Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History

Give Away on Misadventures of Baby Raising Blog!

2010-04-24T06:04:00.007-04:00

Want to see a world class blogger and have a chance to win a copy of season 1 of the Real Housewives of New Jersey? Check out my dear friend Allie's blog, Misadventures of Babyraising on blogspot!(Sorry about the lack of a hyperlink. For some reason blogspot hates me and will not post them for me. Ugh!) You do have my word of honor that you will be glad you checked this out! And I will also bet you will want to hang out at her blog for awhile. I don't know how she does it. She has four kids, a husband, goes to school, and has a kick butt blog! I am proud to call her my friend! As much as I love to lead folks astray (wink), I promise you won't be disappointed with this blog!

Why Women Are Crabby

2010-04-23T18:48:00.001-04:00

This was an email that was forwarded to me and I thought it was so funny, I had to share with all my misbehaved bloggy friends!

We started to 'bud' in our blouses at 9 or 10 years old only to find that
anything that came in contact with those tender, blooming buds hurt so bad
it brought us to tears. So came the ridiculously uncomfortable training bra
contraption that the boys in school would snap until we had calluses on our
backs.

Next, we get our periods in our early to mid-teens (or sooner). Along with
those budding boobs, we bloated, we cramped, we got the hormone crankies,
had to wear little mattresses between our legs or insert tubular, packed
cotton rods in places we didn't even know we had.

Our next little rite of passage was having sex for the first time which was
about as much fun as having a ramrod push your uterus through your nostrils
(IF he did it right and didn't end up with his little cart before his
horse), leaving us to wonder what all the fuss was about.

Then it was off to Motherhood where we learned to live on dry crackers and
water for a few months so we didn't spend the entire day leaning over
Brother John. Of course, amazing creatures that we are (and we are), we
learned to live with the growing little angels inside us steadily kicking
our innards night and day making us wonder if we were preparing to have
Rosemary's Baby.

Our once flat bellies looked like we swallowed a whole watermelon and we
pee'd our pants every time we sneezed. When the big moment arrived, the dam
in our blessed Nether Regions invariably burst right in the middle of the
mall and we had to waddle, with our big cartoon feet, moaning in pain all
the way to the ER.

Then it was huff and puff and beg to die while the OB says, 'Please stop
screaming, Mrs. Hearmeroar. Calm down and push. 'Just one more good push'
(more like 10), warranting a strong, well-deserved impulse to punch the
%$#*@*#!* hubby and doctor square in the nose for making us cram a wiggling,
mushroom-headed 10 pound bowling ball through a keyhole.

After that, it was time to raise those angels only to find that when all
that 'cute' wears off, the beautiful little darlings morphed into walking,
jabbering, wet, gooey, snot-blowing, life-sucking little poop machines.

Then come their 'Teen Years.' Need I say more?

When the kids are almost grown, we women hit our voracious sexual prime in
our early 40's - while hubby had his somewhere around his 18th birthday.

So we progress into the grand finale: 'The Menopause,' the Grandmother of
all womanhood. It's either take HRT and chance cancer in those now seasoned
'buds' or the aforementioned Nether Regions, or, sweat like a hog in July,
wash your sheets and pillowcases daily and bite the head off anything that
moves.

Now, you ask WHY women seem to be more spiteful than men, when men get off
so easy, INCLUDING the icing on life's cake: Being able to pee in the woods
without soaking their socks...

So, while I love being a woman, 'Womanhood' would make the Great Gandhi a
tad crabby.

You think women are the 'weaker sex?' Yeah right. Bite me!

Confessions of a Wild Soccer Mom

2010-04-20T19:10:00.005-04:00

Got your attention, didn't I? That was easy (evil laugh). You know, I am thinking maybe I should rename my blog to the title of this post. What do you think? Of course, they are very similar in nature.... and Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History is my favorite saying. Hmmmm... think I will keep it. Now to what this post is really about. My confession (for today) is that I have become lame and I hate it! Gone are the days that I decide on a Friday night that right after work I am driving four hours to a bigger city for a little fun with my friends. Just a few years ago I was the one one dancing on the table dancing with the bride. Just a few years ago I was dancing on the table at the office luau. Okay, you're seeing the trend, right? I have always been the type person who gets a natural high at parties with friends. I thrive on it. Give me two to twenty beers and it only intensifies. I see myself changing and not sure if I like it. I have an opportunity to hang out with some FUN young ladies for a bachelorette party in Chicago. Do you know what a compliment that is? For a group of young, fun girls to WANT to hang out with a wild soccer mom? And I don't feel like going! What the hell is wrong with me? I miss my "old" self. Now I am just feeling old. This "girl gone wild" has gone lame.

Well Hello There!

2010-04-09T22:00:00.002-04:00

WOW! Can't think of a better word to describe my reaction to my last post. I was "gone" for a month and came back to find a record amount of comments! Thanks to all who posted! I must say that was one of my best posts, not because I was profoundly brilliant or wrote a kick @$$ entry. It is one of my favorites because YOU took the time to reply and tell me who you are, how you found me, and where you are from. I have had a really crappy week, so please accept my genuine "THANK YOU" for the warm fuzzy you gave me. Seems like the simplest things in life are the ones that mean the most. I look forward to lurking on your blogs as well and will make sure I let you know I was there. Some of you even choose to follow me. I am not worthy, but am thrilled to have you on board my crazy train!

I had several comments about the title of my blog. It does not surprise me at all. Wish I could claim to be the brilliant person that originally came up with this saying. I may be misbehaved,but pretty darn honest. Yes, that's it, I am an honset thief! I stole the saying and cannot remember where I stole it from! Actually it was from a funny book I read. Being the scattered brain blonde I am, I cannot remember the name of the book. But when I saw the saying in the book, I totally embraced it. Growing up, I was called the "wild child" of the family. Now I am called a "soccer mom". I don't think I am either. I like to ride motorcycles, drink beer, martinis, and wine and have a good time with friends. But I also like to go to my son's football games (and I am the loudest parent out there!), hang out at home on the computer, and read. In other words I am boring. But yet, I am the life of the party. So what does that make me? A wild soccer mom? Hmmmm, I may be on to something! See you in the history books...........

Lurkers Are Welcome Here!

2010-03-04T19:11:00.003-05:00

There is a certain mystic about lurkers. I love lurkers. I am a lurker myself! My feed shows that I have had visitors from all over the world. I want you all to know I am so excited to "see" that you have visited. I love that you stop by to look at my blog, as a matter of fact, I hope you come back! I do have a favor to ask. Would you drop me a comment to let me know who you are and where you are from? Maybe how you found my blog. And do you have a blog for me to visit? I have met some of the nicest folks through blogging and am dying to meet you. If you choose not to drop me a line, that is okay too. Either way, I am glad you dropped by.

Half Full

2010-03-03T19:59:00.003-05:00

As the snow melts, I think it is melting my blues as well. We are even going to have a heat wave this weekend, it is going to get up to 50 degrees! Woo hoo! Okay, so I am being a little bit of a smartalec, but the Southern girl in me still thinks 50 degrees is COLD! But I am really trying to keep a glass half full attitude. This has been a trying week so far but keeping a good attitude has really helped. My week started out a little crazy. I was running late and it is my week to drive in my carpool (trying to keep my carbon footprint to a minimum). As I was pulling out of the garage, I hit the remote as I was driving out. Eeck!I freaked out and hit it again and again and again. I got out of the garage without the door hitting my car. Only one problem. The door had stopped midway and would go back down. So I hit the remote control again, and again, and again! Finally I got it closed. Whew! Okay, I am really running late now, but having a good hair day (half full, remember?). Got my carpool buddy (who rocks, by the way)drove up to the gate on base, and I realize I left my work ID at home. I can get on base because I am a military dependent, so I dropped my friend off at her office and headed back home to get my ID while reminding myself that at least my hair looks good (half full, remember?). Got home and I even found my missing IPhone (which is like crack to me!). Oh, yes, I got my work ID too. Head back to work an hour late, but I got there with great looking hair (half full, remember?)Monday came to a smooth end. I did not loose my mind at work, my hair looked awesome, and my hubby had dinner on the table waiting for me when I got home. He even did the dishes! I got in bed early at 8:30 due to exhaustion and slept like a baby.

Tuesday starts off pretty good. Again, my hair is looking pretty good. That new flat iron I got is really straightening my naturally curly hair. I am loving it! I even hung my lanyard with my ID around my neck prior to leaving the house, so I got to work my normal five minutes late which in my mind is on time(half full, remember?)! Another crazy day at work, had an hour morning meeting, worked through lunch to make up for the lost hour the day before, so things are smooth! Then the phone rings. It is my son's school. The principal wants me to pick my son up. It is never good when you get that call. NEVER. Okay, so my glass is looking half empty. Wait! My glass is half full, it is my gas tank that is half empty. Whew! I thought I was losing my good attitude for a minute there. Sorry,I digressed. So I go to get "George Foreman" i.e. my son from school. Of course, I have to go to the principal's office. I have been in the principal's office more during my son's life than I ever did when I was in school. As a matter of fact, I never had to go when I was in school! Long story short, "George" did not start the fight. We have been friends with he boy and his family for years! Simple case of 14 year old boys playing around and laughing until someone gets mad then fists start flying. The other kid got 3 days off for starting it and George got 2 days off because he reacted badly. We had a family meeting, discussed how he could have handled it better. His grades are really great right now (half full, remember?). And the principal remarked several times that "George" is a nice kid, so contrary to the fact that he was in trouble, the principal thinks we are raising a good, nice kid. I will look that as half full any day! So I was gone from work an hour and a half, so now I am short an hour and a half this week. But my hair was really straight that day and that is a dream come true for an unruly curly haired girl! Half full, remember?

Today was fairly painless. Pretty much a normal day at work, which means things are crazy busy. Worst thing that happened is that I left my bottle of water at home. I was a bit annoyed at that but I got over it. Best thing about today is that I heard birds! That is a huge sign that Spring is around the corner! Half full baby!

Winter Blues

2010-02-20T16:29:00.004-05:00

Winter is really a four letter word! Winter = yuck, crap, hell, sh!t, mess, argh......well you get the drift. I am so darn tired. Tired of snow, tired of being in the house, tired of the cold and mostly tired of gray skies!I am getting so impatient with old man winter during these last weeks of winter. Of course the 12 inches plus of snow this past week has not helped the situation. I am hoping now that I have written these thoughts "on paper", so to speak, that maybe I will feel better. If not, there is always that beer that has been calling my name. I also have a great recipe for wedding cake martinis. Wedding cake and martinis, now that is a happy thought! AND I did find some really good steals, I mean deals, at the Base Exchange today. AND I got my hair done. I think if I just focus on the good things in life, I will be better. Now, if I can just focus.......

My Bloggy Friend

2010-01-02T19:12:00.003-05:00

................is going to meet me either Monday for dinner or Tuesday morning for breakfast. I am so excited! My precious friend, Elizabeth, and I will finally meet face to face after a year of friendship. We initially met on Blogspot and keep in touch more on Facebook now. We have also spoken a couple times on the phone. She is going to St Louis to visit her beloved son on Monday and will be traveling I-70 East which just so happens runs paralell to my neighborhood only a mile away! I am so excited to finally meet E in person. I think it is cool that I have met so many wonderful people through the internet that I would have never known otherwise. Now if I can meet up with Allie and Lex too, I will be a happy camper. Any of you ever in Ohio traveling along I-70 or I-75, please let me know. I live five minutes away from both and would love to meet up.

6007 Followers

2009-12-29T21:01:00.002-05:00

HA,HA! Not me, of course! One of the blogs I follow and recently read again for the first time in a while has 6007 followers. Isn't that amazing? How many followers do you have? Are the majority of your followers folks that you already know or know only via Blogspot? Just curious how one would get so many. The blog referenced is written by a very sweet young lady who is a stay at home mom who had her first baby last year. She posts recipes and uses the blog to mostly journal the everyday goings on of her and the baby. It has been neat to see the baby change from day to day on the blog. Obviously, it is very interesting since she has so many followers. I am proud of my 25 especially since I am so BORING! Hope everyone in bloggy land has had a nice day.

'Til next time................

Long Time No Talk

2009-12-28T19:29:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone is well. I have thought about all my bloggie friends often. My apologies for being so lazy. Not much has been going on in my world. I seem to have gotten in a comfortable rut. I go to work, go home, count down to the weekend, weekend goes by way to fast, then start again! With the new year, I hope to somehow climb out of it and get back into the swing of things! I may have been gone, but you are not forgotten!

xoxoxoxo

11917?

2009-09-22T22:18:00.002-04:00

Hello all~! Sorry it has been so long since I have been around. I think I have some the best bloggy friends ever. Thanks to all of you who have left kind words wodering where I have been. I finally logged on tonight and saw that I have had 11,917 hits on my blog. What the heck? I could not believe it! I figured I better start nurishing this blog before it dries up and all my followers leave. I am truly amazed that I have had that many hits. And I have to admit, I really missed seeing the locations on my feed, to see where folks are from and looking at my little old blog. What have I been doing? The sad truth, is nothing! I work, come home, and get on Facebook. Not much else at all. I think I had better get a life, so I can write about it. ha,ha! Promise to post again very soon!

Final Product - Professional Pics

2009-08-06T21:24:00.003-04:00

I cannot believe how mean I looked! This is the final results and I could not be happier!I have already referred two people to this doctor. He should love me!

Final Product?

2009-07-22T19:48:00.009-04:00

Well, I am five weeks post surgery and figured it is time to post some new pictures. I posted the before and afters so you can really see the difference. In some of the pictures I can tell that my right eye is just a hair more closed than the left eye. I go to the doctor on August 5th and will see what he has to say. Can you tell which ones are before and which are after? Ha!

Madonna is Ugg

2009-07-16T22:02:00.004-04:00

Does saying that out loud make me a biotch? Ran across this picture just a minute ago and it got me thinking. How the heck did she make it so big? She isn't that attractive. She needs braces. She cannot sing. Morals are questionable. Please, no hate mail from the Madonna lovers. Just felt the need to voice a random opinion.

