle. I just love them. In all honesty, I love the mutt in the pound who needs a home. I really love his little nose pressed against the chain link gate.
4. If you had to move to a state besides the one you currently live in, where would you move?
This one is obvious.
Florida
South Carolina runs a close second. I love the low country.
Notice both offer wonderful beaches and fabulous seafood.
5. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
I honestly can't think of anything. I have great parents.
As for what I would change about myself, I would not have squirted the glue in my hair in Kindergarten. I would also love to go back to first grade and punch that kid who picked on me on the playground.
Did I mention that my parents were faithful in taking me to Sunday School?
6. Who's the funniest person you know?
My husband. His humor is part of what attracted me to him. That and his blue eyes. We can sit on the sofa and laugh with each other about anything. We can make stuff up as we go along and just laugh. When people visit they look at us strangely.
I've told him that one day we will end up in a home and the staff will think we have dementia, not knowing it will be perfectly normal.
7. Did you get enough sleep last night?
No. The last time I got enough sleep I was about 5 years old.
8. What's the first thing you thought about this morning?
I'm sleepy.
9. Grilled or Fried? --HONESTLY
FRIED.
Unless it is amberjack, and then GRILLED.
My food preferences are always in CAPS LOCK.
(I'm glad Lid gets my subtle, punctuational humor. Not even sure punctuational is a word.)
10. Are you afraid of the dark?
No, but I'm afraid of flashlights.
Kidding.
11.When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was in the 4th grade I wanted to be a dental hygienist. Then I realized what they had to do most of the day and that the dentist really made the cash. I decided to be a dentist.
At some point in high school, I wanted to be an interior designer. I blame Julia Sugarbaker.
12. If you had one word to describe yourself , what would you choose?
Square Peg
That's two words, so I'll go with one.
Square
See Linda for more rockin' random dozens. Thanks for the great questions this week, Lid!
1. Define a great relationship.
Nothing like starting out with the easy questions, Linda.
I think a great relationship, whether friendly or romantic, requires loving honesty, trust, loyalty, common values, and some common interests. I am blessed enough to have two wonderful friends who fit this description and an awesome husband.
2. Why is it called a "drive-through" if you have to stop? (Real question: What was the last food/drink you purchased at a drive-through?)
It really should be called a "drive around," now that you mention it, Lid. I bought Daughter a Frosty, fries and chicken nuggets from Wendy's.
3. As I type this, the Butler Bulldogs are getting ready to play in the NCAA championship game. Every Hoosier is hysterical about this except me. So in honor of the Bulldogs ... what is your favorite breed of dog? (I tried.)
I was so glad to see you weren't going with a sports question. We know how much I love sports. Ahem.
My favorite breed would have to be the beagle. I just love them. In all honesty, I love the mutt in the pound who needs a home. I really love his little nose pressed against the chain link gate.
4. If you had to move to a state besides the one you currently live in, where would you move?
This one is obvious.
Florida
South Carolina runs a close second. I love the low country.
Notice both offer wonderful beaches and fabulous seafood.
5. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
I honestly can't think of anything. I have great parents.
As for what I would change about myself, I would not have squirted the glue in my hair in Kindergarten. I would also love to go back to first grade and punch that kid who picked on me on the playground.
Did I mention that my parents were faithful in taking me to Sunday School?
6. Who's the funniest person you know?
My husband. His humor is part of what attracted me to him. That and his blue eyes. We can sit on the sofa and laugh with each other about anything. We can make stuff up as we go along and just laugh. When people visit they look at us strangely.
I've told him that one day we will end up in a home and the staff will think we have dementia, not knowing it will be perfectly normal.
7. Did you get enough sleep last night?
No. The last time I got enough sleep I was about 5 years old.
8. What's the first thing you thought about this morning?
I'm sleepy.
9. Grilled or Fried? --HONESTLY
FRIED.
Unless it is amberjack, and then GRILLED.
My food preferences are always in CAPS LOCK.
(I'm glad Lid gets my subtle, punctuational humor. Not even sure punctuational is a word.)
10. Are you afraid of the dark?
No, but I'm afraid of flashlights.
Kidding.
11.When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was in the 4th grade I wanted to be a dental hygienist. Then I realized what they had to do most of the day and that the dentist really made the cash. I decided to be a dentist.
At some point in high school, I wanted to be an interior designer. I blame Julia Sugarbaker.
12. If you had one word to describe yourself , what would you choose?
Square Peg
That's two words, so I'll go with one.
Square
See Linda for more rockin' random dozens. Thanks for the great questions this week, Lid!
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Lycra, Spring Fever, and Ibuprofen
Spring has officially arrived and I am itching to go to the beach. The only thing holding me back is my pasty white complexion and, well, there's the added problem that the closest beach is hundreds of miles away.
I'm also a little biased about beaches. If I'm going to spend good money on fake tanning and plane tickets, I want to go to the Gulf Coast. Florida's gulf coast, specifically. We plan to go to the beach this summer, so I have to be patient.
Each time I Google or check the weather, there is list posted in the sidebar of the country's top beaches.
Now the Internet is just trying to hurt me.
The thing is, a trip to the beach means I will be buying a swimsuit. Swimsuits are not what I care to think about right now. My diet routine has consisted of bad lemonade cake and Diet Coke, and my work-out routine involves me walking back and forth from the hamper to the laundry room.
It's very effective.
You can see that I am torn between my dreams of emerald waters and my fear of clingy fabric and fluorescent lighting. My psychological health is very fragile.
If you'll excuse me, I need to run (not actually run) to Wal-mart for a supply of tan-in-a-tube, cellulite cream, and a Fromer's Guide To Florida.
Maybe I'll just get a new pair of flip flops and some Extra Strength Tylenol.
sigh
I'm also a little biased about beaches. If I'm going to spend good money on fake tanning and plane tickets, I want to go to the Gulf Coast. Florida's gulf coast, specifically. We plan to go to the beach this summer, so I have to be patient.
Each time I Google or check the weather, there is list posted in the sidebar of the country's top beaches.
Now the Internet is just trying to hurt me.
The thing is, a trip to the beach means I will be buying a swimsuit. Swimsuits are not what I care to think about right now. My diet routine has consisted of bad lemonade cake and Diet Coke, and my work-out routine involves me walking back and forth from the hamper to the laundry room.
It's very effective.
You can see that I am torn between my dreams of emerald waters and my fear of clingy fabric and fluorescent lighting. My psychological health is very fragile.
If you'll excuse me, I need to run (not actually run) to Wal-mart for a supply of tan-in-a-tube, cellulite cream, and a Fromer's Guide To Florida.
Maybe I'll just get a new pair of flip flops and some Extra Strength Tylenol.
sigh
Monday, April 05, 2010
Holiday traditions and really bad poetry
When I was little I made a card for Mama which read, "It may be Easter, but I don't love you any leaster."
Clearly my writing skills were beginning to emerge.
Our Easter morning began with Daughter opening her Easter basket. She showed us all the goodies in her basket. Then she grabbed her stuffed lamb (as in plush, not rack of), and then scurried away to her room sporting a huge grin. Hubs and I love to see her scurry away- a sprint down the hall or to her room with the look of mischief or delight on her face. It reminds us of the joys of childhood.
After church, I finished cooking our Easter dinner. On Saturday, I cooked a ham, boiled eggs for deviled eggs, and prepared a hashbrown casserole. All I had to do was warm the ham, finish making the eggs, and bake the casserole. I also steamed some broccoli, but I don't really count it as cooking.
I had planned to make sweet potato biscuits. As soon as I read all the steps, I decided to make my plain biscuits. I was too tired and did not want to take the chance at a new recipe. (The plain ones were quite tasty, by the way.)
For dessert, we had a pink lemonade cake. I don't usually bake, so making cakes is tricky for me. Give me a main dish or a roast to make any day. Make me measure baking powder exactly and I start to twitch. The cake turned out pretty good, not great. We ate it. (Hey, it's cake.)
Hubs cleaned the kitchen. Bless his heart. I took a nap- a long, pull the covers over my head, nap. It was nearly as good as the biscuits.
In the evening we colored eggs. Hubs, Daughter and I sat at the kitchen table dipping eggs in coffee cups filled with food coloring, and swirling eggs in little bags. It was fun and Hubs will be eating eggs for lunch for the rest of the week.
My grandmother loved to color eggs. I remember coloring eggs with her and then finding them later during an egg hunt in the yard. We didn't hide plastic eggs. We hid real ones and then ate them later. In the South Georgia heat. No one died.
We would come inside the house, and sit down at the kitchen table with our baskets. Mama helped me peel my eggs. I always put a little salt on them. Granny or Mama always made pound cake for Easter and after we had our eggs, we'd each have a slice. Then Granny would eat one potato chip to cut the sweet.
That's right. Boiled eggs, pound cake, and potato chips. An odd combination. But every time I peel an Easter egg and see where the coloring seeped through and colored it pink or yellow or green, I think of Granny. I sprinkle a little salt and take a bite, remembering Easter at Granny's table.
Next year, we're having pound cake for Easter.
And one potato chip for each of us.
Clearly my writing skills were beginning to emerge.
Our Easter morning began with Daughter opening her Easter basket. She showed us all the goodies in her basket. Then she grabbed her stuffed lamb (as in plush, not rack of), and then scurried away to her room sporting a huge grin. Hubs and I love to see her scurry away- a sprint down the hall or to her room with the look of mischief or delight on her face. It reminds us of the joys of childhood.
After church, I finished cooking our Easter dinner. On Saturday, I cooked a ham, boiled eggs for deviled eggs, and prepared a hashbrown casserole. All I had to do was warm the ham, finish making the eggs, and bake the casserole. I also steamed some broccoli, but I don't really count it as cooking.
I had planned to make sweet potato biscuits. As soon as I read all the steps, I decided to make my plain biscuits. I was too tired and did not want to take the chance at a new recipe. (The plain ones were quite tasty, by the way.)
For dessert, we had a pink lemonade cake. I don't usually bake, so making cakes is tricky for me. Give me a main dish or a roast to make any day. Make me measure baking powder exactly and I start to twitch. The cake turned out pretty good, not great. We ate it. (Hey, it's cake.)
Hubs cleaned the kitchen. Bless his heart. I took a nap- a long, pull the covers over my head, nap. It was nearly as good as the biscuits.
In the evening we colored eggs. Hubs, Daughter and I sat at the kitchen table dipping eggs in coffee cups filled with food coloring, and swirling eggs in little bags. It was fun and Hubs will be eating eggs for lunch for the rest of the week.
My grandmother loved to color eggs. I remember coloring eggs with her and then finding them later during an egg hunt in the yard. We didn't hide plastic eggs. We hid real ones and then ate them later. In the South Georgia heat. No one died.
We would come inside the house, and sit down at the kitchen table with our baskets. Mama helped me peel my eggs. I always put a little salt on them. Granny or Mama always made pound cake for Easter and after we had our eggs, we'd each have a slice. Then Granny would eat one potato chip to cut the sweet.
That's right. Boiled eggs, pound cake, and potato chips. An odd combination. But every time I peel an Easter egg and see where the coloring seeped through and colored it pink or yellow or green, I think of Granny. I sprinkle a little salt and take a bite, remembering Easter at Granny's table.
Next year, we're having pound cake for Easter.
And one potato chip for each of us.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Falling Asleep
I logged on here to write and realized I hadn't written anything since Monday. And that wasn't even a real post.
It has been a busy week for me.
Sunday night our oven died. The element burned out. Fortunately for us, we are renters right now and all I had to do was call the landlord and wait for the repair, instead of taking care of it ourselves.
Tuesday, an appliance repairman came to check out the oven and then order a part. Unfortunately for us, we are renters right now and I have to wait on the repair, instead of taking care of it ourselves.
The stovetop works just fine, so we've had stovetop friendly dinners. (We sooo should have had Stovetop stuffing just for the irony of it. Why didn't I think of that? Maybe it's because I don't like Stovetop stuffing.)
Each day has had something going. Bible study, horseback riding lessons, meetings, homeschool, trips to UPS. I still need to plan my Easter menu (the oven will be repaired by then,) and hopefully find time to search for an Easter dress.
And it's only Thursday.
Our day is winding down. We just finished dinner, a stovetop friendly meal of tacos. My feet hurt a little. My back aches from traipsing through Wal-mart and standing in the kitchen. Here I am online.
Thursday.
Tonight is the night they came for Him.
It's the night He asked the disciples to pray. They fell asleep. I've often criticized them for that. All Jesus asked was for them to pray. How could they fall asleep? Couldn't they pay attention? It wasn't much for Him to ask.
Yet, here I am online and it's Thursday.
I'm tired. I ache. I have things to do. I don't have a dress. I don't have a working oven.
My Lord has asked me to pray.
Logging off...
It has been a busy week for me.
Sunday night our oven died. The element burned out. Fortunately for us, we are renters right now and all I had to do was call the landlord and wait for the repair, instead of taking care of it ourselves.
Tuesday, an appliance repairman came to check out the oven and then order a part. Unfortunately for us, we are renters right now and I have to wait on the repair, instead of taking care of it ourselves.
The stovetop works just fine, so we've had stovetop friendly dinners. (We sooo should have had Stovetop stuffing just for the irony of it. Why didn't I think of that? Maybe it's because I don't like Stovetop stuffing.)
Each day has had something going. Bible study, horseback riding lessons, meetings, homeschool, trips to UPS. I still need to plan my Easter menu (the oven will be repaired by then,) and hopefully find time to search for an Easter dress.
And it's only Thursday.
Our day is winding down. We just finished dinner, a stovetop friendly meal of tacos. My feet hurt a little. My back aches from traipsing through Wal-mart and standing in the kitchen. Here I am online.
Thursday.
Tonight is the night they came for Him.
It's the night He asked the disciples to pray. They fell asleep. I've often criticized them for that. All Jesus asked was for them to pray. How could they fall asleep? Couldn't they pay attention? It wasn't much for Him to ask.
Yet, here I am online and it's Thursday.
I'm tired. I ache. I have things to do. I don't have a dress. I don't have a working oven.
My Lord has asked me to pray.
Logging off...
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday Montage
1. Our weekend began with A Mighty Wind blowing dust and debris across SmallTown. I've never lived in a place with so much wind. I thought it only existed in Chicago and Oklahoma.
Before Hubs and I got married, he worked in Oklahoma for a while. We had not seen each other in months and my heart began to break a little. I planned a trip to see him, my first plane ride, alone. I did everything a girl does to get ready to see the love of her life. I packed new outfits, some Immodium for the nerves, and went to the beauty shop.
When I told my hairdresser where I was going, she warned me about the wind. She offered to sell me the best hairspray she had. I declined, then later regretted it.
When we got married, I went back and bought a can. I don't recall the name, but it was the strongest hairspray known to man, the kind they wear in the Miss America Pageant.
My hairdresser warned me, "You won't be able to brush it out. You'll have to wash it out."
