4th of July

Our 4th started off with me getting out of bed at 6:00 A.M. to get things started for everyone else! I baked cupcakes and brownies for the neighborhood parade/gathering at 10:00 A.M. I baked the potatoes for the salad, put the ribs in the crockpot, did two loads of laundry, got a shower, ran to the grocery store for a couple more items to make dinner work, and then we all rode the golfcart to the parade. A lot of people in the neighborhood participated and several neighbors have golfcarts and everyone had them decorated. After the parade function, we loaded up the coolers and headed to the pool for the afternoon. We stayed until about 4:00 when I had to leave to finish up dinner. Friends from the neighborhood joined us and we had a great time. I cooked ribs, hamburgers, boudin, beans, bread and Brandy made potato salad that is so simple and soooo good. One bag of new potatoes (quartered and baked until fork tender), 1/2 pound of bacon (cooked and crumbled), green onions, two boiled eggs, and 1/2 to 1/3 cup of mayonaise. Very easy and very good. She got the recipe from a friend of hers. My husband will even eat this, and he doesn't eat potato salad. Tonight the grands are back after being with their dad for almost two weeks! I can't wait!!! Today feels like Monday, but I am so glad it isn't!

Some people....

I ran to Old Navy at lunch today to purchase my annual t-shirt for the neighborhood 4th of July parade, and I didn't get in and out as quickly as I anticipated. There were not a lot of people in there so I thought I would be done in about 10 minutes... until I got up to the register. There were two cashiers and I was 1 of 2 people waiting in line. One lady had selected a LOT of items off the clearance rack and she was having the cashier do a price check on each item before she approved the purchase. And she probably had 40 or 50 articles of clothing. That was beyond RIDICULOUS! Then the other lady had opted to fill out a credit card application to get an additional 10 percent off her purchase. She didn't have many items, but filling out the application was a slow process. The cashier was apparently inexperienced in filling out applications on the computer, and the customer was slow providing the necessary information to complete the application. After FIFTEEN MINUTES, he informed her the application was declined. She did not seem even remotely surprised by this, and wanted to know if she could still got the 10 percent discount. He told her the application had to be accepted before that could happen. She told him that is not what the sign said. She said it simply said to fill out the application and you would get the discount. REALLY???!!

Neighborhood Pool...

Since we moved into our house a couple of years ago, a new neighborhood pool has been built. It is probably the most beautiful neighborhood pool in our area. The bad thing about it is the number of people who completely ignore the pool rules. Such as no glass containers, no pets, no unsupervised children under 18, no smoking, and swim diapers are required, to name a few. All the rules are posted in an area visible to everyone. And, then there are other signs, strategically placed, telling parents and children to stay out of flower beds and off of the frog fountains, and signs advising that a certain area of the pool is designated for adults ONLY. No one under the age of 18 is allowed up there, and the signs make this clear. So far, every rule has been broken numerous times, and when people are told they are breaking the rules, they act like the rules do not apply to them. Guess what people??? They apply to everyone, and if you bring a guest to the pool, it is your job to make your guest aware of the pool rules, and make sure they obey them. No glass containers should be a no-brainer. Drinking out of glass containers while sitting at a pool puts everyone at risk if you drop the container. I was not even aware you could still buy glass baby bottles, but a couple gave their 2 year old a glass baby bottle at the pool, and he promptly walked into the water and threw it down in an area where the water is only a couple of inches deep, and it broke... into many pieces. I watched this happen. The same people also had a regular diaper on the child.. not a swim diaper. I have personally told numerous kids to get out of the adult area. It is actually a small shallow pool, on a deck above the big pool area, and we can sit chairs in the water, NO ONE UNDER 18 IS SUPPOSED TO BE UP THERE! But there are always parents who bring their kids to the pool, and completely ingore them, unless they are bleeding. I have no problem telling them in a nice way to leave the adult area, and I am okay with the glares I receive from parents when I do this. I don't allow my grandkids to play up there either, so there are no exceptions in my book. And, that is my rant for the day! Happy Thursday!

Rango!

We took the grands to see Rango Saturday and I have to say, I was disappointed. I am not sure this movie was suitable for kids in their age group, 4 and 7. I think the story was ok, but there was some mild language which I didn't think was suitable for what was portrayed to be a "kid movie." There was also some violence, and while I have seen violence in other kid movies, this seemed a little more sinister in nature. I should have known something was up, when there seemed to be more adults WITHOUT KIDS at the movie, than adults WITH kids. We ended up staying for the entire movie since I had spent about $60.00 on four tickets and concessions, but I will do a little more research before attending any of the new movies coming out in the new few weeks/months.

