It's a Pug's Life

We've given him a bed...

2012-01-05T12:09:00.001-05:00

Bless this baby's heart... wait until you hear where he wants to sleep.

Think about it...

2012-01-03T07:07:00.002-05:00

Bug and I went to the grocery store the other day. As we were contemplating which Ramen Noodles we wanted she noticed the "stocks"....

B: Mom... what is the difference between chicken stock and beef stock?
M: *blinkblink*
M: Bug, think about what you just said...
B: *staring off into space*
B: Ohhhhh... duh
M: *shakes head*

Never a dull moment.

Hero

2011-12-16T07:55:00.001-05:00

This story is awesome... and the officer is a true hero.

Officer Crawls Under Bus to Comfort Woman Pinned Under Wheel: ‘I’ll Stay Until We Get You Out’: For nearly 10 minutes on Monday, Officer Kevin Peck laid underneath a bus holding the hand of a young woman suffering from severe injuries after being hit by and pinned under the city bus. Aryann Smith, 24, was crossing the street in West Valley City, Utah, on...

Sweet compliment

2011-12-14T06:47:00.004-05:00

I am not a baker, but this year I decided to jump in with both feet and attempt to make some cookies from scratch.

I got a great recipe for chocolate mint cookies. They are so freakin' YUM! I made some for my office Christmas luncheon and brought a minimal amount home. I made some for my team and got rave reviews.

But the best compliment I got was from a couple of almost strangers.

There is a little sandwich shop across the street from my office. I stop in most mornings for a bagel and always see the same ol' folks. I guess I could be considered a "regular". I'm on a first name basis with the people that work there and think they are wonderful.

So when I made the cookies for the luncheon I had enough to give some to a couple of the regular folks and workers at the sandwhich shop.

I ran into them again this morning (as usual). One of the gentleman walked in and came to a dead stop. He looked at me, spread his hands and said "those were the best damn cookies! If you sold them here you could make a fortune!"

The owner looked at me and said "Oh, YOU are the one with the cookies? I didn't get to try one but I sure heard about them!"

Winner winner chicken dinner! I'm still glowing. LOL I love it that I made something so yummy.

Want to try these amazing cookies? I hate to do it... I want to keep the recipe secret, but it is the holidays. I must share. Go HERE.

DEEEE-VINE.

A random thought

2011-12-02T12:37:00.001-05:00

Nothing... and I mean nothing... celebrates the birth of Jesus like zombie gifts.

KnowwhatImean???

New Obsession

2011-11-28T14:32:00.005-05:00

Anyone that knows me knows how obsessed I was with Lost. I watched it religiously, read all the blogs, posted snippets here... LOVED that show. I couldn't get enough of it, and since it ended I have been, well, lost. I couldn't find a new show that captured my attention and made me want to watch it over and over.

The search has ended... I have a new obsession. Like Lost, I came to the show late. We never watched the first season of this show, but there was a marathon on one afternoon. Carl and I decided to stop flipping channels and see what it was about. We started with episode two... and didn't stop until after the season 2 premier. All in one day.

We are hooked on The Walking Dead.

I know zombies (or walkers) freak folks out. I know it is gory. I know... I know.... but OMG. If you haven't watched it, go to Walmart and get the first season. Then watch the last seven episodes on amctv.com. You will NOT be disappointed. Grossed out... yes. Disappointed... NO.

It isn't just about zombies... it is about SURVIVING with people you don't know. It is about handling yourself when the world is coming apart and your reality is altered beyond imagination. I can't get enough.

And I have had so many dreams about killing walkers I think I'm ready for the apocolypse. LOL

I'm thinking about doing my running commentary again when the 2nd half of season two starts back in February. Heck, I may fill you in with some other posts just to get the thoughts outta my head.

Oh so good. Love love love it.

It is also filmed in and around Atlanta. BONUS! I think J-man and I might try to get cast as a walker sometime.

Have you seen it? What do you think?

School experiment

2011-11-10T08:56:00.014-05:00

Bug is learning about convection, radiation, and...ummm... a third type of heating. (I wasn't paying too close of attention... sorry... lol)

She was given an assignment to cook an item of food using these three elements. She decided to bake cookies. Yum! Carl took her to the store and they bought regular Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookies. We were looking forward to heating and eating, ya know!

Experiment One: Convection
She preheated the oven and cooked them according to package directions. They turned out lovely! See?! Nom nom.

Experiment Two: Stove Top
(aka: the heating type I can't remember)

We put these in a non-stick pan and heated them on low/medium. Once they began heating they kind of started to "melt". Remember, these are in premade globs that you put on a pan and heat. The bottoms began to burn so we had to flip them. The middle never seemed to firm up so they were gooey in the middle. J-man and Carl liked them but not as much as the ones made the correct way. They look ok I guess.

Experiment Three: Microwave

Bug put the cookies on a plate (that we THOUGHT was microwave safe) and punched in 6 minutes. I was distracted - damn book of face - and wasn't paying attention. All of a sudden Bug started yelling "SMOKE! SMOKE!"

I looked at her in the kitchen and realized there was smoke BILLOWING out of the microwave. It was incredible! The cookies had only been in there for less than TWO minutes and they were burning. Bug had her hands up to her face and was freaking out. She was saying "I don't know what to do ! What do I do?"

Trying to stay calm, I said... "ummmm... turn OFF the microwave? Open the door!"

I opened the door and smoke was pouring out of the microwave. It smelled SO bad and the house was full of smoke. We had to unplug the smoke detectors to stop their screaming and open all the windows to air out the house. (the cats loved that)

I had to call Carl to warn him about the incident. Bug was terrified that he was going to be mad at her. I assured her he wouldn't. It is called an experiment and we don't know how things will turn out... it is a part of learning.

Needless to say the cookies turned out BAD. They cooked to the plate AND the plate cracked all the way across. I would say that experiment failed.

YUCK!

Me and my crock (pot)

2011-11-07T06:29:00.005-05:00

I have a love/hate relationship with my crockpot- some folks call it a slow cooker. (Random, no?) I love using it but I hate it because I don't know what to cook in it other than chili, soup, and roast.

A co-worker and I were talking about dinner and she mentioned her crockpot. I told her my dilemma and she pointed me to this website. This blogger decided to cook a meal each day in her crockpot and document it. OMG... so much here to try! She even has a couple of cookbooks I want to purchase when I can.

Carl and I made the Tex Mex Pot Roast for dinner yesterday and I, honestly, don't think we'll cook it any other way from now on. It is a "dump" dinner where you put it all in the pot and leave it. You don't even need to thaw the roast!

Tex Mex Pot Roast
This is what we did... it is slightly different on the website

2 pound chuck roast
1 can Rotel Chiles - undrained
1 can corn (you don't have to use the full size. The small will do) - undrained
1 can chili beans - undrained
Chili powder to taste

Put it all the crockpot, cover, and cook it on low for 8 hours.

It is AMAZING.

We put it over a baked potato, but thought about wrapping it in a flour tortilla and making a carne asada (excuse the spelling) taco. Seriously... it is the best roast I have ever made. I even brought it for lunch today.

We got the "fixins" for chicken and dumplings and gumbo as well. The ingredients are inexpensive (mostly) and healthy. AND I don't have to worry about what I am going to make at the end of a long day. It will be ready whey I get home. LOVE it.

Let me know if you try any of the recipes. I'm curious to know what you try and how you like them.

I thought you'd be bigger

2011-11-04T13:50:00.007-04:00

Don't judge us, but Carl and I watched Roadhouse (with Patrick Swayze) from start to finish last night.

We couldn't turn the channel; it just sucked us in. My gosh that is a cheesy movie... but so much fun to watch. A couple of questions though...

1. How can you kill that many people and get away with it?
2. How can you fight so much and not mess up your hair?
3. Why did men ever where those high-freakin'-waisted jeans. UGH?!

Triple the charm

2011-11-03T06:46:00.002-04:00

I've mentioned several times that J-man is in the band. He started out playing the trumpet in 6th grade and this past marching season he was asked to play mellophone. He loves it and I love the fact that he knows how to play different instruments.

Well, he is now going to learn a third!

For this concert season, the band director has asked J-man to learn the french horn. Holy crow... my baby is going to be able to play three different brass instruments! He begins learning today and will play it for competitions and concerts.

He also hopes to join the jazz band so he can play his trumpet again.

Me thinks J-man has found his thang...

Ouch!

2011-10-28T07:41:00.002-04:00

I wanted to show Bug something on the computer last night so I called her downstairs.

She took an awful long time, but I thought she was just fiddly-farting around as usual. I continued surfing the web until I heard her walk up beside me.

She was snuffling and whispering something. I looked at her and she was as white as a sheet. She was also pointing at her foot. Suddenly she yelled "there is SOMETHING IN MY TOE!!!"

Sure enough, as she was walking downstairs she had somehow stepped on a toothpick and the end of it was embedded under her big toe nail! The worst part was that it has snapped and was hanging like a 7 from her toe.

Once she got to me and realized I could "fix" it, she went into hysterics. I was able to get it out easily enough... calming her down took a little more time. Bless her heart. She hasn't experienced anything like that before. We put a couple of bandaids on it (with anti-biotic on them) and gave her some Tylenol.

Makes me hurt just thinking about it!