She was right. As we left the reception, people pelted birdseed at us, and I could not even rake it out with my fingers. The birdseed settled deep in the hot-rolled curls of my hair. I was a perfect attraction for the local crows but my hair never looked more fabulous. (Oh, and a good shampoo of Pantene removed the hairspray and the seeds.)
Back to the wind.
I could use some of that spray.
2. On Saturday we went to an Easter Party and Egg Hunt. Daughter is older now, so she doesn't usually participate in the hunts anymore. We enjoyed watching the little kids run towards the eggs and bring them back to show their moms.
A sweet volunteer dressed as the Easter Bunny. She looked precious, except for the fact that the headpiece was so heavy that she had to hold it with her hand. At one point, it nearly slid off during a photo with a child. She quickly held the mouth and Hubs said,"Oh, no! The Easter Bunny is gonna pewk!" (Fortunately, the children ignored his comments or else the entire room of toddlers would be in therapy this morning.)
3. After the party we went for tacos at our favorite Mexican restaurant, one of the perks of living in SmallTown. When we got home, I was wiped out and took a nap. All of the excitement of traumatized kids and queso just did me in.
4. Sunday was church, a one-hour wait at Walgreens' pharmacy (get ready 1-800 Number,) more naps, a meeting, and my weekly trip to the grocery store.
My weekend was not as thrilling as nuclear-powered hairspray, but it'll do.
How about you?
Before Hubs and I got married, he worked in Oklahoma for a while. We had not seen each other in months and my heart began to break a little. I planned a trip to see him, my first plane ride, alone. I did everything a girl does to get ready to see the love of her life. I packed new outfits, some Immodium for the nerves, and went to the beauty shop.
When I told my hairdresser where I was going, she warned me about the wind. She offered to sell me the best hairspray she had. I declined, then later regretted it.
When we got married, I went back and bought a can. I don't recall the name, but it was the strongest hairspray known to man, the kind they wear in the Miss America Pageant.
My hairdresser warned me, "You won't be able to brush it out. You'll have to wash it out."
She was right. As we left the reception, people pelted birdseed at us, and I could not even rake it out with my fingers. The birdseed settled deep in the hot-rolled curls of my hair. I was a perfect attraction for the local crows but my hair never looked more fabulous. (Oh, and a good shampoo of Pantene removed the hairspray and the seeds.)
Back to the wind.
I could use some of that spray.
2. On Saturday we went to an Easter Party and Egg Hunt. Daughter is older now, so she doesn't usually participate in the hunts anymore. We enjoyed watching the little kids run towards the eggs and bring them back to show their moms.
A sweet volunteer dressed as the Easter Bunny. She looked precious, except for the fact that the headpiece was so heavy that she had to hold it with her hand. At one point, it nearly slid off during a photo with a child. She quickly held the mouth and Hubs said,"Oh, no! The Easter Bunny is gonna pewk!" (Fortunately, the children ignored his comments or else the entire room of toddlers would be in therapy this morning.)
3. After the party we went for tacos at our favorite Mexican restaurant, one of the perks of living in SmallTown. When we got home, I was wiped out and took a nap. All of the excitement of traumatized kids and queso just did me in.
4. Sunday was church, a one-hour wait at Walgreens' pharmacy (get ready 1-800 Number,) more naps, a meeting, and my weekly trip to the grocery store.
My weekend was not as thrilling as nuclear-powered hairspray, but it'll do.
How about you?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
More on directions and thoughts about spring
After the comments from yesterday's post, I am convinced that I should design a new GPS system channeling every Southern mama out there. I'd probably go out of business pretty quickly. We'd all be lost or really late, but at least we'd be laughing.
When I do design it, I think I may add one more function- the Southern daddy version. The directions would be in the same format (random stream of consciousness) but the landmarks would include filling stations and good fishing spots. It would also tell you whether or not you'd make good time.
Now, on to spring.
We had snow- SNOW- here last night. It looks like a light dust of powdered sugar and is melting today. Earlier this week we were wearing short sleeves.
What's up with the weather? I'm starting to think there's a guy in a beret up there in the dome totally messing around with the controls.
I hope he doesn't give out directions.
When I do design it, I think I may add one more function- the Southern daddy version. The directions would be in the same format (random stream of consciousness) but the landmarks would include filling stations and good fishing spots. It would also tell you whether or not you'd make good time.
Now, on to spring.
We had snow- SNOW- here last night. It looks like a light dust of powdered sugar and is melting today. Earlier this week we were wearing short sleeves.
What's up with the weather? I'm starting to think there's a guy in a beret up there in the dome totally messing around with the controls.
I hope he doesn't give out directions.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
If My Garmin Had A Southern Accent
I wrote a post reviewing our weekend and nearly fell asleep while proofreading it. Since it's already Tuesday and most people are making plans for their next weekend, I'll just scrap my summary of our last weekend, which could pretty much be summed up in one word.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
So, that's not really a word.
Let's move on.
Last week, a friend and I visited a new mom we know. I had printed out a map, thinking I knew exactly where I was going. We found what we thought was the street, counted down the blocks as I drove, only to find ourselves at a dead end and completely out of house numbers.
My GPS wasn't plugged in, and since I am not a multi-tasking driver (except for lipstick applications), my friend got directions the old-fashioned way. She called someone and asked.
Fortunately for us, the person we called knew exactly where the mom lived and gave us excellent directions. It also appears that there are two streets in SmallTown by the same name. Fun for the pizza guy.
I was telling Hubs the story the other day and we started explaining to Daughter about how Southern people give directions.
It got me thinking. What if the voice on your car's GPS was that of a Southern lady?
Her instructions may go something like this-
Honey, I'm terrible with directions. I'll have to give you directions from my house, since that's the way I would normally go. You know how to get to my house, right? Y'all came to the Sunday School Christmas party last year, although that was at night, and if you're like me, I'm terrible with directions in the dark. Plus, I don't drive at night since I had my cataract surgery.
So, you'll have to bear with me while I try to give you directions from my place. Okay, you pull out of my drive like you're going to Winn Dixie, but then you turn before you get to the stoplight. I think you turn left at the light. You'll have to sit there a sweet forever because that light is so long, and don't go when school is getting out or the speed limit is 25, and that crossing guard will shake her finger at you. You know, she has been a crossing guard for nearly thirty years? She really should retire because the arthritis has been giving her fits.
Turn there at the light and go past the Cut 'N Curl until you see the pretty yellow house with the black shutters. That's Louise's house. This time of year she has the prettiest bedding plants, but I don't think she's planted any yet, you know, because of the weather we've been having.
When you pull into her driveway, be sure not to park near the old tree. She lets her dog go over there and one time I got out of the car and stepped in something awful and ruined my good shoes I got from Steinmarts. They were on sale, too.
When you see her, tell her I said,"hello" and ask her how her mama's doing.
What's that?
You need directions to Gladys' house?
Oh, I have no idea how to get to her house, but I heard she's already planted her bedding plants and you know they're going to be ruined with this weather we've been having.
And she doesn't have a dog.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
So, that's not really a word.
Let's move on.
Last week, a friend and I visited a new mom we know. I had printed out a map, thinking I knew exactly where I was going. We found what we thought was the street, counted down the blocks as I drove, only to find ourselves at a dead end and completely out of house numbers.
My GPS wasn't plugged in, and since I am not a multi-tasking driver (except for lipstick applications), my friend got directions the old-fashioned way. She called someone and asked.
Fortunately for us, the person we called knew exactly where the mom lived and gave us excellent directions. It also appears that there are two streets in SmallTown by the same name. Fun for the pizza guy.
I was telling Hubs the story the other day and we started explaining to Daughter about how Southern people give directions.
It got me thinking. What if the voice on your car's GPS was that of a Southern lady?
Her instructions may go something like this-
Honey, I'm terrible with directions. I'll have to give you directions from my house, since that's the way I would normally go. You know how to get to my house, right? Y'all came to the Sunday School Christmas party last year, although that was at night, and if you're like me, I'm terrible with directions in the dark. Plus, I don't drive at night since I had my cataract surgery.
So, you'll have to bear with me while I try to give you directions from my place. Okay, you pull out of my drive like you're going to Winn Dixie, but then you turn before you get to the stoplight. I think you turn left at the light. You'll have to sit there a sweet forever because that light is so long, and don't go when school is getting out or the speed limit is 25, and that crossing guard will shake her finger at you. You know, she has been a crossing guard for nearly thirty years? She really should retire because the arthritis has been giving her fits.
Turn there at the light and go past the Cut 'N Curl until you see the pretty yellow house with the black shutters. That's Louise's house. This time of year she has the prettiest bedding plants, but I don't think she's planted any yet, you know, because of the weather we've been having.
When you pull into her driveway, be sure not to park near the old tree. She lets her dog go over there and one time I got out of the car and stepped in something awful and ruined my good shoes I got from Steinmarts. They were on sale, too.
When you see her, tell her I said,"hello" and ask her how her mama's doing.
What's that?
You need directions to Gladys' house?
Oh, I have no idea how to get to her house, but I heard she's already planted her bedding plants and you know they're going to be ruined with this weather we've been having.
And she doesn't have a dog.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Thanks, Congress.
I started to sit down and actually write a post.
Then I decided to just deem it written.
Why didn't I think of this before?
This is so much easier!
You're welcome.
Then I decided to just deem it written.
Why didn't I think of this before?
This is so much easier!
You're welcome.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Training For The Gold
She had spent years preparing for this moment. Hours and hours of practice, days of disappointment, followed by nights of fatigue and sore muscles...
Join me for the rest of her story at the Cafe!
Join me for the rest of her story at the Cafe!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Armchair Detectives
This morning while watching Huckleberry Hound:
"You know we never see Clementine," I said to Daughter.
"Huh?" she answered.
"He keeps singing about her and looking for her."
"I think in one show they show a picture of her."
"It's so sad. He never finds her."
"You think he'd find her. Her shoe size is number 9."
"You know we never see Clementine," I said to Daughter.
"Huh?" she answered.
"He keeps singing about her and looking for her."
"I think in one show they show a picture of her."
"It's so sad. He never finds her."
"You think he'd find her. Her shoe size is number 9."
Monday, March 15, 2010
Strikes and Mrs.
Last week I got an email from Hubs that said," Want to meet me after work at the bowling alley and bowl and we can have bowling alley food for chow?"
To which I replied," Why are you going bowling?"
"It's my bowling night. And could you bring my bowling shirt? Oh, and could you go buy me a bowling shirt? Not really. Just thought it would be something fun for us to do."
"Okay. But only if you let me use the bowling ball that says 'Homer."
So, it was a deal.
Our family hasn't been bowling in years. We have taken Daughter bowling several times and we always enjoy it.
I didn't bowl as a kid. Mama and Daddy didn't bowl. I think it was a Southern thing. Plus, the bowling alleys in the town where I grew up were not necessarily where ladies and gentlemen went on a Saturday night. I suppose the bowling alleys were one step up from the pool halls, but it was a tiny, sticky, gum-covered step.
These days you can find a family friendly bowling alley. There are still those that are, shall we say, shady? They are usually easy to spot. The snack bar is really just a bar, neon signs are brighter than the lighting in the restrooms, and a woman in a tight t-shirt checks out your shoes and oddly, she's run out of Lysol.
We met Hubs after work and headed over to the bowling alley. I was pleased to see families there, instead of people with names like "Stan" or "Helga." No one was using any bad language or sporting any obscene tattoos, except for that preschooler on lane five.
Bowling alley food can be quite tasty. And cheap. That's a combo you can't pass up (like the cheeseburger and curly fries.) After our dinner of greasy grill goodness, we selected our bowling shoes and balls.
I have never understood how to select a bowling ball. I always just stand there at the little ball holder, picking them up, putting them down, until I choose the best one, which is usually based on color instead of weight.
My goal is to choose a color I love while selecting a ball that will not break my wrist. I find it works well.
All through the night, Daughter and I double teamed Hubs. Our goal was to beat him, either of us, both of us. It didn't matter. We let Daughter use the bumpers, so at one point she won a game.
Let me clarify. Hubs' and my only handicaps were that we didn't have the bumpers.
Ahem.
Hubs won the other games. At one point we were neck and neck and I thought I may win. I made a few strikes, quite a few spares, and we won't mention the number of gutter balls.
Hubs added the scores and decided that our team's total score for the whole night may be a perfect score of 300.
We played four games.
Over the weekend I told Hubs we should make it a monthly family outing. It was a lot of fun.
At last I've found a sport that I can compete with Hubs on a level playing field. To his credit, he does have a bad knee.
To my credit, I ate too many curly fries.
To which I replied," Why are you going bowling?"
"It's my bowling night. And could you bring my bowling shirt? Oh, and could you go buy me a bowling shirt? Not really. Just thought it would be something fun for us to do."
"Okay. But only if you let me use the bowling ball that says 'Homer."
So, it was a deal.
Our family hasn't been bowling in years. We have taken Daughter bowling several times and we always enjoy it.
I didn't bowl as a kid. Mama and Daddy didn't bowl. I think it was a Southern thing. Plus, the bowling alleys in the town where I grew up were not necessarily where ladies and gentlemen went on a Saturday night. I suppose the bowling alleys were one step up from the pool halls, but it was a tiny, sticky, gum-covered step.
These days you can find a family friendly bowling alley. There are still those that are, shall we say, shady? They are usually easy to spot. The snack bar is really just a bar, neon signs are brighter than the lighting in the restrooms, and a woman in a tight t-shirt checks out your shoes and oddly, she's run out of Lysol.
We met Hubs after work and headed over to the bowling alley. I was pleased to see families there, instead of people with names like "Stan" or "Helga." No one was using any bad language or sporting any obscene tattoos, except for that preschooler on lane five.
Bowling alley food can be quite tasty. And cheap. That's a combo you can't pass up (like the cheeseburger and curly fries.) After our dinner of greasy grill goodness, we selected our bowling shoes and balls.
I have never understood how to select a bowling ball. I always just stand there at the little ball holder, picking them up, putting them down, until I choose the best one, which is usually based on color instead of weight.
My goal is to choose a color I love while selecting a ball that will not break my wrist. I find it works well.
All through the night, Daughter and I double teamed Hubs. Our goal was to beat him, either of us, both of us. It didn't matter. We let Daughter use the bumpers, so at one point she won a game.
Let me clarify. Hubs' and my only handicaps were that we didn't have the bumpers.
Ahem.
Hubs won the other games. At one point we were neck and neck and I thought I may win. I made a few strikes, quite a few spares, and we won't mention the number of gutter balls.
Hubs added the scores and decided that our team's total score for the whole night may be a perfect score of 300.
We played four games.
Over the weekend I told Hubs we should make it a monthly family outing. It was a lot of fun.
At last I've found a sport that I can compete with Hubs on a level playing field. To his credit, he does have a bad knee.