"Rama Keen"

I picked up the grands from daycare Friday afternoon and immediately noticed Bailey was not happy about something. I asked her what was wrong and she indignantly replied that Miss Tiffany had called her a "Rama Keen!" I asked her why had she been called a "Rama Keen" and she said because some boy had thrown or kicked a ball which had hit her in the face, and caused her to cry. I asked her if it hurt, or just made her mad, and she was adamant there was pain involved. When Benton saw her, she puffed up again, and told him all about it as well. Lucky for us, he had seen the entire ordeal, and believed she had been hurt, and advised his sister to let the offending party, who kicked/threw the ball, know that her brother was going to be watching in the future to make sure he didn't hurt his sister again. Of course, Bailey was more offended at being called a "Rama Keen" than being hit by the ball, and asked Benton if he could tell Miss Tiffany not to call her that again. Benton advised Bailey to tell Miss Tiffany, in a nice way of course, that calling people names was just not nice. Since Bailey has the memory of an elephant regarding such things, I told them both that this was something their mama should handle and they agreed. A few minutes later Bailey asked me if she had school the next day and I told her the next day was Saturday, and there would be no school. She asked me if her mama could call Miss Tiffany on Saturday and tell her not to call her a "Rama Keen" again, and I told her her mama would handle that on Monday.

Shortly after she got up yesterday morning, she reminded her mama to talk to Miss Tiffany and tell her not to be calling her a "Rama Keen" anymore. Can't wait to see her this afternoon and find out if the "Rama Keen" message has been adequately delivered to suit Bailey's criteria. She might be a "Rama Keen," but she doesn't want it brought to anyone's attention. Wonder where she gets all the "Rama" from...

Venting....

I am a firm believer in having my ducks in a row... ALWAYS. Whenever I go to Walmart, Kroger, Target, Loft, or wherever, I put my stuff on the counter, get my debit card out, run it the through the machine, and once my stuff is in the bags, I have paid for my items and am ready to go. I am not still looking for my checkbook, debit card, asking questions about prices, etc.

So, today I run in Charming Charlies on my lunch hour.. If you are not familiar with this store, it is mostly an accessory store, i.e, jewelry, scarves, sunglasses, but it also has shoes and clothes. I make my selections and get in line. I am actually second in line, but I do see another customer standing to the left of the cash register, instead of to the right of the register, and I determine either she thinks getting in the proper lines does not apply to her, or she has never shopped there before. Turns out, she thinks lines don't apply to her AND she has NEVER shopped there before. This is the conversation between her and the cashier:

Customer: I need this gift wrapped.

Cashier: Sorry ma'am we don't gift wrap.

Customer: Really? But it is a birthday present. What am I supposed to do?

Cashier: I can put tissue paper in the nice bag we provide for purchases.

Customer: (LONG HESITATION) Well, that doesn't sound very presentable. Can you put a bow on the bag?

Cashier: We don't have bows. We don't gift wrap. (apparently customer is hard of hearing)..

Customer: Can you take the price tags off?

Cashier: I can mark through them. We need to leave tags on in case she needs to return the items for any reason.

Customer: (puts on her reading glasses and very intently watches him mark through prices on ALL FIVE ITEMS SHE WAS PURCHASING.)

Cashier: Your total is $$$$.

Customer: I need to pay $15.00 in cash and put the rest on my debit card. (at this point she hands him her debit card, when there is very obviously a machine she will have to master all by herself TO THE RIGHT OF THE REGISTER)...

Cashier: That is fine. Please swipe your card.

Customer: (Proceeds to move her things to the RIGHT OF THE REGISTER where she needed to be to begin with, and FINALLY swipes her card.)

Cashier: Do you want your receipt in the bag?

Customer: Do I need a receipt?

Cashier: If the person needs to exchange the items, she will need the receipt.

Customer: Well, should I put it in the bag with the gift?

Cashier: If the person needs to exchange the items, she will need the receipt.

Customer: Well then, I guess I will put it in the bag. (At this point she FINALLY TAKES HER BAG AND STARTS WALKING TOWARD THE DOOR, AND I am about to give her a push to get her moving!!!! Not really, but I wanted too!!!)

I pay for my items in less than 1 minutes and head to the door. The greeter at the door tells the customer to have a good day. Customer proceeds to tell the greeter her bag does not look like a birthday present and apparently she will now have to go somewhere else to have the items wrapped. I walk past her and leave the store before I lose my cool and tell her a small child WILL NOT CARE IF HER GIFT IS WRAPPED!!! SHE ONLY CARES ABOUT THE CONTENTS OF THE BAG!!! GOOD GRIEF!!!! Trust me, I know this. I have a female child, and the way the package is wrapped HAS NEVER BEEN AN ISSUE!!! CONTENTS, CONTENTS, CONTENTS!!! That is what is important.

Can you imagine dealing with her on a daily basis???

Now, I feel much better!

Happy New Year... 13 days late...

Our New Year got off to a great start.. We had our first New Year's Eve party ever, in almost 27 years of marriage!!! And for the 3 people that read this and know my husband, that was a huge accomplishment! And, it was a total, complete HIT!!! I kept the food preparations low key. I did most of the work, with some help from Brandy on the day of the party. I asked a few people to bring an appetizer of some kind, and it was BYOB, so it was not expensive either. The menu consisted of BBQ meatballs, deer wraps, pigs in the blanket, tenderloin and various other finger foods. We ate well, drank well, and some of us played quarters, and some of us watched. That was a treat all by itself. My boss even got in on the action and thoroughly enjoyed himself. Not sure who had more fun, him or my daughter.

