"This year, all the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lights are green. The holiday display, lit at a Wednesday night ceremony, still includes a rainbow of colors. But this year the 84-foot-tall Norway spruce is sporting energy-saving bulbs, and an array of solar panels atop 45 Rockefeller Plaza will help power them."
Going green? They still chopped down a tree! Now, now - it's not that I'm a tree hugging hippie or anything of that sort but I do feel trees serve us better if alive and rooted in the ground.
They emit oxygen, provide shade, break wind... or is that wind breaking? Either way, they do a lot of stuff that we don't realize until they are gone. Then, when they do die they provide lumber for our houses and wood for warmth. Many even provide food such as the huge walnut tree next door that had slapped me in the forehead with a pair of it's nuts just last weekend. About knocked me out by golly.
Rockefeller Center, why don't they just plant a tree that can live there all year round and be decorated at any given whim for any holiday or season? Perhaps create a tree out of recyclable plastics or any number of our byproducts. If they truly want to be Eco-friendly and Green - they need to do that.
Now, I'm working on going green. See the stuff can be expensive such as these twinkling LED lights from Harriet Carter. I've bought 2 sets of these and must say, they work wonderfully. 8 hours carries the lights through past midnight here.
In fact, what a wonderful way to employ some track lighting in my new Romanesque style living room. (Still in progress) All I have to do is stick that solar thingamabob by the window and wallah - free lights for the night.
Certainly, I must emphasis that I am not a tree hugger. Just a cheap, poor person who would like nothing more than to screw over the electric and gas companies.
Let me know your sizes! Christmas is tight this year and my trailer park neighbor Miss Betty-Sue taught me how to make bedroom slippers out of ordinary maxi pads!
You'll need four maxis to make a pair. Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part. The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top. Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part. Then decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers, jingle bells or some fresh cut mistletoe.
These slippers are soft and Hygienic. Non-slip sticky grip strips on the soles. Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh. No more bending over to mop up spills. Disposable, biodegradable and environmentally safe.
Let me know which of the three convenient sizes you prefer: Regular, Light day and Super for Maximum absorbency and cushion.
Squirt was just about the age of one when I brought home her first Sit & Spin. It didn't take her long to get the mechanics of it down and she began to spin for hours on end. Unlike the Sit & Spins of my day, this one played music and I don't think there was a toy in the house that needed batteries more often.
Changing the batteries became quite an ordeal and Gon came up with a grand idea. With all of the energy dispensed with spinning, why didn't the company design the SPIN in such a way where the batteries would be recharged during kid play?
It took every ounce that I had not to let him open up the Sit & Spin and pull a Tim Allen on it. Gon was ready to march down to Radio Shack and get all the components needed to Pimp Squirts Spin with a Battery Recharger.
Today, Squirt still loves her SPIN, so much she is reluctant to share it with her friends when they come over. Although our 5 year old has developed a set of 6-pack abs, the SPIN is starting to show signs of wear and tear. There is a crack down the middle. Plus, Squirt is growing like a weed and her legs are a bit too long and getting in her way of achieving optimal G-Force.
With Christmas around the corner I decided to look online and see if we can find one of those big Playground style SPIN's or Merry-go-rounds. This way all of the girls can play on it at the same time and it won't matter how long their legs grow. This type of SPIN will get years of use by all.
That's when I found this nifty little news article. Seems in a little town called Stinkwater, they have such a Roundabout playground apparatus. Not only is it a lot of fun for the children it is also designed to harness the energy of the kids playing by pumping up water to the town's people. Saving the town lots of money and resources.
That's the last thing Gon needed to read. Now he's talking about building Squirt a SPIN out of car parts, axles and other things. Trying to figure out a resourceful way to power up our own home!
It must be my lucky week. Unusual for me as I'm often finding myself in lots of pickles. Being blond tends to affect the luck that is coming in from all directions. The bad as well as the good luck.
Such as earlier this week. What was I thinking? It takes DAYS to thaw out a turkey but my blondness felt it was a good idea to wait until Wednesday before Thanksgiving to buy one from the store. When I came to this realization Wednesday morning I could have kicked myself, but didn't.
After all, I'm creative enough in the kitchen to make a tasty spicy Meatless Meatball that can fool a whole crowd of hungry Super Bowl guys. Surely I can pull a simple Turkey look a like loaf upon my family's Thanksgiving table.