To my credit, I ate too many curly fries.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
I wonder if Erma ever had to bathe a cat.
Maggie has been in need of a bath for some time now. That things she does with her tongue just isn't cutting it.
I am the only one who bathes Maggie. I don't know how it happened, but when the Cat Bather assignment was given out, Hubs was off to the teacher's lounge making copies on the mimeograph machine.
I've given Maggie baths since she was a kitten, so you would think by now that she knows she isn't going to drown or die or be tortured. She could easily stand there nicely in the tub and wait patiently as I remove the stink from her fur.
But, then again, we're talking about Maggie.
So she stands there in the tub (and by stand I mean tries to escape continually) and moans and cries so as to alert the neighbors that she is drowning or dying or being tortured. Fortunately for us, all of our neighbors either listen to loud music,aren't home, or just figure the noise is part of our weirdness.
I've been putting it off for a while. It's cold. It's Maggie. Last night I stopped procrastinating. Maggie needed a bath and she has been sporting an Alfalfa at the base of her tail that would make Darla scream.
How does a cat get an Alfalfa?
Anyway.
I filled the tub with warm water, got out the sweet-scented, hairball-reducing shampoo, stacked some towels, and scooped up Maggie from her usual spot- the sofa. As soon as I turned the corner towards our bedroom, she began to wail. She may be old and stinky, but she's not stupid.
I plopped her in the tub and commenced to bathing. And praying. And wondering why in the world Hubs went back to the shelter to get her. In record time, she was clean and I was soaking wet.
Maggie's yellow eyes stared me down with disdain as I wrapped her in an old towel. I put her on the bathroom counter and gave her a quick blow dry. At one point she looked at herself in the mirror. She was not amused.
Once she was nearly dry, I let her down and she plodded away in disgust. She moped and snubbed me for at least an hour.
I can't wait to see what I find later on the rug.
Oh, and Hubs, you may want to get a new toothbrush. It was resting on the bathroom counter during Maggie's beauty treatment.
I cannot be responsible for Maggie's actions during that split second I had to turn my back.
I am the only one who bathes Maggie. I don't know how it happened, but when the Cat Bather assignment was given out, Hubs was off to the teacher's lounge making copies on the mimeograph machine.
I've given Maggie baths since she was a kitten, so you would think by now that she knows she isn't going to drown or die or be tortured. She could easily stand there nicely in the tub and wait patiently as I remove the stink from her fur.
But, then again, we're talking about Maggie.
So she stands there in the tub (and by stand I mean tries to escape continually) and moans and cries so as to alert the neighbors that she is drowning or dying or being tortured. Fortunately for us, all of our neighbors either listen to loud music,aren't home, or just figure the noise is part of our weirdness.
I've been putting it off for a while. It's cold. It's Maggie. Last night I stopped procrastinating. Maggie needed a bath and she has been sporting an Alfalfa at the base of her tail that would make Darla scream.
How does a cat get an Alfalfa?
Anyway.
I filled the tub with warm water, got out the sweet-scented, hairball-reducing shampoo, stacked some towels, and scooped up Maggie from her usual spot- the sofa. As soon as I turned the corner towards our bedroom, she began to wail. She may be old and stinky, but she's not stupid.
I plopped her in the tub and commenced to bathing. And praying. And wondering why in the world Hubs went back to the shelter to get her. In record time, she was clean and I was soaking wet.
Maggie's yellow eyes stared me down with disdain as I wrapped her in an old towel. I put her on the bathroom counter and gave her a quick blow dry. At one point she looked at herself in the mirror. She was not amused.
Once she was nearly dry, I let her down and she plodded away in disgust. She moped and snubbed me for at least an hour.
I can't wait to see what I find later on the rug.
Oh, and Hubs, you may want to get a new toothbrush. It was resting on the bathroom counter during Maggie's beauty treatment.
I cannot be responsible for Maggie's actions during that split second I had to turn my back.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Lid's Random Dozen- Plinko
Head over to Lid's and get the lowdown on the Plinko title. Here are her awesome questions for the week.
1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?
I had to go to my closest and look. There is a pair of black loafers that I think may be five or six years old. I never wear them anymore, but they are my back up pair of black loafers until I get a new pair.
Looks like I need a new pair.
2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety?
Yes. GS are the only ones I will purchase anything from door-to-door. I'm a sucker. I bought a box of Lemonades and Peanut Butter Patties. Here's a thought for the Girl Scout Association: How about selling them at a time when we aren't thinking about swimsuit season? Just a thought.
3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to?
No, and yes. That would be fun. I'm not sure I want to enough to take lessons at this point in life.
4. Were you a responsible child/teenager?
I'm so grateful for the forward slash in this question.
Child- YES!
Teenager- Notsomuch
5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see?
One. Up. I still cry every time I watch it. Hubs and Daughter always look over at me at certain parts to see if I'm wiping my eyes.
6. If you're going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself?
It doesn't bother me either way. Cartoons make me sob, but needles...ehhhh... piece of cake.
7. What is your favorite day of the week and why?
Saturday.
No school.
No commitments.
Nap.
8. Do you miss anyone right now?
I suppose if I said, "no" that I would be heartless. If I say, "yes," then I'm forced to explain. The teenager in me will say, "maybe."
Seriously, I miss family that has passed away and friends who live out of town.
9. Do hospitals make you queasy?
No. See #6. Libraries? Another story.
10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you.
This is tough. It would have to be a store with gorgeous dishes and linens.
11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items?
Yes.
Heinz ketchup
Hellman's (or Best) mayo
Diet Coke
White Lily flour
Jim Dandy grits
Cover Girl face powder
Just to name a few!
12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels?
Just the question makes me squirm a little. Can't I just write them a letter or a blog post or something?
Visit Lid for the Random Dozen. She is the hostess with the mostest. She also uses better modifiers than "mostest."
1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?
I had to go to my closest and look. There is a pair of black loafers that I think may be five or six years old. I never wear them anymore, but they are my back up pair of black loafers until I get a new pair.
Looks like I need a new pair.
2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety?
Yes. GS are the only ones I will purchase anything from door-to-door. I'm a sucker. I bought a box of Lemonades and Peanut Butter Patties. Here's a thought for the Girl Scout Association: How about selling them at a time when we aren't thinking about swimsuit season? Just a thought.
3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to?
No, and yes. That would be fun. I'm not sure I want to enough to take lessons at this point in life.
4. Were you a responsible child/teenager?
I'm so grateful for the forward slash in this question.
Child- YES!
Teenager- Notsomuch
5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see?
One. Up. I still cry every time I watch it. Hubs and Daughter always look over at me at certain parts to see if I'm wiping my eyes.
6. If you're going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself?
It doesn't bother me either way. Cartoons make me sob, but needles...ehhhh... piece of cake.
7. What is your favorite day of the week and why?
Saturday.
No school.
No commitments.
Nap.
8. Do you miss anyone right now?
I suppose if I said, "no" that I would be heartless. If I say, "yes," then I'm forced to explain. The teenager in me will say, "maybe."
Seriously, I miss family that has passed away and friends who live out of town.
9. Do hospitals make you queasy?
No. See #6. Libraries? Another story.
10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you.
This is tough. It would have to be a store with gorgeous dishes and linens.
11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items?
Yes.
Heinz ketchup
Hellman's (or Best) mayo
Diet Coke
White Lily flour
Jim Dandy grits
Cover Girl face powder
Just to name a few!
12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels?
Just the question makes me squirm a little. Can't I just write them a letter or a blog post or something?
Visit Lid for the Random Dozen. She is the hostess with the mostest. She also uses better modifiers than "mostest."
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
What A Mama Does
I went to the mailbox today and found a treasure. No, it wasn't the valentine. I've given up on that. It's probably lost. I keep picturing someone in the deep rainforest of Papua New Guinea trying to read it, holding the twenty up to the sun, and trying to figure out the meaning of all the stickers on the envelope.
It's all quite fascinating, especially since I'm fairly sure people in the rain forest don't actually get mail.
Anyway.
Mama sent us an envelope of treasures.
She recently found a very old photo of my great grandparents. It's one of those black and white photos where the subjects sit next to each other, but not very close. Neither of them smile and you know they probably only took the photo because a photographer was in town. I look at it and wonder what work they had to put aside to take the time for the snapshot.
She also included newspaper articles. This is what mothers do when their daughters move away. They clip and highlight newspaper articles from the hometown paper and mail them. The biggest news is always a wedding, or maybe the birth of a baby. Sometimes someone wins an award. Then there are the festivals and town tragedies.
One of the sweetest items she included was a clipping from a Belk circular. It featured a gorgeous comforter set in pinks and greens from the Biltmore collection. Next to the photo, Mama wrote,"Looks like something you would like."
It's not that I'm going to order the comforter. I'm not even looking for one. Mama just knew that I'd love it (and I do) and that I'd appreciate her sharing it with me (which I do.) What's more endearing is that she recognizes what I love.
That's what a Mama does.
Even the ones in Papua New Guinea.
It's all quite fascinating, especially since I'm fairly sure people in the rain forest don't actually get mail.
Anyway.
Mama sent us an envelope of treasures.
She recently found a very old photo of my great grandparents. It's one of those black and white photos where the subjects sit next to each other, but not very close. Neither of them smile and you know they probably only took the photo because a photographer was in town. I look at it and wonder what work they had to put aside to take the time for the snapshot.
She also included newspaper articles. This is what mothers do when their daughters move away. They clip and highlight newspaper articles from the hometown paper and mail them. The biggest news is always a wedding, or maybe the birth of a baby. Sometimes someone wins an award. Then there are the festivals and town tragedies.
One of the sweetest items she included was a clipping from a Belk circular. It featured a gorgeous comforter set in pinks and greens from the Biltmore collection. Next to the photo, Mama wrote,"Looks like something you would like."
It's not that I'm going to order the comforter. I'm not even looking for one. Mama just knew that I'd love it (and I do) and that I'd appreciate her sharing it with me (which I do.) What's more endearing is that she recognizes what I love.
That's what a Mama does.
Even the ones in Papua New Guinea.
Friday, March 05, 2010
I live in a non-pony country.
Click on the link below for more proof that I can relate anything in life to a Seinfeld episode. Other people play the Kevin Bacon game. I prefer Jerry.
Here's to all the immigrants who had to leave their ponies behind.
Click here for the video.
Happy Weekend!
Here's to all the immigrants who had to leave their ponies behind.
Click here for the video.
Happy Weekend!
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Lessons From The Barn
Y'all know that Daughter has been taking horseback riding lessons. She adores it and she has learned a lot. It is amazing what a child's brain can store.
Anything related to animals or DS games is instantly filed and locked away. Other things like, oh, cleaning their rooms or picking up the towel off the floor are instantly dumped.
Sigh.
When she first began horseback lessons, I was clueless. (Okay, I'm still clueless.) I thought a pony was a baby horse. I didn't know what a cinch was or that there were special names for colors and patterns.
I was never around horses growing up. I was never interested in horses, either. Many of you shudder at the thought, I know. My own daughter thinks I'm nuts.
The truth is that I was a wimp and that I really didn't like the smell of manure (who does?) I also never liked to be dirty for very long. I liked to play in the dirt, but once I was done, I loved to come inside, take a long bath, play with my Barbie, and put on some nice, clean footie pajamas.
That's still me, minus the Barbie.
It also takes me a very long time to get up the nerve to try something new. I am very cautious and get frustrated when I don't get something right away. This is why I never learned to drive a stick shift. (And why Hubs will ski alone for the rest of his life. Bless his heart.)
However, I love animals and I appreciate them. I also appreciate the people who work with them.
That's why I've dedicated this post to Daughter's horseback riding instructor and to all the beautiful creatures she shares with us each week.
All I Ever Needed To Know, I Learned In The Barn:
A Clueless Southern Girl's Attempt At Horse Humor
1. Horses are a lot like people. They have personalities, feelings and moods.
2. Horses are much different than people. They weigh more than you do and can kick you in the head if you don't follow safety instructions.
3. Always wear a helmet when around horses.
4. The barn is a lot like your home. Everything should be put in its place so you can find it when you need it later.
5. It is easier to motivate a kid to put away tack than it is to put away toys. Maybe we should tell our kids that they are raised in a barn.
6. When the ride is over (good or bad) it's always best to walk it out.
7. Always listen to your instructor.
8. Always listen to your horse.
9. Stuff happens. When it does, you shovel it, learn from it, and get back on.
10. Sometimes you step in it. (To avoid this, see #'s 7 and 8.)
Anything related to animals or DS games is instantly filed and locked away. Other things like, oh, cleaning their rooms or picking up the towel off the floor are instantly dumped.
Sigh.
When she first began horseback lessons, I was clueless. (Okay, I'm still clueless.) I thought a pony was a baby horse. I didn't know what a cinch was or that there were special names for colors and patterns.
I was never around horses growing up. I was never interested in horses, either. Many of you shudder at the thought, I know. My own daughter thinks I'm nuts.
The truth is that I was a wimp and that I really didn't like the smell of manure (who does?) I also never liked to be dirty for very long. I liked to play in the dirt, but once I was done, I loved to come inside, take a long bath, play with my Barbie, and put on some nice, clean footie pajamas.
That's still me, minus the Barbie.
It also takes me a very long time to get up the nerve to try something new. I am very cautious and get frustrated when I don't get something right away. This is why I never learned to drive a stick shift. (And why Hubs will ski alone for the rest of his life. Bless his heart.)
However, I love animals and I appreciate them. I also appreciate the people who work with them.
That's why I've dedicated this post to Daughter's horseback riding instructor and to all the beautiful creatures she shares with us each week.
All I Ever Needed To Know, I Learned In The Barn:
A Clueless Southern Girl's Attempt At Horse Humor
1. Horses are a lot like people. They have personalities, feelings and moods.
2. Horses are much different than people. They weigh more than you do and can kick you in the head if you don't follow safety instructions.
3. Always wear a helmet when around horses.
4. The barn is a lot like your home. Everything should be put in its place so you can find it when you need it later.
5. It is easier to motivate a kid to put away tack than it is to put away toys. Maybe we should tell our kids that they are raised in a barn.
6. When the ride is over (good or bad) it's always best to walk it out.
7. Always listen to your instructor.
8. Always listen to your horse.
9. Stuff happens. When it does, you shovel it, learn from it, and get back on.
10. Sometimes you step in it. (To avoid this, see #'s 7 and 8.)
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Random Dozen: A Little Odd, But I Think I Love You
1. Do you prefer even or odd numbers? Any particular reason?
Odd numbers. Particularly, 3, 5, and 7. I have no idea why. Maybe it is a sign of some strange mental illness or abnormal aversions to post offices and libraries.
2. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being "not at all" and 10 being Carly Simon-worthy, how vain are you?
I have my usual hang-ups like most women, but in all I'd say I'm a 4. This is evident by the amount of roots I have right now.