I don't think I mentioned the guest of honor at our party.. None other than our friend from Orange County. She came and stayed for a long weekend. She took us to dinner the night before the party at Mint, and on New Year's Day, we went to Buffalo Wild Wings and watched State beat Michigan. And, just for the record, I am not a fan of either of these teams since I am an LSU fan, but I did pull for the SEC, which meant I was pulling for State. Sunday we watched some Saints football and then went out for pizza. Our friend left on Monday, and we are all looking forward to the next time we get to hang out, which will hopefully be when they air the season finale of HWOC...

Since the first of the year, I have been in the cleaning mode, almost every single day. I have reorganized cabinets, drawers, some closets (not mine), etc. I have cleaned doors inside and out, cleaned windows inside and out, and am anxious to get outside this weekend and remove the dead plants from all pots that sit on the porch and back deck area, all of which were killed by the FREEZING COLD WINDS, we have had in the past few days. We actually had some snow flurries this past Sunday, along with a good bit of sleet, and that was good enough for a snow day on Monday.. Schools were closed, and I decided I didn't want to drive on potentially icy roads, so I didn't work and the grands and I stayed home all day and had an absolutely wonderful day at G's house. Just the three of us.

I am just about ready for spring and am definitely ready for some crawfish. Places in these parts are already selling crawfish, but I am sure they are pretty small. I am thinking about buying some in the next day or so just so I can see how big they are.

I have a few projects on my agenda this weekend, which include painting at least one piece of furniture, and possibly two, if time allows. Since the Saints are out of Super Bowl contention, I should be able to get more done this weekend, than I usually do during football season. It is supposed to be warmer this weekend as well and I am definitely looking forward to that. I do love cold weather, especially since I have this "internal heater" thing going on, but I don't love cold weather like we have been having.

Happy New Year...

Some of those random questions I saw on another blog.

1. What does it mean to have the 'holiday spirit'?

To me it means knowing and believing the REAL reason for this season is the birth of Jesus Christ, and not how much useless stuff we spend our hard earned money on, that usually gets returned to the store the day after Christmas.

2. What sits atop your tree (s)? Why?

I don't have a tree topper in the true definition of a tree topper.. I kind of have an arrangement of numerous shiny glittery things that makes a real mess when being inserted into the tree. But, I will say, it is very pretty.. Thanks Brandy!

3. When was the last time you gave yourself a pat on the back?

Not really self-back patter, but every now and then, I think I deserve one.

4. Which of your senses is most sensitive this time of year?

My awareness of the needs of other people.

5. What do you have too much of in your kitchen?

Pasta... we don't eat very much pasta, but yet I have several packages of same. We also have too many snacks! and Popsicles!

6. What do you do for meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Big meal? Breakfast tradition? Open the cookie tins and have at it?

Christmas Eve is my mama's responsibility and she doesn't let anyone mess with that tradition. Christmas Day is different every year. This year we plan to have gumbo, compliments of my daughter's culinary skills.

7. What is the best thing about winter?

Football!!! I love cold weather, and watching football, especially outside on my back porch and deck. We have a variety of heaters, as long as it is not freezing, I can definitely sit out there for an entire game!

8. Insert your own random thought here

I wish people were less self-centered and more aware of how what they do affects others. There are a few people in my own life that are selfish, self-centered, and really don't care how what they do, or don't do affects anyone other than themselves. I have learned to overlook it for the most part, but sometimes it still stings a little.

9. I love, love, love the holidays! I love the lights, the decorations, the food, the parties, and the general spirit of the holiday season!!!

How about them Saints!!!!

A lot of randomness....

Things happening in my hood....

* My house has now been decorated for Christmas for FOUR weeks, and although I am enjoying it, I am also having to pretend to ignore the large amounts of dust that seem to accumulate on, around and under all the decorations.

* We had a great Thanksgiving weekend! My mom cooked a HUGE lunch, and that was the only meal I ate that day...

* I did not go shopping on Black Friday.. No way, no how was I getting out in that drama.. Hubby and I did go out for lunch, and watched a little football, but we mostly stayed home.

* My deck WAS NOT FINISHED until 3:00 on December 3! After telling the contractor I needed it done by noon on that date because my mother, sister-in-law and niece were coming for the weekend to celebrate my mother's birthday, he finally left at 3... I spent the next two hours cleaning everything so it would at least be presentable when they arrived. I was stressed BECAUSE I HATE MESSES!

* Instead of going out to eat for my mom's birthday, we stayed at my house, grilled chicken, and had a few adult beverages and then watched movies. I thought it was a good time.

* I am done with my Christmas shopping. COMPLETELY DONE and I will not be tempted to buy the grand kids anything else. I will stay out of the stores, and delete all emails associated with toys... :)

* Took the grands to see the play, The Christmas Carol, and it was awesome. Benton thoroughly enjoyed it. Bailey packed a backpack full of snacks and had a picnic at intermission. It was pretty dang funny.

* Bailey decided it was her turn to spend the night with G ALONE, and told Benton Friday night that he had to go home with mama because it was her turn to stay with G. And she did. And she slept until 8:30 which is VERY late for her. We went to the grocery store, bought things we didn't really need, met her mom and a friend for lunch, and then she said her turn was not over. We went and bought her two pairs of boots, and then went back to my house, per her request. We had the best time!

* It is very cold here... The wind chill was in the low teens this morning. Too bad it was not snowing, because it would have definitely been a snow day.