My luck soon changed as I went to work that morning to help Mrs. Waters get her home ready for Thanksgiving. Turns out, Rachael Ray from the Food Network told her how wonderful it would be to cook two turkeys for a big gathering vs. just one. Extra wings, extra legs and breasts for everyone!
Except, she realized her oven wouldn't fit two turkeys and was pondering on what to do with an extra completely thawed Butterball. That's when I arrived.
SCORE ONE!!
After cleaning Mrs. Water's home I went over to make dinner and care for Mr. & Ms. IOH like I usually do every afternoon. Not meaning to complain, but my afternoons have been very long and matters frustrating. Maybe they may have sensed this? Who's to know but I was thrilled to find out that I can take the entire next four days off to spend with my own family.
SCORE TWO!
Driving home that evening I found the grocery store not crowded, and as planned sans the unthawed turkey, I was able to snag up all the fixin's, cranberry sauce and trimmings to pull off my Turkey day meal.
As I climbed into my car the radio station was having one of those, "9th Caller with the right answer WINS" question.
The question: "In Don Henley's song Dirty laundry, he sings about a 5 o'clock news anchor. What does he call her?"
A BUBBLE HEADED BLEACHED BLOND!
What the heck, why not? I called in and the DJ picked up and said, "Congratulations you're the 9th caller" and I got the answer right. Winning two foot long Subway Subs.
SCORE THREE!
Yesterday, I ended up being six months too early or six months too late, depending on how you look at it - on throwing Dr. John a surprise Blogger birthday party. It was a big hit and not only that - he was successfully surprised!
SCORE FOUR!
Yep, he never saw it coming! I sincerely doubt that he'd enjoy it nearly as much if I actually did get the day right. Remind me in six months to make sure to tell him Happy Thanksgiving.
Do I have issues over being a Bubble Headed Bleach Blond?
No way, my entire life or luck would never be the same.
The Blogosphere Express is going off the rails and around the world to pick up a few friends.
Dr. John is one of the most super'est, duper'est guys on the internet and goes out of his way to make friends and connect us all together.
Today, folks - is Dr. John's birthday sequel (his real birthday was six months ago)and we're all gathering to host a huge surprise party for him over at his Fortress. See, this may just be the only way to surprise such a wise old man. =O)
Today is the perfect day for a Dr. John Comment-athon of sorts to fill his Inbox with comments from new places and new faces. All wishing him a Happy Birthday.
I met Dr. John when I first started blogging and have been inspired by him ever since. He's your typical garden variety kind of guy with a heart of gold. Enjoying Grandchildren, trips to the hobby shop, model trains and writing.
Visiting his blog is much like sitting at your Grandpa's knee as he recalls and sometimes makes up stories to either wise us up or entertain us.
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Not that he is a real bona fide Grandpa, for by his calculations he isn't a day over 65. However I have a sneaking suspicion that in his honesty, he isn't just a day over 65 - more like a few years or maybe decades.
My suspicions are based on these 13 facts of note:
1. Dr. John and his teeth don't sleep together.
2. It takes longer for Dr. John to rest than it did for him to get tired.
3. When Dr. John gets "lucky" it means he found his car in the parking lot.
4. Dr. John will search for his glasses for over a half hour only to find they were on his face the whole time.
5. There is nothing left for Dr. John to learn the hard way.
6. When Dr. John throws a party the neighbors don't even realize it.
7. Dr. John's joints are more accurate than the nightly weather man.
8. Dr. John's ears are hairier than his head.
9. Dr. John's wheel chair has more loaded options than his car.
10. Younger women hold open doors for him!
11. Caution is the only thing Dr. John cares to exercise.
12. Dr. John begins every other sentence with, "Nowadays..."
13. "Getting a little action" means Dr. John doesn't have to take a laxative.
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Please feel free to join the Dr. John's Birthday Comment-athon and visit Dr. John's Fortress and leave a comment to say Happy Birthday. Or you could say Happy Thanksgiving or even book your fare on the next Crazy Train!
Oh crap, where does the time go? Thanksgiving is a day away and I haven't even landed my bird yet other than a cheap Jenni-O Turkey in a frozen aluminum box. Leaving these little Turks below quite safe, but I can't say the same for my next door neighbor's pet rooster.