3. Among these Irish stereotypes, with which do you identify most closely? Talkative, Proud, Inquisitive, Love to party, Hot-tempered
Inquisitive and maybe a little hot-tempered.
4. How lucky do you consider yourself?
I've been blessed beyond measure in so many ways. Some days I forget that.
5. What is the subject of your favorite post that you've written?
Maggie. She's lovable and quirky and could possibly prefer odd numbers.
6. Describe March weather where you live in three words.
Wait Five Minutes
7. How apt are you at detecting blarney when you hear it? (Smooth talk, flattery)
VERY. I can spot a line or a schmooze from a mile away.
8. How "green" are you, environmentally speaking?
Not very. It's the rebel in me.
9. What is your favorite song this week?
I haven't listened to a lot of music this week, except for the radio in the car. I'll have to go with the opening music to The Amazing Race. I'm excited about the new season and the cowboys are cracking me up.
10. You are walking along and see a coin on the ground. What denomination does it have to be before you will stop to pick it up?
None. Daughter spots free coins quicker than I spot Blarney. If I do see one, I pick it up and hand it to her.
11. Complete the sentence: "Every time I look outside my window ...."
...I wish we had trees."
12. What was the #1 song on the day you were born?
"I Think I Love You" by the Partridge Family.
(Lid, I was so glad it was a song I actually like!)
See The Lid and her blog for more. She doesn't spout any Blarney.
Odd numbers. Particularly, 3, 5, and 7. I have no idea why. Maybe it is a sign of some strange mental illness or abnormal aversions to post offices and libraries.
2. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being "not at all" and 10 being Carly Simon-worthy, how vain are you?
I have my usual hang-ups like most women, but in all I'd say I'm a 4. This is evident by the amount of roots I have right now.
3. Among these Irish stereotypes, with which do you identify most closely? Talkative, Proud, Inquisitive, Love to party, Hot-tempered
Inquisitive and maybe a little hot-tempered.
4. How lucky do you consider yourself?
I've been blessed beyond measure in so many ways. Some days I forget that.
5. What is the subject of your favorite post that you've written?
Maggie. She's lovable and quirky and could possibly prefer odd numbers.
6. Describe March weather where you live in three words.
Wait Five Minutes
7. How apt are you at detecting blarney when you hear it? (Smooth talk, flattery)
VERY. I can spot a line or a schmooze from a mile away.
8. How "green" are you, environmentally speaking?
Not very. It's the rebel in me.
9. What is your favorite song this week?
I haven't listened to a lot of music this week, except for the radio in the car. I'll have to go with the opening music to The Amazing Race. I'm excited about the new season and the cowboys are cracking me up.
10. You are walking along and see a coin on the ground. What denomination does it have to be before you will stop to pick it up?
None. Daughter spots free coins quicker than I spot Blarney. If I do see one, I pick it up and hand it to her.
11. Complete the sentence: "Every time I look outside my window ...."
...I wish we had trees."
12. What was the #1 song on the day you were born?
"I Think I Love You" by the Partridge Family.
(Lid, I was so glad it was a song I actually like!)
See The Lid and her blog for more. She doesn't spout any Blarney.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Movies, Sales, and Naps
When we first married, I looked forward to Saturdays with anticipation, planning and plotting the fun things Hubs and I would do.
During the week, I'd glance over at him on the sofa and say,"What do you want to do this weekend?"
"I don't know. What do you wanna do?"
"I don't know. Whatever."
"What is there to do?"
"I don't know."
By the time Saturday arrived, we usually ended up just going to a matinee while sneaking in snacks from Wal-mart.
We always went to a matinee. Newlyweds do not have a lot of money. You could say the matinee is the newlywed version of the early bird.
On our really exciting ventures, we went out to dinner after the movie. (Hey, we saved all that money on movie tickets and cheap snacks. Why not splurge?)
Now we are parents, but the weekends are pretty much the same.
"So, what do you want to do this weekend?"
"I don't know. What is there to do?"
"I don't know. There are no kid movies playing."
So Saturday often involves Hubs doing yard work during the summer months, me going grocery shopping, and Daughter playing, cleaning her room, or just being a kid.
On a really exciting Saturday, I get to go shopping or have my hair done. Sometimes I'll meet a friend for coffee or take a nap.
Or BOTH.
But not at the same time.
Those couches at the coffee shop are quite comfy. The baristas do let you lounge freely on them, but they usually draw the line once you fall asleep.
The homeless look just isn't good for business.
Saturday Nancy and I met for coffee. We chatted. We caught up. And, yes, we may have lounged a bit. It was all perfectly acceptable because neither of us fell asleep. (It may have something to do with the double espresso.)
After our coffee time, I went to JCPenney to return a catalog item. (I've become my grandmother. She loved the catalog.) Then I found some great doorbuster sales.
I've always been fascinated by the doorbuster. There is always a time limit, like "only from 9:00-10:00" or "only on a Tuesday when there is a full moon."
This time I managed to be there at the right time when the moon was the correct phase and I found the cutest lounge pants, t-shirt and comfy socks, all for the low, low price of twenty five bucks! I happen to be wearing them right now. I'd take a photo, but it's morning and well, I'm in my pajamas.
After the super find at JCPenney, I headed for Hobby Lobby to buy some picture frames because they were on sale for 50% off. They're always on sale for 50% off. I found three for gifts and then stood in line for a sweet forever. I was tempted to just put them back and walk out in protest or in principle, but it took me an hour to find the three I was looking for. Plus, they were 50% off.
My Hobby Lobby trip then lead me to the grocery store where I managed to spend over $100 and had nothing to show for it, except for some really small apples and a supply of butter for Hubs.
So, that was my Saturday. No matinee. Although, I may have had some cheap snacks.
How about you? Did you do anything exciting?
Better yet, did you get to take a nap?
During the week, I'd glance over at him on the sofa and say,"What do you want to do this weekend?"
"I don't know. What do you wanna do?"
"I don't know. Whatever."
"What is there to do?"
"I don't know."
By the time Saturday arrived, we usually ended up just going to a matinee while sneaking in snacks from Wal-mart.
We always went to a matinee. Newlyweds do not have a lot of money. You could say the matinee is the newlywed version of the early bird.
On our really exciting ventures, we went out to dinner after the movie. (Hey, we saved all that money on movie tickets and cheap snacks. Why not splurge?)
Now we are parents, but the weekends are pretty much the same.
"So, what do you want to do this weekend?"
"I don't know. What is there to do?"
"I don't know. There are no kid movies playing."
So Saturday often involves Hubs doing yard work during the summer months, me going grocery shopping, and Daughter playing, cleaning her room, or just being a kid.
On a really exciting Saturday, I get to go shopping or have my hair done. Sometimes I'll meet a friend for coffee or take a nap.
Or BOTH.
But not at the same time.
Those couches at the coffee shop are quite comfy. The baristas do let you lounge freely on them, but they usually draw the line once you fall asleep.
The homeless look just isn't good for business.
Saturday Nancy and I met for coffee. We chatted. We caught up. And, yes, we may have lounged a bit. It was all perfectly acceptable because neither of us fell asleep. (It may have something to do with the double espresso.)
After our coffee time, I went to JCPenney to return a catalog item. (I've become my grandmother. She loved the catalog.) Then I found some great doorbuster sales.
I've always been fascinated by the doorbuster. There is always a time limit, like "only from 9:00-10:00" or "only on a Tuesday when there is a full moon."
This time I managed to be there at the right time when the moon was the correct phase and I found the cutest lounge pants, t-shirt and comfy socks, all for the low, low price of twenty five bucks! I happen to be wearing them right now. I'd take a photo, but it's morning and well, I'm in my pajamas.
After the super find at JCPenney, I headed for Hobby Lobby to buy some picture frames because they were on sale for 50% off. They're always on sale for 50% off. I found three for gifts and then stood in line for a sweet forever. I was tempted to just put them back and walk out in protest or in principle, but it took me an hour to find the three I was looking for. Plus, they were 50% off.
My Hobby Lobby trip then lead me to the grocery store where I managed to spend over $100 and had nothing to show for it, except for some really small apples and a supply of butter for Hubs.
So, that was my Saturday. No matinee. Although, I may have had some cheap snacks.
How about you? Did you do anything exciting?
Better yet, did you get to take a nap?
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday's Fave Five- Olympics
So, here are my favorites for the week. I seem to have some kind of Olympic theme this week.
Notice none of them involves the postman. The reason I pick on Newman and not some punk kids taking things from our mailbox in some kind of teenage caper is because our mailbox is locked.
Gotta let it go, m'am.
Back to my favorites.
1. The two performances by Canadian figure skater, Joannie Rochette. There is always something about the ladies' figure skating that is emotional. This story both breaks my heart and inspires me. I was so glad to see her win a medal.
2. Gold Medalist Kim Yu-Na from South Korea. After hearing about the immense pressure this young lady is under as a celebrity and skater in her country, I was so proud to see her win. Her performance was incredible.
I am also glad that the judges don't let the personal stories affect their scores. These ladies won based on merit and performance.
3. Watching and hearing my own national anthem play.
4. Watching and hearing other national anthems play.
I am a patriot of my own country, but I can be moved by the patriotism of others. What an amazing opportunity to stand there on the podium, exhausted, and watch your country's flag raised.
5. Seeing the Canadians win. Hubs thinks I'm nuts or just sappy. I always love it when people from the host country win a medal. What a proud moment to be able to win and be surrounded by your countrymen on home soil.
See my Canadian friend Susanne for some more great posts. Thanks, Susanne!
Notice none of them involves the postman. The reason I pick on Newman and not some punk kids taking things from our mailbox in some kind of teenage caper is because our mailbox is locked.
Gotta let it go, m'am.
Back to my favorites.
1. The two performances by Canadian figure skater, Joannie Rochette. There is always something about the ladies' figure skating that is emotional. This story both breaks my heart and inspires me. I was so glad to see her win a medal.
2. Gold Medalist Kim Yu-Na from South Korea. After hearing about the immense pressure this young lady is under as a celebrity and skater in her country, I was so proud to see her win. Her performance was incredible.
I am also glad that the judges don't let the personal stories affect their scores. These ladies won based on merit and performance.
3. Watching and hearing my own national anthem play.
4. Watching and hearing other national anthems play.
I am a patriot of my own country, but I can be moved by the patriotism of others. What an amazing opportunity to stand there on the podium, exhausted, and watch your country's flag raised.
5. Seeing the Canadians win. Hubs thinks I'm nuts or just sappy. I always love it when people from the host country win a medal. What a proud moment to be able to win and be surrounded by your countrymen on home soil.
See my Canadian friend Susanne for some more great posts. Thanks, Susanne!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Keeping It Pithy
1. Still no valentine. The glass is half empty part of me says, "Someone is enjoying Daughter's money from her grandparents."
The glass is half full part of me says, "The valentine is just stuck in a dusty, old canvas mail container and will arrive."
Then the glass is half empty part of me interrupts in her grumpy voice and says, "Next time they'll take the valentine, the twenty, and the glass."
2. I am out of dinner ideas. Right now I'm boiling chicken on the stove hoping that by the time it is done, I'll have a recipe to put it in. Unless I have a recipe revelation, we'll be having Chicken Divan.
3. I need a haircut. Desperately. We won't discuss the roots and the gray. I can't decide what kind of cut I want, so I keep waiting. If I wait much longer, I'll have to start wearing hats.
4. Must go. Just saw Newman's little truck. Maybe he's delivering the valentine. Or a new set of glasses...
The glass is half full part of me says, "The valentine is just stuck in a dusty, old canvas mail container and will arrive."
Then the glass is half empty part of me interrupts in her grumpy voice and says, "Next time they'll take the valentine, the twenty, and the glass."
2. I am out of dinner ideas. Right now I'm boiling chicken on the stove hoping that by the time it is done, I'll have a recipe to put it in. Unless I have a recipe revelation, we'll be having Chicken Divan.
3. I need a haircut. Desperately. We won't discuss the roots and the gray. I can't decide what kind of cut I want, so I keep waiting. If I wait much longer, I'll have to start wearing hats.
4. Must go. Just saw Newman's little truck. Maybe he's delivering the valentine. Or a new set of glasses...
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
An Open Letter To Newman
Most letters begin with "Dear," but Newman, you and I both know that would be stretching it.
So.
Newman,
We've had our ups and downs. Mostly downs. We've had our disappointments. Mostly mine.
The time has come when I feel we must make amends. This enmity between us has affected the lives of my loved ones and it breaks my heart.
Over the years I've scoffed at your profession. The late mail and damaged packages. The tracking system which is just a ruse. Your attitude. Your little truck... okay I never made fun of that.
Alas, I set aside all of my unused two-cent stamps and my grievances and reach out to you with one request.
Please deliver my daughter's valentine.
Her grandmother sent it over two weeks ago. She wrote legibly and didn't use a red envelope. Still, the valentine (and the twenty tucked inside) are somewhere out there in Postal World. Lost. Lonely. Torn. (Man, I hope not.)
In the spirit of St. Valentine and all the other Hallmark holidays, let's call a truce. A little girl and her piggy bank are waiting.
I'll be at the mailbox at our usual time. You know the place.
Painfully Sincere,
Melanie
P.S. You'd better not be spending that twenty on root beer and TV Guides.
So.
Newman,
We've had our ups and downs. Mostly downs. We've had our disappointments. Mostly mine.
The time has come when I feel we must make amends. This enmity between us has affected the lives of my loved ones and it breaks my heart.
Over the years I've scoffed at your profession. The late mail and damaged packages. The tracking system which is just a ruse. Your attitude. Your little truck... okay I never made fun of that.
Alas, I set aside all of my unused two-cent stamps and my grievances and reach out to you with one request.
Please deliver my daughter's valentine.
Her grandmother sent it over two weeks ago. She wrote legibly and didn't use a red envelope. Still, the valentine (and the twenty tucked inside) are somewhere out there in Postal World. Lost. Lonely. Torn. (Man, I hope not.)
In the spirit of St. Valentine and all the other Hallmark holidays, let's call a truce. A little girl and her piggy bank are waiting.
I'll be at the mailbox at our usual time. You know the place.
Painfully Sincere,
Melanie
P.S. You'd better not be spending that twenty on root beer and TV Guides.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Roughing It
Hubs pitched the tent. Then he inflated the single air mattress, covered it with an arctic sleeping bag, added a pink snowman pillow, a stuffed bunny, a Build-A-Bear black lab, and a flashlight.
And that was just his sleeping area.
He and Daughter are camping in the backyard. They invited me to join them, but I don't do camping. Remember?
Seriously, I wouldn't mind it in our own yard. The bathroom is steps away and I can easily reach my Diet Coke. However, I declined the invitation. There's something sweet about a Daddy/Daughter camping outing.
I'm tucked inside with Maggie and the laptop.
All. By. Myself.
As soon as I finish this post, I may just grab the tissue box and watch The Notebook.