Conversations at Pug Manor (sort of)

2011-10-26T06:41:00.009-04:00

Leaving work yesterday I called Carl to let him know I was on my way...

ringringring

Carl: Hello

Me: Hey. I'm on my way home. Be there shortly.

C: OK. Be careful and we'll see you soon. Don't forget to come in thru the garage so he can hear you.

Me: You said your garage door opener isn't working.

C: I switched yours with mine. The one in the truck is working. (my car is sick and parked until the weekend. I am driving Carl's truck for the week... yuck).

Me: OkLoveyouBye.

C: Loveyoutoo

I hung up and began contemplating the conversation. Then I called back.

ringringring

Carl: Hey... what's up?

Me: Did we REALLY just have a conversation about accommodating the DOG and making him happy?

Carl: Of course! Dozer isn't used to you coming in the front door. It confuses him. You needed to open the garage door so he can come out and visit you as ususal.

Me: OMG... he is truly spoiled.

Carl: Yes... yes he is. It is all your fault.

Me: Yes... yes it is.

Proud Mama

2011-10-12T07:47:00.004-04:00

The kids have been super busy lately. J-man is working his butt off in school (THAT is huge for him) and enjoying being in band. He has found his niche by being in band... he has some great friends, he is a leader, and he is DANG good at it!

The other night we had the Cat Fight. This is a football game in which the 8th graders of the two middle schools that feed in to our high school play a game on the high school football field. It is a BIG deal in our little town and everyone turns out. J-man had band practice prior to the game so when it was done, we let him run around with his girlfriend and other friends. At one point, he came up to me and this is what I saw...

LOL! One of his besties painted his face in school colors. I can see what he would look like with a goatee. Such a cutie!

The 8th grade band got to play in the stands during the game. That is super exciting for the kids and Bug was looking forward to it. She is struggling in one class and Carl and I debated on whether or not to let her participate. In the end, we decided it was her last Cat Fight and she could play, but when it was over she had to sit with us and not run around with her friends. Seemed fair to me. I thought she would be angry, but she totally understood. She has seen the hell her brother has put us through and she doesn't want the wrath he gets. (giggle)

She is such a sweet girl. I enjoy spending time with her, so having her sit with me during the game wasn't too bad. This picture wasn't taken during the Cat Fight... it was taken a couple of nights before.

We have struggled so long with the kids and school that I sometimes get jealous when my friends brag about their kids on FB. "Oh, so and so made honor roll", "so and so is president of this/that"... grrrr....

It would be nice to be able to brag like that. Yes, we struggle with grades. Yes, I get SO upset with them. Yes, I feel like a horrible mom and wonder what I could do different. But you know what? My kiddos are different. And we are extremely close. I am proud of anything and everything they do. They are my life and I will do whatever I can to make them feel accepted, loved, and safe.

I am proud of them!

BTW: I am hating Blogger at the moment. I HATE the spacing between paragraphs and I don't know how to make it stop. Grrr

Things we take for granted

2011-10-11T08:01:00.004-04:00

Necessity is the mother of invention, right?

Take a look at what this man created with a plastic bottle, water, glue, and bleach. Truly amazing.

I got this from Jorge Garcia's blog and did some checking around. It is a true organization...

I am constantly amazed at the little things we take for granted isn't available for many, many people.

Makes me sad

2011-10-10T09:59:00.005-04:00

I work in downtown Atlanta so I see a lot of different types of people. I see business men/women, homeless folks, trannies, college kids... everything. I love to people watch so it is a regular plethora of sights.

Today, though, I saw something out of the ordinary - for me any ways.

I was standing at a kiosk paying to park. (One of the BAD things about working in the ATL) The parking lot is at an intersection of buildings off the beaten path, meaning there isn't a lot of traffic. People normally drive thru this intersection to get to the larger streets.

Anyway, I noticed a person walking on the other side of the street wearing a hoodie with the hood up. I couldn't tell if they were male or female... they were very thin and it was dark. I could tell they were young, though. The stride... the aura...

A car stopped at the stop-sign and rolled down their window. Mr/s Hoodie turned around and said something. Then s/he walked around the truck and started patting the top of her/his head. S/he got in and drove off.
I don't know why it shocked me to watch a prostitute getting picked up, but it did.

I made my way to get coffee, but a feeling of sadness came over me. Why?

The person was so young! What got them to the point where they had to do that?

It was 6:15 in the morning. The person that picked them up was either heading to work or going home.

In the time it took me to get my coffee and get back to the office, they had probably completed their "transaction" and had gone their seperate ways. Where did it happen? How many times had they done that before. (I know... none of my business)

Was the "patting" on the head a signal to someone that they had made a deal? Where WAS that person? I didn't see another soul.

What does that child's mom think? Do they talk about it? Does she know where her child is or what they are doing?

Unfortunately, this isn't an uncommon occurance in any town. It was just eye-opening to see it happen right in front of me.

So sad.

There once was a couple...

2011-10-07T10:41:00.013-04:00

Who had a favorite band... these boys right here...

They are a Canadian band called Theory of a Deadman. They rock... I mean, truly rock. However, if you don't like songs that involve cussing, drinking, sex, or cheating... they aren't for you. The couple of this story DO like those songs; especially when paired with a good drum beat, loud guitars and a FINE lead singer. OK... only one particular half of this couple enjoy that last bit. And she likes that alot.

Anyhoo...

The couple went to Chattanooga to see this group (and a couple others.. insignificant LOL). Prior to the concert, they went to a bar called The Honest Pint for a little pre-concert celebration. One discovered her new favorite beer.

It is made with RASPBERRIES and, OMG, is it yummmmmyyyyy!!! She must (and will) head to the local liquor store the next time she decides she wants something alcoholic to drink.

The other resorted to his old fave, Crown and Coke. Can you tell he is enjoying himself? And the party hadn't even started yet!

They traipsed to the auditorium for a night of great music. And I say traipsed because the pub was three blocks away - DOWNHILL. They had to walk back UP the hill in order to get to the concert. One half of the couple was not happy; she got hot. LOL

They rocked out to Pop Evil (the other opening band).... REALLY rocked out to Theory of a Deadman (the true reason they went)... and only stayed for four songs of 3 Doors Down. As one member of the couple said on FB, "We saw a great concert! Two awesome bands and they threw 3 Doors Down in for FREE!)

Once the couple decided to head out, they made a beeline back DOWN the hill to the pub. Once there, a few Crown and Cokes and, this time, Bloody Mary's were consumed. Once the drinks were flowing, they had an awesome time talking to the waiters, waitresses, and bartenders about tatoos.

Two decisions came out of the excursion as well... there may be a bulldog puppy in the family come Christmas, and both are going to get tatoos. NEVER make decisions when drinking... NEVER.

All in all, the couple had a great time. It was nice that they got to get out of town together and party like they did when they were 25. See how happy they look? Is that true happiness or alcohol? I think, maybe, a little of both.

Ugh

2011-10-03T08:17:00.002-04:00

I stopped at the gas station this morning to top off my tank and get some coffee.

Let me back up and explain what I decided to wear today - this will make sense shortly. It is getting cooler in GA, so I put on a cute sweater-type dress that is gray with a black overlay (looks like a long sweater in front). It comes to right above my knee. Along with that I have on black tights and knee-high boots.

Pretty cute and not at all slutty. AT ALL.

So, back to the gas station.

I pull next to a pump and get out of the car. There is a fella at the same pump on the other side. I hear him mumble something but I think he is talking to someone in the car or, possibly, on the phone so I ignore him.

I start pumping gas and lean into the car to get my wallet so I can run in and get my coffee. I hear dude say something about "... in that dress." Again. I think he is talking to someone else, so I mosey my way into the store.

As I am heading back to my car, I notice he is still lolly-gagging around and using the windshield solution to wash his windows. OK... no problem.

I grab the gas nozzle and begin to replace it. THEN I hear him say - loud - "I wonder if she opens her legs, too". At that point I could tell all of these mumblings were aimed at me. I have never gotten in my car so fast.

It really sketched me out. I'm not used to gross men saying nasty things. I can handle compliments, but this guy was gross. I got that vibe from him at the get-go. He also had on some sort of reflective vest, so he works in the public. Can you imagine what he says about women that CAN'T hear him.

Ugh. Gross.

Sexy time

2011-09-14T09:46:00.002-04:00

Yea...

Have you guys seen this????

2011-09-13T12:36:00.002-04:00

This is amazing footage I found on CNN.

An accident occurred Monday morning on a street near Utah State University and was captured on video. A BMW pulled out of a parking lot in front of a guy on a motorcycle... unfortunately the fella had to lay his bike down and it went under the car.

After crashing, gas spilled out of the motorcycle and ignited, engulfing both the motorcycle and the front end of the car in flames. The motorcyclist became lodged underneath the burning vehicle.

This video shows a group of people lifting the car to drag the poor guy out! He DID survive and is in the hospital after surgery...

True heroes all of them!

Happy Birthday, Freddie!

2011-09-06T08:10:00.001-04:00

Today would have been Freddie Mercury's 65th birthday. In honor of such an occasion, Google made a Google Doodle for him. I love it so much I wanted to share it with you.

I wonder what kind of music we would have from him had he lived longer? What a wonderful, talented man.

Happy Birthday, Freddie!

Copper Nick Us

2011-09-02T06:41:00.001-04:00

Bug: Mom, I have a project due next week. My friend, T, is going to do the poster and I have to write the paper.

Me: Fun! What is the topic?