He's a retarded rooster if there ever was one. Cock-a-doodle-doing for no reason other than he must want someone to rotisserie him at 3am in the morning. I cannot complain, for my Basset Hounds have woke up the whole trailer park numerous times in the middle of the night. Then again, they're only concerned over my punk kid neighbor and his gang of thuggie friends who hang out over there.
Speaking of whom, yesterday was his preliminary hearing for him burglarizing my house. Not much of a hearing at all considering I had to sit through a couple full cases before his turn came up. Only to hear that "Jay's" case was being forwarded to State Court and the judge finally allowed him to post bail for $5,000.
From what I understand his Grandpa posted bond and whisked him away to Rehab. Good. The kid looked really ragged and scared as he stood there in the court room with cuffs and shackles. No wonder, from the look of the other inmates that came rolling in for trial before him. They were a scary bunch and not the kind you would want to be in jail with.
Well, except one. He was caught soliciting for sex downtown one evening dressed like a woman. The cop who arrested him found a crack rock in his make-up bag inside of his purse. The courtroom and trials were boring until this one came up. Little did I know the prisoner had an entire fan club seated behind me.
Now granted, the funny and entertaining part in all of this was not because the man was a tranny. It was because of all the expressive faces of the old town and down home southern baptist types sitting in the room. The gasps and shocking whispers of awe.
Other than that, I've been busy. My old peeps that I care for aren't doing well this week. The Mrs. is really out of sorts, I almost want to say she had a stroke but nobody will say or do anything about it. Even her Doctor. Guess they think she's over 90 and there isn't anything they can really do. It's still hard.
Then I've been working on a little something special for a super fantastic Bloggy Bud of mine. I'll share it here on Thursday.
Otherwise.... it's all been good. Until tomorrow.............
Yeah, well sorry about that - but after long hard days like today, that's exactly how I feel sometimes. I spent my entire day off cleaning house.
Didn't I just do this last Saturday? Why, yes I did - but for some reason I remember it being easier and my back not hurting as bad. How on earth does Chocolate Milk get spilled underneath a bed and nobody notice? Hardwood floors are hard to clean but what I had going on here was wall to wall socks.
If this happens again next Saturday I'm approaching my husband with demands for an allowance.
I wonder if this guy's new wife can someday demand the same?
A man in southern India married a female dog in a traditional Hindu ceremony as an attempt to atone for stoning two other dogs to death _ an act he believes cursed him. Mr. Selvakumar married the sari-draped former stray named Selvi, chosen by family members and then bathed and clothed for the ceremony Sunday at a Hindu temple in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
An astrologer had told Selvakumar the wedding was the only way he could cure the maladies and streak of bad luck. Deeply superstitious people in rural India sometimes organize weddings to dogs and other animals, believing it can ward off certain curses. The newspaper reported the groom and his family then had a feast, while the dog got a bun.
A bun? Granted, many Hindus are vegetarians but you'd think the bride would at least be granted a Soy Gardenburger. Some Tofu? Peanut Butter wedding cake?
But no, a lousy stinking bun. Poor gal, I hope she puts her new husband in the doghouse.
1. If you're only as old as you feel, how old are you?
29 years old. Seriously, it's trippy but not having children until 35 kind of set me back a whole decade. Many of my old HS friends have become Grandparents already or have teenagers driving them nuts. Gon in his final year of college also has a lot to do with how old we seem to feel.
2. What habits, traits, or behaviors do you engage in that might be considered too young for you? Which might be considered a trait of someone older than you?
Going to concerts and jamming out at home. I remember when I was a teen and my parents were in their 30's - they abhorred and refused to like my kind of music - yet here we are enjoying the old as well as the new alternative metal tuneages.
As for old stuff, I guess I always have done old stuff. Crocheting, sewing, gardening and crafts. I've ditched much of my old '80's style when it comes to haircut, clothes, etc. but I still wear matching color bobby socks with Nike's. I don't think I'll ever give these up.
3. Do you ever wish you were a different age than you are now? Why?
Nah, honestly - I'm having the best time of my life. Mind you, not an easy time by any measure - but the best time. There are challenges around every corner or waking day, joys, people to meet, places to see, moments to embrace. I hope I never come to the age when I sit in a chair bored and thinking I've done it all.