Oh wait, we're out of Puffs with lotion.
Now, that's roughing it.
And that was just his sleeping area.
He and Daughter are camping in the backyard. They invited me to join them, but I don't do camping. Remember?
Seriously, I wouldn't mind it in our own yard. The bathroom is steps away and I can easily reach my Diet Coke. However, I declined the invitation. There's something sweet about a Daddy/Daughter camping outing.
I'm tucked inside with Maggie and the laptop.
All. By. Myself.
As soon as I finish this post, I may just grab the tissue box and watch The Notebook.
Oh wait, we're out of Puffs with lotion.
Now, that's roughing it.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
In a last ditch effort, I'm considering clothes pins.
All of my life I've known that something was unusual (okay, weird) about my sense of smell.
I can smell things others can't. Kind of like that kid in Sixth Sense, but without the macabre.
Mama is the same way. Although, she says her sense of smell has diminished over time. We both have a lot of problems with allergies. So I've always attributed our freak-of-nature skill with malfunctioning sinuses or something.
Or we're just strange.
Sometimes this unusual talent (?) is nice. I'm able to enjoy flowers much more, my laundry smells fresh longer, and I can actually tell when Krispy Kreme has hot doughnuts without looking at the neon sign.
Maybe that's stretching it a bit.
Other times my olfactory oddity can be most unpleasant. For example, Small Town is surrounded by cows. (Like in the thousands. You do the math.)
Or when there is a rotten potato in the pantry, or an unusually strong onion odor in the trash, or the most debilitating experience of entering a public restroom.
May I also note my never used a porta-potty record. Now, can you see why?
So, as you can see. My bloodhound super skills are both blessing and curse.
Which is the point of this post. You knew I'd get to it eventually.
I have a problem. I can't seem to find the perfect anti-bacterial hand soap. This may seem insignificant to normal people, but it is quite the dilemma for me.
Bath and Body makes the neatest foam soaps, but they dry out my hands in the winter. Right now I have the Fresh Linen scent in our bathroom. I was going to suffer through the dryness for the sake of, you know, freshness, but I tell you, it smells like cough medicine to me.
Yes, as in Robitussin.
I bought a moisturizing hand soap with shea butter, but I've realized that there is something about the scent of shea butter that bothers me.
You can see. I have issues.
So, my inter-peeps, do you have any suggestions?
I do love lavender, vanilla, and fruity scents. Any products you love? Hate? Any great moisturizing hand soaps?
I know there are more pressing problems in the world right now, but we'll save feeding the starving people for tomorrow.
My nose and hands would be most grateful.
P.S. As a strange, side note, I had to give up Maybelline Stiletto mascara because the smell strangely reminds me of beer.
I can smell things others can't. Kind of like that kid in Sixth Sense, but without the macabre.
Mama is the same way. Although, she says her sense of smell has diminished over time. We both have a lot of problems with allergies. So I've always attributed our freak-of-nature skill with malfunctioning sinuses or something.
Or we're just strange.
Sometimes this unusual talent (?) is nice. I'm able to enjoy flowers much more, my laundry smells fresh longer, and I can actually tell when Krispy Kreme has hot doughnuts without looking at the neon sign.
Maybe that's stretching it a bit.
Other times my olfactory oddity can be most unpleasant. For example, Small Town is surrounded by cows. (Like in the thousands. You do the math.)
Or when there is a rotten potato in the pantry, or an unusually strong onion odor in the trash, or the most debilitating experience of entering a public restroom.
May I also note my never used a porta-potty record. Now, can you see why?
So, as you can see. My bloodhound super skills are both blessing and curse.
Which is the point of this post. You knew I'd get to it eventually.
I have a problem. I can't seem to find the perfect anti-bacterial hand soap. This may seem insignificant to normal people, but it is quite the dilemma for me.
Bath and Body makes the neatest foam soaps, but they dry out my hands in the winter. Right now I have the Fresh Linen scent in our bathroom. I was going to suffer through the dryness for the sake of, you know, freshness, but I tell you, it smells like cough medicine to me.
Yes, as in Robitussin.
I bought a moisturizing hand soap with shea butter, but I've realized that there is something about the scent of shea butter that bothers me.
You can see. I have issues.
So, my inter-peeps, do you have any suggestions?
I do love lavender, vanilla, and fruity scents. Any products you love? Hate? Any great moisturizing hand soaps?
I know there are more pressing problems in the world right now, but we'll save feeding the starving people for tomorrow.
My nose and hands would be most grateful.
P.S. As a strange, side note, I had to give up Maybelline Stiletto mascara because the smell strangely reminds me of beer.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
LidNa's (not a typo) Random Dozen: Olympic Style
1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be?
We're assuming that in an alternate universe, I am athletic. Right?
'Kay.
In Bizzaro World, I would love to be a figure skater. It's the closet thing to dancing and the uniforms are the coolest. I am so sophisticated.
2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?
Nancy Kerrigan. Bless her heart. And I mean that. For real.
3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?
No. However, I have a friend who has an extremely talented son who could possibly end up in the Olympics. He is a talented swimmer and his mother drives him to swimming practice every morning at dark-thirty and every afternoon at whatever-thirty. Rain or shine. Hot or cold. SHOUT OUT TO LL! Yes, you!
4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?
Wow. I have to think on this one. I'd love to say cleaning or cooking or organizing. Seriously, if I could hope for them playing the national anthem because of my efforts, the activity would have to be the longest time spent in yoga pants. Record breaking, I tell ya.
5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?
Part Indian or Native American or whatever, part British and part Irish Wolfhound. I mean, I may have some Irish. Who knows?
6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?
Yes! Finally something that would win me the gold medal!
7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)
No, unless you count that poor dummy at the Red Cross class (the plastic one on the floor.)
Yes, I do. I hope I never have to use it.
But not like I hope I never have to use my killer karate moves.
(Is there a gold medal in making up skills?)
8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.
Greece. Just always have.
9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?
No. Most of my friends are probably thankful.
10. What is the last book you read?
The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren
It's a novella and yes, it's about Christmas. But that doesn't mean you wouldn't love it right now in the middle of February.
11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random??
Okay, here's my question-
What food would you make accessible to all Olympic athletes at Olympic Park?
Good Southern cooking with fried chicken, biscuits, vegetables cooked in bacon fat, all slathered in butter. If you can eat that and still do a triple toe loop, you're a real athlete.
12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?
Thai Basil Fried rice at Thai Kitchen in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.
Tied with
Crab cakes or Gulf Shrimp from Dewey Destin in Destin, Florida
Thanks, Linda!
We're assuming that in an alternate universe, I am athletic. Right?
'Kay.
In Bizzaro World, I would love to be a figure skater. It's the closet thing to dancing and the uniforms are the coolest. I am so sophisticated.
2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?
Nancy Kerrigan. Bless her heart. And I mean that. For real.
3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?
No. However, I have a friend who has an extremely talented son who could possibly end up in the Olympics. He is a talented swimmer and his mother drives him to swimming practice every morning at dark-thirty and every afternoon at whatever-thirty. Rain or shine. Hot or cold. SHOUT OUT TO LL! Yes, you!
4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?
Wow. I have to think on this one. I'd love to say cleaning or cooking or organizing. Seriously, if I could hope for them playing the national anthem because of my efforts, the activity would have to be the longest time spent in yoga pants. Record breaking, I tell ya.
5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?
Part Indian or Native American or whatever, part British and part Irish Wolfhound. I mean, I may have some Irish. Who knows?
6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?
Yes! Finally something that would win me the gold medal!
7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)
No, unless you count that poor dummy at the Red Cross class (the plastic one on the floor.)
Yes, I do. I hope I never have to use it.
But not like I hope I never have to use my killer karate moves.
(Is there a gold medal in making up skills?)
8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.
Greece. Just always have.
9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?
No. Most of my friends are probably thankful.
10. What is the last book you read?
The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren
It's a novella and yes, it's about Christmas. But that doesn't mean you wouldn't love it right now in the middle of February.
11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random??
Okay, here's my question-
What food would you make accessible to all Olympic athletes at Olympic Park?
Good Southern cooking with fried chicken, biscuits, vegetables cooked in bacon fat, all slathered in butter. If you can eat that and still do a triple toe loop, you're a real athlete.
12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?
Thai Basil Fried rice at Thai Kitchen in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.
Tied with
Crab cakes or Gulf Shrimp from Dewey Destin in Destin, Florida
Thanks, Linda!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Soon Maggie Will Ask For Her Own Cell Phone
In addition to the usual Valentine hoopla at our house, yesterday was Maggie's birthday.
She turned thirteen. In human years, she's a full blown teenager. In cat years, she's just old.
We really don't know when Maggie's birthday actually falls. It is just an estimate based on when we rescued her from that awful place called the shelter, how old they thought she was, and the fact that Valentine's Day seemed the perfect birthday for a kitten.
Maggie was a gift to me from Hubs. We had visited the shelter several times looking for a kitten. In fact, I had even met Maggie, commented on how cute she was, then could not decide. Days passed and Hubs decided to visit the shelter again to surprise me with a kitten.
When he arrived at the shelter, there was Maggie (named Gypsy at the time) and he thought it was fate. He later said he got her because I said she was cute.
"I think all cats are cute,"I said,"if we brought home every cat I thought was cute, we'd be breaking some kind of animal control laws or something."
The truth is that Maggie had already been adopted. In between our first meeting and Hubs' return visit, a family had adopted her and then brought her back. (They claimed it had something to do with their landlord or something, but after thirteen years of shear JOY with Maggie, we know better.)
Hubs paid the fee, put her in a little cardboard box and made the long drive home. She mewed the whole way, sticking her little black nose through the holes. He rolled in the driveway and asked me to come outside to his car. There was Maggie's nose, pressing against the cardboard.
Yep, I melted.
For Maggie and for Hubs.
We named her Maggie after the Magpie bird. She's been the gift that keeps on taking ever since.
Each Valentine's Day we celebrate her birthday. By celebrate I mean we say "Happy Birthday, Maggie!" as she sleeps on the sofa and gives us the stink eye.
Really, how would you celebrate a cat's birthday? They are natural loners, so there are no friends to invite. They are picky, so they're tough to buy for. And they're ungrateful, so there would never be any thank you notes.
You just leave them alone, let them sleep as much as they want, let them out when they want, feed them when they want, and keep the litter box clean.
Come to think of it, it is a lot like having a teenager.
Only without the little cardboard box.
She turned thirteen. In human years, she's a full blown teenager. In cat years, she's just old.
We really don't know when Maggie's birthday actually falls. It is just an estimate based on when we rescued her from that awful place called the shelter, how old they thought she was, and the fact that Valentine's Day seemed the perfect birthday for a kitten.
Maggie was a gift to me from Hubs. We had visited the shelter several times looking for a kitten. In fact, I had even met Maggie, commented on how cute she was, then could not decide. Days passed and Hubs decided to visit the shelter again to surprise me with a kitten.
When he arrived at the shelter, there was Maggie (named Gypsy at the time) and he thought it was fate. He later said he got her because I said she was cute.
"I think all cats are cute,"I said,"if we brought home every cat I thought was cute, we'd be breaking some kind of animal control laws or something."
The truth is that Maggie had already been adopted. In between our first meeting and Hubs' return visit, a family had adopted her and then brought her back. (They claimed it had something to do with their landlord or something, but after thirteen years of shear JOY with Maggie, we know better.)
Hubs paid the fee, put her in a little cardboard box and made the long drive home. She mewed the whole way, sticking her little black nose through the holes. He rolled in the driveway and asked me to come outside to his car. There was Maggie's nose, pressing against the cardboard.
Yep, I melted.
For Maggie and for Hubs.
We named her Maggie after the Magpie bird. She's been the gift that keeps on taking ever since.
Each Valentine's Day we celebrate her birthday. By celebrate I mean we say "Happy Birthday, Maggie!" as she sleeps on the sofa and gives us the stink eye.
Really, how would you celebrate a cat's birthday? They are natural loners, so there are no friends to invite. They are picky, so they're tough to buy for. And they're ungrateful, so there would never be any thank you notes.
You just leave them alone, let them sleep as much as they want, let them out when they want, feed them when they want, and keep the litter box clean.
Come to think of it, it is a lot like having a teenager.
Only without the little cardboard box.
Friday, February 12, 2010
You could call me Phil.
This morning was the first morning I've felt like greeting society. And I don't mean greeting society as in wearing a formal gown and practicing my curtsy. No. I mean opening the blinds and taking off my scary, anti-social, sweatpants attire.
I have a cold.
Daughter gave me her cold, which is really my own fault, because I've always taught her to share.
As usual, she was sick for a short time, then quickly got better. My almost 40 year-old body takes much longer to recover. I am not a really whiny sick person. I'm just a sickly sick person. I require more sleep (in addition to my already high requirement), boxes of Puffs with Lotion, and gallons of Diet Coke.
A quick aside. Wouldn't it be cool if they sold Diet Coke by the gallon? Okay, maybe it would lose its fizz fairly quickly, but still. Cool.
As you can see by my wanderings, the cold medicine is beginning to kick in. That, and my third cup of coffee.
I do have a lot of catching up to do. Valentine's Day is nearly here, my house could use a good scrub, and groceries... Groceries? You mean a sub from Quizno's isn't a balanced meal?
I have a cold.
Daughter gave me her cold, which is really my own fault, because I've always taught her to share.
As usual, she was sick for a short time, then quickly got better. My almost 40 year-old body takes much longer to recover. I am not a really whiny sick person. I'm just a sickly sick person. I require more sleep (in addition to my already high requirement), boxes of Puffs with Lotion, and gallons of Diet Coke.
A quick aside. Wouldn't it be cool if they sold Diet Coke by the gallon? Okay, maybe it would lose its fizz fairly quickly, but still. Cool.
As you can see by my wanderings, the cold medicine is beginning to kick in. That, and my third cup of coffee.
I do have a lot of catching up to do. Valentine's Day is nearly here, my house could use a good scrub, and groceries... Groceries? You mean a sub from Quizno's isn't a balanced meal?
Monday, February 08, 2010
Unnecessary Ruffness
So, I was one of about 5 people yesterday who didn't watch the Super Bowl. Instead, we watched the Puppy Bowl.
I wasn't thrilled with the NFL's choice for the half time show. (I won't go into that here. Just Google it.) I'm not a huge football fan anyway. And, after the Janet fiasco, you never really know what is going to pop up. (Excuse the pun.)
Hubs was out of town for the day. So Daughter and I sat in front of the TV, ate chili dogs, Cheetos and Doritos, and watched puppies and kitties play. I'm telling you, it beats pro football any day.
On another note, we are supposed to have more snow this week. Oh, SPRING, wherefore art thou?
How was your weekend??
I wasn't thrilled with the NFL's choice for the half time show. (I won't go into that here. Just Google it.) I'm not a huge football fan anyway. And, after the Janet fiasco, you never really know what is going to pop up. (Excuse the pun.)