Don't Look If You Are Squeamish

2009-07-07T22:01:00.005-04:00

*********************WARNING**********************

I have been debating if I should post this picture or not, but I think it is very interesting. It is amazing the amount of fat and skin the doctor took off my eyes. To see is to really understand. The yellow stuff is fat and the other is the part of my lids he cut off.

I am still waiting for the rest of the swelling goes down before I unveil the final "product". My eyes are looking better each day. Today my hairdresser said I look ten years younger! I am not sure about that, but it is so cool to see my eyes! And, of course, I like to string you all along so you keep coming back to see if I am EVER going to show you! LOL - just kidding!

Why is Mascara so Complicated?

2009-07-05T21:50:00.004-04:00

I went to WalMart today to buy mascara. Yep, this was a big deal to me. I have not worn any for years because of my funky eyelids. I hope I don't lose my Girlie Club card with that admission. LOL - seriously, I am so excited to put some on tomorrow morning. And, of course, when I take my final "after" picture of my eyes I will be wearing it for you all to see. I know this is not exciting for most girls other than the 12 year olds putting on makeup for the first time, but it is the simple things in life that thrill me at times! This simple thing represents the end of being self- concious about my old lady eyes and the beginning of life with the "new" eyse. It is a simple thing, but yet so important to me!

Now to the hard part of all this. Choosing which mascara to buy. When did this get so complicated? It took be 20 minutes to figure out which to buy. Do I buy Mabelline, Cover Girl, Rimmell, Loreal, or other brands? What color do I buy? The Mabelline comes in three different colors of black! What the heck? It used to be black, brown black, or brown. Each brand had so many different kinds! And each claims to be the best! What about waterproof or not waterproof? I was so confused, I cannot tell you what color or if it is waterproof or not! I finally grabbed one that had a free eyeliner with it. Leave it to me, I make my decision based on a freebie! ha,ha!

Here is some interesting facts about mascara that I lifted from Wikipedia:

A mascara tube and a wand applicator. Mascara is a cosmetic used to darken, lighten or colour lashes, also it can be used to thicken, lengthen and define eyelashes. Mascara comes in three forms: liquid, cake, and cream. It also comes in many formulas, tints, and colours. The general purpose of mascara is to define, thicken, lengthen, and emphasise lashes. Mascara is available with tube and wand applicators. Ingredients in mascara include water, wax thickeners, film-formers, and preservatives. Mascara brushes can be straight or curved, to curl eye lashes, with fine or thick bristles. Some mascara wands contain rayon or nylon fibers to lengthen eyelashes.

History

The first mascara product was invented by Eugene Rimmel in the 19th century. The word "rimmel" still means "mascara" in several languages, including Portuguese (rímel), Turkish (rimel), Romanian (rimel), Dutch (rimel), Persian (rimel) etc.

The woman's eye has had mascara applied to the lashes for a fuller effectThe word mascara derives from the Italian maschera, which means "mask"[1]from Middle Latin masca or Arabic Maskhara or from Old Occitan masco [2]. Modern mascara was created in 1913 by a chemist named T. L. Williams for his sister, Mabel. This early mascara was made from coal dust mixed with Vaseline petroleum jelly. The product was a success with Mabel, and Williams began to sell his new product through the mail. His company Maybelline, whose name is a combination of his sister's name and Vaseline, eventually became a leading cosmetics company.

Mascara is used to darken and thicken lashes, and was composed of colorants and carnauba wax. Users wet a brush and rubbed it over the cake, then applied it to the eyes. Mascara is used by women to enhance eyes as well as draw attention to them.

The modern tube and wand applicator was more appealing to the market than the old "cake" mascara. Max Factor was the first to create a mascara with a wand applicator in the product tube, which started the modern mascara products available today.

Composition
Modern mascaras can be divided in two groups: water resistant mascaras (often labeled waterproof) and non-water resistant mascaras.

Water resistant mascaras have a composition based on a volatile solvent (isododecane - an isomer of dodecane), animal-derived waxes (beeswax), vegetal based waxes (carnauba wax, rice bran wax, candelila wax), mineral origin wax (ozokerite, paraffin), pigments (iron oxide, ultramarine) and filmifying polymers. These mascaras do not contain water-sensitive moieties, offering an excellent resistance to tears, sweat or rain. As a result, these mascaras can only be removed with a specific make-up remover, able to dilute the dried mascara film.

Egg whites are often used in colored mascara.

Non water-resistant mascaras are based on water, soft surfactants (like triethanolamine stearate), animal-derived waxes (beeswax), vegetal based waxes (carnauba wax, rice bran wax, candelilla wax), mineral origin waxes (ozokerite, paraffin), pigments (iron oxide, ultramarine), thickening polymers (gum arabic, hydrophobically modified cellulose) and on preservatives. These mascaras can run under the effect of tears, but are easily removed with some soap and water.

Polymers in a water dispersed form (latexes) can bring some level of water resistance to the group of normally non-water resistant mascaras.

Waterproof mascaras are similar to oil-based or solvent-based paints. Non water-resistant mascaras behave like water based paints. For intermediate water sensitivity, mascaras and latex-based paints (acrylates) contain polymer dispersions.

Now you know the rest of the story..............

Still Recovering

2009-06-28T22:03:00.003-04:00

I am on my tenth day post surgery and the bruising is long gone. I went to the doctor this past Thursday and even he remarked at the lack of bruising I had. I was supposed to take the stitches out but only took the knots off. He said he wanted to keep them in to support the incisions and that they would disolve and/or come out on their own. I guess they are doing something because I feel like there is something in my eyes all the time. I am sure it is my imagination, but I think there are stitches floating around in there. LOL. My eyes are still swollen and tearing up. This is part of the healing process and normal. I think since the brusing went so well, I expected the rest to follow just as quick but that is not the case. I do not go back to the doctor until the first week in August. He says it will take six weeks for me to totally recover. My right eye is more swollen then the left so I kinda look like Popeye with one eye smaller than the other. My hubby told me last night to relax and let my body heal itself. Wow, sometimes he says things that actually make a lot of sense! Being the freak that I am, I am already worried that my eyes are not going to be symmetrical. Hopefully it is just the swelling. If not, I will have to go under the knife again. Not that it has not been a good experience but it is just not what I want to do again. Been there, done that, got the tshirt type of thing. I am holding off posting any more pictures until I am fully healed and then I want to have the big reveal. God please give me patience, but hurry! The story of my life! Stay tuned..............

Day 6

2009-06-23T20:01:00.002-04:00

Another day and less bruising. I had several people do double takes today because they thought I was having bad allergies. LOL! The lower lid beneath the stitching, is swollen and making my vision blurry and my eyes tired. Other than that, all is well. The incision is not very tender any more which is really good. Stay tuned!

Day 5

2009-06-22T18:04:00.004-04:00

Thank you girls for all your kind comments and following along with my progress! It means so much to me, you will never know how appreciative I am. The bruising is starting to fade already. As you can see, the eyes are less and less swollen each day. Sending many hugs and kisses your way!

4th Day

2009-06-21T17:29:00.004-04:00

Each day the swelling is getting better. today the yellow coloring came in. It is really interesting watching the healing process. Still no pain. My eyes are itchy where the stitiches are and my eyes are getting dry, but no complaints here. I am so thankful I was able to have this done!

2nd Day Post Surgery

2009-06-19T09:31:00.002-04:00

I
Thanks for the sweet comments girls! As you can see today, I am REALLY swollen. I am blindly typing, so if there are no typos in here, it is a miracle! I have to tell you, there is no pain! It is amazing. Yesterday when the numbing wore off, I had what felt like a bad sinus headache behind my eyes. Took over the counter migraine medicine and within an hour the pain was gone. I am a little uncomfortable because of the selling, but it is not bad at all. I can't wait to heal enough to tell you the rest of this adventure. My doctor is awesome. He took some professional pictures and is going to email them to me to post on my blog as well. He was very intrigued with the fact that I am blogging about this. More tomorrow!

Surgery Day!

2009-06-18T21:23:00.004-04:00

Hello to all my sweet wonderful friends! I did have my surgery today and will tell you more in debth about it afer the swelling goes down and I can see. Right now, I am really struggling. Here are some pics from today.The two on top aare before pictures.

My Home Town - Part 2

2009-06-09T21:36:00.002-04:00

Brown Eyed Girl is Getting Tweaked

2009-06-05T21:41:00.007-04:00

I just found out today that my insurance has approved surgery on my eyelids. With age, the skin of my upper eyelid has stretched and become redundant. Also the fat seems to have herniated forwared which has created (in my case LOTS of) puffiness. This has caused me to look older and tired all the time. I have had this for awhile and have really become depressed about it. Not any more! I am doing something about it. I am going to have surgery to remove the excess skin and fat. The name for this procedure is called a blepharoplasty. I found some before and after pictures on a patient whose eyelids look a lot like mine so you can get an idea of what to expect. I am having this done on June 18th and I plan to take a before picture and then follow up with daily progress pictures so that you can follow my journey. I am so excited about this and cannot wait to share this with you all. Below are before and after pictures of someone whose eyelids looked a lot like mine before she had hers done. Just want to give you and idea of what to expect.
BEFORE

AFTER

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-03T18:47:00.005-04:00

Me and my family. Dr. Gregory is on the right side.

How Your Undies Track The Recession

2009-06-02T06:46:00.003-04:00

I lifted this from MSN.com. Article by Michael Brush.

To help predict a recovery, economists such as Alan Greenspan look to men's underwear sales. Here's what those and other unusual economic indicators say about the road ahead.

By Michael Brush
MSN Money

Guys, if you want to know where the economy is headed next, look in your underwear drawer.

If you're like most men, you've got more than a few skivvies in, well, less than perfect condition.

If you're put off buying replacements -- and your significant other hasn't done it for you -- then guess what? The recession probably ain't over yet.

In fact, right now men's underwear sales suggest that things have bottomed but not started to recover.

Sure, this sounds trivial. But no less an economist than former Federal Reserve chief Alan Greenspan is a fan of men's underwear sales as an important economic indicator.

It's one of several unusual indicators economists turn to in hard times. We went looking through them in a quest for the much-discussed "green shoots" of an imminent recovery.

Underneath the underwear indicator
Greenspan reasons that because hardly anyone actually sees a guy's undies, they're the first thing men stop buying when the economy tightens. (He told this to National Public Radio's Robert Krulwich years ago.)

By extension, pent-up demand means underwear sales should be among the early risers when growth returns and consumers feel confident enough to shrug off "frugal fatigue," says Marshal Cohen, the chief industry analyst with NPD Group, which tracks consumer behavior.

After a 12-month, 12% decline through the end of January, men's underpants sales leveled off during February and March, according to NPD. That suggests the economic was stabilizing, Cohen says.

My Home Town - shopping on the Red River Part 1

2009-05-22T18:18:00.005-04:00

When I was off visiting Dixie, I got a chance to enjoy the wonderful outside shopping center that sits on the banks of the Red River. I will be adding another post with more picutes. I think I almost blew up blogger.com when I downloaded the pics below because it would not let me add any more. LOL Take a look at the cop thingy. I don't even know what you call it but it was so cool. Had to go talk to him and take some pics. As an added bonus, he was really cute. He said they had those way before the Mall Cop movie came out. I guess they are teased a lot about having them!

I'm Back

2009-05-20T18:55:00.009-04:00

Hello ladies! I am back from a week in the South. Went to Louisiana and Texas to visit family and see my kid sister graduate medical school. It is now official, she is Dr. Janet Lynn Gregory! She is now moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to start her residency. I took pictures at the graduation but they are all fuzzy. I am so ticked off about that! But I will share anyways! She is the one waving. I could not believe it, but she wore a dress....with flip flops! LOL

My brother really enjoyed the graduation ceremony as witnessed below.

My family is so crazy. Look at my dad's face. Too funny! That is me jacking with him! My sister Janet is sitting on the arm of the couch, brother Mel, sister Judy, and Mom in the back.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T17:00:00.003-04:00

I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day!

xoxoxoxoxo

The Flasher

2009-05-06T21:03:00.004-04:00

So Sweet

2009-05-05T20:56:00.006-04:00

This is the sweetest thing ever! I hope you take the time to view this, it will make your heart melt.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-29T21:04:00.001-04:00

Bit@$, Please, I am from Louisiana

2009-04-24T20:17:00.010-04:00

This is the group on Facebook that I just joined. Too funny not to share! I have bolded my thoughts beside each statement.

YOU KNOW YOU'RE FROM LOUISIANA WHEN...

In your car, you use the heater in the morning and the AC in the afternoon. So True!

ou greet people with "Howzyamomma'an'emdoin?" I'm afraid this is true.

You don't learn until high school that Mardi Gras is not a national holiday. It isn't?

You believe that purple, green and gold look good together. Of course, it does!

Your last name isn't pronounced the way it's spelled. This happens a lot! Try to pronouce Thibodeaux.

You know what a nutria rat is but you still pick it to represent your baseball team. Not in Northern Louisiana!

You can pronounce words like Ouachita, Natchitoches, Avoyelles, and Tchoupitoulas and you make fun of people from other states who say them wrong. Even I don't know the last two....ha-ha!

You pronounce the largest city in the state as "Nawlins." True

You know those big roaches can fly, but you're able to sleep at night anyway. I hate to admit, this is true!

You assume everyone has mosquito swarms in their backyard. Well, only if it backs up to a bayou.

You realize the rainforest is less humid than Louisiana. So, so true!

You discover that you can get a sunburn through your car window. I have!

When out of town, you stop and ask someone where there is a drive-through Daiquiri place, and they look at you like you have three heads. So true!

You have flood insurance. More than likely you do!

Your sunglasses fog up when you step outside. LOL - yep!

No matter where else you go in the world, you are always disappointed in the food. SO TRUE, especially Europe (with the exception of Germany.)

Your house payment is less than your air conditioning bill. Sad, but true!

Your grandparents are called "Maw Maw" and "Paw Paw." Yep!

You judge a po-boy by the number of napkins used. True

You actually know what a po-boy is. Sho (Southern for sure) do! Has nothing to do with money or a male.

You don't think it's odd to see live crickets or firearms being sold at a gas station. Hell no, that is not odd at all.

You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Louisiana.