Bug: It is some guy that looked at the stars. Hang on and I'll tell you. (walks to her bookbag)

Me: Cool... someone like Galileo?

Bug: No. Not him. Here it is! His name is CopperNickUs.

Me: (trying not to laugh) Honey, do you mean Copernicus???

Bug: (blushing) Awwww... that is what I meant to say!

Happy

2011-08-08T05:25:00.004-04:00

It has been almost a month since I left my old job, and I must say I have never been happier. I'm relaxed and loving every minute of my new job.

I still can't sleep very well though. I wake up and can't get back to sleep because I start remembering conversations with my old boss. I start thinking about how I can use those conversations to be successful in my new job... and it just goes on and on and on. I wish I knew how to turn it off!

I try to relax and fall back to sleep, but then I think about the kids and school, Carl and his job, my mom, my dad... the dog... why the cat keeps sneezing...

OMG...

It will get better. Once I am knee-deep in my projects I'll be able to relax a little.

In the meantime, I just smile because I am actually HAPPY... for the first time in a LOOONG time.

Relief

2011-08-02T08:58:00.003-04:00

I apologize for disappearing for so long, but my job took over and would not let go. It consumed every part of my life - so much so that my family was worried about me. I would have panic attacks on the way home. I would stay up most of the night on weekends just to stretch the time out longer.... thinking about Mondays would make me nauseous.

My boss was a nightmare. A tee-total beeotch. If I didn't do things HER way then it was completely wrong. Yes, I can take the blame for some things I was accused of, but instead of berating me and making feel like a dumb-ass, why couldn't she COACH? Or LEAD? Oh so much I could tell, but I won't. I don't want the chance for someone to stumble across this blog. Just know... she was the ab-so-lute worst boss I have EVER had.... the worst.

But good does come out of bad. I got another job. I started looking within two months of starting... yes, I knew that soon.

I am going back to the company I left, but on a new team and with a new boss. I have known my new boss for the past 4 years and really, really like him. I mean, hell, how can you not like a guy that is an Elvis impersonator?? HUH???

He has a sense of humor and understands mine. He worked his tail off to get me on his team. I will take what I learned from my job-from-hell and apply it to this one. I think it will help me tremendously.

I am sooooo relieved to be gone. I cannot begin to tell you the nightmare the past 7 months have been. I am taking the next couple of weeks to heal my self-esteem, my heart, and my confidence. All of it is battered and bruised.

My family has been so supportive and loving. During the worst of times they consoled, encouraged, and loved me... I am such a lucky girl!

So onward and upward! Maybe I can be "myself" again and get back to this blog. I miss you all so very much (if anyone still reads that is!)

Hugs... and thank you for your patience.

Life changing moments

2011-06-24T14:01:00.005-04:00

Whelp... J-man passed his learner's test today.

But

He can't get his liscense yet. In GA, there is a law where the kids have to provide a school attendance record. When we took him back in December and January he had one but, since he didn't go back to take it right away, we never got it updated. So now it is expired and he needs a new one.

Bummer!

He and Carl are racing to the school to see if the office is even open. If it is, they are going to grab an updated record and race back to the driver's liscense post.

I really hope they get it.

I cannot BELIEVE my child is old enough to drive. Holy cow.

Life changing moments.

UPDATE: The school office is closed until Monday. The streets are safe until at least next Wednesday (when Carl is off again and can run him to the driver's liscense post).

To all the moms out there

2011-05-08T07:13:00.005-04:00

I tried to post this yesterday, but, for some reason, I couldn't get Blogger to work. Oh well. Better late than never!

I must brag...

Breakfast in bed
Bagel, grits, and coffee
Roses
A new Glee CD

I am a lucky, lucky, girl. My kids are the best.

Now to head out to see MY mom. I love her so much. It will be nice to spend some time with her.

Happy Mother's Day!

Roller Coaster Weekend

2011-05-02T07:07:00.004-04:00

My goodness this weekend was crazy! We had a wide range of emotions at Pug Manor...

Excitement - I went on an investigation with my paranormal group on Friday night. It was fun, interesting, and we may have caught a thing or two.

Pride - J-man had his band banquet on Saturday night. I know how much he loves being in the band and, after the banquet, I know how much they love him. His band director voted him "Most Improved" and during his speech he said how much he was blown away by how hard J-man worked over the year. When I went up to him after to thank him for J-man's recognition, he said it was his pleasure and he truly adores him. How sweet is that?

Sadness - Bug's best friend's mom passed away on Sunday from complications after surgery. Bug had been to her house several times and loved her mom. She is heartsick for her BFF and it breaks my heart to see her trying to process what has happened. Also, I cannot imagine a 12 year old little girl losing her mom... goodness gracious my heart breaks for that family.

Shock - Bin Laden is dead. Holy crow. It is about time!

Now is time to get the week rolling. I might have some exciting news in the next few days, so just keep your fingers crossed for me.

Later taters.

Date

2011-04-26T06:43:00.002-04:00

I have a date this weekend, and it isn't with my hubby.

Saturday night is J-man's band banquet. Because the tickets were $16 each, we couldn't really afford to pay for all four of us to go. Carl said he would stay home with Bug while J-man and I went.

So, J-man is going to put on a tie and I am going to dress up a little as well. We are going to go eat banquet-ish chicken and watch awards be handed to some awesome kids.

I can't wait.

Three days

2011-04-25T07:36:00.003-04:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend. I enjoyed it for a couple of reasons:

It was a three-day weekend for me. I've never worked at a place that gives Good Friday off. It is a nice perk... although not enough to keep me around. (more on that later)

I got to spend quite a bit of time with the kids -- outside of the house. I took them to the Shriner's Circus/Fair. The fun part of that was, Bug took a sweet friend and J-man had his FIRST DATE! He took a really sweet girl that he is smitten with and he was such a gentleman. He won her a stuffed animal, bought her lunch, and I even saw him hold a door open for her. SUCH a good kid!

It was Easter. What more can you say? Spring is here!

Hi Y'all!

2011-04-06T06:56:00.003-04:00

I wish I could say I had something fun and exciting happening around here - and that is the excuse for not posting. But, sadly, that is not the case. Work is kicking my azz. I truly, truly, truly do not think I can do this new job.

I have been working 50+ hours and week (and that doesn't count the weekend hours), and still can't get ahead. I have had a couple of panic and/or anxiety attacks. Even Carl has said my personality has changed since January. Not a happy camper.

BUT

I see light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope yet. I just have to stay positive and strive to do my best. What else is there? Another job? What if it is the same bullsh__? I'll just stick it out here for a little while longer. If it doesn't change... then I'll do what I have to do.

For the time being... I'll keep reading your blogs when I get a chance and posting when I can.

Hugs to ya!

Webster needs to update its entries

2011-03-01T12:27:00.001-05:00

Because when you look up the word crazy... this dude's picture needs to be right next to it!

He has gone off the deep end.

On the good side, though, he has some extremely funny, and repeatable quotes...

My fave?

"I have a 10,000 year old brain and the boogers of a 7 year old."

Bwaaa hahahaha!

Dude needs some help though.

What is scary is we are just finding out about him. Can you IMAGINE what his ex-wives have been dealing with for years?

Sheesh

Big decision

2011-02-23T09:38:00.006-05:00

It is time to let a little bit of my vanity shine through so please bear with me.

I've come to a huge decision. Hang on for this one folks.

I'm going to stop coloring my hair and let it go natural.

OMGEEEEE

The thought scares me so bad. Not the idea of going gray (which I will). It is the thought of walking around looking like a red panda for the next year or so as it grows out!

Don't get me wrong -- red pandas are ah-dor-ah-bull (that is one in the picture), but the thought of having red, gray, brown, auburn, half-and-half, streaked head freaks me the heck out. I'll truly look like a redneck as it grows every so slowly.

Now that I have made the decision I am going to ask my stylist what he suggests. Maybe I just need to go blonde? EEEK!!!! That, my friends, is another thing that terrifies me. I do NOT look good as a blonde. And the shock of going from dark to light? I cannot fathom the comments, stares, and laughter that will come from my family and coworkers.

Oy.

But I have to do it. I can't afford this upkeep any more. And there is a woman I work with that sports the cutest gray hair and she is so dang adorable. I think once I get all the color out, I could rock the gray.

But the path to that... I'm dreading it.

Donation

2011-02-18T07:10:00.005-05:00

Carl likes to save his change. He started putting his extra coins in a jar about a year ago and is pretty adamant that we add ours as well.

For Christmas I got him a jar that totals the amounts as you put the coins in the top. So far he has saved almost $100!!! It adds up so fast.

Last night, he said "I've got something to ask you." Of course, I immediately thought "Uhoh."

It wasn't anything like that.

He said that he is friends with the next county over's police canine group, and they were having a fund raiser for "Pennies for Police Service Dogs". He wondered if I would mind if he donated some of his change to it.

I said "Of course I don't mind! What is it for? Police dog upkeep? Medical bills? Helping if they are hurt in the line of duty?"

He said, "No. It is to do research and cure canine cancer. I thought we could donate in honor of Grimmy."

How could I deny that?

Note: I tried googling the organization and think this may just be a local thing. If you are interested in helping out I can get more details.

Let's have a happy post, mmmmkay?

2011-02-09T07:45:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to me! YAY!