* I rescued a kitten from the dumpster behind our office this morning. He would have died in there. I had to actually climb down into the dumpster to get him. Thankfully there was only one bag of trash in there. I was prepared to throw a blanket over him and scoop him up, but he crawled into the trash bag and I was able to get it out, empty the contents and he came out and ran off. He was wild and I knew that, but I couldn't let him die in there. I need to make sure I put plenty of food out in the future so he doesn't have to dumpster dive to eat.

* Santa is coming to my next Monday.. All the way from Dothan, Alabama. He is the best Santa ever.. He is the "real" Santa....

* And, FINALLY, how about them Saints!!!

Friends, Decorating, and my deck is still not finished!!!

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity at G's House. My friend from Orange County came to see us, and we took her to New Orleans for the weekend. To say we had a fabulous time would be an understatement. Even though we have spent time together before, we have always stayed close to home. Needless to say, while out in New Orleans, she was pretty much recognized everywhere we went, and mostly by men. How many do you know that would actually tell you they watched Housewives of Orange County? Apparently there are a lot, especially in New Orleans. In many cases, the husband recognized her before the wife did. It was interesting to say the least. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I had dinner for the first time ever at Brennan's and it did NOT disappoint! That may have been the best meal I have ever eaten, and I know it was the most expensive!

Once that trip was over, it was on to decorating for Christmas, which is completely done, and has been for over a week now. I don't like having to do this over Thanksgiving, so I do it before that holiday, so I can actually enjoy four days off work, and I did enjoy it very much... I am in the process of now trying not to buy the grandest kids ever too much useless stuff for Christmas. And it is H-A-R-D!!! I love buying for them, but it is not sensible and I don't want them to be expecting cars and rolexes before they are teenagers!

And, the deck that was supposed to be done two weeks ago, is still not finished, and I don't know when it will be finished. This carpenter has done lots of work for us in the past few years, but this is probably his last gig at my house. For two weeks he was "going to get started tomorrow," and when that never happened, I started sending him text messages to let him know I was PISSED, and then he finally showed up late one Friday to "mark it off." He actually worked through the weekend, including Sunday, but it was very slow going. He is very thorough and a perfectionist, but sometimes he carries it too far, and gets stuck on something no one can perfect. He worked again the three days before Thanksgiving and left with the assurance he would return on Saturday and would work Saturday and Sunday to FINISH THE PROJECT!!! And, he didn't show up at all on Saturday. He called around noon and said he was headed home to change clothes and then would be over to work. HE NEVER SHOWED AGAIN!! Sunday I sent him a not-so-nice text message and he showed up an hour later with some lame excuse. He did work until dark, but it was very slow going. He did work som e Monday, and didn't show up until 2:00 yesterday and didn't show up until noon today. So, this 3 or 4 day project has turned into a 3 or 4 week project and it is STILL NOT FINISHED. I am having company this weekend and need it to be done by tomorrow so I can at least clean up the outside area before my guest arrive. I am not getting my hopes up that this will happen. I am barely talking to him at this point because I am so completely frustrated with him. My mother-in-law would say "this too shall pass" and it will, but I need it to hurry up and pass so we can move on to something else!!! I have to mop every day to stay on top of the large quantities of dirt three dogs and a husband track in every time they go in and out the back door. And, now that I have vented about that, I feel much better.. at least until I get home and see how much/little progress he has made today. Happy Hump Day!!!

Some sad news.. looking forward to some fun stuff...

Just when everything seems to be going smoothly, without very many speed bumps, we hit a pot hole and bottom out. Our almost 14 year old Pomeranian, Dooley, died this past Saturday. We knew her days were numbered because she was in kidney failure, but meds seemed to keep her comfortable, and as long as she was in no pain, seemed content, ate and continued her bodily functions, all was well. But then, she started occasionally losing control of her bowels while she was sleeping, and it would not wake her up. And, she has always slept with us. And, the only time we have ever tried to make her sleep in the laundry room behind a kid gate, she got so distressed, we put her back in the bed with us. We had the bed completely protected from any accidents she might have, since we were willing to do anything to keep her with us for as long as possible, as long as she was in no pain, and seemed comfortable. Long story short, this past Saturday evening, she had a stroke, and was in obvious distress. She couldn't stand up, would not eat or drink, and we knew the time we had dreaded beyond words, had finally come. There was nothing to be done for her. We cried, said out good-byes and left her at the vet for the last time. We opted not to be present when she took her final breath. Needless to say this has been an extremely emotional week for me, and even more so for the hubby. When I tell you he ADORED this dog, I MEAN HE ADORED HER.. She was actually a gift to me on Mother's Day in 1997, but over time, he took to her like he has to no other pet. He definitely grieved over the loss of two other pets within the past year, but his distress over losing this pet has been brutal. I get sad watching him try to cope. My way of coping is staying busy. And that is why my house is so clean right now, all the laundry is done, again, and most every drawer and cabinet in the house is in tip-top shape. But enough about sad stuff.. and how clean my house is today...

Before all of the above happened last Saturday, we watched LSU beat Alabama in what turned out to be a very good game. We were not that optimistic about LSU winning, but they actually played well Saturday and with a trick play or two, managed to win and stay in the running for a potential National Championship... WooHOO!!!!!!