Love Language

2009-04-23T20:43:00.002-04:00

I took another quiz on Facebook and thought it was neat enough to share. The quiz is "Which Love Language Do You Have?".

You are a person of gifts. This means you are most touched when people give you a gift, because it means they were thinking of you when they bought, created or found what they give you. You see life as a gift, and it's things in it!. Gifts and giving is your emotional tool and you will therefore also use this to connect to other people. Gifts are a great way of communicating, but when someone else you love doesn't necessarily talk the way you do, it doesn't mean they don't love you. What would be their primary love language? The downside of giving gifts without talking or doing things for someone else, may come across as a quick fix to escape building a further relationship. Try to put in some effort by finding out what the other person's language is, too. A good conversation or spending time with them can be a gift to them, more precious than box of chocolate! One last point to mention is that God also communicates in your love language. He uses gifts, too. He says in the Bible that He loves you, that you are the apple of His eye, and that He wants you to come to Him and talk to Him. He loves you and gave Jesus (God Himself in human form) to bridge the gap caused by the fall of sin through which we cannot fully obey the law He gave us. He made the solution through Jesus, and when accepting Him, you'll accept God Himself, Who loves you, and wants to communicate with you. Jesus is the greatest Gift, Who gives salvation FREELY to whoever accepts Him. Praise God!
And now make your own Quiz!

Laptop Love

2009-04-22T20:13:00.001-04:00

Have you ever gotten a great deal on something and you have to pinch yourself to make sure you are not dreaming? This has happened to me. Here is the story.

I have been in the market for a laptop for myself and was not sure how much memory I would need since Vista is a known memory hog. I do work in Computer Support, but my scope of knowledge is desktop support and I know enough to possibly be dangerous. Ha-ha! However, I do have a plethora of knowledge surrounding me since I work with computer “geeks”. That being said, you know what I did, right? I went to one of the abundant sources of knowledge who would steer me in the right direction. I told him what I want to use the laptop for, email, blogging, Face Book, and general goofing off cruising the World Wide Web. I don’t do any gaming or any other high end memory usage stuff, so I just need it for “normal stuff”. My co-worker says he has one he will sell me…..for $300…..he paid $1100 for it a year ago…. and was used about three times before his wife’s company bought her one. In other words, it is practically brand new! I know this guy, so I know the laptop is going to be a good one. I immediately said yes.

Fast forward to today. I get the laptop. I open the laptop bag (YES, it even comes with its own laptop bag), and I hear the angels sing. The heavens open up and there is a bright light shining down on me. Sitting in the bag is one of the prettiest laptops I have ever seen. I never knew that a laptop can be pretty! This is a Special Edition HP Pavilion. Oh. My. Goodness. I feel like a kid at Christmas! This has a built in web cam, SD memory card reader built in, extended life battery, the sweetest keyboard and touchpad ever, and a REMOTE CONTROL for the DVD player on it! I am going from a Ugo to a Cadillac! I am over the moon!

How to Speak Southern #1

2009-04-20T19:51:00.005-04:00

You all may not know this, but I am a Southern girl living in the North. Or as my mom calls me G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South). And I LOVE grits, so to be called G.R.I.T.S. is way cool if you ask me. I was cleaning my work area today and came across a book one of my co-workers pawned off...I mean gave to me a couple months ago becasuse it reminded her of me. The title of it is More How To Speak Southern. Wonder what made her think to give it to me? Ha,ha! It is so funny, I thought I would share some of it with my bloggy buddies. I don't want to overwhelm my pupils, so we will start with just a few for today.

Wawk - a method of of non-polluting travel by foot. "Why don't we take an old-fashioned wawk?" OMG! I so pronounce walk this way. Eek!

Fawt - What Yankees and Southerners did when the South asked for a divorce in 1861 and the North refused to grant it. "Nobody fawt like Stonewall Jackson." Way useless trivia fact: Stonewall, Louisiana is named after the ole boy.

Dite - what people do to lose weight. "I think I am going on a dite."

Supper - the evening meal Southerners are having while Yankees are having dinner. "What's for supper, honey?" *is supper REALLY a Southern thing? I thought everyone said that. For real.

Fline - to travel by air. "I am fline to Louisiana next month." I am guilty of this one too. And I REALLY am fline to Louisiana next month! Woo hoo!

Tump - this one is actually a colloquialism from my "neck of the woods". It is a combination of dump and tip. I have asked fellow Southerners from states other than Louisiana who had no clue about this word. "Don't tump over the glass of water." I honestly did not know that was not a real word for most my life until my hubby proved to me that it is not in the Websters dictionary. I was shawked, Southern speak for shocked.

Do any of you have any colloquialisms or sayings from your neck of the woods?

Freak on Friday

2009-04-17T19:50:00.003-04:00

....at least that is what I feel like after my latest moment of forgetfulness. (Is forgetfulness a word?) You are going to love this story. It is funny, scary, and sad all at the same time! This is a true story, but don't try this at home kids. Ha! You know what a week I have had, right? Well this evening after work, I was going to let the dog take me for a walk...I mean I was going to take the dog for a walk. I mention to him that we were going for a walk. Yes, I talk to my dog. Doesn't everybody? Sorry - I digress. So I proceed to go upstairs to change into some workout clothes and the dog follows me up. He is super excited, running around, barking, and bucking like a horse because this is what he does when excited. I am trying to hurry because a 140 pound barking, bucking dog following you around is a bit nerve-wracking. I change into a a t-shirt, find my workout pants, take my jeans off, go to the bathroom, and wash my hands. Remember this whole time the dog is having a meltdown of excitement. I take off down the stairs to get my walking shoes on and get crazy dog off for his walk and then it dawned on me as I get to the bottom of the stairs. I have no pants on. You read that right. NO PANTS ON! OH. MY. GOSH! What the hell is wrong with me? What kind of freak forgets their pants? Seriously! By the way, I have yet to find the phone, my favorite jacket, or my mind. I will keep you posted.

Lost and Not Found

2009-04-15T19:27:00.003-04:00

Somehow I have lost my cell phone.....again! This will be my third to lose. It has been about a year and a half since I lost the last one, so I guess it isn't that bad (by my standards). The last time I had it I was sitting on my couch. I remember it vividly. But somehow it is not on the couch, in the couch, or under the couch. However, this is what I did find in my couch, and under my couch:

One sock.....and all this time I have blamed my dryer for eating socks!

Bank statement ...... don't even ask. I haven't a clue.

Book by one of my favorite authors, Cathterine Mann, that was published LAST YEAR!

My Steel City Mafia business cards....been looking for those for months.

Unused white envelope.

Pen

.....but no cell phone.

Other things I have lost the past two weeks:

My favorite Harley jacket.....still trying to figure out where it is.

Keys (my set), so I was using hubby's since he is out of town. Now found.

Keys (hubby's)....I think I know where they are. I had better check....

My wallet....this one had me in tears. Lost it at the restaurant last Friday. Did not realize it until I got back on base (work). I called and was told by the bimbo "we HAVE looked under the table, but did not find it. We will call you if we do." I KNOW it is there because I had it out when I paid and went straight back to work. Jumped in the car, drove back to the restaurant, and the hostess and I asked the couple sitting at the table if they would be so kind and look under the table for me. And there it was! I love a happy ending!

My mind....I tend to lose and find this all the time. It is a vicious cycle!

Back to the cell phone. I am going to pull the couch away from the wall and look yet again. The battery was dead last time I had it in my hand, so calling it has been out of the question. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. ;-)

Speaking of cell phones, something really annoyed me at the gym today. Yes, you read that right, the gym. Some stupid girl ( I say girl, she was in her 20's) was on the stair climber talking on her cell phone! And not talking with her inside voice! What a knucklehead! You are so attached to your phone, you cannot bear to be away from it long enough to exercise? Is it just me or do you think that is obnoxious too? Just curious.

Widget Love

2009-04-13T19:11:00.006-04:00

I love my widgets! The first one is my leg lamp. First of all, it turns off and on. How cool is that? A side note, I made a leg lamp once for someone who was leaving the B-2 office where I worked. I am working on hunting down a picture of it, so a seperate blog on that later. ;-)

The counter. Okay, mine is nothing fancy but it is really cool so see how many hits I have had. Since implementing it, I have had over 1920 hits! Okay....so maybe 920 of them are mine from going back and forth, but even a 1000 hits since December 25th just blows my mind! I am still shocked that anyone would read what I have to say. I am not so great at writing but love the social aspect of blogging. So to all of you wonderful peeps who have helped to get me this far, THANK YOU!

Last but not least, the Live Traffic Feed totally rocks! Just today, I had someone from Perth, Western Australia! I've had someone from Moscow, Russia and other countries I have not ever even heard of. I highly recommend this to all of you because it is so neat to see where folks who are reading you are from since there are so many lurkers. No complaints, I love my lurkers! And I love to see where they are lurking from. ;-) I have had so many different states and countries, my heart always flutters when I see a new one.

Do you have a favorite widget? Widget recommendations? Like shoes and purses, a girl can never have enough widgets!

Love Story

2009-04-10T19:11:00.005-04:00

Got this one from E @ TMI and thought it was wonderful! Her instructions are as follows:

This is all about your love story. Fill it out. If you find this; it's because I want to know your story, even if I've already heard it. Copy and paste the entire note into a new note, then edit the answers.

♥ What are your middle names?
Sue/Scott

♥ How long have you been together?
thirteen years; married 12

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
6 months

♥ Who asked who out?
He did - I played hard to get

♥ How old are each of you?
45/41 (I'm a cougar...ha,ha)

♥ Whose siblings do/ did you see the most?
His because they live here and mine are in TX and LA

♥ Do you have any children together?
One

♥ What about pets?
Brutus, 141 pound yellow lab

♥ Did you go to the same school?
Nope, I grew up in LA and he in OH

♥ Are you from the same home town?
Nope

♥ Who is smarter?
I think we are evenly matched.

♥ Who is more sensitive?
Equal

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Heck, I don't really know!

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Hawaii

♥ Who has the worst temper?
Probably me

♥ Who does the cooking?
Me

♥ Who is more social?
This is a hard one, but I will say me. I do have more with friends.

♥ Who is the neat-freak?
Easy one! Him - I am a disaster!

♥ Who is the more stubborn?
Him

♥ Who hogs the bed?
He claims I do, but I don't believe him

♥ Who wakes up earlier?
He does for sure

♥ Where was your first date?
Not sure since we went out as friends for the first 6 months.

♥ Who has the bigger family?
About the same

♥ Do you get flowers often?
Often enough

♥ How do you spend the holidays?
Usually do our own thing on Thanksgiving and Christmas w/his dad and stepmom. (His mom snow birds it down to Florida)

♥ Who is more jealous?
neither of us have a jealous bone in our body - it's a waste of time and emotion

♥ How long did it take to get serious?
six months, then the Clue Fairy paid us a visit

♥ Who does/ did the laundry?
Me, he is not allowed since washing a dry clean only suit (my favorite). This was 12 years ago!

♥ Who’s better with the computer?
Me - he calls me his Techno Gangsta

♥ Who drives when you are together?
Him, but I think I drive better (what wife doesn't? ha,ha!)

Round Robin - Meme

2009-04-10T18:39:00.002-04:00

You girls already know I am a blogger klepto,so I swiped this idea from Alexis and she knows it! LOL. Actually she challenged all her followers to do this and it looked like too much fun to resist.

8 Things I am Looking Forward to:
1. Sleeping in tomorrow morning
2. Warmer weather
3. Riding my motorcycle
4. Watching my sister graduate medical school next month
5. Winning more of Alexis' Giveaways on her site! LOL
6. Hubby getting home from his 5 week long TDY in two weeks.
7. Going to the grown up "Prom" with my girlfriends in two weeks
8. Eating at Superior Bar and Grill in my hometown of Shreveport, LA AND seeing my friends and family!!

8 Things I Did Yesterday (not in order):
1. Went to a Retirement Party after work
2. Drank beer at said Retirement Party
3. Saw the baby birds for the first time
4. Went to a staff meeting
5. Pinched a co-worker (he needed it!)
6. Issued a blackberry at work
7. Hugged a Colonel
8. Saw some old friends from the B-2 Office, felt like a Reunion!

8 Things I Wish I Could do:
1. Make the world a better place
2. Travel around the world
3. Swim with dolphins
4. Win the swingset on Dad's Blog and give it to Alexis
5. Wake up skinny again .... LOL *had to keep this one, Lex!
6. Be more motivated to clean my house
7. Have more time to read
8. Have a maid and/or personal chef

8 Shows I Watch:
1. Survivor
2. Gray's Anatomy
3. American Idol
4. Americans Next Top Model
5. The Biggest Loser
6. The Amazing Race
7. Anything on History Channel
8. Cold Case Files

Now I am supposed to list 8 friends, but I don't want to chose or make anyone feel like they have to do this. If you would like to play, go for it! If not, I will be reading your blog anyway!

xoxoxoxo

D

We Have Babies!

2009-04-09T19:36:00.004-04:00

OMG! The twins are here! Not sure how long they have been here since I did post the picture of momma bird last week and she appeared to be sitting on her eggs. She must have been covering her babies because they are out now and they look like pre-teens already! Do they grow that quick? I am really freaked that they have already hatched and are so big. However it happened, I am ecstatic. I want to name them but obviously don't know their sex. I am thinking I need to go with some unisex names. I am open to suggestions. Let's make this fun. The person with the winning names(s) gets a prize! I love giving away prizes! So put on your thinking caps and give me some suggestions. Remember, I want names that can go either way so to speak.

Newsletter From One of My Favorite Authors, Catherine Mann

2009-04-07T20:46:00.011-04:00

This picture was taken when I first met Cathy at a book signing at the Wright Patterson BX. At the time, I worked with her awesome husband, LtCol Robert "Wanna" Mann.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I JUST found out after posting this earlier today that Cathy just joined blogspt. I am so excited! I HIGHLY recommend that you check it out and hopefully follow her. You won't regret it!
http://catherinemann1.blogspot.com/ (sorry, still not getting the links to work in my posts.)