There is a downside to today but not going to dwell on it. Just going to revel in all the happy birthday wishes I am getting on the book of face. So nice to see how many friends you have out there both old and new.

I'm not asking for anything from you guys. Just wanted to post something HAPPY and POSITIVE to this here blog.

Later, taters.

It WILL get better.... right?

2011-02-08T09:37:00.002-05:00

On top of everything that has happened with the pupper, I'm having issues at work.

This is the hardest job I have ever had. Hands down. They are paying me good money and are getting the work outta me. I have worked late, I have worked on weekends, and I am even having to work late on my birthday.

ugh.

Not happy.

Stressed.

Yesterday was particularly bad. I have busted my butt on a big project and got feedback that it needed some "refinements"... which made me miss my deadline.

I was beating myself up over it pretty bad at the end of the day. I like to get things done... on time... and this one didn't work out that way.

So driving in the rain on the way home (which took over 2 hours)... guess what happened.

I ran over and killed a cat.

It was crossing the road and was half way across. As I approached, he freaked and ran back in my direction. I couldn't avoid him. I felt it.

I had held myself together until that point. After I looked in my mirror and saw what had happened I LOST it. By the time I pulled into my driveway a couple of minutes later I was sobbing. Hiccup inducing sobs. Can't catch my breath sobs. Scare my kids sobs.

I was a mess.

I have never been so happy to have Carl there to hug me and calm me down. I needed to be held. I needed him to stroke my hair and tell me it was all going to be ok and that he believed in me.

What a horrible day.

But today is better. The crying felt cleansing.

And I have Carl driving by to see how bad the cat looks. UGH.

Not thinking things thru

2011-02-07T07:36:00.003-05:00

So the day Grimmy passed away, Carl had to take him to the vet so they could do whatever they do.

He called to tell me it was done. He was choked up which made it even harder to hear. I tried to stay calm but wasn't being very successful.

At one point I asked "Did you get his collar and leash from the vet before you left?"

Carl sat there, quietly, for a second or two and then said, "Ummmm... why would I have taken him on a leash?"

It was the first time I laughed. Silly me.

On a side note: Saw this commercial during the superbowl... reminded me of Grimmy so much. He loved his people food!

Gone

2011-02-04T10:01:00.006-05:00

My sweet boy passed away this morning.

Carl called me at work and said he laid down in his “spot” and quietly left us. I am heartbroken and yet relieved that we didn’t have to take him to a cold, sterile doctor’s office. He was home and surrounded by the people he loved and the noises/smells of his own home.

I thought I was prepared. But now... not so much.

My only regret is I didn't get to properly tell him goodbye. I patted him on the head this morning and praised him for eating his ham (with his pill), but I didn't tell him I loved him nor did I say bye. I thought I would have one more day. I cank take comfort that he did know how much I loved him. He is the only one that knows what his life was like before he came to us... and how much better it was while he was with us. He was one pampered pooch.

Thank you for helping me through this time. I am going to miss him SO much.

I love you, Gwimmy Gwim Gwim.

It's time

2011-02-02T08:11:00.002-05:00

We have decided to take Grimmy in on Saturday. We can't do it any earlier because I have to be there... have to... but have deadlines at work that I can't miss. And Carl has to work until Friday. He won't take him in without me.

Don't get me wrong. He isn't suffering. He can make it until then without pain (I hope), but he isn't himself. And we have noticed that his back legs aren't as strong as they used to be.

So it is time.

I've accepted it. It doesn't make it any easier, but I know he needs to be released from all of this.

I'll let you know when it happens.

And then maybe this blog can be less macabre.

Hugs to you all.

Begging

2011-01-31T14:27:00.004-05:00

I told you last week that Grimmy was in the middle of some sort of feeding frenzy. His meds made him SO hungry that all he wanted to do was nosh on anything and everything.

In the midst of this frenzy, I noticed he makes some pretty cute begging pictures. This is the best one... he is waiting on Carl to give him his ham-wrapped medicine. I can tell from this picture just how much weight he has lost.

The next night, we decided to have Brinner (Breakfast for Dinner = Brinner... get it?). Grimmy LOVES him some eggs, so Carl made a couple extra for both boys. I put Grimmy's on his plate and he went to chowing down. Once finished he started snuffling around trying to find more.

Carl looked at him and said "What the heck does he have on his nose?" Yes... my baby was enjoying himself so much he actually got a bit of egg trapped on his schnozz.

Yes, mean ol' mama took a picture before she wiped it off. But he looked so dang cute! And the ONLY way I could get him to sit still to take the picture was to dangle some bacon in front of his face.

Little begger. Love him.

No need to see him again

2011-01-30T13:01:00.002-05:00

That is what the doctor said this weekend. "There is no need to see him again until it is time..."

They have done all they can. His numbers went back up. The prednisone barely helps any more. He is lethargic and pitiful.

And yet still no pain. He may be a little uncomfortable, but not hurting. Yet it is only a matter of time. I listen to all his sounds; I am well aware when he breathes and when that changes. I have heard a small whimper once. I can hear how long it takes him to stand up and how little he stays that way.

But I can't let him go yet.

The thought rips through me and I get choked up.

But I don't think he'll be here past this week. Maybe not even the next couple of days. If he keeps going downhill as fast as he is I will have to just do it. Carl is ready to let him go; he doesn't want it to get worse for him. I'm starting to see his point of view. But this is Grimmy. A living, breathing part of our family.

This is awful.

If he weren't dying, I'd probably kill him

2011-01-27T07:20:00.002-05:00

That title sounds ugly, I know. But it is true.

Grimmy is now driving us nuts. The prednisone makes him hungry -- ALL THE TIME. He paces the kitchen licking the floors, staring at his bowl, running in to us and then back into the kitchen hoping we follow.

Folks... this is a constant thing.

We can't feed him that much! He would really be sick then. So we just patiently tell him "No, Grim." over and over and over. Poor guy.

And don't reach for him or his bowl when he IS eating. He almost took my arm off the other day. To say he has turned food agressive is an understatement. I am going to talk to the doctor about that this weekend. Is that normal? Sheesh.

I got a phone call from Carl while driving to work yesterday. He said, "I wish you could see Grimmy. I didn't give him his meds on time this morning (we give them to him wrapped in some bologna or ham) and he is sitting in front of the fridge just staring at it. It is like he thinks he is a Jedi that can make the door open with his mind."

I almost wrecked thinking of the sight. I could see it so clearly.

Bless him and his Jedi heart.

Update

2011-01-25T07:13:00.003-05:00

This is turning into a Grimmy blog! He will be thrilled! LOL

He is doing fine.

We took him to the vet on Saturday for more bloodwork. I'm not sure if I'll get this right, but you'll get gist of it...

When he was diagnosed, his Lympha-something-doctorish count was 129+. (Normal is between 2 and 4). This week, it was down to around 25. MUCH better, but still pretty high. The doctor says he isn't cured... he is still a sick boy... but he is doing well. We have given him some more time.

He still isn't in pain. He is actually somewhat back to normal. He barks all. the. time. (like usual) and he constantly wants to eat eat eat eat eat. I swear that dog would eat 24/7 if we'd let him. Every time we get off the couch, he prances into the kitchen with his ears cocked back to listen if we are following him, stands in front of his bowl, and looks at it - then us - forlornly. We just tell him "not now" and he looks SO dejected. We just giggle.

He hasn't gained any more weight even with all he eats, but he isn't losing tons of weight either. He is stable in that and we are grateful.

I don't know how many of you actually send up prayers for a pupper, but, if you do, THANK YOU. It is working. He is stable, sound, and just as sweet as ever.

Technology issues

2011-01-21T07:18:00.002-05:00

All of our electronics are acting up.

You know I love World of Warcraft, right? Well, I got an email the other day stating they received notice that I was trying to "sell" our acccount. That could be FAR from the truth so I, stupidly, used the emails link to go to my account. And almost immediately was innundated with a virus. One that is SO bad it has completely shut my computer down.

I had to change my email password twice, the WoW account's password once, and install an "authenticator" on the account. Luckily, I caught it before "THEY" could do any damage to that... but my computer is L.O.C.K.E.D. up.

Carl is taking it to the Geek Squad today to get it fixed. Grrrr...

And now my phone will not send emails. I can get them and I can write them, but it will NOT send them. The error message says the password is wrong. Hello... I changed that when I changed the one on the computer.

So tired of dealing with it. Just want to get a basic device.... but what if something happens to my computer again? I have to have the book of face and email! I have to Twit and pic. Ugh.

I hate technology -- better yet -- I hate the jerks that like to destroy your technology.

Happy Friday y'all! Hopefully, I'll be back online later today... killing some murlocs, gore hounds, whelps, drakes, and rock elementals (to name a few).

Good days/Bad days

2011-01-20T07:19:00.004-05:00

**** waves ****

Hi y'all.

I'm still around... just busy as hades.

Grimmy is doing well. He has good days and bad ones. Yesterday was a good one... a really good one. He pranced around the house. He stared at the empty food bowl in an attempt to guilt us into feeding him MORE than we should. He wagged his tail when I just glanced in his direction.

He can't get up on the couch by himself anymore. He was staring a hole thru J-man last night so Carl picked him up and put him on the couch next to his buddy. The picture says it all. Those two are best buds and Grimmy adores J-man. This snuggle pose is one we used to see almost every night with Grimmy grinding his face in J-man's stomach/chest doing his little "nahhh naaah naaaah" sound. I think this is the one thing we will miss the most. Grimmy's affection. J-man is handling it well... he just lets Grimmy do whatever he wants.