Bailey turns four next week! Her birthday party is this Saturday and she and four of her friends are going to the Pampered Princess and get manicures, and have their hair and makeup done. Unfortunately I will have to miss it due to another long ago previously scheduled commitment, but her mama swears she will take lots of pictures and post them on Facebook so I can at least see what is going on. I have never missed one of their parties, and this does not please me, but there is nothing I can do. I am making it up to her by buying "lots of presents" per her request.. She is truly her mother's child!

The guy is finally starting to work on our deck!!! WooHOO!! We have only been waiting on him for two months. I don't like messes AT ALL, and my backyard has been less than attractive waiting on him to get started. He says he will finish it by the end of next week and I can hardly wait!

My friend from Orange County California is arriving tonight and is spending a few days with us. Can't wait to see her again!

I am putting my Christmas decorations up next weekend! I like to get this done before the long Thanksgiving weekend so I can actually have 4 days off to do only what I want to do.. Yeah, Right! I have bought a few new things this year, and I bought a few things at the end of the season last year which will be a surprise since I can't remember any of it. The movers were shocked by all the Christmas decorations I have and asked that they be allowed to come see it all once I get it all up!!

And that is about all I got for now.

We're back, and it was over WAY too soon....

Friday morning started out pretty much like any other Friday morning for me, EXCEPT THAT AFTERNOON I WAS LEAVING ON A JET PLANE FOR ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA TO BE A GUEST AT THE FILMING OF THE SEASON FINALE OF THE HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY!!!

Brandy and I were so excited about the trip, we got to the airport over two hours early just so we could feel like we were "finally on our way!" And believe me when I tell you, getting to the airport early where we live is NOT necessary. We did sit in the airport bar and have a couple of adult beverages while waiting to board. Afterall it would take us all of 48 minutes to get to Atlanta so we could sit and wait two more hours, in a bar, for our flight to California. And, apparently Brandy had no idea how far Calfornia was from Atlanta since when the Captain announced it would take 4 hours and 17 minutes to get to John Wayne Airport, she was shocked. I think she actually thought it would only take a couple of hours. But, thank goodness for technology and she was able to watch Bravo TV while we flew through the air. We were definitely too excited to sleep on the plane. We arrived in Orange County about 10:15 P.M. their time, 12:15 A.M. our time, so we were finally getting a little tired. After a 30 minute ($65.00) cab ride from the airport to the hotel, we went to bed, because the hotel bar was closed and what else was there to stay up for. We definitely should have gotten our cabbie to stop at a jiffy mart so we could fill our mini frige with Ultras, but hindsight is always perfect isn't it!!

We were awake bright and early Saturday morning, since we were too excited to sleep. After indulging in a huge breakfast, in anticipation of not eating again that day, we started getting ready. Brandy said she needed to go ahead and "fix" her hair early so it could be re-done as "dirty" hair later, because everyone knows dirty hair is easier to fix and it looks better??? Who knew!!! After 4 hours of getting ready, taking numerous pictures, more primping, our ride was finally at the hotel. We had the pleasure of riding to the event with Vicki's assistant, Heidi and her friend Laurie, who were awesome. When we arrived at Vicki's house, where the finale was being filmed, Bravo people were everywhere. We had to sign a contract allowing them to film us, and have our picture taken with the contract!!! That alone made me feel somewhat like a celebrity! After waiting outside the house for all of 10 minutes, Brandy texted Vicki and told her we needed a beer, and that we wanted to see her. Vicki told us to go out by the pool and get a beer, and then come on up to where she was having her hair and makeup done. The camera crew was in her bathroom filming her, and we actually sat in there with her and the crew for about 30 minutes, and they were filming us, right along with her, and laughing right along with all of us. We then headed back downstairs, because HELLO, we needed another beer (and BTW, there was no Ultra at this party). We had the option of drinking Becks, Corona, Fisher, and something else I had never heard of. I had a Becks, which was good, but then I tried a Fisher, and I loved it. We met lots of wonderful people, got to see a cat fight between Tamra and Gena, lots of wine being thrown in people's faces, and a hasty exit on Gena's part. We took lots of pictures, made new friends who thanks to technology, once again, we were able to "friend" on Facebook immediately, and ate things we have never eaten before. I drank a martini of some kind that some cute hot yummy GAY guy made especially for me. What a waste of a cute hot yummy guy!! I think he is in the pictures Brandy put on facebook somewhere since I am pretty sure she is in 99% of the pictures taken that night.

After the filming, one of Bravo's crew memberts drove us, Vicki, her daughter Brianna, her office manager Danielle and couple of other people to a Mexican restaurant called Carmalita's to eat some real Mexican food. And then, Vicki called a limo to come get us!! HELLO!!! I had never ridden in a limo before!!! We then headed back to the hotel because we were all tired from the an extremely busy day.

Sunday morning, Vicki picked us up bright and early and we actually headed to a bar in Newport Beach 9:30 A.M. to watch the Chicago Bears play football because the games come on two hours earlier there than they do here, and when I tell you the bar was packed, I am not kidding. Standing room only. Vicki is from Chicago and she and her family are huge Bears fans. Our New Orleans Saints were playing too and we all kept each other company while both our teams lost. We then headed out on a boat ride that was fabulous! The houses on the water there have private beaches and were truly unbelievable. And, Brandy almost got a ticket for pretending we were riding around on the Titanic!! Shocker!!! We thoroughly enjoyed the boat ride and then we headed out to do a little purse shopping, (because a girl can never have too many purses) and we were successful!