**Reposted with Cathy's blessings! I have the pleasure of personally knowing Cathy. She is a super sweet lady and a phenomenal writer. I own every single one of her books and they are treasures to me. I have the honor of having a character in one of her books (very) loosely base on yours truely. Well the character had a call sign and it is the same as mine and the story behind it the same. Maybe I will blog about how I got the name if I ever get around to cleaning out the skeletons from my closet..ha! In the Air Force the character and I had the call sign of Flipper. I cannot tell you what a thrill and surprise it was when I read it in the book! Make sure you read through this completely. Cathy is have a giveaway with 25 winners! Without further ado.......

Hi there! I'm thrilled to announce that the flyboys have landed!! Yes, April 7 is finally here and so is my new "Dark Ops" series from Berkley Sensation! DEFENDER is on shelves now! Here's the scoop:

!*!*!*!*DEFENDER on shelves now*!*!*!*!*
When a USO boat goes down in flames, test pilot Jimmy Gage pulls a scantily clad Chloe Nelson out of the shark-filled Mediterranean. Although she is grateful, and he's as hot as the fire that took the boat down, the last thing Chloe needs is a jet-jock to be her bodyguard—until she inadvertently finds herself closer to Gage than she ever expected, and side by side in a dangerous mission...

Gage is desperate to find a fellow airman, missing and reportedly held captive. A pub in Istanbul, controlled by a notorious and sadistic female adversary, may hold the key. Now, moving in toward untold dangers, Gage can't afford to let his growing attraction to Chloe distract him for a second—or it may cost the lives of his crew, the prisoner they must rescue, and the woman he's unable to resist.

*!*!*!*DEFENDER reviews!*!*!*!*

The reviews are in and they're rocking awesome!

"Relentless suspense, heroes to fall in love with right from page one--this must be another military romance by the fabulous Catherine Mann!" --NY Times bestseller Suzanne Brockmann

"Fans of Suzanne Brockmann will find that this book with its powerful storylines and realistic backgrounds is a roller-coaster ride bursting at the seams with one electrifying moment after another - 5 Cups!" --Coffee Times Romance Reviews

"Great military 'feel'; wonderful characters; plenty of action – 5 Stars!" --Errant Dreams Reviews

"This exciting first Darks Ops military thriller hooks the audience from the opening suspense laden scene and never loosens the tension until the end - 5 Stars!" --Genre Go Round Reviews

"Dynamically appealing characters plus an intriguing plot packed with perilous danger make DEFENDER not only spellbinding but totally satisfying - 5 Stars!" --Cataromance,

*!*!*!*!*!*Excerpts Posted*!*!*!*!*!*
My website has been updated, complete with new covers and excerpts for DEFENDER and other upcoming releases. Check them out at catherinemann.com

*!*!*!*!*!*Spring Cleaning! Free Books*!*!*!*!*!*
I'm in the midst of spring cleaning and have found I have a number of extra author copies of books on hand. To celebrate the release of DEFENDER and the upcoming May release of HOTSHOT, I'm running a contest. Winner's choice of one book from my backlist books between 2005-2008! Twenty-five winners will be chosen at random. Yes, that's TWENTY-FIVE winner! (Winners will be asked to list a first and second choice in case I run out of some of the books. More about the books can be found on the books page of my website. catherinemann.com ) Rules for entering are posted on the message board on my website. You do NOT need to post or log in. The instructions are open to the public for viewing! Check it out at catherinemann.com - Good luck and happy reading!

*!*!*!*!*Message Board*!*!*!*!*
As I noted above, you don't have to post on the message board in order to enter the contest, however I sure do enjoy hearing from readers. If you would like to discuss DEFENDER or any other books, I will be around and checking in frequently on the message board this month.

*!*!*!*!*!Bookmarks*!*!*!*!*
I have hot new bookmarks to share with readers and booksellers. If you would like a bookmark, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Catherine Mann
P.O. Box 6065
Navarre, FL 32566
Please note if you need extra bookmarks (and how many) to share with other romance reader friends! I'll send them out for as long as supplies last.

Endless thanks for all your letters, enthusiasm and generous help in spreading the word about my books!!

As always, feel free to share this newsletter with anyone, anywhere, anytime!

Love,
Cathy
www.catherinemann.com
Catherine Mann, RITA Award Winner
Current and Upcoming Releases:
DEFENDER, "Dark Ops," Berkley Sensation 4/09
HOTSHOT, "Dark Ops," Berkley Sensation 5/09
PROPOSITIONED INTO A FOREIGN AFFAIR, Silhouette Desire 5/09
MILLIONAIRE IN COMMAND, Silhouette Desire 10/09
RENENGADE, "Dark Ops," Berkley Sensation 1/10
BOSS MAN'S BABY SCANDAL, Silhouette Desire 1/10

Backlist: (Still available online at amazon.com)
HIS EXPECTANT EX, Silhouette Desire 9/08
RICH MAN'S FAKE FIANCEE, Silhouette Desire 6/08
OUT OF UNIFORM, Silhouette Romantic Suspense 02/08
EXECUTIVE'S SURPRISE BABY, Silhouette Desire December 12/07
HOLIDAY HEROES w/Rachel Lee, Silhouette Romantic Suspense 11/07
BET ME w/Joanne Rock and Debra Webb, HQ 8/07
ON TARGET, HQN Books 7/07
UNDER THE MILLIONARE'S INFLUENCE, Silhouette Desire 3/07
FULLY ENGAGED, Silhouette IM 11/06
SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS w/Rachel Lee & Merline Lovelace, HQN 10/06 (reissue)
MORE THAN WORDS w/Susan Wiggs, Karen Harper, Kasey Michaels & Tori Carrington 10/06
BLAZE OF GLORY, HQN July 2006
BABY, I'M YOURS, Silhouette Desire, 4/06
AWAKEN TO DANGER, Silhouette IM 1/06
THE CAPTIVE'S RETURN, Silhouette IM 10/05
CODE OF HONOR, HQN 8/05
EXPLOSIVE ALLIANCE, Silhouette IM 2/05
SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS w/Rachel Lee & Merline Lovelace, HQN 11/04
PURSUED, Silhouette Bombshell 11/04
JOINT FORCES, Silhouette IM 5/04
ANYTHING, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, Silhouette 3/04
STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT, Silhouette IM 11/03
PRIVATE MANEUVERS, Silhouette IM 6/03
THE CINDERELLA MISSION, Silhouette IM, 2/03
UNDER SIEGE, Silhouette IM 1/03
TAKING COVER, Silhouette IM 11/02
GRAYSON'S SURRENDER, Silhouette IM 9/02
WEDDING AT WHITE SANDS, Silhouette IM 6/02

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-01T19:34:00.004-04:00

Momma bird is in full nesting mode. She let me get pretty close today because she was not going to leave her eggs. I was very slow and careful as to not give her a heart attack. She seems to be hunkered down more than she was at first. She is such a sweet momma!

BTW - can anyone tell if this is a pigeon or a dove? I can't tell!

Hope everyone is having a good week so far!~

Awards!

2009-03-31T19:56:00.008-04:00

I am super stoked about the three awards given to me by Janana Bee. She rocks! Forgive me girls, for not having the names hyperlinked but for some reason Blogger and/or my computer will not let me insert links! I digress...sorry. Since I have mad love for my bloggy friends, I am sharing! And the awards go to.......

Lemonade Award goes to: Chris @ My Cat Ate my Brain, HoodChick @ My Life Requires Alcohol, and Dawn @ Bee and Rose.

Sisterhood Award: Jessica @ Circling the Square Table, Sweetsue @ sweetsue, Blueviolet @ A Nut in a Nutshell, Pam @ Country Mouse City Mouse, Sandy @ Rooster's Blog**

Hottie Award: Alexis @ Running Away? I'll Help You Pack, E @ TMI, Allie @ My Mommy Says, DiaPaola Momma @ Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom, Smart Mouth Broad @ Words of Wisdom from a Smart Mouth Broad, Wunderwoman @ Wunderwoman

**I would like to give a special shout out to Sandy at Rooster's Blog. Sandy is in the Air Force Reserve Unit that I used to be in and has been battling leukemia and winning! She is an amazing woman and one of our military's finest. Please check out her blog if you get a chance. She is listed under my followers. (Sorry, maybe one day I will figure out why Blogger hates me and will not let me link.)

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-25T17:32:00.001-04:00

My wonderful hubby!

On The Road Again

2009-03-23T20:55:00.006-04:00

It is that time of year! Time to hit the happy trails on two wheels!

Big Blue

AKA Grandpa Bike

Hubs posing with Big Blue, his pride and joy. He love this bike almost as much as his family!

My Bella

Isn't she pretty? And she is all mine! I let hubs ride her every now and then.

We Are Having Babies!

2009-03-22T10:34:00.006-04:00

Gotcha! We are having babies but not what you thought initially. Hee,hee! A pigeon has decided my hanging flower pot is a lovely place to make her nest. I am so thrilled! I can't wait to have the little baby birds in there. Momma bird is so sweet. I have seen Daddy bird visiting as well. I think he may have been bringing her some take out to eat! I will take pictures of the new "children" when they arrive.

Swinging in the breeze!

Isn't she just the sweetest thing?

These eggs seem big for such a small bird. I wonder if they go through birthing pains like humans? I know, I wonder some really crazy things!

I'm a Sunflower

2009-03-21T15:20:00.002-04:00

I have been taking alot of quizzes on Facebook lately and took one today that determines what kind of flower you are. I was thrilled that I am a sunflower as they are one of my favorite flowers! Here is what the quiz says about me:

You are energetic and have a natural influence on others. You tend to be very upbeat and laugh often. People enjoy being around you. Only a few of the reasons you have so many friends. GREAT!

Of course, I noticed that when ANYONE takes a quiz it is always a nice result. It would be cool to have a quiz that will determine if you are really nice or mean and nasty! HA,HA!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Match Day

2009-03-19T20:51:00.004-04:00

My (much) younger sister, Janet, is graduating from medical school on May 16th in Ft Worth, TX. I am so proud of her. She is the "baby" of four children. Our older sister was 17 when Janet was born. My older brother, Mel, was 14 years old and I was 13. We had so much fun with her. She was like our baby. My best friend and I would put her in the stroller and walk her around the neighborhood. She was my living babydoll! And now she is a doctor! Today was Match Day. Match Day, you ask? Medical students interview with hospitals for positions. And at the same time, the student doctor is interviewing the hospital. In my sister's case, she interviewed with 10 hospitals. The student doctor ranks her/his preference of hospitals and the hospitals rank the student's. Then they match the student and hospital. Some folks do not get matched at all and have to scramble to find places. Janet found out earlier this week that she did match. She will not tell anyone how she ranked her choices, but judging by her excitement I believe she got her first choice. She will be working in the ER at LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana! First thing that came to my mind is LSU football! Woo hoo! She has worked many years to get to this place in her life and I am completley thrilled that she followed her dreams and is about the reap the rewards of her dedicated work! She is not only my baby sister, she is my hero! Congratulations sis! I love you!

I've Been Dumped..........!

2009-03-18T18:53:00.004-04:00

...........by one of my followers! Stopped following me. No Dear John letter. Nothing. I only had 21 to begin with. And I hope you all know how much you mean to me! Needless to say, I was heartbroken! Couldn't we have gone to blogger therapy? I didn't even get served papers to appear in bloggy divorce court! I didn't even get to plead my case to Judge Judy! Or Judge Joe Brown! Or Christina's Court! Or the hunky Judge Alex! No tearful goodbyes. I had no idea it was about to end. Woke up one morning and I was missing you, #21. I know who you are, but to respect your privacy you shall remain annonymous. I was totally blindsided. Couldn't we have talked this out? Was I dumped because I had a quiet week with no posts? Did I not say I Love You enough? I did not give you enough attention? We could have worked this out. Please come back to me! I promise to me more attentive from now on!

Andy Rooney is a Smart Man!

2009-03-17T20:19:00.002-04:00

In case you missed it on 60 Minutes, this is what Andy Rooney thinks about
women over 40:

60 Minutes Correspondent Andy Rooney (CBS)

As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few
reasons why:

A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask,
'What are you thinking?' She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around
whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more
interesting..

Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at
the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you
deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away
with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's
like to be unappreciated.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a
woman over 40.

Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her
younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are
a jerk, if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you
stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's
not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well -coiffed, hot woman over 40,
there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with
some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.

For all those men who say, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for
free? here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage.
Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a
little sausage!

Andy Rooney is a really smart guy!

Birthday Giveaway Winners!

2009-03-09T20:38:00.002-04:00

I have had a really nice day today! I got tons of emails, birthday cards, instant messages, presents, lunch, and dinner! I did the family and friend thing on Saturday and I must tell you my hubby embarrassed me so bad. We went to Outback and they gave me a sundae for dessert. They do not do any singing there which is perfectly fine by me. HOWEVER once the waiter delivered it my husband got out of his chair and I instantly knew what he was going to do. It felt like slow motion. He got out of his chair and I said "NOOOOOOOOO Kevin!" And then he did it. He announced to the entire restaurant that we were celebrating his wife's 45 birthday and would everyone please sing Happy Birthday to me. And they did! I wanted to kill him! He had done this a couple years ago but I honestly had forgotten about it until I saw him get out of his chair!Tonight I went out with the girls and had dinner at TGIFridays and had a couple of drinks. This time the servers sang Happy Birthday so that wasn't too embarrassing considering Saturday! My new favorite drink is Pomegranite Margarita. Can you say YUMMY? And to top off the night, one of my best friends daughters had a boob job and let me see them. I do not swing both ways but I was just curious. She did not mind showing me, so I went in the bathroom and I got to check the girls out. Even felt them. They were beautiful and looked really great on her. I cannot describe the feeling. Soft and firm at the same time. I was comparing mine to hers and I must say mine weren't bad for a 45 year old especially compared to a 21 year old with beautiful store bought boobs ...ha,ha!

Now for the really fun stuff! The winners were randomly chosen at Random.org. And the winners are..............

JannaBee - the Boro Glass pendant necklace

Chef E - Vera Bradley clip zip ID holder

Tooj - Lovely matching coin purse and debit card holder

Ladies - please email me your snail mail addresses and Janna, I need to know the lenght you want for your necklace. flipper3964@gmail.com

Dog Running in His Sleep

2009-03-06T20:27:00.002-05:00

This made me laugh so hard, I cried! This looks like a yellow lab just like mine. Brutus also runs in his sleep but now quiet this fast.