Hubs was out of town for the day. So Daughter and I sat in front of the TV, ate chili dogs, Cheetos and Doritos, and watched puppies and kitties play. I'm telling you, it beats pro football any day.
On another note, we are supposed to have more snow this week. Oh, SPRING, wherefore art thou?
How was your weekend??
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
More things I don't understand: Food Edition
Once again, I'm baffled.
This time it's about food.
1. Why is it that the teenager making my sandwich at Sonic has to wear disposable gloves, but the professional chef at the fancy restaurant can handle every single shrimp from my scampi in order to plate it beautifully?
2. Why does the lady at Winn Dixie have to wear a hairnet while she makes my kid's birthday cake but Duff's staff can stand over a thousand dollar cake for days without their hair pulled back (or any gloves, I might add?)
3. Why is it never okay to eat an entire plate of bacon and eggs unless I am on a special protein diet?
4. Who actually prefers Diet Pepsi? Someone is buying it, but no one wants to admit it.
5. Who decided to put carrots in cake?
6. When you go to Sonic in the mall, do they have little cars for you to sit in?
7. Does the egg salad look over at the chicken salad in the deli counter and wonder,"That's what I could have been."
8. When Martha Stewart does something over-the-top, does she say,"Oh, that was so me."
9. When Rachael Ray is at home, does she cook her 30 Minute Meals and try to beat her own time?
10. The Food Critics on Iron Chef America are so soft. I'll give you a food critic. A two year-old child.
What about you? What food stuff don't you understand?
This time it's about food.
1. Why is it that the teenager making my sandwich at Sonic has to wear disposable gloves, but the professional chef at the fancy restaurant can handle every single shrimp from my scampi in order to plate it beautifully?
2. Why does the lady at Winn Dixie have to wear a hairnet while she makes my kid's birthday cake but Duff's staff can stand over a thousand dollar cake for days without their hair pulled back (or any gloves, I might add?)
3. Why is it never okay to eat an entire plate of bacon and eggs unless I am on a special protein diet?
4. Who actually prefers Diet Pepsi? Someone is buying it, but no one wants to admit it.
5. Who decided to put carrots in cake?
6. When you go to Sonic in the mall, do they have little cars for you to sit in?
7. Does the egg salad look over at the chicken salad in the deli counter and wonder,"That's what I could have been."
8. When Martha Stewart does something over-the-top, does she say,"Oh, that was so me."
9. When Rachael Ray is at home, does she cook her 30 Minute Meals and try to beat her own time?
10. The Food Critics on Iron Chef America are so soft. I'll give you a food critic. A two year-old child.
What about you? What food stuff don't you understand?
Monday, February 01, 2010
Partially Thawed
Now I know why Mr. Rogers became friends with his neighbors. He was preparing for when he got snowed in.
On Saturday morning, after two straight days of going absolutely nowhere and crazy, I asked Hubs to drive me to the mall.
I'm ninety.
Seriously, we had no idea what the roads were like. The street in front of our house was still covered with snow. I knew the major roads were clear from what I had read in the paper, but that wouldn't help me if I couldn't get to them.
I had three choices:
1) Attempt to drive myself and have to call Hubs to rescue me from the ditch.
2) Let Hubs drive me to the mall.
3) Stay home one more day and go nuts with cabin fever making Hubs wish he had driven me to the mall, or that I was stuck in a ditch. Oh, I kid. Sort of.
Hubs offered to drive me and we all bundled up. I trusted his driving more than mine. He has skills.
I wore my Target snow boots like a REAL BONAFIDE winter expert. I was a wee bit self-conscious wearing snow boots shopping. They seemed a little casual compared to say, some cute ballet flats. However, I decided that sporting snow boots to Dillard's drew less attention than sliding across the icy parking lot and landing on my rear.
Plus, as a nice surprise, most of the other ladies at the mall were sporting snow boots or Uggs or whatever. Simpatico.
Saturday night we went to a baby shower BBQ as opposed to a baby BBQ shower, which could be ugly. (Never say the order of the adjective and/or adverb does not affect the meaning of the phrase.)
The lady who hosted the Shower BBQ should earn extra jewels in heaven. Not only did she invite husbands and kids to the shower, she had them all in her house after the snow storm. Bless her heart. That's hospitality.
I was telling Mama about the BBQ when she asked me,"What kind of BBQ did they have?"
Now if you aren't from the South, you don't know the complexity of that question. In the South, we hold BBQ nearly as close as our religion and guns. (In fact, we may even cling to it.) There are types of BBQ (beef, pork, chicken) and subtypes (Memphis, Kansas City, Texas, Carolina.) It goes on an on. You could call it a BBQ Taxonomy.
The other thing you may not know is that, for us, BBQ is a noun. Not a verb.
I told Mama that at this BBQ, we had hamburgers and hot dogs because the term meant just to grill something.
And grilling, they did. In the cold. We had some of the best tasting burgers I've eaten in a while. I even asked for the recipe.
Yesterday the snow really began melting and turning to slush. It's still cold, but at least we can get out of the house.
I learned a few things from the snow storm.
I like my flip flops more than my snow boots.
When I am ninety, Hubs will do a fine job driving me to my hair appointments during a blizzard.
On Saturday morning, after two straight days of going absolutely nowhere and crazy, I asked Hubs to drive me to the mall.
I'm ninety.
Seriously, we had no idea what the roads were like. The street in front of our house was still covered with snow. I knew the major roads were clear from what I had read in the paper, but that wouldn't help me if I couldn't get to them.
I had three choices:
1) Attempt to drive myself and have to call Hubs to rescue me from the ditch.
2) Let Hubs drive me to the mall.
3) Stay home one more day and go nuts with cabin fever making Hubs wish he had driven me to the mall, or that I was stuck in a ditch. Oh, I kid. Sort of.
Hubs offered to drive me and we all bundled up. I trusted his driving more than mine. He has skills.
I wore my Target snow boots like a REAL BONAFIDE winter expert. I was a wee bit self-conscious wearing snow boots shopping. They seemed a little casual compared to say, some cute ballet flats. However, I decided that sporting snow boots to Dillard's drew less attention than sliding across the icy parking lot and landing on my rear.
Plus, as a nice surprise, most of the other ladies at the mall were sporting snow boots or Uggs or whatever. Simpatico.
Saturday night we went to a baby shower BBQ as opposed to a baby BBQ shower, which could be ugly. (Never say the order of the adjective and/or adverb does not affect the meaning of the phrase.)
The lady who hosted the Shower BBQ should earn extra jewels in heaven. Not only did she invite husbands and kids to the shower, she had them all in her house after the snow storm. Bless her heart. That's hospitality.
I was telling Mama about the BBQ when she asked me,"What kind of BBQ did they have?"
Now if you aren't from the South, you don't know the complexity of that question. In the South, we hold BBQ nearly as close as our religion and guns. (In fact, we may even cling to it.) There are types of BBQ (beef, pork, chicken) and subtypes (Memphis, Kansas City, Texas, Carolina.) It goes on an on. You could call it a BBQ Taxonomy.
The other thing you may not know is that, for us, BBQ is a noun. Not a verb.
I told Mama that at this BBQ, we had hamburgers and hot dogs because the term meant just to grill something.
And grilling, they did. In the cold. We had some of the best tasting burgers I've eaten in a while. I even asked for the recipe.
Yesterday the snow really began melting and turning to slush. It's still cold, but at least we can get out of the house.
I learned a few things from the snow storm.
I like my flip flops more than my snow boots.
When I am ninety, Hubs will do a fine job driving me to my hair appointments during a blizzard.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Snow makes her nervous.
This morning I woke up to another snow-covered day.
As soon as my feet hit the floor, Maggie followed them. She followed me to the coffee pot, the frig., the sofa, back to the coffee pot.
She scratched at the back door to go on the porch.
Hubs said,"Okay, Maggie. You won't like it."
He opened the door and Maggie stepped outside. She sniffed the snow drift, licked it, then scratched to come back inside. She's such a sissy. Wonder where she gets it.
Meanwhile, I discovered that there is only so much housework a girl can do to keep busy. I'm nearly done with laundry. I've prepped dinner. I don't even want to attempt to clean floors until the snow is gone, and I have no craft project to work on. A run to Hobby Lobby would be wonderful about now.
One day of being snowed in is fun. Two days of being trapped, I mean snowed in, is getting to me.
It was a while this morning before Maggie finally settled down. She scratched more doors (even the frig.- weird cat,) tried to climb into a 9 x 9 puzzle box (like me trying to squeeze into a size 4 jeans) and then wandered around the house aimlessly.
Once I sat down with the laptop, Maggie curled up in the bend of my knee, saddled alongside me, and relaxed. I think I even heard her let out a little kitty cat sigh. She's a nervous Nellie. Wonder where she gets it.
As soon as my feet hit the floor, Maggie followed them. She followed me to the coffee pot, the frig., the sofa, back to the coffee pot.
She scratched at the back door to go on the porch.
Hubs said,"Okay, Maggie. You won't like it."
He opened the door and Maggie stepped outside. She sniffed the snow drift, licked it, then scratched to come back inside. She's such a sissy. Wonder where she gets it.
Meanwhile, I discovered that there is only so much housework a girl can do to keep busy. I'm nearly done with laundry. I've prepped dinner. I don't even want to attempt to clean floors until the snow is gone, and I have no craft project to work on. A run to Hobby Lobby would be wonderful about now.
One day of being snowed in is fun. Two days of being trapped, I mean snowed in, is getting to me.
It was a while this morning before Maggie finally settled down. She scratched more doors (even the frig.- weird cat,) tried to climb into a 9 x 9 puzzle box (like me trying to squeeze into a size 4 jeans) and then wandered around the house aimlessly.
Once I sat down with the laptop, Maggie curled up in the bend of my knee, saddled alongside me, and relaxed. I think I even heard her let out a little kitty cat sigh. She's a nervous Nellie. Wonder where she gets it.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
It's the kind you read about.
I woke up this morning, looked outside, and realized that the neighbor's house had disappeared!
We're having a winter storm. The kind where the snow blows sideways and it rains all at the same time. The street is covered, our walk is covered, you get the picture.
Our windows on the back porch even have a frame of snow around them from where it blew under the porch.
Before now, I've only seen hardware stores do that for effect with fake snow. (When you've lived in the South most of your life, the only things you see trapped in window screens are mosquitoes and cobwebs.)
I told Daughter that we would have our regularly scheduled tests, but she could have the rest of the day off from homeschool. Hubs isn't even going to work. So, it's official. We have a Snow Day.
Hubs came in a few minutes ago and said, "Who wants bacon and eggs?"
Daughter and I both declined after looking at Hubs with puzzled faces. We don't eat big breakfasts during the week. She has already had her bowl of cereal and I've yet to microwave my Smart Ones breakfast quesadilla.
I have to say, though, the smell of the bacon and eggs is yummy as I type this mediocre post. Maybe I'll grab a plate and run across the street to the neighbor's to eat it. No one will see me.
If I don't return, please send out a search party for me. I'll be the frozen girl covered in snow and ice with the half-eaten bacon and eggs.
We're having a winter storm. The kind where the snow blows sideways and it rains all at the same time. The street is covered, our walk is covered, you get the picture.
Our windows on the back porch even have a frame of snow around them from where it blew under the porch.
Before now, I've only seen hardware stores do that for effect with fake snow. (When you've lived in the South most of your life, the only things you see trapped in window screens are mosquitoes and cobwebs.)
I told Daughter that we would have our regularly scheduled tests, but she could have the rest of the day off from homeschool. Hubs isn't even going to work. So, it's official. We have a Snow Day.
Hubs came in a few minutes ago and said, "Who wants bacon and eggs?"
Daughter and I both declined after looking at Hubs with puzzled faces. We don't eat big breakfasts during the week. She has already had her bowl of cereal and I've yet to microwave my Smart Ones breakfast quesadilla.
I have to say, though, the smell of the bacon and eggs is yummy as I type this mediocre post. Maybe I'll grab a plate and run across the street to the neighbor's to eat it. No one will see me.
If I don't return, please send out a search party for me. I'll be the frozen girl covered in snow and ice with the half-eaten bacon and eggs.
Friday, January 22, 2010
When all else fails, post a recipe.
The blog is starting to echo.
I sat down to write something and heard crickets chirping. I told Mama on the phone that in order to blog, you actually have to DO SOMETHING to blog about. Sorry, guys. I'm boring.
Truth is, I've been busy. I just haven't blogged any of the busyness. My in-laws and sweet niece were here for a visit and we had a blast.
While they were here I made a new potato soup recipe that turned out to be a hit. Daughter took a bite and said, "Is this a Paula Deen or a Melanie?"
I had to laugh. She knows me too well.
The recipe did start with a Paula recipe but then I added my own spin. The part I love is that it is made in the crockpot.
Pay no attention to the fat content. LALALALA...
Crockpot Potato Soup
1 32 oz. bag frozen hashbrowns
3-4 stalks celery, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/3 cup chopped or thinly sliced carrots
3 cans chicken broth (I used leftover homemade stock)
1 can cream of chicken soup
3 TBS. butter (divided)
1 8 oz. block cream cheese, cubed
In saucepan, saute celery, onions and carrots in 1 Tbs. butter or olive oil until celery and onions are soft. Add hashbrowns, celery, onions, carrots, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and remaining butter to crock pot. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, until potatoes are tender. Add cream cheese; cook another 30 minutes or until cream cheese is melted and soup is thickened.
I also added some leftover mashed potatoes to the mixture to thicken it. With the homemade chicken stock, I did not need to add salt. If you use canned broth, be sure to salt and pepper to taste.
To make it extra yummy, add one cup of freshly grated mozarella cheese when you add the cream cheese.
Garnish with green onions or parsley.
YUM!
I sat down to write something and heard crickets chirping. I told Mama on the phone that in order to blog, you actually have to DO SOMETHING to blog about. Sorry, guys. I'm boring.
Truth is, I've been busy. I just haven't blogged any of the busyness. My in-laws and sweet niece were here for a visit and we had a blast.
While they were here I made a new potato soup recipe that turned out to be a hit. Daughter took a bite and said, "Is this a Paula Deen or a Melanie?"
I had to laugh. She knows me too well.
The recipe did start with a Paula recipe but then I added my own spin. The part I love is that it is made in the crockpot.
Pay no attention to the fat content. LALALALA...
Crockpot Potato Soup
1 32 oz. bag frozen hashbrowns
3-4 stalks celery, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/3 cup chopped or thinly sliced carrots
3 cans chicken broth (I used leftover homemade stock)
1 can cream of chicken soup
3 TBS. butter (divided)
1 8 oz. block cream cheese, cubed
In saucepan, saute celery, onions and carrots in 1 Tbs. butter or olive oil until celery and onions are soft. Add hashbrowns, celery, onions, carrots, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and remaining butter to crock pot. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, until potatoes are tender. Add cream cheese; cook another 30 minutes or until cream cheese is melted and soup is thickened.