(Sorry the quality of the pic is so bad. iPhones and low light do not make a good match, but we didn't want to disturb them.)

We are just taking it a day at a time. He goes back to the vet on Saturday for another check up. Then we start another week. We tend to forget at times just how sick he is...

Thank you all for your thoughts, messages, emails and prayers. It is so nice to know there are other folks out there thinking of you.

Shattered

2011-01-15T13:48:00.004-05:00

See that lil' guy over there? Grimmy?

Remember I told you he was sick?

Yeah.

He has stage 5 lymphoma.

My big guy only has a couple of weeks.

Carl said he would have let them put him down the minute they told him it was cancer. He doesn't want to see the pain Grimmy will be having.

I couldn't do it. I was with Bug when the diagnosis came in and we both lost it. The thought of putting him down was too much to bear. I asked if he was in pain and the vet assured me he isn't - yet. We were told what signs to look for, and I promised Bug the instant I see one of those, we will do what needs to be done. He will not suffer.

So for now we are going to spoil him rotten. He took his first dose of Prednisone this morning and he has perked up a bit. He has an appetite so we are feeding him whatever he can keep down - eggs, boiled chicken. I went and got him canned food but he turned up his nose to it. Oh well.

I'm constantly on the verge of tears. I think about his silly faces... his grin... and it breaks my heart. He started his life so rough - we don't know his story because he is a rescue. We assume he was not given proper attention because the poor guy doesn't know how to "play" - so the thought that he will leave this world knowing he was part of a family that adored him brings some comfort.

I'm not sure how I will handle it when it happens. For now I just lay in the floor - he can't even jump on the couch any more - and whisper to him that I love him. That he means everything to his family and we will miss him.

I whisper "Grimmy Grim Grim - I love you"

And watch his sweet tail wag.

Boy I miss you guys

2011-01-13T08:00:00.002-05:00

I need to blog.

There is so much I want to get out there... and off my chest.

But by the time I stop working, I have been in front of a computer and typing for so long that the thought of typing more makes my head hurt.

For now, let me just throw some random thoughts down, and hopefully I'll post something soon.

This new job is painful. It isn't that I don't know what I'm doing, I do. It is learning the new vernacular, acronymns, people, etc. that is daunting. PLUS, they are heaping more and more on my plate and I feel like I'm drowning.
My boss tries to make me feel confident, but that damn inner-speak is dragging me down.
I had a melt-down yesterday after a conference call. It was a bad one too. I've been waiting on it to happen. I do it within the first couple of weeks with any new job. SOOOO, I got it out and can now move forward.
Grimmy is really, really sick. He has been very lethargic for a week or so. Carl took him to the vet and they said he has an enlarged heart and liver. We couldn't afford to do the bloodwork yet, but I get my first paycheck tomorrow. He is going BACK to the vet on Saturday to get to the bottom of it. My poor boy. He is pitiful.
Kids have been out of school for almost a week because of the snow/ice. They need to go back. Or I need to get back in the office. I love them, but OMG, when they get cabin fever... craziness sets in.

That is all I can do for now. That catches you up a little.

Hugs all.

Hi

2011-01-06T06:03:00.000-05:00

Miss you guys but I am so very busy with the new job.

Think about you every day, but I can't get to this blog for love nor money. I'm only on here now because I have 10 minutes before I need to leave the house.

Happy New Year!!!

Hope you are doing well.

I'll be back soon...

I hope

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!

2010-12-15T10:09:00.004-05:00

Sorry, I haven't been around lately. Lots of things happenin' around Pug Manor that required my attention. The holidays are one, but the primary one was HUGE...

I got a new job. With another company. For more cashola. Yes, Imma happy gurl.

It happened extremely fast. So fast, in fact, that my head is still spinnin'. Want to see?

My BFF sent me a link to the job before Thanksgiving. Because I have NO self-confidence, I procrastinated even looking at it until a couple of weeks ago. This is how it all went down..

Wednesday
10:00 am: Open link to job and fill in all information. Attach resume. Read it over. Hit send.
10:15: Mosey upstairs to take a shower.
10:30: Listen to the message of the person that called... it is the HR person for the job.
1:oo pm: Return call (because I freaked out those 3.5 hours). Complete initial interview.
3:00: Accept invitation for a phone interview with potential new boss the next day.

Thursday
11:00 am: Have phone interview with potential new boss
1:00 pm: Have discussion with HR person about FACE TO FACE interview the next day.

Friday
9:00 am: Interview with potential new boss and two other of her compadres.
10:00: see BFF and fill him in on all that is happening
12:30 pm: Talk to HR person and am offered the position. Tell him I need to discuss with hubby.
2:30 pm: Talk to HR person and accept job.

Do you see that? I was offered the position in a little over 48 hours of sending in the application. My head is STILL spinning. I have been told that this company goes after what they want... and I guess they really wanted ME!

That makes me feel so good. Even the HR guy said, "You must have really impressed these guys. I have never seen something move this fast."

Floored. And blessed to have this happen in this economy.

So, I leave my job on December 23...take my last week of vacation... and start the new company on January 4. I am worried about last paychecks, loans, paying bills, etc. until I get my new income. The pay periods are totally wacked for now... I just hope we can stay on top of it.

So HAPPY NEW YEAR for me! Isn't that exciting????

Deck the Halls

2010-12-07T13:46:00.001-05:00

Only because I am too lazy to post the next question on my 30 days...

I hope this makes you smile and - maybe - laugh out loud a little.

Vacay

2010-11-23T07:34:00.006-05:00

Might not be around much this week. The kids have left me for a week to take a cruise to Honduras... lucky little brats. Dad and Judy have taken them and, one day this week, they get to board and ride on a ship that looks like the Black Pearl with the crew dressed like Pirates.

SO. Jealous.

Anywhoo...

I have taken the week off for "me" time and to get the house ready for the holidays.

Yesterday I spent an entire day at a spa. Loved the massage, facial, mani and pedi. Hated the body wrap. So uncomfortable. Will not be doing that again.

Today is kitchen and bathroom day. I like that as much as the wrap! LOL

Hugs to you all. And if I don't pop on here again - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

30 Days of Truth: Day 23

2010-11-19T06:05:00.002-05:00

Something you wish you had done in your life

I wish I had become a radio DJ.

I didn't because:

I didn't think I had the talent
I heard the pay is horrible unless you are on a popular show
I didn't know "how" to get in the industry
I thought my accent would get in they way (I am SO country y'all)
I didn't have the GUTS

I tell the kids to figure out what it is you love and find a job doing that. I have said before... I love music. I love the radio. It would have been a perfect fit.

30 Days of Truth: Day 22

2010-11-18T07:08:00.003-05:00

Something you wish you hadn't done in your life

I don't have very many regrets in my life. Other than wasting a year and a half with the crazy idiot, I can honestly say I don't feel bad about much.

Except one thing. And it bothers me A LOT.

I was young... probably 10 or 11... and thought I was SOOOO smart. My parents and I went to a Christmas party at a house of a couple of their friends. These friends had a little girl who was probably 4 or 5. She was so cute and innocent. There were a couple of other kids there my age, but this little girl was, by far, the youngest.

Somehow, as kids are wont to do, we started talking about how excited we were to open our presents. The sweet kid said she couldn't wait to see what Santa was going to bring her.

Me - being the ass that I was - told her who Santa really was.

The look on her face was awful. I mean, I ruined it ALL for her. That look still haunts me and taints the joy (a little) of Christmas for me. I think that is why I was SO adamant about making Christmas and Santa so important to the kids.

I apologized many, many years later and she said it was OK. But, dayum, it still makes me cringe to think about it.

30 Days of Truth: Day 21

2010-11-17T07:50:00.003-05:00

(Scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you got into a fight a couple of hours before. What do you do?

Oh no brainer.

Drop everything and get to their side as fast as possible. Who on earth WOULDN'T do that? When it comes to friendships, fights are inevitible. It is how you learn about one another and work on your relationship. Making up and discussing those differences comes along with it. If I had a fight and something happened to my friend before we could "make up"... couldn't deal with it.

The tale of the halloween decorations

2010-11-16T09:58:00.004-05:00

Once upon a time, there were two sweet kitty cats that lived in a home full of love and happiness. These cats loved to hunt and were curious about everything.

One day, the mom of the cats brought home some halloween decorations. Thinking the cats would behave themselves and not notice said decorations, she hung them on the doors and windows at the entrance to the house.

Oh how wrong she was! The precious angels noticed the window clings right away... especially the ones shaped like black spiders. The girls hunkered down beneath the objects of their hunting prowess and flicked their tails back and forth.

It became a competition to see who could capture these items first. Lily took the first jump and came up a bit too short. Jasmine continued to contemplate and calculate the trajectory she would need to reach her spider.

They practiced their jumps and discussed the situation over and over. They jumped higher and higher and became more and more agitated. Then they began working together.

The owners of the silly cats thought they were smarter than these felines. They thought the clings were high enough that the cats could never reach them, and walked away to watch some television.

HA!

Both spiders, somehow, made it off the windows. And now there are two black blotches on the walls were the girls gnawed them to death. We have NO idea how they got them down. We think, possibly, the heat from the afternoon sun made them drop to the floor, but those girls were bound-and-damn-determined to capture those spiders. It would not surprise me to find out they actually stood on one another's back and shimmied up the molding.