I promised I would let you know in another post what the 2nd prize is. Two words - Vera Bradley! But don't get too excited. I bought this so it is not one of the big items, but it is cute. It is the clip zip ID holder in green Cupcake.

Friday Favorites

2009-03-05T20:23:00.007-05:00

Thanks to Janna for the idea. It's Friday Favorites! Time to give a shout out to the things that got me through the week and give credit where credit is due! Here are my Friday Favorites this week....

He drives me crazy but I love him! He really is a good man!

My son who loves the Steelers almost as much as me~!

Brutus loves to lay in the snow!

Brutus likes to supervise Dad while he shovels.

I was in the window of our bedroom upstairs and took these pictures and even flashed him. He didn't even see me do it. Hopefully the neighbors didn't either. But if they did, I don't care! Ha,ha!

Always thankful to have a house!

I am sneaking in another prize alert. Drop me a line on this post and you are entered for prize #3!

Wordless Wednesday ~Message to the Thief

2009-03-04T19:31:00.004-05:00

Click on the picture to enlarge so you can read the message.

Free To a Good Home

2009-03-03T19:26:00.004-05:00

My husband is on my last nerve tonight. Comes home from the gym, grabs his dinner which I made while he was gone, and tells me to change the channel when he comes into the living room with his plate of food. Um, hello.....I am watching something! You don't roll into the living room in the middle of my program that I am obviously watching and tell me to change the channel! WTF? And this whole time, mini-me (son who is the carbon copy of his dad) is sitting on the couch preaching to me because I should go to the gym EVERY night because "we" pay money for me to go. What the hell is going on with these clowns tonight? I think I am going to retire to my boudior early tonight to get some peace and quiet! I hope everyone else is having a better evening.

Off topic - only 14 folks in the running for my birthday giveaway, so everyone has a really decent chances on getting the prize! Since I wish I could give you all something, I have decided to give a second gift away in that same drawing. I will reveal what it is in another post. See the method to my madness? If you want the scoop, you have to keep coming back and reading my new posts to see if I sneak something in! As Chris O would say, I am pimping out my blog. Ha,ha! Love ya girl ~ you are such a hoot!

xoxoxoxo to all!

Help Me Celebrate my Birthday ~ Giveaway!

2009-02-28T17:37:00.004-05:00

My birthday is March 9th and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate it than sharing gifts with my friends! I plan on having several giveaways during the month of March so stay tuned for chances on a couple other really cute things. Okay, here is the deal. For this giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment on THIS post. That is all you have to do. I will do the rest. For every person who posts a comment, you get one entry. If you comment twice, it means you love me but you still get only one entry. Deadline is March 9th. I will go by the date stamp on the comments and will draw the winner. So what is the prize you ask? A gorgeous glass blown pendant strung on suede lace. I will be making the necklace so you can have it whatever length you choose!

This pendant is one of many that I have purchased from a gentleman who lives in North Carolina and he makes these by hand. They are all gorgeous. You can see a list of his pendants for sale currently on Ebay. For some reason, my computer will not let me link via blogger so here is the address you can copy and paste into your browser: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZonlyoneglassQQhtZ-1 His pictures are far better than mine, so you will get a better feel of how beautiful the one I am giving away really is!

Please come back to vist my blog again. As said before, I will be giving more things out this month. The way I do the giveaway may or may not change. I will post the giveaway at random times, because as my followers know, I am a very random person!And it's my birthday! Woohoo! Love you all!

Breastfeeding While Driving Gets Woman a Ticket

2009-02-27T21:49:00.005-05:00

I think I have heard about everything now. Gives a new meaning to drinking and driving! What a baffoon!!!!!!

Article below republished from the Dayton Daily News.

Breastfeeding while driving gets woman a ticket
Comment: What would you say to this mom? Would you have alerted authorities?
By Kelli Wynn

Staff Writer

Friday, February 27, 2009

KETTERING — A Harrison Twp. woman faces child endangering charges after police said she admitted to breastfeeding her child and talking on a cell phone while driving, according to Kettering Police Officer Michael Burke.

The incident happened about 7:45 a.m. Thursday, Feb., 26, near the intersection of Far Hills Avenue and Dorothy Lane, Burke said.

A male motorist called the police department's non-emergency number to report that he had seen the woman breastfeeding and talking on a cell phone while driving, Burke said. The man reported that he also witnessed the woman driving a Honda minivan into the parking lot of a local school and saw some children get out of the van. The man then got the van's license plate number and called police.

"I'm following right behind her right now on Far Hills Avenue," the caller said as he spoke to a Kettering dispatcher in a recording of his non-emergency call that was released by police on Friday, Feb. 27.

"I tried to say something to her. She literally has the little girl on the steering wheel and I said, 'I can't believe you have that kid in your lap and she said, 'You want to pop your titty out and breastfeed this kid?' That's what she said to me. I'm like, 'You can feed your kid when you stop.' It's like wet out here. It's full of traffic. It's ridiculous. She's got like three other kids in the car."

The police came to the area and tried to locate the van, but could not find it. So they used the license plate number to track down her contact information, Burke said.

When a police officer spoke to her, she admitted she breastfed her child and also told police that she does not deprive her child when the child is hungry, Burke said.

The officer took the information and presented it to the city prosecutor's office. That's when Genine Compton, 39, of Elm Grove in Harrison Twp., was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor of child endangering and minor misdemeanor for unlawfully restraining her child, which Burke believes was under 2.

When police were unsuccessful with serving Compton her ticket and a court summons at her home on Friday, Feb. 27, an officer went to the school where the witness saw her drop off the children on Thursday morning. The officer used the descriptions the witness gave to locate Compton at the school and serve the tickets and summons, Burke said. Compton was not arrested.

When asked why the tickets and summons couldn't be mailed, Burke said, "It's legal documents. We have to personally serve them to the defendant."

If convicted of the child endangering charge, Compton could face up to 180 days in jail and fined between $1,500 and $1,800, Burke said. If convicted of the unlawful restraint charge, Compton could be fined up to $150.

"Our issue is not the fact that this woman was breastfeeding in public," Burke said. He added that Compton would have been charged even if the child was just sitting on her lap. "Our issue is that she created the condition that placed her child's health and safety at risk."

Time to Go Home

2009-02-27T20:31:00.005-05:00

What a weird, funky day! PMS, craziness at work,go to grab fast food for dinner and forgot wallet at home. Go back to grab fast food that has become not so fast. Roll up to order, doing pretty good until I say "large root beer with light lettuce." I have no clue where the lettuce came from. I was so stunned, I couldn't think of the word ice to correct myself. After what felt like a minute, I blurted out "I MEAN ICE!". I am home now and off the streets. It's safer this way........

What Color is Your Rainbow?

2009-02-25T20:45:00.004-05:00

This is so cool! Only takes a minute to take. Hope you all do this because I want to see yours.

Your rainbow is shaded yellow.

What is says about you: You are a joyful person. You appreciate optimism. You're good at getting people to like you.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

Mardi Gras Defined

2009-02-24T22:16:00.003-05:00

I am from Louisiana, so I thought I would share some interesting history about something that is often associated with my beloved home state.

I found this from History.com:

Mardi Gras History

Also known as "fat Tuesday," this pre-Lenten festival is celebrated in Roman Catholic countries and communities. In a strict sense, Mardi Gras, or Shrove Tuesday, is celebrated by the French as the last of the three days of Shrovetide and is a time of preparation immediately before Ash Wednesday and the start of the fast of Lent. Mardi Gras is thus the last opportunity for merrymaking and indulgence in food and drink. In practice, the festival is generally celebrated for one full week before Lent. Mardi Gras is marked by spectacular parades featuring floats, pageants, elaborate costumes, masked balls, and people dancing in the streets.

Mardi Gras originated as one of the series of carnival days held in all Roman Catholic countries between Twelfth Night, or Epiphany, and Ash Wednesday; these carnivals had their origin in pre-Christian spring fertility rites. The most famous modern Mardi Gras festivities are those held in New Orleans, La.; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Nice, France; and Cologne, Germany.

The first American Mardi Gras was celebrated near modern-day New Orleans on March 3, 1699. It wasn't until the mid-1800s did official parade organizations start to form with the Mystick Krewe of Comus in 1856 and the Krewe of Rex in 1872. The tradition is still carried on in New Orleans with many other krewes represented on floats in a myriad of parades. The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold (representing justice, faith and power).

Mardi Gras celebrations can start as early as January 6, on the feast of Epiphany. The festivities end at midnight on Tuesday--the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras day falls on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9. Like Ash Wednesday, the date Mardi Gras falls on depends on the date of Easter--always occurring 46 days before Easter.

Real Housewives of Orange County - Hate 'em or Love 'em?

2009-02-24T21:13:00.005-05:00

I love, love, love all the Real Housewives series. I am obsessed! This year the Orange County girls have been a trip. I have been up and down with how I feel about them this whole season. Vicki and Tamra have been total biotchs this season. I am watching the Reunion show and these two are so self riteous it makes me want to throw my laptop at them through the television! I am still unsure of Lynn, the newest housewife, but I feel bad for her with how these crazy women are treating her. Vicki and Tamra have been horrible and act as if they are justified. I have always liked Jeana - she is the most down to earth normal one here. Gretchen is a really nice perosn, but I have always had a sneaky suspicion of how she really felt about Jeff. I am sure she loved him but I am not sure she loved him like a lover. It seems to me that she loved him like a father. But I could be wrong. I was googling the Housewives earlier and found the story below. All I got to say is "things that make you go hmmmmmm......"

A “Real Housewives Of Orange County” Arrest And Secret Hookup
Posted by: Annika Harris | Filed in: News & Culture
3:00PM, Tuesday February 24th 2009
Comments (1) E-Mail | Share:

BravoTV.com/Splash News
Even though cameras have stopped taping, the drama surrounding the people of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” continues.

Slade Smiley, who was shacked up with Jo De La Rosa on previous seasons of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” and tried to help Jo find lasting love on “Date My Ex,” was arrested Friday for “civil contempt,” which usually means non-payment of court fees or child support. He may have been visiting Gretchen Rossi, who joined the cast of “Housewives” for season four, because Slade was picked up on the same block where Gretchen supposedly lives.

So basically, Slade didn’t really have full custody of his sons like he tried to pretend on the first season of “Housewives.” Neither of his sons, one of which is very ill with a brain tumor, lives with him. And it seems Slade, whose house was foreclosed last year, is too broke to pay his bills. He must have a few stacks of money stashed somewhere, though, because Gretchen doesn’t play for free. I think these two are hooking up because Slade thinks of himself as the Orange County player. Remember how he started dating Lauri right after he and Jo broke up, but then ditched Lauri when Jo showed interest again?

But there’s more to this story. Jay Photoglou, an ex-boyfriend of Gretchen’s, claims he was still dating the reality star while her fiance was dying. And he’s the reason Slade was eventually arrested. He wrote in the comments of a blog post that he tried to retrieve items he’d left at Gretchen’s house, but couldn’t initially gain access despite having police assistance. Jay wrote that he and the police heard Gretchen and Slade upstairs, but they wouldn’t come out and tried to pretend they weren’t in the home. While Jay was getting some of his things, he overheard the police say: “[Slade] has a suspended [license] and a fake tag on his unregistered car as well as a warrant for $10,000 out of LA county.”

Wow, either this Jay dude is trying to get his 15 minutes of fame or he really has it out for Gretchen and Slade. I just wish we got to see this side of “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” instead of Vicki Gunvalson’s incessant screaming. [Jezebel]

Talk to Me!

2009-02-22T18:43:00.004-05:00

This ia really goofball experiment, which is very fitting for me since I am a goofball. I jones over other people's blogs and all the wonderful comments they generate. The most I have had is 13, which thrilled me to death! So please throw me a bone. Leave me a comment, about anything. Or drop a suggestion for a blog post. Or ask me a question. Or just say Hi! I want to top my 13 comments. Of course, I think a good suggestion would be for me to blog about something intereresting or funny and that would do the trick! LOL - but today, I got nothing!

Hope everyone had a super weekend!

The War Department

2009-02-21T13:53:00.002-05:00

............this is my hubby's new nickname for me. I found this out when I checked out my Facebook account the other day and his post was "Waiting for the War Dept to get home from work." We are happily married because he is funny and I like funny! Some other Kevin-isms(that are decent enough to post..hah):

Hooves - this is what we now call our feet. It all started because one time he picked me up and said "Boy, you are getting heavy on the hoof." He did not mean it in a bad way. And if I wasn't laughing so hard, I would have been pissed and slapped him!

Knucka - another nickname I have had for years. It is short for knucklehead. No worries, I call him that too. People think we are weird, but it has worked for us for over 13 years. (or as he says LONG years!)

Medusa - another nickename. My hair is wild in the mornings. He says it looks like I have snakes coming out of my head.

Cupcake - another nickname. This one is so sweet it gave me a cavity!

Spousal frequency - Kevin is a full time Air Force Reservist and has to take annual hearing tests. He says he passed but failed the "spousal" frequency, so that is why he does not hear me a lot of times.

Spousal encouragement - he says he does not nag. He is just giving me spousal encouragement.

Paws - this is our hands. Not sure why he came up with this one other than the obvious. But he does call them that.

Cacti- plural for cactus when referring to my unshaven legs. Is this even a real word?

Firecracker hair - he actually stole this one from my mom. She asked me once if I combed my hair with a firecracker. He quickly latched on to this one!

Darth (as in Vader) - He says he sleeps with "Darth". I have to sleep with a C-Pap. Which is a breathing mask because I have sleep apnea.

There are others things, but they are a little racy. God, I love this man!

He says he was protecting our country when this was taken.

Who Nose Why?

2009-02-19T18:41:00.003-05:00

My regular followers know how random I can be but I saw something this morning in the bagel shop located at work, and it made me wonder. Have you ever noticed that a lot of people blow their nose, then opens the tissue and looks at it? Gross! I know. But it happens and in public. Especially with older men. Why? What are they expecting to see? The winning lottery ticket? A lucky charm? A lucky penny? I'm just saying.............