4. Do you deliberately behave or dress a certain way to appear or feel younger than you are? How about older?
Arrrgh, my hair. I'm naturally blond but the whites are coming in quickly making me look like Johnny Winter. My hair does not hold color long and that doesn't help. So I suppose I'm challenged to appear younger by constantly messing with my mop.
As for older, well - six months ago an eye appointment brought about the fact that I need progressive lenses. So now you'll catch me wearing eyeglasses more often than not.
5. What is your *real* age?
My husband and I are both technically 40. However, with us both being born on September 11th we have decided that by default - our birthday was voided back in the year 2001. So now we're 39 and holding.
It's been so long I've practically forgot about them. School programs, a time when you put on a little show, play or Christmas pageant for your parents. My own mother never missed a single one and today I was reminded on how excited I was when I spotted her sitting in the audience.
Like today, Squirt's Pre-K Thanksgiving Party when she finally spotted us among the other parents. The tell tale squeal of joy, the jumping up and down and waving - it all came rushing back to me.
It was a cute little program and worth cutting a few hours out and away from work for. Every parent brought a cover dish meal and we all pigged out on Turkey, stuffing and all the fixings. It was all good, however as I sit here writing this blog post four hours later - something that I ate isn't happy inside of me. Thank heavens for Pepto Bismo.
After dinner the kids sang and put on a little show for us:
Yeah, I know a bit chaotic but not too bad considering there were 40 rambunctious and excited pre-schoolers running about.
Oh, and they loved our Ninja Turkey - he came in 3rd place and successfully managed to slip by the Thanksgiving feast uncooked. Or like Dr. John suggested - Ninja Turkey looked a little too tough to eat anyway.
This post is part of my on going saga called life, recently dramatized by a home burglary. Yes, the mug shot that I posted a few days ago was that of my neighbor. The kid next door who just turned 18. Of course I feel hurt and betrayed above all, that he busted our trust and allowed my home to be used for gansta purposes.
Angry especially at the kids who are now sitting in jail that I do not know. Both Gon and myself could care less and are in the mindset of pleading with their judge to give them a full 20 years. But this neighbor kid, we're quite torn on what we should do.
Let's call this young man Jay from now on, shall we? Well, if you look closer at his mug shot there you may see that he is wearing hearing aids. See, Jay was born almost completely deaf and even with these hearing aids - cannot hear clearly nor the way that normal folks like us do.
A little more complicated, but important just the same is that the State of Georgia does not have many, if any programs for the hearing impaired. Those that are found in the yellow pages don't accept welfare, medicaid or children from indigent families. So basically Jay here has had nothing but crap from his entire life of education, social networking, girlie friends, state of coolness, etc. You get the feeling.
Now Jays Daddy suffered from depression and committed suicide when Jay was just two. The Father Figure thing wasn't happening nor was anyone even close to filling that role for this young man. Grandpa did even recently by buying Jay a new truck. Also buying Jay tuition to a nearby tech college where Jay attended for about 30 minutes. Grandma's been around too, now frantically trying to help Jay with an attorney, medicaid and SSI benefits to help him rehab.
Yes, I said rehab. It isn't so surprising I suppose that a young 18 year old kid could be a staggering alcoholic. But he is and has been for the last two years. Not the typical party on and catch the buzz type of alcohol use - but the drown your sorrows until you pass out and make the world go away type.
The kid needs to be accountable. The kid needs to make amends and regain trust. He needs rehabilitation and behavioral/physical doctor care.
Correction with direction.
But does he need to be marked as a felon? Slammed away for 20 years? Only to be let out with no more than he went in with.
See, that's the dilemma. First court date is Monday morning and we have to go. We'll have to testify, say something... make a suggestion. The kid has pleaded and said countlessly that he is now sorry.
Yet at the same time I'm here wondering who the victim in all this really is? What should we say or do?
Note to my readers: This photo is just a reply to my good ole' anti communist bloggy bud Woozie. In no way does posting this photo place me in bed with Kosmo Kramer and The Dogg, 'ya all. It's just a friendly enlightenment that....
Here is proof that a white man can eat chicken and play football at the SAME time!
I'm convinced, this camera stinks. However, for $100 it works and I've come to the realization that the others will be just about the same - maybe even worse. So until we get our old camera back, or a new one - this will just have to do to get us through the holidays.