Never a dull moment at Pug Manor.

30 Days of Truth: Day 20

2010-11-16T08:55:00.002-05:00

Your views on drugs and alcohol.

My view on these two vices? Hmmmm...

I drank like a fish in college. Seriously. I wonder how I made it home a time or two. But these days I can take it or leave it.

I drink in social situations, like a party or when/if we go out with other folks. But to sit at home and drink a beer? That rarely happens. It gives me a headache and makes me sleepy. I think I got my fill of it all in college and have grown out of it.

As for drugs... the worst I ever did was pot. And I haven't done that since dating the idiot I talked about earlier. And even then it was rare... he would rather sell it than smoke it.

I did take some speed once in high school... Black Beauties. The thing was, it was homecoming week and we were decorating the halls. I popped the speed and proceeded to climb on top of the lockers to hang streamers.

When that stuff hit me... OMG... it took two or three guys to get me down. It kinda scared me and I haven't taken anything like that since.

And the last time I smoked pot, it was laced with something that scared me, too. I don't like feeling out of control, and whatever was on that joint was crazy. I didn't like the feeling at. all.

So, all in all, I have had my experiences with both of these, and have come out the other side without an addiction. A few brain cells are missing - for sure - but I am blessed to not need rehab or anything like that.

30 Days of Truth: Day 19

2010-11-15T07:06:00.006-05:00

What is your opinion of religion?

I'm a Christian. I believe in God and pray to him on a semi-regular basis. I don't, however, go to church like I should. If we make it to church on Easter or Christmas, we are doing good.

J-man has been baptised; Bug and Carl have not. My kids know about God. I want them to have that foundation, but getting my lazy butt up on a Sunday to take them to church is so hard! We love our church, but it is 30 minutes away. Carl and I have been discussing finding a new church home, but I am afraid to go looking.

I don't like looking for a new church because you just don't know what is around. I don't want a "traditional" one.... I don't want one that is old and set. I want something fresh - something new - like what we go to now. One that has guitars and drums and rock music to listen to before the sermon. One that makes me feel like I am doing OK living the way I do... not one that is all hellfire and brimstone. I don't want to be told I am going to hell for listening to the music I listen to, because I am friends/family with gay people, or because I cuss. I want to go to a church that isn't judgemental but gives me guidelines and forgiveness.

I have had too many prayers answered to not believe there is a higher being. He has blessed me and given me so much. I feel guilty that I don't worship him the way I am "supposed to", but as long as He is in my heart and we have a relationship, I think He'll understand.

30 Days of Truth: Day 18

2010-11-12T07:07:00.002-05:00

Your views on gay marriage

I don't get political on my blog. I don't like politics and definitley do not enjoy the arguments that come out of those discussions. I avoid conflict at all costs.

But this topic is close to my heart.

I am all for it.

I have an uncle and best friend that are both gay. My uncle doesn't have a partner but my BFF does. He and his partner have been together as long as Carl and I have... hear that? They are in a long-term, monogamous relationship and yet they do not share the same priviledges Carl and I have. That is WRONG. If my uncle were to find a partner I would want him to be able to marry that person. I would want him to be happy!

I am all for living and let live. I understand folks believe that marriage is supposed to be between a man and woman, but puh-leeze. People cannot control who they love and who am I to say who they love is wrong? If you are commited to a person, you should be allowed to marry that person. Period.

If God didn't want you to love a person of the same sex, then why did He give those feelings to people? Don't lay the "it's the devil" bs on me. These are feelings people, not a choice.

I just don't get it. Honestly. People deserve the right to be happy with who they love. Who am I to say they can't?

I'll leave comments open - for now. I don't have the readers I used to so I'm not expecting many responses. But I WILL turn off comments if people start talking politics. This is a question I was asked and I gave my opinion. I do NOT want to debate it. Thanks for understanding.

30 Days of Truth: Day 17

2010-11-11T09:20:00.002-05:00

A book you've read that changed your view on something

I haven't actually read this book. Instead I have been listening to snippets of it on XM Book Radio while driving home from work. Now I plan on finding it to read it all (or checking the audio CDs out of the library).

The book is Rocket Men: The Epic Story of the First Men on the Moon.

Although I have always been interested in NASA and the space program, I haven't spent a lot of time studing the program or the men that made it all happen. It has always somehow just "been there"... I mean I was barely born when the first space walk happened.

This book has REALLY peaked my interest. It is a behind the scenes look at the astronauts and the other people in the space program from the beginning. It is, truly, one of the most interesting stories I have heard in a long time. I am excited to read all the chapters and stories I have missed.

30 Days of Truth: Day 16

2010-11-10T07:11:00.003-05:00

Something or someone you could definitely live without

Oprah

I am so over her. I used to love her, but suddenly she became this self-centered, egotistical person and I couldn't watch any more.

I get it that she wants to help young girls - I am all for that. I'll support anything that helps young women, but can't she do that here, too? Lets build or support some inner-city schools to help out girls there.

And she wants people to read good books - you KNOW I'm all for that, but her choices are all so flippen depressing! Ugh.

I'm risking my life here folks. (teehee) I probably shouldn't say anthing negative about her. She may have some sort of secret-service group that takes DOWN any Oprah nay-sayers. If you still like her, good for you! She just isn't my cup of tea anymore.

30 Days of Truth: Day 15

2010-11-09T06:58:00.004-05:00

Someone or something you couldn't live without.

I'm afraid I have to cheat on this one and give you two things I can't live without.

Books and music

I have been a reader for a loooong time. I can remember walking down to the local convenience store and buying horror books off the rack when I was in 6th grade. (We lived in apartments and the store was right in front of the neighborhood.)

I tell the kids that no matter what book you read, you learn something new. It may be a piece of history, a new word, a description of something, or a new way to turn a phrase... you just never know. Most of my knowledge comes from things I have learned in reading books. Small bits of trivia come up from time to time... I mean authors have to research what they are writing, so they can give you ALOT of information.

Books are my escape. If I need to get away from the thoughts in my head, I pick up a book. If I need some "me" time, a book is what I turn to. Without words on a page I don't know what I would do. There is just something about holding the pages and immersing myself into another world... living through the eyes of someone or something else. Love it.

As for music?

It means more to me than books.

I grew up listening to music more than watching television. We always had a radio on somewhere - the kitchen, the bathroom, my bedroom. I had posters of Elvis hanging on my walls when I was in elementary school. I spent my very first allowance savings on the KISS - Destroyer LP.

There isn't a genre of music I won't listen to. If it makes me tap my toes or move my hips I love it. I have a vast array of vinyl, tapes, and CDs throughout my house. I need to figure out a way to get it all digital so I can put them on my iPod. Through Amazon, there is an LP player that you plug into the computer... which converts those LPs into digital music! Oh Em Gee... want.

Carl laughs at me because I think in lyrics. When it is time to put ice in glasses, I always sing "Ice Ice Baby"... when someone says let's "Break it down..." I immediately say "break it down nuh nuh nuh nuh... stop... Hammer time". And that is just the beginning of it. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't use a lyric or two in a conversation. I even make a lot of my Facebook statuses from songs and/or titles. Drives some crazy...

Music helps me breathe and makes my heart beat. It picks me up, calms me down, and makes the days go by. Without it, I would be lost.

Books and music... music and books. The two things I cannot live without.

30 Days of Truth: Day 14

2010-11-08T12:56:00.002-05:00

A hero that has let you down

Let's define the term hero:

hero [ˈhɪərəʊ]
n pl -roes
1. a man distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility, fortitude, etc.
2. a man who is idealized for possessing superior qualities in any field
3. (Myth & Legend / Classical Myth & Legend) Classical myth a being of extraordinary strength and courage, often the offspring of a mortal and a god, who is celebrated for his exploits
4. the principal male character in a novel, play, etc.

There are heros everywhere - war, novels, movies, etc., but for me to pick one that has let me down... I am struggling with it.

Could it be Mel Gibson? I love him as an actor. He is the star of SO many of my favorite movies. But his exploits here lately leave much to be desired. Who is to say what goes on behind closed doors? To hear the tapes his girlfriend/baby-mama recorded shows a side to him I really, really, really didn't want to know about.

What about James Fry who wrote A Million Little Pieces? I loved that book and, when I read it, I thought he was heoric for going through his struggles to find sobriety. Then we find out it isn't true. What a let down!

I could even claim my Paw-Paw let me down when he passed away when I was 10. God, I loved that man. My favorite memory is sitting in his lap and watching while he traced the pictures in the TV Guide. I can remember walking into his living room and watching him put down whatever he was doing to reach out and hug me. He was bigger than life, and I miss him to this day. Why could he not stay around longer? Why did he have to be fallible?

So tough. Heros come in all shapes, sizes, ages, colors, professions, etc. ... but they are all human beings we put on a pedestal and hope they don't fall off. When they do, we are disappointed, angry and confused. Does watching and experiencing these transgressions make us more jaded? Do we "look" for the weaknesses in others?

I think so.

I think we start to expect our heros to fail. We have the "when is the other shoe going to drop" mentalilty. People look for flaws and either exploit them or ignore them. So sad. I want to see the better side of people. I want to take the good and bad in everyone and see that it is what makes them who they are. Will I like what I see (like Mel)? NO. But he is human!