I will leave you with a funny saying I saw on a birthday card once. You can pick your nose. You can pick your friends. But you can't pick your friend's nose!

In Honor of Oscar

2009-02-18T19:39:00.005-05:00

In honor of the upcoming Academy Awards, here are a couple of snipets from my own acting career.

I was in a "movie production" of the Wizard of Haas, a going away production for LtCol Haas who retired from our office. I was the scarecrow. It was actually done in the format of E! True Hollywood Story. Complete with interviews and scenes from the "movie". I will try to post the "movie" one day. It is a riot.

We had made several productions for going away events in our office. They were so funny people started requesting for them to be made. I won an "Oscar" at the B-2 (yes, as in Stealth plane)Movie Awards for the role of Scarecrow. For real. Everyone who played roles in any production during that year was given a vote. I won for Best Supporting Actress. LOL!

The Grinch Stole My Christmas Present

2009-02-16T14:56:00.006-05:00

This morning my hubby got up and had an errand to run to a place he had not been before so he was going to use my Tom Tom that I got for Christmas. Only one problem. It is gone. Apparently when we got home from church he forgot to lock the doors, which is a rarity. Since there was no threat of snow he did not park in the garage either. We made a police report, not that it will help but if everyone reports thefts maybe the cops can figure it out. The only other thing we have noticed gone (so far) is my hubby's MP-3 player. I have been so depressed all day. Not because $200 of electronics stolen, it is because it was STOLEN! How dare some low life thief come into MY yard and help themselves to MY belongings. I feel so violated and disgusted. I have decided to fight back in my own way. It will not make any difference but I am calling them out. I have made a sign (picture to follow soon) and have it in my front yard. In a nutshell, it says Thief In Our Midst! And I have a short note addressed to the low life thief on it. At least the neighbors will know to be cautious and I hope the creep reads it himself.

Father's Advice

2009-02-15T13:36:00.006-05:00

I am sure we all have certain things our Dad's taught us as children that we carry into our adulthood. You know, the kind of stuff that is wise and very helpful throughout life. My son was the recipient of such advise from his Dad this morning. I am sure you are on the edge of your seat waiting to hear this glorious revelation but let me give you the background information first. We went to the late service at church this morning because yours truly likes to sleep in and then poke around on weekend mornings. We sit upstairs in the balcony area that has tables and then seperate sections of chairs. I was a little extra slow this morning so we were not able to sit at a table, so we were in the chair section. Behind us was a couple and their two children. About midway through the service we heard a snore. You really had to be there because it was so darn funny. Wife quickly poked husband to wake him and we could hear the kids snickering (while we were trying to supress ours). In the car, we were talking about it and here is when my husband gave his fatherly (no pun intended) advice. Son was saying that one day at school he was done early in class and had fallen asleep. Hubby tells hin "Son, if you are ever caught sleeping, when you are awakend say 'Amen!'. Gets you out of trouble each time. You will never get in trouble for praying." Oh my. I am not sure what God thinks about this advice! LOL!

Amen!

Hey hey - I'm Doris Day!

2009-02-12T21:25:00.004-05:00

My wonderful bloggy sista, Alexis, has this posted on her blog and I decided to do it myself. It is only a two question quiz and seems pretty accurate if you ask me! I am a Doris Day. Lex is a Marilyn Monroe. Yea, I am jealous but Doris wasn’t a bad gal ;-)

You are a Doris -- "I must help others."

Dorises are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people's needs.

How to Get Along with Me
• * Tell me that you appreciate me. Be specific.
• * Share fun times with me.
• * Take an interest in my problems, though I will probably try to focus on yours.
• * Let me know that I am important and special to you.
• * Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.

In Intimate Relationships
• * Reassure me that I am interesting to you.
• * Reassure me often that you love me.
• * Tell me I'm attractive and that you're glad to be seen with me.

What I Like About Being a Doris
• * being able to relate easily to people and to make friends
• * knowing what people need and being able to make their lives better
• * being generous, caring, and warm
• * being sensitive to and perceptive about others' feelings
• * being enthusiastic and fun-loving, and having a good sense of humor

What's Hard About Being a Doris
• * not being able to say no
• * having low self-esteem
• * feeling drained from overdoing for others
• * not doing things I really like to do for myself for fear of being selfish
• * criticizing myself for not feeling as loving as I think I should
• * being upset that others don't tune in to me as much as I tume in to them
• * working so hard to be tactful and considerate that I suppress my real feelings

Dorises as Children Often
• * are very sensitive to disapproval and criticism
• * try hard to please their parents by being helpful and understanding
• * are outwardly compliant
• * are popular or try to be popular with other children
• * act coy, precocious, or dramatic in order to get attention
• * are clowns and jokers (the more extroverted Dorises), or quiet and shy (the more introverted Dorises)

Dorises as Parents
• * are good listeners, love their children unconditionally, and are warm and encouraging (or suffer guilt if they aren't)
• * are often playful with their children
• * wonder: "Am I doing it right?" "Am I giving enough?" "Have I caused irreparable damage?"
• * can become fiercely protective

Here is the address to the quiz:

http://www.helloquizzy.com/tests/are-you-a-jackie-or-a-marilyn-or-someone-else-mad-menera-female-icon-quiz

You Talkin' About Me?

2009-02-11T19:30:00.007-05:00

Here is a guest blog post for today...kinda. I sent an email out to friends to ask them to HONESTLY describe me - the good, the bad, and the ugly. A true friend will tell you all that and then some. This is the response I got from my dear friend, Loree.

Wow!!!!...I'm in...since you asked.

You are definitely a person I would consider to be "what you see is what you get". I believe most of us have moments/times where we keep our true selves/opinions/comments in check. You, my friend, are YOU very much of the time. You are genuine, funny, comical, loving, kind, "out there", "life of the party", sensitive, passionate, freaky, fun, emotional, you always want to do the right thing, colorful, entertaining, predictable to be unpredictable (we know that we can count on Debra to say something or wear something or do something that is anyone's guess). You are a one act show that starts without introduction. You are a friend!

How's that.

Luv u

Me

Give Me a Break! Seriously?

2009-02-10T04:44:00.003-05:00

I am sure everyone has heard about the mom who recently gave birth to 8 babies. If you haven't, you must live beneath a rock. While giving birth is probably the most joyous things on earth, you have to wonder about this mother. Sorry if I offend anyone, but this is my site and I have a right to vent. So no hate mail please. ;-) First of all, this is a single mom. Don't get me wrong, I admire single moms. However, most single moms are not not doing it alone by choice just circumstance. This woman is unemployed, has 6 children already, living with her parents, and was artificially inseminated! Seriously. I saw a snippet of her mother's interview. Grandma is upset with her and exhausted from helping her raise her 6 other grandchildren. Here is what I wonder. Who paid for this procedure? The woman is on government assistance, lives with her parents, has no job, and "supporting" 6 kids already? This is simply amazing - and I don't mean in a good way. There are so many couples who would give their right arm to have one baby! I just don't get this! I feel so bad for the precious, innocent babies. Every baby deserves better than this.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

For My Girls!

2009-02-09T20:12:00.004-05:00

Inside every older person is a younger person -- wondering what the hell happened.
- Cora Harvey Armstrong-

Inside me lives a skinny woman crying to get out. But I can usually shut her up with cookies.
(Unknown)

The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy.
-Helen Hayes (at 73)-

I refuse to think of them as chin hairs. I think of them as stray eyebrows.
- Janette Barber-

My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first one being -- hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint.
- Erma Bombeck -

Old age ain't no place for sissies ..
-Bette Davis-

Thirty-five is when you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.
- Caryn Leschen -

If you can't be a good example -- then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.
-Catherine-

I'm not going to vacuum 'til Sears makes one you can ride on.
- Roseanne Barr-

Behind every successful man is a surprised woman.
- Maryon Pearson-

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.
-Eleanor Roosevelt-

When life hands you lemons, ask for tequila and salt and call me over.

Be who you are and say what you feel,
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind.
- Dr. Seuss

Who Are You?

2009-02-07T06:56:00.003-05:00

You may not have noticed, but I have a cool widget on my site that shows locations of folks who have visited my blog. I love it! I have had folks from all over the US and other parts of the world. I want all of you to know that I so appreciate you visiting! You will never know how it thrills me to see you have been here. Please drop me a note to let you know you have been by. I would love to visit your sites as well. In return, I will try to keep the posts interesting. Unfortunately, lately I seem to be suffering from Blogger's Block. I am working on that! Please know that you are most appreciated! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

One Word

2009-02-05T19:48:00.002-05:00

Type only one word answers!

It's harder than you think!! Where is .......

your cell phone?......purse
Your hair ........wild
Your father? .......character
Your mother?.......sweet
Your siblings.....love
Your favorite thing? ...........books
Your dream last night?......forgotten
Your favorite drink? ...........tea
Your dream/goal? ........peace
The room you are in? .......living
Your fear? ........death
Where do you want to be in 6 years?......happy
Muffins? ...........yes
One of your wish list items?.....money
Where you grew up? ...........Louisiana
The last thing you did? .......taxes
What are you wearing?.......corderoys
Your TV?.............on
Your pets? .........spoiled
Your computer? ......laptop
Your life? ........happy
Your mood? .........excited
Missing someone? ......family
Your car? .....Saturn
Favorite store?......Hobby Lobby
Your summer? .......fun
Your favorite color? .........pink
When is the last time you laughed? ......today
Last time you cried? .......December

Random Thoughts ~ Author Unknown (to me)

2009-02-03T18:25:00.002-05:00

1. Ever wonder about those people who spend $2.00 apiece on those little
bottles of Evian water?
Try spelling Evian backwards: NAIVE
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
2. Isn't making a smoking section in a restaurant like making a peeing
section in a swimming pool? (My sentiments exactly!)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
3. OK.... so if the Jacksonville Jaguars are known as the 'Jags' and
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are known as the 'Bucs,' what does that make
the Tennessee Titans?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
4. If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea...does that mean that one
enjoys it?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
5. There are three religious truths:
a. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
b. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the
Christian faith.
c. Baptists do not recognize each other in the liquor store or
Hooters.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
6. If people from Poland are called Poles, why aren't people from
Holland called Holes?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
7. If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
8. Why do croutons come in airtight packages? Aren't they just stale
bread to begin with?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
9 Why is a person who plays the piano called a pianist but a person who
drives a race car is not called a racist?
* ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
10. Why isn't the number 11 pronounced onety one?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
11. If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it
follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys
deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked, and dry cleaners
depressed?
*~*~*~*~*~*! ~*~*~*~*
12. If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it Fed UP?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
13. Do Lipton Tea employees take coffee breaks?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
14. What hair color do they put on the driver's licenses of bald men?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
15. I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot
more as they get older; then it dawned on me ... they're cramming for
their final exam.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
16. I thought about how mothers feed their babies with tiny little
spoons and forks, so I wondered what do Chinese mothers use?
toothpicks?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
17. Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the Post Office?
What are we supposed to do, write to them?
Why don't they just put their pictures on the postage stamps so the
mailmen can look for them while they deliver the mail?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
18. If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are
the others here for?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
19. You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
21. Ever wonder what the speed of lightning would be if it didn't
zigzag?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
22. If a cow laughed, would she spew milk out of her nose?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
23. Whatever happened to Preparations A through G?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
24. At income tax time, did you ever notice: When you put the two words
'The' and 'IRS' together it spells... 'THEIRS'?

Super Super Bowl!

2009-02-02T18:36:00.003-05:00

Wow! My Steelers did it! They won their 6th Super Bowl, which is an NFL record. They actually broke their old record of 5 Super Bowl wins! Hats off to the Cardinals. They brought it in the 4th quarter and almost won it for themselves. This was one of the most exciting games ever. I had the pleasure of watching the game with 10 dear friends and family. Highlights and some not so highlights of the night:

1. All but 3 folks were decked out in black and gold.

2. Massive amounts of food!

3. Voting for the MVP via the internet until it crashed after the game winning touchdown!

4. Santonio Holmes, former Ohio State Buchkeyes football player, won the MVP award!

5. Ben Rothlesberger, an Ohio University graduate, was the quarterback who connected with Santonio for the game winning touchdown.

6. The record breaking interception that was returned for 100 yards for a touchdown by James Harrison. Unbelievable!

7. Bad officiating, although the refs seemed to have no favorites,as they had some really bad calls on both the teams.

8. Our friend Lou, who was texting us, wrong dialed a number and just so happen to text strangers who also had a friend named Lou. That was funny and weird. What are the chances? Of course, Lou was joking and asked if we were drunk and naked yet.

9. Not sure if this is a highlight or low-light, but I drank water instead of beer!

10. When the Cardinals pulled ahead with a little more than 2 minutes left, I thought I was going to puke.

11. My boy, Troy Palamlou, seemed off. He was his normal "human missled" self, but he was not making the tackles like he normally does. He had a lot of misses. (Still love him!)

12. The commentators really got on our nerves! Madden just never shuts his pie hole!

13. During the last(game wining) drive of the game by the Steelers, I was LITERALLY sweating bullets! It is a "feature" of being perimenopausal. Extreme moods produce hot flashes like you wouldn't believe.

14. Of course, the last highlight is they won!

Kudos to both teams for such a wonderful, hard fought game!

25 Random Things About Me

2009-01-28T10:48:00.003-05:00

I was sent this on FaceBook and thought I would share here. There were rules also sent with this, but I deleted them. All my bloggy buddies already share your lives so no need to include the disclaimer for you to tag so many folks and so on and so forth. I am snowed in from work today. Ugh! Hope you all are doing okay. A couple of the things below I may have already posted before. I apologize for any duplication.

1. I love reality shows.

2. I like to have control of the remote control!

3. I procrastinate a lot! I am deterimined to change that about myself but keep putting it off to another day!

4. I ride a motorcycle.

5. I was in the Air Force Reserves for 12 years. Went to basic training when I was 28.

6. I am really a shy person, which no one ever believes!

7. I have been married to my second husband for almost 13 years.

8. After being divorced from 1st husband for 20 years, I still hate to admit that I have been divorced once. Only because I felt like such a failure when it happened.

9. Forgiveness is a powerful, wonderful thing espeicially for both the forgiver!

10. I adopted my two older children, Kristopher and Crystal when I was only 20 and they were 3 and 2 years old. They were 1st hubby's biological kids.