With all that has been going down lately, we forgot to do our homework. Yes, Squirt's Pre-K teacher sent all the kids home with a homework project to be completed by tomorrow by the parents. Trust me, Gon and I were never big on homework. Not back then, not now nor ever. We're lazy procrastinators who absolutely abhor time clocks, alarm clocks and due dates.
THE TURKEY PROJECT. Each family is sent home with a blank naked turkey on a white sheet of paper. We are to creatively decorate the turkey in hopes that it will slip by unnoticed through Thanksgiving unscathed and uncooked. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed Turkey's on Thursdays Thanksgiving Luncheon.
I was reminded of this project due tomorrow as well as inspired by this lovely scene on my way to work this morning:
Then of course, quickly forgot about it through my hectic and long working day.
Until a half hour ago when I exclaimed, "Oh crap! We have to decorate and doodle up that dern Turkey for Squirt's family project!"
Gon, totally absorbed and weighed down by his college course homework didn't want to do it. So it was up to me. Armed with a black Sharpie marker and a piece of black cloth - I painstakingly slapped out ... NINJA TURKEY in ten minutes flat.
Not too bad if I say so myself. He should slip by unscathed, if not as a Ninja maybe because he resembles a scavenging buzzard? An added significance could be the fact that I've burnt our Thanksgiving turkey for the past three years.
Or he'll be sent back home after Thanksgiving marked with a big fat red "F" for failure to make effort. If that's the case I'm totally cutting the next parent teacher conference.
Phew! I'm glad this week is over - I couldn't stand it anymore. Monday, was just your typical Monday sucking only because it was back to work and the grind time. Tuesday afternoon our home was burglarized and I can reveal a little bit more about it.
I went shopping after picking up Squirt from school and came home, unlocked my door and found my entire house ransacked. Cabinets and drawers pulled out and emptied, bookshelves knocked over, broken glass, closets raided and stuff missing. The house was such a big mess it was two days for me to take note on all that was taken. No lie, can you believe the little shits ate the rest of Squirts birthday cake?
Anyhoo, the police came out and did a fabulous job taking notes, the report and questioning the neighbors. Gon and I had to wait a few hours until the investigator arrived to scope out the place for fingerprints. While sitting out on our front deck waiting, the little boy next door snuck up and said, "So what did my brother do?"
He then gave me on of Squirt's birthday presents, the charging base for the Walkie Talkies wrapped up in one of my pajama tops. We called the police back out again and they were able to gather enough evidence to issue a warrant for his brother's arrest. So now it's one down and three or more to go.
Thus why I can't really say much more until things unfold a little more. What I do know is very impressive and I am very pleased with our police department. They rock and are serious about this. In fact today, an officer came by to visit the neighborhood with flyers and things about burglary, gang activity, etc. Talking to peeps and promising to come around more often. Damn almost feels like Mayberry here now.
One of the items taken, I didn't realize until later that evening. My Olympus camera. Loaded with great pictures and videos that I didn't download to my computer yet. What sucks is even if they do find it, it will be held up in the evidence locker until trial. So of course, the first thing on my agenda was to get some sort of camera.
That was the tough part, how can a person go from an $800 camera to something worth $150? You can't. You just can't. I annoyed the salesperson at the camera shop for an entire hour yesterday trying to find something that will do. They had cheaper Olympus brands but honestly, they were worse than the other comparable priced cameras. In lots of ways from zoom, shutter speed, video, mega pixels - it was crazy. So I drove the sales guy up the wall.
I narrowed things down to two cameras - a Nikon and oddly enough this Polaroid that I eventually purchased. I'm going to take this weekend to play around with it a bit to see if it's tolerable. So bear with me if I share some photos and videos. And please tell me your thoughts, suggestions and stuff. So I'll know by Tuesday whether to take it back and get the Nikon instead.
They were about the same with details, user friendly, menu and little quirks. No, of course they weren't like my old Olympus and I did find a new Olympus I would like to snag someday. But I'll save up for it between now and then.
If anyone has a Polaroid a520, please give me your thoughts, hints and tips. Thanks.
Although we celebrated and had a birthday party last weekend, Squirt officially turned five yesterday. Maybe it's me being emotional but as I watched her play with her new dolly after dinner, she seemed to have changed dramatically overnight.
This may sound very odd, but every morning when I hear her awake, I feel like I'm still dreaming. See, Squirt is a miracle if there ever was one - for many doctors have stated that I could never conceive. Diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 20 took away much hope of motherhood. Eight years later an ectopic pregnancy ended up in the removal of one side of my reproductive organs. My slim chances were then cut in half.