Shoot. I am rambling. How do I wrap this one up?

Miss you, Paw-Paw. Love you.

30 Days of Truth: Day 13

2010-11-05T07:21:00.014-04:00

A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough times

I'm not going to be all sappy and sentimental on this one. I am going to tell you about the band that got me through high school. If you knew me back then you will know who it is. I had their posters all over my room and in my locker. I had imported LPs playing on my stereo. I bought all the magazines so I could keep up with them.

I had a HUGE crush on the lead singer -- oh wait -- I still do! I think he is an amazing guitar player and makes the most awesome music. And his little lisp is to. die. for.

Who is this band? Let me give you the three names that make the music.

Brian Setzer - guitar and lead
Slim Jim Phantom - drums
Lee Rocker - bass

Oh yes... The Stray Cats!!

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE

My love for them began in the 9th grade when I heard Stray Cat Strut for the first time. I have been a rockabilly girl since then. They are my go to band whenever I am down. They are so much fun to listen to and to dance your troubles away.

I wish they were still around. Brian is doing his own thing now - a contemporary big bang kind of thing with the Brian Setzer Orchestra. I don't know what happened to Jim or Lee.

I swear if they are EVER on tour I will move heaven and earth to get tickets. I love, love, love these guys. Seriously. Love them.

Here is video of them playing Bebop A Lula. His voice... swoon.

30 Days of Truth: Day 12

2010-11-04T07:39:00.003-04:00

Something you never get compliments on

This one is definitley my housekeeping skills. (Holla, mom?!)

My house is always in a constant state of disarray. I just HATE deep cleaning. I will pick up and keep things straight, but clean to, like, my mom's version of clean? Ummm, no.

We don't live in squallor... please don't think that; DFACS won't come in the house and snatch the kids away. We just don't get around to dusting as often as we should, and vaccuuming happens about twice a month. I throw trash away and take it out when it gets full. I put the dishes in the dishwasher and run it when it gets full. I wipe down the counters every night after we cook dinner. We aren't nasty.... just dusty.

Now that the kids can help out, we clean way more often. But I would rather spend my time goofing off, reading, watching tv, or breaking an arm than shoving a vaccuum cleaner around the floor.

BUT, when I get a wild hair and decide enough is enough, I work everyone in the house to the bone. We scrub baseboards, cabinet doors, closets... everything. This type of DEEP cleaning happens 1-2 times a year. We try our best to keep it that way for about 2 weeks, then it slowly gets back to the "lived-in" look.

Oh well. It is my cross to bear. I just need to win the lottery so I can pay for someone to clean for me. Or maybe I can find someone to do it for free? HA! They would laugh in my face.

30 Days of Truth: Day 11

2010-11-03T07:22:00.003-04:00

Something people seem to compliment you the most on

I get a lot of compliments on my kids. Teachers, coaches, family members, and friends all say they are the sweetest, most polite children they know.

Carl and I have worked long and hard to ensure our kids are respectful of others. If the person they are interacting with is a person of authority, they had best say "yes, ma'am/sir" or "no ma'am/sir". We always wonder how they behave when out of our sight.

One of Bug's teachers told us one time that she is friends with everyone. It doesn't matter their race, religion, clique, or handicap. She befriends the new people and the outcasts. She talks to the athletic kids as well as the nerds. She is her mama through and through. She isn't in any group and yet is friends with all of them. I love that about her.

J-man is just a goof and that endears him to just about everyone. His teachers and coaches say he is the comic relief. If anyone is going to crack a joke, it will be J-man. Yes, there are some that think he is odd or wierd, but I tell him that is fine. He is who he is, and someday, he will be appreciated for that.

But no matter what, they are GOOD kids. Even when we are having grade issues, or homework not being turned in, Carl and I thank our lucky stars that they are not into drugs. Or fighting. Or bad behaviors that will send them to YDC or jail. I hope it stays that way!

Yes. They are the best.

30 Days of Truth: Day 10

2010-11-02T13:16:00.002-04:00

Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn't know

Easy - see Day 8.

He affected me in so many ways. My self esteem was in the trash heap for so long because of him. I never thought I would be able to find a "good" man. I always thought I would end up alone or in jail thanks to the things he said to me.

I wish I had never met him or gotten so mixed up in all that misery.

BUT

It was the summer after we broke up that I decided to go on a vacation to Savannah. While there, I asked the friend I was visiting to take me to a country bar. I said I was only going to meet a guy, get his phone number, and never speak to him again.

The boy I met that night has been by my side for the last 18 years.

I guess he wound up being good for something.

J-man's Halloween

2010-11-01T08:01:00.003-04:00

J-man went trick-or-treating with a couple of friends last night – one being his girlfriend Emm. Since we haven’t spent any money on costumes I asked him what he was going to be. He said a “homicidal cross-dresser”, and that Bug was going to let him borrow something to wear. I knew he wouldn’t be able to fit into anything of hers, so I offered him one of my ugliest dresses. He had a clear plastic mask with makeup on it, and a mullet wig. When he put the outfit on, along with a pair of my shoes and knee-highs, I have to admit he is ONE UGLY WOMAN. HAHAHA!

There are a couple of stories about why he wouldn’t take the t-shirt off, him not sitting very “lady-like” and the knee highs. I love this kid and his sense of humor. AND his ability to have fun/be silly.

He had a blast.

30 Days of Truth: Day 9

2010-11-01T07:08:00.002-04:00

Someone you didn't want to let go, but who drifted

This may sound like a cop-out but I can't think of a soul for today's topic.

As I've said before, I believe people are put in your life to teach you something, so when they have done that, they tend to move out of your life.

I've had several friends - Donna, Marie, Diana, Andrew, Barry - that I thought I would be in touch with forever, but for some reason we drifted apart. Each have taught me different things about myself and others.

Do I wish we were still friends. Yes! And I am in touch with a couple of those folks on Facebook, but we don't chat. We don't make time to get together. We are just observers in each others lives. I love the fact that I can see them as adults and celebrate their families. To me it is enough.

30 Days of Truth: Day 8

2010-10-29T06:51:00.005-04:00

Someone who has made your life hell or treated you badly

Oh this one is easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy.

I haven't had the best track record with guys. I have dated some doozies, but one stands out in particular.

He was a horror. He and I met through someone I thought of as a friend. At the time, I didn't realize they had dated before, and that played a HUGE part in our final breakup. Let me list some of the ways he was awful.

He sold drugs. Out of our apartment. I went to get in the shower one day and pulled back the curtain. Sitting there was a duffle bag, and when I asked him what it was, he said not to worry about it. Yep. It was full of pot. Lovely.
He used my car while I was at work to drive to Tennessee to GET the drugs. He was supposed to be "looking for a job", but no. He was crossing state lines getting illegal substances to sell.
We fought like cats and dogs. He never actually, physically abused me. No, he liked to do that mentally. I am still reeling from some of the things he said... poor Carl has had to put up with it all these years.
He cheated on me constantly. We lived together for two months (at the end of the relationship) and when he finally left me for the girl that introduced us, she was two months pregnant. Yeah. Nice.
I found out the night he and I met, he and the other girl had a bet on me. He said he could get me to fall in love with him, and she said he couldn't. Our ENTIRE relationship was built around a bet and my emotional stability.
He turned me into a person I am not proud of; one that I am afraid of. He brought out the evil in me. One night he got home, drunk, and I was livid. I threw my keys at him and actually hurt him. When he tossed them back a me (thank heavens he was too drunk to throw too hard), I walked in the kitchen and threw them at the cabinets with the same force as before. They STUCK in the door. Yes, that is how hard I threw them! I'm really surprised they didn't hurt him worse than they did.

On one of the many many nights he was out - with my car - catting it up with his girlfriend, I prayed. I said out loud "I cannot do this anymore. You have to do something to get him out of my life. I am not strong enough to do it myself."

The next day I went to work. He came by the office around 7 p.m. (I worked an 11-8 shift) to tell me he was dropping off the car and going out with a friend of ours and he'd see me at home to watch The Simpsons. I said OK...

I got in the car later that evening and his house keys were in the ash tray. I got to the apartment and all of his stuff was gone. The closet was cleared out. He had completely and totally moved out. (He stole all of my cassette tapes, but hey, he was gone.) I was shocked. At the time, it hurt SO bad. I mean to be such an ass to move out without telling me?

Kinda tells you what a crap-hole he was, huh? Such a chicken and an idiot. Didn't even have the balls to stand up to me. Makes me so angry now. Seriously angry.

There is so much more I could tell you. The scene the day after he moved out, when I found out where he was, was not pretty... I actually could have gotten myself killed.

All I can say is that year and a half was total hell. If he hadn't left when he did, I would now either be dead or in jail. For real. It was awful.

Ugh.

30 Days of Truth: Day 7

2010-10-28T09:58:00.003-04:00

Name someone who has made your life worth living.

I truly believe people are put in your life to teach you something. At work, I am learning patience from one of my clients. My kids teach me how to be a better person. My mom teaches me how to be strong. My dad teaches me raunchy jokes.

So to name ONE person that has made my life worth living is tough. I do know someone, however, that has made my life better.

Dr. S. who was my gastric bypass doctor.

I remember laying on the couch a little over 6 years ago and hearing a voice whisper "If you don't do something you WILL die" and it scared the jeebus out of me. The next day I began my research that led me to Dr. S.