11. My youngest son, Cordell, is technically my step-son, but he is my son! No difference.

12. Needless to say, I have never been pregnant. Never tried since I got my kiddos a different way.

13. Cannot stand to be asked "don't you want to have your 'own' kids?" My kids are not fake, they are mine.

14. I am a Gigi to two wonderful grandsons, Hayden and Austin.

15. I have a hangup about being called grandma. Sounds too old. I am not old yet!

16. I served in Operation Iraqi Freedon. I flew on Medical Missions as an EMT.

17. Now that I am older, I appreciate my parents. I regret that I did not appreciate them enough when I was young.

18. I love football!

19. I love Ohio with the exception of Winter.

20. I have recurring dreams of being back in high school and am frantic because I do not have my class schedule.

21. I have always had a lot of guy friends.

22. My best friend in 5th grade became the popular girl in 6th grade (through high school) and that really devastated me psychologically. I had a hang up about popular girls through high school. Sad, but true!

23. I wish I would have not been so dramatic in my formative years (see #22). I would have known a lot more of my classmates. I really do regret this!

24. I wish I would have gone by my first name of Debra in school. I thought I HAD to go by what my momma wanted to call me. It started out as Susie and was shortened to Sue. Always HATED that name.

25. I sometimes cry when I am happy, sad, or mad! Good thing is that the situation or feelings at that moment have to be extreme!

Amazing Generosity

2009-01-23T18:49:00.011-05:00

I love buying and selling on Ebay. This past week I bid on and won this really cute pink bucket hat.

When I went to pay for it, it was showing as having been paid and feedback was posted for me as being a quick payer. I immediately contacted the seller on Ebay and told him there was an error and asked him to send me an invoice. I got an Ebay message today and all it said was “check your personal email.” So I went to me email and there it was. One of the most touching emails I have ever received.

NO VETERAN PAYS FOR MY AUCTIONS!!! Just let me thank you for everything that
you have done. I'm a 6'5'' 380 pound guy that will most likely cry like a
little girl if i was where you were in Iraq. Please accept this as a very
small gift from us in my family, again thanks you for everything and fighting
for our freedom. God bless you and the USA. Between us on this (wink).
Ebay has a “Me” section where you can post pictures and things about yourself. He had taken the time to go look at that. Not sure why, but he did. Here is a link for you to check it out for yourself. http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=flipper3964

Here is what I have on my Ebay post:

I am originally from Louisiana but have been in Ohio for six years. I live with all boys ~ my husband, son, and dog! I enjoy shopping and selling on Ebay. I have met lots of really nice folks through Ebay. I am a proud Air Force veteran, having served Iraqi Freedom. My husband serves in the Air Force and is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War and Iraqi Freedom. Please pray and suppport our troops!

I flew medical missions as an EMT and helped care for our wounded soldiers. They are true heroes! It was a privilege for me to serve them! I feel so undeserving of this sweet gesture, but so very touched.

I love you, America!

BTW - that is me eating a grasshopper in Survival School. Good stuff!

Wordless Week

2009-01-22T18:41:00.007-05:00

For the most part, I have been a lurker this week. I have been keeping up on reading your blogs but have not posted since Monday. I know all my "followers" that have allowed me the chance to lead them astray must be on the edge of their seats waiting for a post from me. LOL! I have had a really bad week when it comes to sleep. I have had insomnia for the majority of the night for the past four nights. By the time I get home from work, cook, and vegetate on the couch, it is time to start the nightly madness again! I tried to post on several of my favorite blogs (you all know who you are!), but I have had a hard time with blogspot this week. I would type a great comment and it would either not display the verification "words" or I would get to the end and the comment would disappear and not post! I got ticked off and gave up on commenting for the most part. I have missed "talking" to you, my blog buddies! I have a couple posts planned, so stay tuned! Lex - I know you have had a really bad week and my heart goes out to you! E - I hope you don't get yours in threes also. Allie - school in itself can be stressful especially with four kiddos! Hood Chick, Wunderwoman, Chris O, MommaYoung, Janna, and Always Home and Uncool - please know that I have been dropping in on your blogs too. I love comments, so I feel guilty that I have not returned the same thrill to you lately. Hopefully this coming week will be better!

I have a funny that my friend emailed me today. This is her contribution as my very first guest blogger! *note John is her husband who was laid off at the age of 60 and has been having a really hard time finding a job. (She is the blonde on the left in the picture.)

"I was talking with a friend last night who asked how John is doing. I let her know that he didn't get the job, our dog is very sick & may be dying, and then it hit me - we're one stolen pickup truck away from being a Toby Keith song! I actually said that & she about fell over laughing. It made me laugh too. You have to laugh at it, else you'd just fall apart."

You gotta love that attitude! I have always thought that one's friends are a reflection of one's self. If I am correct in that theory, I am not half bad!

x0x0x0x0 to you all!

Here We Go Steelers, Here We Go!

2009-01-19T16:23:00.004-05:00

Look at them! A swarm of Steelers! I am in heaven. I love football and I love my Steelers! They will be playing in the Super Bowl in two weeks! Interesting facts:

Mike Tomlin, Head Coach, will be the youngest coach to have coached a team in the Super Bowl.
I have a massive crush on Troy Palamalou!
Ben Rothlisberger will be one of the youngest quaterbacks to win more than one Super Bowl.
I have carpet burn from watching the game last night. Got it as I dropped to my knees to bow down to the wonderful Troy Palamalou!
If the Steelers win, this will be a record yet again. The only team to have won 6 Super Bowls.
They currently hold the record of 5!
Troy Palamalou converted to the Greek Orthodox church (his wife is Greek) and is very spirtual. You will always see him doing the cross sign during games.
Keep any eye on Hines Ward. The guy is ALWAYS smiling ~ he loves his job!
I only had one "near miss" last night! i.e., I only almost peed on myself in excitement! May need a Depends for the big game!

Click here to read more about the Steelers!

Any of my bloggie buddies in the Dayton area on February 1st are invited to my Super Bowl party! BYOB

Jesus Must Have Had Hairy Legs

2009-01-18T13:53:00.002-05:00

Come on, admit it. We all have random thoughts all the time. I am willing to admit mine (well, at least most of them....), so here is my throw down for the day. Post a random thought on your blog and explain why the heck it popped into your head. Or if you are lazy like me, drop me a comment and let me know. Or just comment. I love comments! You too, lurkers!

Now back to my thought today. I was in the shower this morning shaving my legs and this popped in my head. Why? Because I have some freaking hairy legs! And I was getting cleaned up for church. Not that I need shaved legs for church. My hair was so long, I could braid it and I was tired of the hairiness. Ugh, how disgusting! We were all made in the image of God so it got me to thinking that Jesus had to really be hairy!

Now your turn!

Another Fun Game

2009-01-15T19:32:00.002-05:00

1. YOUR REAL NAME: Debra

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle) Debizzle

3.YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: :(fav color & fav animal) Pink Dog

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, and current street) Sue Coronado

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of mom's maiden name) Becdebcas

6. YOUR SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink) Red Beer

7. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (Mother's middle name and father's middle name ) Ray L. ..... dad's name is M.L. , intials don't stand for anything!

8. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one your pets) Black Brutus

9. YOUR DRINK NAME: (FAV. FRUIT AND FIRST 3 LETTERS OF MOM FIRST NAME AND FIRST 3 LETTERS OF DAD FIRST NAME) Watermelon Virml

Wanna play? Copy, paste, and get going!.

Cookie Wars

2009-01-14T20:20:00.007-05:00

Cast of characters:
Help Desk Queen - yours truly
Domestic Goddess – yours truly
Knuck - Hubby (shortened name for Knucklehead)
Hottie – Son (shortened name for Hot Rod)
Brutus, Boo Boo, Budgey, Boo Pup pup, Boo dog - Dog that is the real head of the household. He is not even in this story but my other love so I had to give him a shout out.

Once upon a Monday, the Help Desk Queen arrived home from a hectic day at work and immediately started job #2, Domestic Goddess. Although work was phone ringing hell, I started dinner as soon as I got home because (1) I like to eat (2) Knuck gets grumpy if he is hungry (3) and more important, if I cook Knuck will clean. That is one of the rules of the palace. I will take cooking over cleaning ANY day. Ever heard the phrase, the calm before the storm? This was it. I proceeded to start a quick and easy dinner which is my normal M.O. during the workweek. As I started Knuck was lurking around the kitchen looking for a snack…. because that is what he does. He did not earn the nickname, Snackster, at work for nothing! Here is where the drama begins.…

Knuck spots the sleeve of Oreo cookies that Hottie got in his Christmas stocking. Not just any cookies, these had the cute little toy soldier on the side of the box. Knuck had to have his snack fix, so he opened the box and ate (only) one. Hottie walks in kitchen and realizes that Dad (Knuck) has opened his box of cookies. He proceeds to chastise Knuck about respecting other people’s things, and he (Knuck) should have asked him (Hottie) prior to opening his cookies. Yada, yada, yada…. Now keep in mind Hottie is a boy that has really good manners and wasn’t being a snot. I think he was upset because it was part of his stocking stash and his dad did not ask.

Knuck was supposed to take Hottie to his physical conditioning class as I finished up dinner (Hottie eats when he gets back because one does not exercise with a full tummy). Hottie is still miffed at Knuck because of the cookie incident so he “wants mom to take me.” So I asked Knuck to slice up the loaf of French bread while I am taking Hottie to class. Knuck having fun pushing Hottie’s buttons says “I will cut some bread for you and me”, meaning he would not cut any for Hottie. At this point I am still in kitchen cooking until time to take Hottie to class.
Next thing I know, Hottie is running into the kitchen crying and shouting “I didn’t mean to hit you in the face…. Wahhhhh, sniff sniff, wahhhhh!!” Now we have all been 13 year old’s and highly dramatic so just imagine this in your head to get the full effect. Next thing I hear Knuck in the living room saying “Get out of my house!” I don’t know what the heck is going on! I finally got it out of Hottie. He was trying to be funny and threw a cookie (not the Oreos but a big cookie that was wrapped up in Saran Wrap) at his Dad. He threw it across the room and it hit Dad in the face. Hottie is still crying, Knuck is stewing on the couch but showing no sign of aggression. Why are you crying like this, I ask. “Dad is going to hit me!” Yea, right, because you are hit all the time. NOT! I see an Oscar in Hottie’s future with all this drama. Knuck will be up for best supporting actor after the “get out of my house” comment. I grabbed my keys and told Hottie “lets go.” Took him to his class and he was still crying in the car. At this point I am laughing hysterically because this entire thing is so stupid and funny! Then Hottie gets mad at the Queen because it is “not funny.” It took every ounce of energy that I had left after a hectic day to tamp down the laughter that was bubbling over. I managed to get him dropped off without any further drama.

Back at home, ate dinner and within the hour it was time to pick up Hottie. Queen declared that Knuck will pick Hottie up from class. I am tired! So Knuck picked up Hottie per the royal decree. When I inquired later on about how it went, Knuck said that Hottie walked far away from him to the car and sat in the back seat instead of the primo “Shot Gun” (front seat). No words were exchange between the two of them.

Fast forward, next day. It is a normal day like any other. Knuck and Hottie are friendly again. The remaining cookies are sitting on the kitchen untouched. I am taking bets on how long the cookies will be sitting in that same place untouched.

They need to save momma from all this drama!

Honest Scrap Award

2009-01-13T20:31:00.008-05:00

Thank you Janna! This means alot to me. As promised I will post 10 honest things about myself and re-gift this to some wonderful girls! Here is the scoop that I lifted off Janna's blog:

The rules for the Honest Scrap award: The honorees are to: A) first list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep! B) pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

1. I REALLY am a hot 25 year old who just so happens to be stuck in this 44 year old body.

2. I have three kids but have never been pregnant.

3. I love, love, love Reality shows.

4. I wish I could be Queen for the day. For real.

5. I am very disorganized to the point of getting on my own nerves.

6. I am my own worst critic.

7. I have gas a lot. LOL! Sorry, but the award calls for honesty.

8. I have the hots for Chuck Norris, Howie Long and Troy Palamalou. My hubby knows this already, so you cannot blackmail me. hee,hee!

9. I have a bit of voyeour in me, but I am harmless and don't peek in anyones windows.

10. I think it is freaky to get married in Taco Bell, classy or not. ......I'm just saying......

Now for the really fun part. Handing out the award! Ladies, I think you all ROCK!

Alexis - Running away? I'll Help You Pack & CCC Wars

Elizabeth - TMI & 5 (yep, FIVE other blogs)

Allison - Misadventures in Baby Raising & My Mommy Said

The Blond Duck - A Duck in Her Pond

Wunderwoman - Wunderwoman

HoodChick - My Life Requires Alcohol

Photonuts - Documenting Memories

I would like for all of you ladies to know that I so enjoy reading your blogs. Enjoy your award!

Girlie Wisdom (author unknown)

2009-01-13T17:27:00.006-05:00

1. A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills... she has 14 kids but doesn't really care.

2. One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5 lbs.

3. My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.

4. The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes.

5. The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing, someone else does.

6. The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends.

7. Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.

8. Sometimes I think I understand everything, and then I regain consciousness.

9. I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting fire to my sweatpants.

10. Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks 2 sizes!

11. Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like...'You know sometimes I forget to eat!' ....Now I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name and my keys, but I have never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat!

12. The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing and then they marry him.

13. I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day!

Goodbye Mrs. Kravitz! Kinda....

2009-01-10T18:49:00.009-05:00

No, I have not committed a felony. I did not take Mrs. Kravitz for a swim with concrete boots. It is not quite official, but I am getting a promotion! The hiring manager told me he was working on the offer letter yesterday, so it is pretty official. Right now I am a Help Desk Technician who answers phones all day and remotely assists customers with software/desktop type issues. Yes, I am the one who asks those dreaded words "have you rebooted your computer?" While I like my job, I am so sick of answering phones and even sicker of Kravitz. But as of January 20th, I am starting my new adventure. I will be in the same office but a different job, different desk, different team, and different company. Computer Support on the Air Force Base is awarded to companies via contracts. Different companies team up to bid on the contracts and once they are awarded the work, their employees (me) do the work on base. This is why I am switching companies, positons, but yet working in the same place. Clear as mud? I will be doing video teleconferencing, administering blackberry accounts, equipment custodian duties, and learning Sharepoint products. I am super excited and hoping my butt will stop expanding from sitting on the phone all day! LOL! As an added bonus I will be sitting out earshot from Kravitz. So you could say this is a promotion with an bonus.....my sanity!