It only got worse from there, for a pap smear during an earlier appointment with my OB came back positive for cervical cancer. Four surgeries and they still weren't able to get clear borders. The next word out of the doctor's mouth was hysterectomy.
I ran out of that office and never looked back.
To this day I can't explain the overwhelming feeling of "FLEE" that came over me that afternoon. It was more than a great sadness. Much more than a terrible fear. It was as if someone grabbed me by the arm and yanked me out of there.
The Doctors came to my house that evening. And they say Doctors don't make house calls anymore. They banged upon my screen door until I finally opened it and let them in. They insisted I was being unreasonable, suggested that I was suicidal and even threatened to get a court order to force me to submit to them ripping my insides out.
I got a second opinion.
When I divorced and moved to Savannah, GA, things started to look much brighter for me. Yet, back in my mind was this worry over these cervical cancer cells. I finally went to see a Doctor down here to have things checked out. To my surprise and big relief, everything came out normal! After requesting my former records from NJ my Doctor noticed that I had HPV at that time. Most likely given to me over and over and over by my Ex-husband. I didn't show any signs of that since I moved here, nor do I now.
(Speaking of now, this is a good time to plug my opinion on the controversial HPV vaccine. Get it for yourself, allow your daughter to have it. Getting it will not give your daughter a free pass to have sex - but it may save her life someday. She can save herself for marriage and not even know her husband has it. Please trust me on this.)
Gon and I were married on October 28, 2001 and we were both 35. Four months later on Valentines Day 2002 - I was pregnant. I know my quirky, out of whack body so well that I knew immediately. My first worry was of another ectopic pregnancy and I went to the emergency room right away. I lied, said I felt funny and had a weird pain just so I could have an immediate peace of mind that my baby implanted itself in the right place.
The "Little Peanut" did.
Some of my readers may already know, but in my 23rd week I was in a tragic accident. Rear ended by a speeding Greyhound Tour Bus then rushed to that very same emergency room. Despite my terrible pain I needed to know first, if my "Little Peanut" was alright.
She was.
I wasn't, and according to my Doctor I should have a late term abortion. Broken ribs and an ever expanding pregnant belly was going to make for a very complicated third trimester. I told him off and remained on bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy. Which couldn't have went any slower. Squirt was due on November 2, 2002 and of course, she wanted to hang out in there for five more painful days.
Finally at 5:30 in the morning, her birthday was here. I was planning to shower before heading off to the hospital, planning a natural birth and watched hundreds of births on the TLC network. I thought I knew what I was getting into. The Doctor should have known, for my cervix was badly scarred from previous surgeries and refused to let poor Squirt out.
She was in distress and they rushed me in for an emergency C-section. As they gave me a spinal block something else went wrong. The discs in my spine were dislodged from the accident and when they injected the numbing agent, instead of going down to numb my lower half - it went up. I couldn't feel myself breath nor the head on my shoulders and I panicked. They had to knock me out and rush the surgery.
Two hours later I slowly woke up. Skinny and not in any pain. I was told I had a beautiful daughter but I didn't get to see her until eight hours later. Gon went down to the nursery and soon returned wheeling back this strange little one.
Someone that I didn't know. Someone whom I'm still getting to know. Who is this little one and why was she so determined to be born and make me her Mommy?
Today, I don't know that answer - but I love her to pieces. She is my pride, my joy, my hope - my little "Mini Me" and I can't imagine a day without her.
Our home was burglarized this afternoon in broad daylight by a couple of neighborhood kids. Unfortunately I can't say much more about it at this time until the investigation is complete.
We all know who did it and now it's a matter of the cops catching the three boys involved. All who are on the run at this moment and hiding, afraid to come home.
I don't know what to say, nor what to think at this moment. Part of me is very mad, part of me is fearful as our home space had been violated. Another part of me is very sad for we knew two of the boys involved and have known them most of their teen-aged lives.
It's tough.
Either way, if you pray - pray. Not so much for us, our home or our stuff, but oddly enough my request is for these boys. To do the right thing, not run from the cops or get themselves killed trying to escape accountability.
In hopes that whatever the outcome, this will be a turning point in their young lives. An opportunity to set things straight, set some goals, to loose the gang mentality and hopefully grow up to be good young men.