I also added some leftover mashed potatoes to the mixture to thicken it. With the homemade chicken stock, I did not need to add salt. If you use canned broth, be sure to salt and pepper to taste.
To make it extra yummy, add one cup of freshly grated mozarella cheese when you add the cream cheese.
Garnish with green onions or parsley.
YUM!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Random Dozen
What would I do without Linda?
We've had family visiting over the last week and I'm a little behind with blogging. I sat on the sofa to dust off the laptop, and Linda saves the day with this week's Random Dozen.
1. So I was thinking about how Jon Bon Jovi never seems to age much. His hair is smaller nowadays, but he still manages to look like a boy somehow. And then that made me think of the story of Dorian Gray. Question: If you physically lock in one age for yourself, which would you choose and why?
I'd pick 27. My skin, hair and figure all looked their best. Too bad I can't hop in the DeLorean and go back in time.
2. What is the best dish that you cook or bake (your piece de resistance?)
Hubs likes my chicken salad (surprise chicken salad) and my pot roast (he says I hooked him with it!)
Daughter likes my fried chicken.
3. When you feel blue, what is one strategy you use to help yourself back to normal?
I eat sweets. I wouldn't call it a strategy.
I usually feel better after some rest. Catching up on sleep and just recharging is always good for the blues.
4. When was the last time you danced in public?
I can't remember!
5. Do you consider yourself a realist or dreamer?
Painful. Realist.
6. As a parent, what is one thing that you have done well?
Teaching that there is a definite right and wrong.
7. Which is your favorite character on the Andy Griffith show?
Floyd. There was a guy in our church youth group who could do an awesome imitation of Floyd saying, "Ohh... Andy."
I love Floyd's subtle comedy.
8. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Maybe a 6 or 7.
9. Have you never been mellow? Have you never tried … to find a comfort from in side you? (Sorry, Jorge was singing that song just now, and it just seemed to be perfect timing as I was creating this week’s questions.) REAL question: What is your #1 driving pet peeve?
Cell phones. Sometimes I wish I had a bumper sticker that read, "Hang up and drive."
Then again, they'd never read it because they are too busy talking on the phone.
Not that I have an opinion about it.
10. Which color best represents your mood today? Care to elaborate?
Pasty white from the winter blahs.
I could use a nap and some sunshine. I'm ready for Spring!
11. If your spouse were an animal, which would he/she be?
Some kind of monkey or a gorilla. He is goofy and fun but when it comes to taking care of his family, he could be a real silverback. (I love him for that!)
12. What activity takes up the bulk of your time on an average day?
Cleaning something. It's all a big blur.
We've had family visiting over the last week and I'm a little behind with blogging. I sat on the sofa to dust off the laptop, and Linda saves the day with this week's Random Dozen.
1. So I was thinking about how Jon Bon Jovi never seems to age much. His hair is smaller nowadays, but he still manages to look like a boy somehow. And then that made me think of the story of Dorian Gray. Question: If you physically lock in one age for yourself, which would you choose and why?
I'd pick 27. My skin, hair and figure all looked their best. Too bad I can't hop in the DeLorean and go back in time.
2. What is the best dish that you cook or bake (your piece de resistance?)
Hubs likes my chicken salad (surprise chicken salad) and my pot roast (he says I hooked him with it!)
Daughter likes my fried chicken.
3. When you feel blue, what is one strategy you use to help yourself back to normal?
I eat sweets. I wouldn't call it a strategy.
I usually feel better after some rest. Catching up on sleep and just recharging is always good for the blues.
4. When was the last time you danced in public?
I can't remember!
5. Do you consider yourself a realist or dreamer?
Painful. Realist.
6. As a parent, what is one thing that you have done well?
Teaching that there is a definite right and wrong.
7. Which is your favorite character on the Andy Griffith show?
Floyd. There was a guy in our church youth group who could do an awesome imitation of Floyd saying, "Ohh... Andy."
I love Floyd's subtle comedy.
8. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Maybe a 6 or 7.
9. Have you never been mellow? Have you never tried … to find a comfort from in side you? (Sorry, Jorge was singing that song just now, and it just seemed to be perfect timing as I was creating this week’s questions.) REAL question: What is your #1 driving pet peeve?
Cell phones. Sometimes I wish I had a bumper sticker that read, "Hang up and drive."
Then again, they'd never read it because they are too busy talking on the phone.
Not that I have an opinion about it.
10. Which color best represents your mood today? Care to elaborate?
Pasty white from the winter blahs.
I could use a nap and some sunshine. I'm ready for Spring!
11. If your spouse were an animal, which would he/she be?
Some kind of monkey or a gorilla. He is goofy and fun but when it comes to taking care of his family, he could be a real silverback. (I love him for that!)
12. What activity takes up the bulk of your time on an average day?
Cleaning something. It's all a big blur.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Hopping Off The Bike
Our group had purchased a bike for Nathan as well as clothes, some games, and other teen guy things. Each were carefully wrapped with pretty ribbons and bows. Even with all our effort, that huge plastic bag could not disguise the bike...
Join me for a cup over at The Internet Cafe today and read the rest of the story.
Join me for a cup over at The Internet Cafe today and read the rest of the story.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Random Dozen- Junk foods and junkies
I'm positing this a day late. I don't think Linda will care because we are pretend BFF's.
1. When was the last time you craved a food--what was it, and did you cave?
Last night. It was Peanut Butter. Peter Pan, to be exact.
Yes. I only ate one spoonful, so I did have restraint. We have one jar for Daughter and I to eat out of and another for Hubs to have if he wants peanut butter. I guess he thinks it's gross to get peanut butter from a jar where I've double (and triple) dipped. Whatever.
2. M & M's or Skittles?
M & M's. No contest.
3. Have you ever read the Bible completely through?
No, but I've started and then fizzled out in about March or April.
4. How long does it take you to really wake up in the morning?
Seriously? About 2 hours. I don't lie. The other morning I was making my coffee and I almost put Benefiber in the coffee maker.
It wouldn't have tasted good, but I would have felt wonderful.
5. Have you ever been on a cruise? If not, would you like to?
No, and I'll have to say "no." I have said that if I ever did go on a cruise it would be along the Mediterranean so I could hit all my fav destinations at once- Spain, Italy and Greece. Besides that, I like my feet on land, but where I can dip my toes in water.
6. Who is your favorite actress?
Hmmmm... if I have to pick and I suppose I do because Linda makes up the rules... I'd say Sandra Bullock. She tends to take parts that are mostly decent. At least, to far.
7. ______ is something that I will just never understand.
Only one blank?
Chess
8. How much of a technology junkie are you?
Not at all. I think it's cool, but I never would go out and purchase something because it's cool. I do like a cool laptop, though.
I said cool a lot. That is not cool.
9. Do you enjoy selecting greeting cards for people, or is it more of a cultural "have to" for you?
I LOVE buying cards. Sometimes I look for cards just for fun and save them for a birthday that is months later. I am such a nerd.
10. When was the last time you got a new style/haircut?
I try pretty much every time I walk in but somehow I walk out with the exact same haircut.
11. What do you enjoy shopping for most?
I love shopping for gifts. It ranks right up there with picking out a card. Other than that, I love shopping for linens. I am a sucker for the white sale.
12. What's the last thing you think of before you leave the house?
Did I turn off the curling iron?
That totally dated me, didn't it?
See Lid for more posts.
1. When was the last time you craved a food--what was it, and did you cave?
Last night. It was Peanut Butter. Peter Pan, to be exact.
Yes. I only ate one spoonful, so I did have restraint. We have one jar for Daughter and I to eat out of and another for Hubs to have if he wants peanut butter. I guess he thinks it's gross to get peanut butter from a jar where I've double (and triple) dipped. Whatever.
2. M & M's or Skittles?
M & M's. No contest.
3. Have you ever read the Bible completely through?
No, but I've started and then fizzled out in about March or April.
4. How long does it take you to really wake up in the morning?
Seriously? About 2 hours. I don't lie. The other morning I was making my coffee and I almost put Benefiber in the coffee maker.
It wouldn't have tasted good, but I would have felt wonderful.
5. Have you ever been on a cruise? If not, would you like to?
No, and I'll have to say "no." I have said that if I ever did go on a cruise it would be along the Mediterranean so I could hit all my fav destinations at once- Spain, Italy and Greece. Besides that, I like my feet on land, but where I can dip my toes in water.
6. Who is your favorite actress?
Hmmmm... if I have to pick and I suppose I do because Linda makes up the rules... I'd say Sandra Bullock. She tends to take parts that are mostly decent. At least, to far.
7. ______ is something that I will just never understand.
Only one blank?
Chess
8. How much of a technology junkie are you?
Not at all. I think it's cool, but I never would go out and purchase something because it's cool. I do like a cool laptop, though.
I said cool a lot. That is not cool.
9. Do you enjoy selecting greeting cards for people, or is it more of a cultural "have to" for you?
I LOVE buying cards. Sometimes I look for cards just for fun and save them for a birthday that is months later. I am such a nerd.
10. When was the last time you got a new style/haircut?
I try pretty much every time I walk in but somehow I walk out with the exact same haircut.
11. What do you enjoy shopping for most?
I love shopping for gifts. It ranks right up there with picking out a card. Other than that, I love shopping for linens. I am a sucker for the white sale.
Did I turn off the curling iron?
That totally dated me, didn't it?
See Lid for more posts.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Faces
I had a post all prepared for today. It really says nothing. A silly rant dusted with sarcasm. You know, the usual.
But I just can't post it.
I keep thinking of Haiti.
Our Compassion sponsored child lives there. I have no idea of where her little village is in relation to the massive earthquake. She could be perfectly safe, unscathed, unaffected. She could be trapped beneath the weight of a collapsed roof.
Or worse.
I think about her family and her friends and wonder if they are safe. I think about her country and what little resources it has to offer.
I think about my God who is with her right now. Even if her tear-stained face is never seen on FoxNews, He sees it. He holds it in his hands and wipes away the pain.
Today I pray for all the faces of Haiti.
I hope you will, too.
But I just can't post it.
I keep thinking of Haiti.
Our Compassion sponsored child lives there. I have no idea of where her little village is in relation to the massive earthquake. She could be perfectly safe, unscathed, unaffected. She could be trapped beneath the weight of a collapsed roof.
Or worse.
I think about her family and her friends and wonder if they are safe. I think about her country and what little resources it has to offer.
I think about my God who is with her right now. Even if her tear-stained face is never seen on FoxNews, He sees it. He holds it in his hands and wipes away the pain.
Today I pray for all the faces of Haiti.
I hope you will, too.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
DIY: Keeping My Sanity 101
January and February are the blah months.
Look out the window and see the weather. Blah.
Look at my pale skin. Blah.
Not much to look forward to after coming off the Thanksgiving/Christmas Holiday High. Blah.
I can tend to get the blues in these months, but I've come up with a way to help. My method is cheaper than therapy and without the side effects of Prozac.
A few years ago we were putting away our Christmas directions and I decided to take the opportunity to organize things. I mean, hey, you've got the boxes. Right? After organizing, I rearranged furniture, changed bedding, rotated table linens, and even found a few new things on sale.
Doing something, having a goal, helps with the blahs and sprucing up the house always cheers me up.
So, that's what we've been doing around here. I've organized closets, Hubs has hung shelves and even organized the garage. (If it were not for my junk drawer, you'd think I'd gone all Martha on y'all.)
I've found a few bargains for the house- some new kitchen towels, a floral arrangement for the fireplace (complete with real peacock feathers.) In all, I haven't spent a lot of money.
If a girl really wants to go all out, now is the time of year to find some great bargains everywhere. January is inventory time and stores are ready to get rid of as much stock as possible. You can find linens, home decor and sometimes furniture on sale.
Okay, so maybe it's not cheaper than therapy.
What about y'all? What do you do to beat the winter blahs?
Look out the window and see the weather. Blah.
Look at my pale skin. Blah.
Not much to look forward to after coming off the Thanksgiving/Christmas Holiday High. Blah.
I can tend to get the blues in these months, but I've come up with a way to help. My method is cheaper than therapy and without the side effects of Prozac.
A few years ago we were putting away our Christmas directions and I decided to take the opportunity to organize things. I mean, hey, you've got the boxes. Right? After organizing, I rearranged furniture, changed bedding, rotated table linens, and even found a few new things on sale.
Doing something, having a goal, helps with the blahs and sprucing up the house always cheers me up.
So, that's what we've been doing around here. I've organized closets, Hubs has hung shelves and even organized the garage. (If it were not for my junk drawer, you'd think I'd gone all Martha on y'all.)
I've found a few bargains for the house- some new kitchen towels, a floral arrangement for the fireplace (complete with real peacock feathers.) In all, I haven't spent a lot of money.
If a girl really wants to go all out, now is the time of year to find some great bargains everywhere. January is inventory time and stores are ready to get rid of as much stock as possible. You can find linens, home decor and sometimes furniture on sale.
Okay, so maybe it's not cheaper than therapy.
What about y'all? What do you do to beat the winter blahs?
Monday, January 11, 2010
A Weekend to End All Hope For All Weekends. Plus, the answer to the ringtone quiz.
I just read a few bloggers' recaps of their weekends. Compared to y'all, my life is Snoozeville.
My weekend went something like this.
Friday we stayed home and had leftovers for dinner. The frigid temps prevented me from even wanting to venture out.
On Saturday, we did some projects around the house, I returned a lamp at Hobby Lobby and purchased a green arrangement to put in front of our fireplace (the fake one.) The arrangement is nice on its own, but I wanted to add some oomph. I bought some peacock feathers which I assumed were fake to add to the greenery.
Ahem.
Tonight I mentioned that they were fake and Hubs informed me that they are real. I plucked them from the arrangement, we both inspected them and determined that they are real.
Hubs tried to encourage me by saying that peacocks shed their feathers. I mentioned that these peacock feathers were from China and I'm pretty sure the Chinese don't stand around and wait for the peacock's feathers to fall out.
Oh, the guilt.
Poor little peacock, I'm sorry. I hope you'll accept my apology and please know that I will take good care of your plumage.
I'm not much of an animal activist but there are a few weak spots for me- whales, sea turtles and birds.
Except for pigeons.
Back to the weekend.
Today we went to church, lounged around the house, finished some other projects (we are on a roll!) and watched Maggie sleep. She sleeps a lot these days. I believe she has officially entered retirement. However, she is a cat, so how would you know?
I also went to the grocery store and bought a cart load of groceries. It was very exciting.
That's my weekend.
Congrats to Amy who was the first to guess that my new ringtone is the Seinfeld TV theme song. I am so transparent! And, Amy, you are right. It is a cool ringtone!
Happy Monday!
My weekend went something like this.