2009-01-08T19:03:00.004-05:00

SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks! Got this in my email today and thought it was fun. It it great to see what folks come up with. I have included my answers and would love to have feedback as to what yours is. Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They have to be real places, names, things. Nothing made up! Try to use different answers than mine if you have my same initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

1. What is your name? Debra
2. A four-letter word? Duck (not my first choice...hee,hee)
3. A boy 's name? Derek
4. A girl's name? Dana
5. Occupation? Dentist
6. Color? Denim
7. Something you wear? Diamonds
8. Beverage? Dr. Pepper
9 Food ? Deviled eggs
10.Something used in a bathroom? Dental floss

Feeling Crabby

2009-01-07T20:31:00.003-05:00

Hey sexy mommas! I woke up at 3 am with cramps. Felt like I sprained my ovaries! I am having issues trying to post comments and links are not working on blogspot. Got the blue screen of death on my laptop earlier. I am so crabby, I am getting on my own nerves! I give up for tonight! I am going to crawl back into my shell and read my new book, Twilight! Looking forward to starting fresh tomorrow.

xoxoxoxo

Working With Mrs. Kravitz

2009-01-06T17:48:00.007-05:00

Ever watch Bewitched? It has always been one of my favorite shows and wouldn’t you know I now have to work beside a real life Mrs. Kravitz! If you 20 to 30 something’s don’t know the premise of the show, let me fill you in. The show is centered on Samantha Stevens who just happens to be a witch. Samantha is married to an ad executive name Darren Stevens. Of course, no one but Darren knows that Sam is a witch. This show is absolutely hysterical! Mr. and Mrs. Kravitz are the neighbors that live across the street from the Stevens’. Mrs. Kravitz is very nosey and happens to see a lot of the shenanigans going on across the street. She always screams “Abner, Abner!” and ,of course, the times she can talk him into getting up to look whatever has happened has stopped so he thinks she is hallucinating (again). The woman is on meds, so Abner is always telling her to take them since he thinks it is all in her head. It is darn funny! It is kind of like payback for being so nosey.

Now that you have the background of the fictional Mrs. Kravitz, allow me to tell you about the real Mrs. Kravitz! Unfortunately I do not have Samantha’s powers or I would be wiggling my nose and turning Kravitz into an inanimate object! For 8 hours a day, 5 days a week I have to listen to her as she butts into every conversation I have. It does not matter if it is about work or personal, she is there with her two cents. Don’t get me wrong, I like for folks to share their opinion….. When it is appropriate! You know when it is an A and B conversation and she should C her way out of it? To make matters worse, I will be talking to a customer (we work at a computer help desk) and she will jump in and take over the entire conversation. She has no more experience than me, actually I have been doing this type of work longer than her. She will tell the customer the exact same thing as I when she is doing this! I have been on the phone with my husband and when I get off she comments about the conversation that she just heard me have! Like she was in the conversation from the beginning! She will ask our other co-workers who they were talking to when they get off the phone! We work at a Help Desk people! It is our job to be on the phone with folks all day long. Besides what business is it of hers who the co-worker was talking to? Seriously! Once I was talking to another co-worker and Kravitz was on the phone so she could not ease drop and/or butt into the conversation. As soon as she got off the phone she said, and this is a direct quote, “What, what, what?” I am not exaggerating. She asked “what?” Three times! OMG! Can it get any more obnoxious than this? Just yesterday she butted in my conversation I was having with a customer and talked so loud I could not even hear myself talk! Short of smacking her upside the head, what am I to do? It has gotten a little better lately because I have been totally ignoring her so she does not talk as much, but she still drives me insane. Maybe I should write to Dear Abby.

Thanks for letting me rant a little. Like E says, it is cheaper than therapy!
Here is a link to a page dedicated to Gladys. It is great and brought back so many wonderful memories of a delightful show!

http://www.harpiesbizarre.com/gladysreactions.htm#

*Note: there were two different ladies who played Mrs. Kravitz on the show. They were both absolutely perfect for the role!

I Need Help With a Puzzle!

2009-01-05T18:21:00.004-05:00

Okay, my hubby and I are racking our brains tryng to help our son with this puzzle and need help! I know you girls will know because not only are you hot, sexy mommas but you are smart too! We are so close to figuring it out but are stuck. Here it is:

The challenge is to split some apple juice into three equal portions. The juice comes in a 24-ounce container. You have only three other containers each holding 5,11, and 13 ounces. How can you divide the juice into three equal portions?

I think I would be able to figure this out if it was wine!

Best, easiest salsa EVER

2009-01-03T21:06:00.006-05:00

I have a confession, I am an addict. A salsa and mexican food addict. My sister-in-law sells Tastefully Simple and made me a bowl of salsa to take home for Christmas. This is hands down the best homemade salsa I have ever had and better than most that you get at restaurants. The most beautiful part of all this is that it takes two ingredients. A 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatos and some of the dried mix. I am not sure how much of the mix you use because I have not gotten my bottle of it yet. Usually with these mixes, all it takes is 2 tablespoons of the dry mix. I am pretty sure that is the case with this as well. It costs 8.99 for a bottle of each which seems pricey, but keep in mind that the bottle will make lots of salsa and have you priced good salsa at the store? The kind I get is 3.99 for about 8 ounces!

INGREDIENTS: Onion, bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, garlic,
cilantro, crushed red chili peppers, salt, spices.

Here is the info I lifted from their suggestions card they have published on their site:

Simply combine with fresh or canned tomatoes.
• Add diced peaches, pineapple or mangoes for
a fruity salsa.
• Spoon onto quesadillas, tostadas, nachos or taco salad.
• Sprinkle dry mix into chili or ground meat for tacos or enchiladas.
• Make a layered dip with refried beans, Fiesta Party Dip Mix™, Simply
Salsa, chopped lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream and freshly
chopped cilantro. Serve with Blue Aztec Chips.
• For a creamy salsa, add sour cream to prepared salsa.
• Look for more recipes at tastefullysimple.com.

A Hot 25 year old stuck in this body!

2008-12-29T17:51:00.002-05:00

There are some things your momma forgot to tell you about aging. Consider this your warning: blog entry contains TMI. If you don’t want to know, don’t read any further. I feel compelled to list some wacky things that ladies just don’t talk about, even to each other. Buckle up girls, this isn’t pretty!

1. The carpet starts turning colors and not matching the drapes, if you know what I mean. I personally prefer hardwood floors but I get lazy and let it grow out just a little every now and then ( I TOLD you this would contain TMI!). Several years ago while in my mid 30’s I happened to look down while in the bathroom and spotted a gray pub! That’s right girls, you read that right. It never dawned on me that this could/would happen. NEVER! I asked my older sister and mom if they had a “silver fox” (as my hubby affectionately calls it now) and they just howled with laughter. They would never say but I took that as an admission. I asked my gynecologist if this meant my eggs were old and dried up now. He answered “no”, but I have a feeling he had never been asked that question before. All those years in medical school and practice did not prepare him for me. I like to know these things! At least he was able to hold his laughter in.

2. You sprout hairs in weird places. About a year ago I happened to put my hand on my neck and felt one lone, long hair! Ugh! How gross! I quickly pulled that sucker out with my fingers and it has only reappeared one other time. It has been several months since the last “incident”, so I am hoping to never see that again. Another weird place is on the chin, left side. Unfortunately this one appears every couple of months. Needless to say, tweezers are my friend.

3. It dawned on me just this morning that the creak I have been hearing when I walk down my stairs is not the stairs. It is my freaking knees! Any time I bend down then back up the knees pop. We are talking fun stuff here!

4. Sudden, explosive urges to potty when I am at my most happiest. Yes girls, shopping! Hubby says it “relaxes” me. It hits me so hard, that I have to stand very still and not move an inch and hope and pray that I do not poop myself on the spot. Now when someone is shopping beside you and you are hanging on to the shopping cart with white knuckles and you KNOW they are politely waiting for you to move out of the way so that they can get to that item you are in front of …… that is pressure folks! I have even made it a point to do the duty at home prior to shopping and guess what? It still freaking happens! Good stuff here. (NOT)

5. Oh, can’t forget the sneezes that make your pee shoot out like it is in a pressure cooker. Fun times with this one!

6. And another fun shopping phenomena. Drum roll please…… HOT FLASHES! There is nothing like having a hot flash as you are checking out and it is 20 degrees outside and you have sweat beads on your forehead. I am bringing sexy back!

7. Can’t forget the dark spots that appeared overnight on my legs and hands. I asked the dermatologist about one specifically on my leg and she told me it is a barnacle. BARNACLE? Now I have gone from Silver Fox to Sponge Bob Square Pants! Look up barnacle in the dictionary and the definition is “any of numerous marine crustaceans with feathery appendages for gathering food that are free-swimming as larvae but permanently fixed (as to rocks, boat hulls, or whales) as adults.” How much freaking worse can this get?

8. Here is one that has not happened to me yet but to my mother. Growing a mustache. Okay, not a real mustache, but the fuzz on your top lips gets a little dark cast on it. Actually, I was unfortunate enough to get my complexion and hair tendencies from my dad. I did have a “mustache” when I hit puberty and have since had it lasered off. That hurt like a son of a gun but it beats the hell out of waxing! Mom’s doctor said it was “hormones”. Great. I endured waxing for years to feel “normal”, got zapped by laser beam to permanently get rid of it and now it is going to freaking come back? Take me to the circus folks! I will sit beside the bearded lady!

9. The skin tags! Can’t forget the skin tags! If you are fortunate to not know what these are, they look like small little white moles. Usually appear on your neck or around your bra line. The really teeny ones you can pull off with minimal bleeding and pain. I have someone in my corner on this one. My (much) younger sister is about to graduate medical school. She tends to carry lidocaine (for numbing) and sharp razor things to “operate” on willing guinea pigs/test subjects, i.e. her family!

10. Last but not least, the dry heels and elbows. They look like the freaking Sahara Desert and take an industrial strength Black and Decker sander and eye protection to get the top layer off. Doesn’t get much better than this folks!

This all being said, the hot 25 year old stuck in this 44 year old body tends to get frustrated at times. I let her write this entry as a way to humor her and hopefully get out of her rut. It is hell to look so good on the inside (hey, it is my fantasy….just humor me and go along with it) and then be shocked every time you look into the mirror and wonder “when the hell did THIS happen?”.

A little lagniappe (French word for a little extra gift):

Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she’ll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she’ll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she’ll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she’ll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit. **
** lifted this from an email that was sent to me today. Wish I could take credit for writing it!

My other love

2008-12-28T09:51:00.007-05:00

Yes, I am in love with another boy and my hubby knows it. Now that I have your attention, let me introduce you to Brutus, my 8 year old yellow labrador retriever. He weighs in at 141 pounds and does not realize he is not a lap dog. He will sit and look at me for hours. In his eyes I am the most beaufiful woman ever. Who am I to argue? I am an avid book reader and just finished reading Marley and Me. Also saw the movie on Friday. My son said he stepped in a puddle (made by me) after the movie. I thought I fared well considering I usually cry until I can't breath anymore and then I am sniffing and spewing snot everywhere. You moms with young kids know what I am talking about. At 44 years of age, I have yet to outgrow these crying jags! LOL! Thank you, estrogen!!! Lets just say God was in good humor when he made me. I digress,...now back to Marley and Me. What a great book and movie! I highly recommend the book and the movie with the condition that you have tissue available. The movie had my husband and 13 year old (going on 30) "leaking" as well. John Grogan aka Marley's Dad has written one of the most beautiful memoirs I have ever read. I truly believe one of the greatest gifts God has bestowed upon us is dogs. The love these pets give you is unconditional. They are always excited to see you know matter how you look or how long you have been gone. Brutus and I have a very special relationship. My husband can be gone for two weeks and Brutus is excited when he gets home. I can be gone for 20 minutes and Brutus is having a nervous breakdown and goes totally bonkers before I even get in the house. Can't beat that with a stick!

Christmas Blessings

2008-12-25T20:47:00.001-05:00

I have had a rather emotional holiday. I would like to publicly acknowledge and thank my husband, his family and also our friends for being a part of my Christmas. Christmas Eve was spent with Tony,Elena, Mike, Tim and Flo. We went to a wonderful church service and then to our home for some wine and snacks. What a blessing it was to share this with them. Today we went to my SIL's house and spent the day with her family, Kevin's dad and stepmom, his brother Mike, and friends of Jodi and Jason. What fun we had! I had a sad moment prior to getting to their house and also while . They were able to pick me up and make me feel so loved. I don't know were I would be without their generosity, love and support. Why the bouts of sadness? My family. Don't misinterpret, I know my family loves me but sometimes I just don't get them. My parents and siblings (except for my dear brother) have not sent a Christmas card, email or called me for Christmas. My younger sister, who I adore, is mad at me for who knows what reason, and would not talk to me when I called my brother on his cell. She was "too busy" to talk. Needless to say, I was saddened to tears. My brother tried twice to get her to talk but I told him to not ask her again to keep the family peace. I love and appreciate my brother so much. He is the only member of my immediate family who stays in touch with me on a regular basis. The second time today I got emotional was talking to my daughter and my grandbabies. I am missing them so much and wish I could be closer to them. I just pray that I do not continue the "family tradition" of no contact. Thank you to my MIL,SIL, and hubby who were there to pick me up and make realize that I truly am blessed. No family is perfect. I sometimes wonder why we unwittingly hurt the ones we love the most? But it just dawned on me that, God gave us his only son so that we all may have salvation. As my family has hurt me, I know I have hurt them. Not walking in the path with God hurts him like we hurt each other. This is the season to celebrate Jesus. I have dried my tears and have the joy back in my heart because this is Jesus' birthday and I am thankful for him and what he has done for me.
Merry Christ(mas)!