It's sad.
But I can't just give up on them. Too many already have. =O(
If I would have any advice for anyone about to get married, it would be to visit the My Heritage site and get an idea on what you may look like when you get older. Here is a photo rendition of myself at age 50 and truth be told, I think I'll look a lot better 10 years from now.
I remembered this site earlier today after my Ex-husband invited me to see his MySpace page. It's been years since I've seen him and nothing could prepare me for the shock that I was about to experience after viewing some of his photos. Especially these taken at his job at the Walmart Tire and Lube Express.
Keep in mind I married him when I was just 18, he was five years older at 23 and back then - was a fairly good looking fellow. Buff with muscles, a firefighter with a full head of hair and a gorgeous smile full of his real teeth. His blue eyes made me melt each and every time, but looking at him now - I'm having nightmares.
Now, not that looks are all that matters. Certainly if you love someone and you're treated good by this person - it shouldn't matter what either of you may look like 10, 20 or 50 years from now. However after today and looking back, I'm really glad we got divorced. Honestly, there is no way on God's green earth that I could make love to that.
Then again, someone else is now and I'm glad he's happy. In the end that's all that matters.
I've been quite busy over this weekend. Squirt had her 5th Birthday Party here yesterday and we had quite a blast. Unfortunately, Gon seemed to have jammed up the camera and lost a ton of our pictures.
When we first moved here we were deeply concerned because the neighborhood was full of little boys. C-R-A-Z-Y little boys too, the kind that climb fences, wrestle gators out of the marsh, beat azalea bushes to pieces with a bat for no reason other than to pass time.
I remember sitting out on my front deck pregnant with a girl and worried to pieces on how many thorn filled rose bushes I would someday be needing to plant outside of her bedroom window.
Things have changed over the last five years. Neighbors came and gone. Some were born and some had died. Many were evicted thank the Good Lord. However, now our tiny little street is just chock loaded with little girls. All about the same age and they all love to hang out here.
So today I decided to keep them busy and entertained. I had some pipe cleaners, googly eyes, paint, glue and felt on hand. All we needed were some of the biggest pine cones we could find. So we all went scavenger hunting to each find the perfect pine cone so we could make these precious little Turkey Peeps.
Now these pair are Erica's and she insists that these are not Turkeys but Peacocks.
This adorable looking road kill Turkey is the one Squirt painted and put together. The one behind it is another little girl in the neighborhood who shares the same name as Squirt.
Here is Brianna's masterpiece. Like most of the girls she sat there for hours fully concentrating, with tongue half out, taking her time to paint each and every feather.
Lastly here is Michelle's cutesy Turkey. With pink legs, folded just like a lady or maybe the poor turkey needs to use the bathroom?
Overall today was a great day. No issues, or screaming little ones and they were so excited to make these Turkeys. Even more excited after the Turkey's dried and it was time to go home for the night and they brought them home to give to their Momma's.
And I'm officially named the "Super Dooper Expert Googley Eye Gluing On Lady." Even though I don't know the correct name for that red Goobley Gobbley thing that hangs under the Turkey's beak.
Does anyone know the correct name for the Goobley Gobbley?
Oh I don't know if you really want to know, but I'm stealing this meme from Dr. John who borrowed it from Practical Chick who snagged it from some elderly lady while standing in the checkout line thinking it was some sort of Cosmo survey or some shit.
1. Name one person who made you laugh last night?
Dennis. Someday I'll have to write a post all about him because he is absolutely twisted. Imagine Rodney Dangerfield starring in the movie Taladaga Nights and add a case of PBR. That's Dennis to a tee. It was his birthday yesterday and I had to call and mess with him.
2. What were you doing at 0800?
Making my morning coffee and going online.
3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Burning a bag of microwave popcorn and stinking my house up.
4. What happened to you in 2006?
I had a boob job.
5. What was the last thing you said out loud?
"Are you going to eat that popcorn?"
6. How many beverages did you have today?
2 cups of coffee, 2 Sunny D's and now one Smirnoff Arctic Berry Ice.
7. What color is your hairbrush?
My main brush is blue, my skinny round brush is silver and my fat round brush is brown.
8. What was the last thing you paid for?
20 Helium Balloons and a Rubix Cube.
9. Where were you last night?
Snuggled in a nice warm bed.