Friday we stayed home and had leftovers for dinner. The frigid temps prevented me from even wanting to venture out.
On Saturday, we did some projects around the house, I returned a lamp at Hobby Lobby and purchased a green arrangement to put in front of our fireplace (the fake one.) The arrangement is nice on its own, but I wanted to add some oomph. I bought some peacock feathers which I assumed were fake to add to the greenery.
Ahem.
Tonight I mentioned that they were fake and Hubs informed me that they are real. I plucked them from the arrangement, we both inspected them and determined that they are real.
Hubs tried to encourage me by saying that peacocks shed their feathers. I mentioned that these peacock feathers were from China and I'm pretty sure the Chinese don't stand around and wait for the peacock's feathers to fall out.
Oh, the guilt.
Poor little peacock, I'm sorry. I hope you'll accept my apology and please know that I will take good care of your plumage.
I'm not much of an animal activist but there are a few weak spots for me- whales, sea turtles and birds.
Except for pigeons.
Back to the weekend.
Today we went to church, lounged around the house, finished some other projects (we are on a roll!) and watched Maggie sleep. She sleeps a lot these days. I believe she has officially entered retirement. However, she is a cat, so how would you know?
I also went to the grocery store and bought a cart load of groceries. It was very exciting.
That's my weekend.
Congrats to Amy who was the first to guess that my new ringtone is the Seinfeld TV theme song. I am so transparent! And, Amy, you are right. It is a cool ringtone!
Happy Monday!
Saturday, January 09, 2010
It's like a little game show, except without all the cool prizes.
I'm learning all the little tricks with my new phone. Hubs has started to text me so I can text back. I'd like to believe it is just so he can keep in touch and we can grow closer as a couple, but I know he's really doing it so I can practice.
He also told me he would download a cool ringtone for me. He offered to customize the ringtones so I would know who calls. Truth is, there are only about five people who have my cell phone number. Only one or two of them actually call me on my cell. As you can see, customization is really unnecessary.
However, I did want him to customize my rings indicating a call, a text or a voicemail, so he did.
Now on to the contest.
Are you still here?
Throw out a comment and see if you can guess my main ringtone. You should be able to guess if you have read this blog for a while. (The tones for text and voicemail just can't be guessed. Too obscure.)
I'll give you a hint:
Think themes.
I'll throw out more hints if no one guesses correctly.
He also told me he would download a cool ringtone for me. He offered to customize the ringtones so I would know who calls. Truth is, there are only about five people who have my cell phone number. Only one or two of them actually call me on my cell. As you can see, customization is really unnecessary.
However, I did want him to customize my rings indicating a call, a text or a voicemail, so he did.
Now on to the contest.
Are you still here?
Throw out a comment and see if you can guess my main ringtone. You should be able to guess if you have read this blog for a while. (The tones for text and voicemail just can't be guessed. Too obscure.)
I'll give you a hint:
Think themes.
I'll throw out more hints if no one guesses correctly.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Best Dishes
I'm sitting here sipping coffee and watching Paula. She is on her second recipe and she has already used nearly five sticks of butter.
She's a woman after my own heart.
Plus, she said she'd love to offer her viewers one of the beaters from her hand mixer.
Maybe it's just one of those days. Or maybe it's the butter. Or Paula. I just had a flashback of a moment in the kitchen with Mama, flour dusting the counter, bits of sugar crunching 'neath the mixing bowl, the smell of the gas oven pre-heating for a cake.
And the taste of cake batter as I lick those beaters clean.
Yum.
In childhood, you should never skip the butter.
She's a woman after my own heart.
Plus, she said she'd love to offer her viewers one of the beaters from her hand mixer.
Maybe it's just one of those days. Or maybe it's the butter. Or Paula. I just had a flashback of a moment in the kitchen with Mama, flour dusting the counter, bits of sugar crunching 'neath the mixing bowl, the smell of the gas oven pre-heating for a cake.
And the taste of cake batter as I lick those beaters clean.
Yum.
In childhood, you should never skip the butter.
Monday, January 04, 2010
It sure beats looking for gum.
Well, look at that. I haven't written anything since last year.
That sounds so dramatic.
I don't know about y'all, but vacation is over at our house. We've celebrated 'til the cows come home (and around here that could be used in the literal sense) and we've rested nearly into a vegetative state.
So, real world, here we come. We're back and we're dressed (which is a huge change from lounging around in our pajamas.)
Homeschool began for us today. I'd like to stay it started with a bang but I'd be lying. It's more like a poof. But we started and we will get into a good routine this week. It takes a while to remember that a normal day does not begin with corn flakes on the couch and an hour of Spongebob.
Last night I rounded out the vacation with a fun celebration. My friend L just turned 40. She doesn't look a day over 25. I'm not kidding.
It was a surprise party with a small group of ladies who are all a hoot. L was escorted in the restaurant wearing a blinky tiara and a pink feather boa completely with grace and style. Only L could do that.
Happy Birthday L. You make 40...er... thirty-nine look good. Hold on to that feather boa. I may ask to borrow it in about 11 months.
From your 110 pound friend.
(Last clever line stolen straight from a birthday card. This aging thing is killing my creativity.)
That sounds so dramatic.
I don't know about y'all, but vacation is over at our house. We've celebrated 'til the cows come home (and around here that could be used in the literal sense) and we've rested nearly into a vegetative state.
So, real world, here we come. We're back and we're dressed (which is a huge change from lounging around in our pajamas.)
Homeschool began for us today. I'd like to stay it started with a bang but I'd be lying. It's more like a poof. But we started and we will get into a good routine this week. It takes a while to remember that a normal day does not begin with corn flakes on the couch and an hour of Spongebob.
Last night I rounded out the vacation with a fun celebration. My friend L just turned 40. She doesn't look a day over 25. I'm not kidding.
It was a surprise party with a small group of ladies who are all a hoot. L was escorted in the restaurant wearing a blinky tiara and a pink feather boa completely with grace and style. Only L could do that.
Happy Birthday L. You make 40...er... thirty-nine look good. Hold on to that feather boa. I may ask to borrow it in about 11 months.
From your 110 pound friend.
(Last clever line stolen straight from a birthday card. This aging thing is killing my creativity.)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Welcome To The Party
So, it's New Year's Eve once again. I've celebrated thirty-er... something New Year's Eves and most of them turn out the same.
I stay up really late, eat junk food, then sleep in the next day. It's all very exciting.
Hubs keeps saying we're going to play a game one of these years. It's called Hiding Gum. The rules per Hubs are 1) One person hides sticks of gum all over the house 2) Everyone else tries to find it.
You can see why we've never played it.
If you're new to this blog, you don't realize that the Hiding Gum game is a sort of a joke and perfectly normal for Hubs all at the same time.
We will be home tonight, eating chili and watching TV. No parties this year (or any year, one doesn't receive many invitations when all they bring to the party is Juicy Fruit.)
This leads me to one question: Has anyone seen the Wally World commercial with the product demonstrator?
The lady doing the demonstration looks nothing like the ones I see at Wally World. She is about fifty years younger, much more perky and pleasant. She demonstrates every small appliance in the store.
Overachiever.
The part that sends me over the edge is when she follows a customer home and helps her with her party. Who invites a Wally World employee to their house to help them make meatballs? Isn't that a little creepy?
I suppose they'd be really good at greeting guests at the door (tee hee.)
It really is pathetic when a Wally World employee receives more party invitations than I do. I'll bet she never plays Hiding Gum.
Happy New Year.
Beware of party guests in blue vests. (sound of wolf howling in the distance)
You're welcome.
I stay up really late, eat junk food, then sleep in the next day. It's all very exciting.
Hubs keeps saying we're going to play a game one of these years. It's called Hiding Gum. The rules per Hubs are 1) One person hides sticks of gum all over the house 2) Everyone else tries to find it.
You can see why we've never played it.
If you're new to this blog, you don't realize that the Hiding Gum game is a sort of a joke and perfectly normal for Hubs all at the same time.
We will be home tonight, eating chili and watching TV. No parties this year (or any year, one doesn't receive many invitations when all they bring to the party is Juicy Fruit.)
This leads me to one question: Has anyone seen the Wally World commercial with the product demonstrator?
The lady doing the demonstration looks nothing like the ones I see at Wally World. She is about fifty years younger, much more perky and pleasant. She demonstrates every small appliance in the store.
Overachiever.
The part that sends me over the edge is when she follows a customer home and helps her with her party. Who invites a Wally World employee to their house to help them make meatballs? Isn't that a little creepy?
I suppose they'd be really good at greeting guests at the door (tee hee.)
It really is pathetic when a Wally World employee receives more party invitations than I do. I'll bet she never plays Hiding Gum.
Happy New Year.
Beware of party guests in blue vests. (sound of wolf howling in the distance)
You're welcome.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sightings in Smalltown
This year Hubs gave me a new cell phone for Christmas. I have always been a bit behind-the-times when it comes to technology. I usually don't go for the newest gadget just because it's new, and I always have to be convinced I need it.
Okay, so I'm still not convinced that I need it.
But my new phone is pretty cool.
Plus, Nancy will be happy to know that now when she texts me, I can text her back. Once I figure that out. And no, I am not ninety.
My old phone was fairly simple. I could dial (even my verbs are dated) and receive a text. I could send one as well, but I didn't have the little keypad like all the cool middle schoolers. Now I have a keypad and the ability to access the NET and take pictures.
Fancy.
It will all be quite nice once I've read the little instruction booklet.
Today I could have kicked myself for not reading it yet because, you will not believe what I saw in SmallTown today.
Daughter and I pulled into Hobby Lobby and there at the end of the parking lot, near the intersection was the strangest sight.
A camel.
Yes, a camel. There with the camel was a man I assume was his (or her?) owner, along with a pick-up truck and a trailer. People were lining up to put their small offspring on said camel for who knows what amount of money.
It was then that I wished I could use my new fancy phone and take a picture for y'all.
Drat.
Or should I say, "Dromedary?"
Okay, so I'm still not convinced that I need it.
But my new phone is pretty cool.
Plus, Nancy will be happy to know that now when she texts me, I can text her back. Once I figure that out. And no, I am not ninety.
My old phone was fairly simple. I could dial (even my verbs are dated) and receive a text. I could send one as well, but I didn't have the little keypad like all the cool middle schoolers. Now I have a keypad and the ability to access the NET and take pictures.
Fancy.
It will all be quite nice once I've read the little instruction booklet.
Today I could have kicked myself for not reading it yet because, you will not believe what I saw in SmallTown today.
Daughter and I pulled into Hobby Lobby and there at the end of the parking lot, near the intersection was the strangest sight.
A camel.
Yes, a camel. There with the camel was a man I assume was his (or her?) owner, along with a pick-up truck and a trailer. People were lining up to put their small offspring on said camel for who knows what amount of money.
It was then that I wished I could use my new fancy phone and take a picture for y'all.
Drat.
Or should I say, "Dromedary?"
Friday, December 25, 2009
As I stagger from all the carbs
Now that I'm awake from my turkey and Reese's cup-induced coma, I'd like to wish all of you a very, merry Christmas.
Hope it was grand!
Just FYI- baked mashed potatoes with mozzarella cheese is de-lish. Just sayin.'
Pardon me while I reach for another Reese's...
Hope it was grand!
Just FYI- baked mashed potatoes with mozzarella cheese is de-lish. Just sayin.'
Pardon me while I reach for another Reese's...
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
I never claimed to be Bill Gates or Thomas Edison.
There's one little bit of information I left out of last week's posts, the few that I wrote anyway.
Hubs was out of town.
You can understand why I almost always wait to tell you about Hubs' out-of-town events because, as my Mama and Granny would say, "there is meanness in this world."
Really, I don't believe that there are people out there who wait for Hubs to leave and then track my home down with the ISP address, but there's another thing I inherited from Granny (other than her tendency towards bunions) and that is paranoia.
In a completely healthy form.
My people lock their doors. They lock their windows. They pull the curtains to block out peeping toms. If my grandmother could have experienced the Internet, she would tell me to protect myself from the people who could possibly wait for Hubs to leave and then track my home with my ISP address. If she knew what an ISP address actually was.
So, Hubs came home on Saturday. He was here for only a few hours before we had to head out for a Christmas party. Before he even whined a little at the Christmas tie I picked out for him, he assessed my computer problems.
While he was gone, I emailed him about my potential computer tragedy.
I had been printing pictures for Christmas cards and decided to download some new pics from our camera. I plugged in the camera, pushed a few buttons, then the computer screen went dark. Every time I tried to turn on the computer, I could hear a hum, but nothing really happened.
SO.
When Hubs came home from his trip, he went into our computer room to assess the problem.
"What does it do?"
"Watch. Try to turn it on. Nothing happens. It's like it's trying to come on and never does."
After pushing the button and fiddling with the mouse to read the screen, Hubs immediately figured out the problem.
"It's not getting any power. Is it plugged in?"
He reached around the hard drive and saw that a cord had come loose.
"That's why it was going into power save. It was trying to save power because it didn't have any."
He plugged everything back in, and wouldn't you know it? The computer works just fine.
Electricity is amazing.
Tomorrow I am going to put in a cement pond.
Hubs was out of town.
You can understand why I almost always wait to tell you about Hubs' out-of-town events because, as my Mama and Granny would say, "there is meanness in this world."
Really, I don't believe that there are people out there who wait for Hubs to leave and then track my home down with the ISP address, but there's another thing I inherited from Granny (other than her tendency towards bunions) and that is paranoia.
In a completely healthy form.
My people lock their doors. They lock their windows. They pull the curtains to block out peeping toms. If my grandmother could have experienced the Internet, she would tell me to protect myself from the people who could possibly wait for Hubs to leave and then track my home with my ISP address. If she knew what an ISP address actually was.
So, Hubs came home on Saturday. He was here for only a few hours before we had to head out for a Christmas party. Before he even whined a little at the Christmas tie I picked out for him, he assessed my computer problems.
While he was gone, I emailed him about my potential computer tragedy.
I had been printing pictures for Christmas cards and decided to download some new pics from our camera. I plugged in the camera, pushed a few buttons, then the computer screen went dark. Every time I tried to turn on the computer, I could hear a hum, but nothing really happened.
SO.
When Hubs came home from his trip, he went into our computer room to assess the problem.
"What does it do?"
"Watch. Try to turn it on. Nothing happens. It's like it's trying to come on and never does."
After pushing the button and fiddling with the mouse to read the screen, Hubs immediately figured out the problem.
"It's not getting any power. Is it plugged in?"
He reached around the hard drive and saw that a cord had come loose.
"That's why it was going into power save. It was trying to save power because it didn't have any."
He plugged everything back in, and wouldn't you know it? The computer works just fine.
Electricity is amazing.
Tomorrow I am going to put in a cement pond.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Linky Love
If this post by Carpoolqueen doesn't motivate you to organize your bathroom cabinets, I don't know what will.
I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time.
I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time.
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