We wound down the night by hanging out with Vicki at her house for a little while and then she took us back to our hotel and we said our goodbyes. It was the trip of a lifetime for us for sure.

After leaving Orange County late due to weather delays in Atlanta, we ran a marathon through the Atlanta airport to make our connecting flight and made it with about 10 minutes to spare.

It is definitely a trip we will be talking about for months to come. And, we certainly can't wait to find out when the finale will air so we can see if we made it past the cutting room floor! You should at least be able to see Brandy because she made her way to wherever she saw cameras because who knows when we will ever be around a film crew again.

The BIG TRIP TO HWOC!

This time Friday afternoon, I will be sitting in the Jackson International Airport, waiting on a plane to take me and my daughter to Atlanta, and from there to the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, home to the Housewives of Orange County!!!! I am not sure who is more excited, me or Brandy. She says she has become even more "infamous" because of this trip, and I seriously have no reason to doubt that. THANKS FACEBOOK!!!

We have been advised by our friend, Vicki Gunvalson, the filming will begin Saturday at 2:00 P.M. and not end until 6:00 P.M. Either Vicki or her assistant will be picking us up at our hotel Saturday and take us back to Vicki's house so we can participate in the filming of the finale of the Housewives of Orange County. We will get to meet all the ladies on the show, as well as other individuals who have been invited to participate in the filming as well. Even though the this particular show is my favorite out of all the Housewives shows, I never in a million years dreamed I would ever meet one of the ladies, much less be asked to be part of the show. I am OVER THE MOON excited about this. Brandy is OVER THE MOON and then some... Seriously! If you know her, you know what I am talking about. If they give her a chance to speak, she will do so, and I feel sure they will not edit her out. Due to my serious "Elly Mae" twang, I will refrain from speaking when a microphone is near.

Outfits have been given lots of serious thought. From what to wear on the way out there JUST IN CASE WE SEE SOMEBODY FAMOUS, to what we will WEAR ON TV, and of course WHAT TO WEAR HOME, just in case the paparazzi gets wind of our TV DEBUT, and wants to follow us around the airport taking pictures.. WE ARE TOTALLY PREPARED!!! We have had our hair done, made numerous trips to the tanning bed, nails are done, and pedicures are scheduled. When you are going to be standing that close to women who have their makeup and hair done by professionals almost everyday, you gotta give it your best shot, and believe me, WE ARE!!! Details to come...

Busy, busy, weekend... again...

This past weekend was pretty busy for me. It started Friday night when I went to karate with Brandy and the kids. Benton absolutely loves karate and I absolutely love watching him. He probably listens to Instructor Parks better than any of the other kids, and I am not saying that because he is my flesh and blood (well, maybe because he is my flesh and blood). After karate they wanted to go to Pizza Inn (which does not sell adult beverages) and we vetoed that since it was now 6:30 on Friday night, Pizza Inn was across town and all restaurants were starting to fill up. Benton then decided he wanted to go to a Mexican restaurant (which does sell adult beverages), although he wouldn't touch Mexican food with a ten foot pole. However, he does love their chicken strips and fries, and chips. Bailey will eat anything.. seriously.. After we finished dinner, I dropped them off at their house so we could all start packing for our trip to Louisiana the next morning.

My niece Taylor was celebrating her 5th birthday, and Brandy still needed to find an outfit for out trip to California, so we headed out early. We arrived in Louisiana about 9:30 and started our shopping venture at Target, where we purchased one birthday present, two toys for well behaved children, and a few items of clothing for well behaved children, and a couple of things for G. We then headed to some boutiques, and unfortunately Brandy found nothing, at any of them.. Me, on the other hand, found an awesome suede and fur vest that will look snazzy with a pair of boots I purchased recently.

We then headed to lunch with my niece, sister-in-law and my mom and then on to the party. The kids had a blast, but they were ready to go before the party was over because THEY WERE TIRED OF GOING PLACES, and just wanted to go mammaws and play. We headed to mammaws where they played, the adults rested, and then I proceeded to get dressed for GIRLS NIGHT OUT with three friends from high school. Two of the friends I had not seen in over 15 years, and the other one I see often. Two of the friends came to get me and we headed to Monroe to Portico's where the other friend met us and we talked, laughed, revisited our pasts, laughed some more, etc. We all made a pact to NOT let so much time go by before we connected again, and plan to meet again in December, and I CANNOT WAIT!!! We used to have lots of fun when we were in high school, and in the first few years after high school before we all got married and went in different directions, and now know we can still have fun with each other after all these years.. So, the plan is to meet again in early December. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

After eating my mom's "biskits" and gravy, Brandy and I loaded up the kids early Sunday and headed home since we had not yet been to the fair and it was definitely on our list of things to do Sunday because it was the last day. Hubby and I headed out with the kids about 1:00, and although it was hot, we had much fun. Bailey loves to ride, but unfortunately she is a tad short to ride some of the rides, but Benton would prefer trying to win cheap plastic toys at $5.00 a pop. After spending 20.00 on games where they won 4 cheap plastic toys, I said no more. We are going to ride rides or leave. They were fine with that, and loved every minute of it. We purchased 12.00 worth of cotton candy on our way out and declared it a great day. They were not quite ready to go home and requested we head to G's house, and this was fine with me because I LOVE BEING WITH THEM. We played outside, I squirted them with the water hose, they filled up a bucket with water and created a "brew" that they stirred and stirred and stirred... Whatever makes them happy is my motto..