10. What color is your front door?
White. Ok, well it is dirty white. Nope. Not off white - it's dirty.
11. Where do you keep your change?
In my purse, in my car ashtray, in a bowl on my dresser and in a coffee can.
12. What’s the weather like today?
Gorgeous, Sunny and about 82 degrees.
13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?
I'm torn. Gotta say I tried a pint of the new Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns the other evening. Caramel Ice Cream with mini cinnamon bun dough chunks and this thick sweet struesel swirl all through it. I ended up eating the entire pint. It was that good.
14. What excites you?
Lately, I'm un-excitable. Even when good things happen, I'm more than likely shocked and in a state of disbelief.
15. Do you want to cut your hair?
Yeah, it's due.
16. Are you over the age of 25?
I'm so over the age of 25.
17. Do you talk a lot?
Maybe. I listen as much as I talk - that works don't it?
18. Do you watch the O.C.?
Ugh, get that crazy stuff off my TV.
19. Do you know anyone named Steven?
My husbands middle name, a neighbor, an uncle, a cousin and another Birthday twin who lives in Maine. (Steven Kilton if you're reading this; shout out Dude.)
20. Do you make up your own words?
Sure do, but know what bugs me - I know there has been a few that I've made up and for some reason peeps be using it. It spreads fast and the next thing I know the word is said on television. It's downright annoying to be the one to coin a phrase and to go forever unnoticed or credited for it.
21. Are you a jealous person?
Nah, I gots it all so there is no need to envy anyone.
22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘E’.
My Ex husband is an Edward.
23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘R’.
My buddy "Retard" but that isn't his real name. Don't know his real name to be honest. Could be Earl. Could be Sanjaya. Could be Leonardo for all I know.
24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?
Cathy.
25. What does the last text message you received say?
"Hello this is Aarons Rental Lease and we're calling to remind you that you're payment is past due".... and they're going to come repossess my washing machine and break my legs if I don't come in.
26. Do you chew on your straw?
No, there are far better things to chew on.
27. Do you have curly hair?
Not on my head. The one that is growing out from that mole on my ass has an interesting spiral thing going down.
28. Where’s the next place you’re going to?
Bed, but seriously - Walmart in the morning and food shopping.
29. Who’s the rudest person in your life?
I don't know them by name, only by vehicle make, model and tag number.
30. What was the last thing you ate?
A bag of M&M's.
31. Will you get married in the future?
No way. This factory is closed.
32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
Man of the Year with Robin Williams.
33. Is there anyone you like right now?
Pfffft, you kidding me? I like lots of peeps.
34. When was the last time you did the dishes?
2 hours ago.
35. Are you currently depressed?
Nah, I'm on a manic high at the moment.
36. Did you cry today?
Yeah. Emotional stuff. Squirt is growing up too fast and it's touching. She had a lot of firsts happen to her today.
37. Why did you answer and post this?
Because I can concentrate on this tonight. Squirt has a friend sleeping over and two giggling girls may make great blog material later, but I can't hear myself think let alone type it.
How much money do you plan to spend this upcoming holiday season?
What money? With Gon in his final year of college and bills piling up our yahoos there isn't any money left. We'll more than likely make our own Christmas gifts like we did last year. Squirt will get a few books, a new set of crayons and maybe - maybe a scooter this year that she has been wanting that I will buy using any money I may get for a Christmas bonus if my electric bill doesn't eat it up first.
Soup
What was the last television show you watched, and was it good?
"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." The episode was The Crew gets Whacked. Now, I wouldn't say it was good because "Sunny" isn't your typical sitcom or family style TV series. It is more like Shock TV and unless you're severely twisted like we are - you may not enjoy it.
Salad
If you had to paint the walls of your living room tomorrow, what color would you choose?
Funny that you ask that, for I've been planning to paint these living room walls since the end of August. When the new TV arrived and ate up half of our living room space. Someday I'll find the time and get down to Home Depot and grab a few gallons of Off White paint. I'm thinking stucco and a textured look.
Main Course
Name something clever or practical you have thought of that should be invented, but hasn’t yet.
Underground housing. Seriously, if I had the chance to buy a lot and design my own home I would want to put it underground or inside of a mountain and leave the nature to do it's thing above.
Dessert
List 3 things you would like to receive as gifts this upcoming holiday season.