Does it get any more random...?

I wish I could think of something to write about everyday, other than the randomness of my life, which I don't write about, but I do think about writing about it. So, I answer random questions from time to time, so I feel like I am writing about something. So, here you have it:

1. If you could go back and start all over at the age of 21, would you? Why or why not? I can honestly say, HELL NO!!! Unless I already knew what was going to happen, and had the ability to change it all. Because there is plenty I would change, but without knowing it was going to happen, there would be no point in doing it twice.. Seriously.

2. What would be the perfect pet for you? I supposed four dogs since that is what I have.

3. If you were a car, what kind would you be? A Jeep with top off.. Not that my top is off, or anything like that..

4. What is in the floor of your closet? Right now, there is lint and pinestraw because I picked everything up off the floor and I now need to vacuum it. Hopefully before the weekend is over. And the pinestraw was tracked in by the dogs.

5. If you had the chance to do anything you wanted for a living, what would it be?
I would like to own a daycare. I love children..

6. If you had the chance to spend one day with someone who is gone from your life, how would you spend it? My daddy. My love of beer came from him. And he died before I could really enjoy having a beer with him.

7. Describe yourself in 200 words or less. Um . . . I don't even know where to start. Any suggestions? I would like to say I am smart, good looking, great body, have hair to die for, etc., but none of that is happening... WHATEVER...I was told one time that I wasn't too cute, but had a good personality... I will claim that...

8. What is your favorite holiday? Probably Thanksgiving simply because it is just about the food preparation, eating the prepared food and cleaning up after the prepared food is eaten. Not stressful at all. Just EXHAUSTING!!!, but only for a day.

That's right, if you're reading, you are tagged. Just pick any one of these questions and answer in the comments section.

Things I did not get done yesterday...

One of the attorneys in our firm is building a MEGA bucks house. The other secretary in our office is a part time very good interior decorator and she is decorating the mega bucks house. Therefore, she makes appointments for various house decorating ventures during office hours and then tells me about them, and I am expected to work my lunch schedule around her decorating ventures. Fair? Not really, but I have a good job and great bosses and can't really complain. Could she be more considerate?? Yes, but that is not her style. And, after nine years, I am accustomed. Anyone else would probably get really upset about it, but I have learned it does no good, so I just go with the flow and realize this too shall pass... So, I did not get to do all that I intended on my lunch HOUR yesterday. I did not get: 1) tanning spray for my upcoming TV appearance; 2) car tag; and 3) inspection sticker that is TOTALLY UNNECESSARY in my humble opinion.

So, those three things have been moved to my list of things to do today, and just maybe I will get them done then, along with ten new things I have on a list for today. I run errands almost every day at lunch so I don't have to run errands after work. I go to WalMart between 6:15 and 6:30 in the morning, before I come to work, so I don't have to fight the crowd in the afternoons, and so I can pick the kids up whenever I want. I can't let anything interfere with that pleasure!

The MEGA bucks house will be finished in the next few weeks, and hopefully things will return to "normal." Only time will tell.

Ten things I need to get done today...10/07/10

There are ten things I WILL get done today, and if I put them in writing, I have to do them...

1. On my lunch HOUR I need to purchase a can of spray tanning stuff a co-worker recommended; I need it for my upcoming appearance on TV...

2. On my lunch HOUR I need to run to Shoe Gallery and see if they have anything suitable for me to wear while on TV...

3. On my lunch HOUR I need to get a car tag..

4. On my lunch HOUR I need to get an inspection sticker.. dumbest thing ever REQUIRED!!!!

5. I need to do two loads of laundry today; I am obsessive about keeping my laundry caught up..unlike my daughter... just saying...

6. I will pick up the grandest kids ever after work today!

7. I will take them for ice cream if their little hearts so desire!

8. Hubby and I will interview a new dog sitter tonight.. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? The oldest dog has never been boarded so we hire a dog sitter for the few ocassions we go out of town together. And, the dog sitter has to spend the night so they can sleep with her. She has never not slept in our bed, with someone.

9. We will take the kids somewhere fun to eat tonight, and in all liklihood it will not be a place that serves beer. The sacrifices I make for them...

10. I will get my bathroom cleaned tonight...So I don't wake up thinking about it again tonight.

It is a good thing I am not a big watcher of TV... and I can use DVR...

Homecoming memories...

This time of year always reminds of Homecoming. Not sure why, since I was NEVER in the Homecoming Court, nor was I allowed to go to any of the football games, with the exception of one time in 1974, and for which I had to beg, plead and cry for two weeks in order to get to attend the Homecoming game in 1974. I was in the 10th grade and for whatever reason, this was the game I was willing to do whatever it took to go. Of course doing whatever it took is a little extreme since I had no car, or other means of transportation with the exception of the two legs God gave me, and in order to use my legs, I would have had to walk past my mother to get to the door, and that wasn't happening. But, I did beg, beg, beg, and my mother finally agreed to not only let me go to the game, she agreed to let me spend the night with a friend and go to the game with her, her sister and her sister's boyfriend. This was a huge step for me because I had never been in the same vehicle with anyone of the opposite sex that was not related to me. No, I was NOT dating in the 10th grade, and yes, that is kind of old to have never been on a date. My mother didn't allow dating, and rarely allowed anyone of the opposite sex in the door that might want to see me. But, getting back to Homecoming, I FINALLY talked my mother into letting me go, and letting me spend the night with someone. I swore I would follow her rules, and I did, because I knew any slight deviation from the rules would result in a minimum six weeks of being grounded, which meant no phone calls, no friends, no nothing except school and Church for 6 weeks. It was also known as "pure hell."

My friends and I went to the game, and since it was homecoming, there were floats, and the tradition after the game was to head to the field behind Bussey Brake Reservoir and burn the floats... Yep, we had a huge bonfire and burned everything that we spent weeks laboring over and it was called fun! And yes, I even had my mother's permission to attend the float burning which was also HUGE for me. After we had made sure everything was burned beyond recognition and the fires were out, we started heading back to the car. Keep in mind it was as VERY dark out in that field, and without headlights, you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. Therefore, IT WAS DARK! As we were walking back to the vehicle, I saw one of the trucks coming down the dirt path and stepped out of the path to let the truck by. What I didn't see was the trailer still attached to the truck, which previously carried the contents of one of the floats, and once the truck passed, I immediately stepped back out in the dirt road and that's when the trailer knocked me down and proceeded to run over me. Yep, I was being run over by a trailer. It all seemed to happen in slow motion, and I remember thinking "please don't let it run over my face because I don't want to be any less attractive than I already am." (I was not allowed to wear makeup and I was not very purdy). Someone alerted the driver that he needed to stop, and he did and the trailer wheel was parked on my chest, touching my chin. I couldn't move. The driver backed the trailer back off of me, and I got up. I was not really hurt with the exception of some scrapes and pretty bad bruises on my leg. After determining medical attention was not needed, and assuring the driver of the truck I was not mad at him, we all left and went home. The next day when my mom picked me up, I did not tell her what happened, because I was sure she would blame me for the incident and ground me because that is what she did if she felt you deviated from the rules. And remember, when she grounded you, it was for a minimum of six weeks. ALWAYS! So, I hobbled around the remainder of the weekend and headed back to school Monday, where for once everyone was interested in how I was doing.

That afternoon when my mother picked me up from school, she asked me if there was anything I wanted to tell her. I knew at that moment she knew, although to this day she will not tell me who told her. And, for not telling her about getting run over by a trailer after homecoming in 1974, she grounded me... and yes, it was for six weeks.

Funny stuff said at the Family Reunion...

I have a cousin named, "BUBBA"... Yes, I know that is a shocker. Bubba is about 23, pretty cute and pretty quiet. The following was a conversation between Bubba and my niece Ashley.

Ashley: Bubba, you got a girlfriend?

Bubba: Not really.

Ashley: You got a boyfriend?

Bubba: It would probably be less trouble if I did...

Now that was funny stuff.. I don't care who you are!!!

More random stuff about me that nobody cares about!!

1. Do you do garage sales?

Yes, occasionally. And, I have helped my daughter give 2 garage sales, did most of the work, and gave her ALL the money.. And, we sold mostly my stuff..

2. Name the last thing you fixed?

I fixed a salad for dinner last night.. :)

3. Name your A) favorite item of makeup or B) your favorite tool.

Favorite makeup item is lip gloss from Ulta and my favorite tool is..... a hammer.. Yep, a hammer..

4. Which room in your home needs organizing more than any other?

I need to work on our home office.. again.. not that I think it will do any good since Hubby spends the greatest amount of time in there and HE is the reason it is a mess.. Fortunately no one ever sees it. Except me..

5. Which room could use re-decorating?

My bedroom. I have great stuff in there, but it NEEDS something, and I don't know what it is..

6. Share something unique about your town.

The Natchez Trace runs through our town and you can hop on there, day or night, and see wild turkey, deer, and other random animals. FYI... NEVER speed on the Trace.. trust me on this one..

7. If you could send a one sentence message to your great grandchild what would it be?

Hopefully I will live long enough to see my great-grandchildren, but I would tell them to love Jesus with all your heart, and be a giver, not a taker.

8. Do you facebook?

I do.. and I love it. Haven't been on there as often lately, but still love it.

9. Describe your favorite shoes.

My favorite shoes are a pair of Luchese cowboy boots I bought last year.. They were pricey, but worth every dime! I wear them a lot!

10. Do you listen to more talk radio or more music radio? What kind of station is it?

I HATE, HATE, HATE talk radio! Hubby LOVES, LOVES, LOVES talk radio!!! I don't get it, and don't want to get it.. I love listening to music, especially country music.

11. How far would you travel for a really good favorite meal?

Well, unfortunately, I don't particularly love traveling, so I would have to say, NOT FAR!!! We have lots of great restaurants around here, and I am good with any of those.

Now, wasn't that useful information!!!!