I know "all" he did was the surgery and the rest was up to me, but without him where would I be? I would still have difficulty breathing walking to my car. I wouldn't be going to football games watching my son play in the band. I wouldn't be shopping and getting excited when I get a new outfit. I wouldn't have guys flirt with me on occasion.

No. I would be on the couch at home feeling sorry for myself and wishing for a miracle. I might even be coping with diabetes or high blood pressure. I'd be eating insane amounts of calories and mentally beating myself up for it.

I have one of the best surgeons in town. He truly cares about his patients and keeps track of them. I am REQUIRED to visit him once a year, and at that visit he has blood work done (13-15 vials!!). He provides support groups and people to talk to during hard times.

But most of all, he gave me the ability to be the person I always was on the inside.

30 Days of Truth: Day 6

2010-10-27T07:13:00.004-04:00

Something you hope you never have to do

Good grief this is going to be morbid, but it is the first thing that popped into my head. Please forgive me.

I hope I never have to bury a child... or deal with a terminal illness with my child.

I have an uncle that lost his 16-year old daughter to Lupus. I've known a man whose son was accidentally run over by a school bus. I've read blogs of moms and dads that have lost their children to cancer, cystic fibrosis, car accidents, and drug problems.

I cannot imagine anything worse.

My best friend died when he was in his late 20s. A friend of mine in high school was killed in a freak car accident.

And the parents that have to go from day-to-day with their children in a war? Those brave soldiers are the children of someone. To live with the thought that someone in uniform could knock on their door at any time? Truly heart and gut wrenching.

That loss is one that cannot be overcome. It isn't the way it is supposed to be.

I am going to go hug and love-up my babies, and then send a bunch-o-prayers to keep them safe, sound, and healthy.

30 Days of Truth: Day 5

2010-10-26T06:35:00.006-04:00

Something you hope to do in your life

You guys will probably think I'm crazy, but I really, really, really want to go off the South African coast and dive with the sharks. I especially want to see a Great White up close.

I'm not much of a thrill seeker - unless it is a roller coaster - but to me, this would be the ULTIMATE experience. It has been on my bucket list forever.

I am terrified of sharks but they fascinate me. The way they move through the water... the way they seem to look through you (at least what I have seen on TV). They are killing machines and in total control of their environment. To be face-to-face with one... gives me chills.

Someday, when I win the lottery, that will be the first trip I book. Carl can sit on the boat and watch from there, but I'll be in that cage and screaming with ~~joy~~ terror. So cool.

30 Days of Truth: Day 4

2010-10-25T08:04:00.004-04:00

I took a break from the 30 Days of Truth for the weekend. We were ultra busy with my 25-year reunion and working the Falcons game at the GA Dome. (Two posts within themselves). So let's start the week with the next one.

Something you have to forgive someone else for

Middle school is a tough time, and for me it was extra difficult. I was in the 6th grade when my parents divorced and I had to move to a new school in the middle of the year. Being a heavy girl, I never really felt like I fit in anywhere so being NEW made it even worse.

Another wrinkle in the fold is that I was (and still kinda am) boy crazy. I had crushes on the ones I couldn't "have" and only let the obtainable ones know I liked them. That was the case with this one particular guy... lets call him Craig. He, too, was a heavy-set kid and didn't seem to have a lot of girls that liked him. In my desperate-for-a-boyfriend mind, I thought he would be flattered that a girl liked him and might, actually, want to go out with me.

Pitiful, huh?

Anyhoo... my friends let his friends know that I had a crush on him. (I liked him for months before I told a soul.) He hung around the "popular" kids, and I was with the misfits. Thinking back, it was definitely a Pretty in Pink-type scenario but with different outcomes. I wound up, happily, with Ducky for a while! LOL

So one morning, much to my delight/surprise, Craig asked me to "go with" him. I was over the moon! I floated through the first half of the day happily basking in the thought that I was Craig's girlfriend. I had such a smile on my face and giggled with my girlfriends.

Then came lunch.

I walked in the lunchroom where he was sitting with all of his buddies at a table closest to the door. I heard, "MARNI!" and looked to my right where he was sitting. He then yelled as loud as he could, "Hey, I'm breaking up with you. Why would I want to go with such a fat cow?" and everyone started laughing at me.

I ran out of the lunchroom mortified, and hid in the bathroom for the rest of the period.

Needless to say, I never spoke of a crush with the popular kids again. I stuck with my group and found lots of cute, sweet, funny boys that actually liked me. I stayed at the school until the middle of 8th grade when mom and I moved to the school I eventually graduated from.

I have hurt over that comment for so long. It shaped a lot of how I felt about myself for YEARS.

In college, I had a class with Craig. He looked so good. He had lost a lot of weight and had aged really well. I looked better though. I was in the sorority and had more confidence in myself. But when I saw him, it all came flooding back.

One day he came up to me before class. I couldn't breathe. I didn't know what was going to happen.

He put his hands on my desk and said, "I want to apologize for what I said to you that day. It has bothered me since it happened. I was trying to look big in front of my friends and had no idea it would hurt you like it did. I felt awful then and I feel awful now."

I said I forgave him, but I don't know if I did. I still have image issues and it all started that day. I don't remember thinking about how I looked before those words came out of his mouth, and since then, it is all consuming.

It was the prank of a silly 7th grader. I am a different person than I was then. Without sounding conceited or vain, I think I look better now than ever. But that little girl still aches for acceptance. She still wants the laughter of that day to stop echoing in her head.

I need to let it go. I'm going to work on that.

30 Days of Truth: Day 3

2010-10-22T10:10:00.004-04:00

Something you have to forgive yourself for

Lord-have-mercy this one is tough. There are several extremely personal things I could insert here, but I won't. Those are mine to deal with alone.

So...

I need to forgive myself for being a smoker.

It all started with a girl I'll call RB. She was a year older than me - 13 - when I met her. Yes, do the math... I started smoking when I was 12!!! (but I didn't start inhaling until I was 14)

We would sneak to the pool or outside of our apartments and smoke away. Her dad didn't mind that she did it; my mom would have beat my butt had she known.

I did ask her one day what she would do if she found out I smoked. She made me go get my Marlboro Reds (that I had hidden in a bush!) and smoke one in front of her. I was MORTIFIED, and I quit for about a week. After that, I never asked her again, and I tried everything in my power to hide it from her. I still don't know if she realizes how much I smoked.

RB and I went to her mom's house one weekend. I thought I was the shit because she let us smoke in the house. Her mom bought us a carton of cigarettes (Winston Reds) and we smoked the ENTIRE thing in two nights. I was soooooooo sick and quit for a couple of months. When I decided to pick up the habit again, I could never smoke a Winston again.

I quit on and off over the years, but always came back to it. When I got pregnant with the kids, I quit the entire time and for about 6 months after they were born.

Then I had my surgery.

I thought "why are you doing this huge, life-altering surgery only to kill yourself with smoking?" So I stopped cold turkey.

Do I continue? There are times. When I drink I smoke, but it tastes like crap. I usually only have one or two and then stop. But I have NO craving for them outside of that.

Do I wish I had never started? Of course I do. It is a horrible addiction. They are nasty and they stink. But it is part of who I am... part of me that I am not proud of. I hope I never get addicted to them again.

Blech.

30 Days of Truth: Day 2

2010-10-21T08:54:00.002-04:00

Something you love about yourself

This one is a little easier to write about than yesterday's topic.

I love that I can make people laugh.

Laughter is one of my favorite sounds... especially my kid's laugther. I love to act silly. I talk in silly voices and dance around the house in spasms. I make up goofy songs. I do everything in my power to make the kids laugh, and I won't stop until I get at least a giggle out of them.

But my favorite laugh of all? My mom's.

She hasn't had the easiest road. She is very independent, and takes things pretty seriously. Her laughter lifts my heart and makes me happy.

She has this certain laugh where she throws her head back, closes her eyes and lets it go from the gut. THAT is the laugh I aim for. THAT is the laugh were I know she gets me. If I can get it out of her, I smile from the inside out.

I love it... and her.

I love that I have passed my sense of humor and goofiness on to my kids. Their goal is to make ME laugh. I see it when they tell me their stories or when J-man stands in front of me and dances his silly dance. Or when Bug gives me her puppy-dog eyes and giggles because she knows she is being silly.

They (whoever "they" are) say that laughter is the best medicine, and I totally agree. If you feel bad, or are having a bad day, find something, ANYTHING, to make you laugh. It releases something deep down that instantly makes you feel better.

I love that I have the ability to provide that to people. I love laughter.

30 Days of Truth: Day 1

2010-10-20T07:03:00.004-04:00

Something you hate about yourself

Hate is a pretty strong word, and one I don't like to use very often. I have to really feel it to hate it. I hate liver and mean people. I hate ignorance and blatent disregard for people's feelings. But to find something I hate about myself... wow. Tough.

I would have to say I hate my anger. I'm always amazed at how fast it comes on, and for the smallest things. I have an issue with it.

I fly off the handle at the drop of a hat. I yell. I cuss. I see red. And the sad part is, a lot of it is at nothing. It is so trivial and so silly that others would wonder why I am getting so angry.

I can see it coming sometimes and attempt to calm down. I've really gotten better at it. I've begun to ask myself "is this REALLY worth being angry over? Is it really something you can control or do anything about? Will yelling and throwing a hissy fit really help the situation?" It is amazing what happens internally when one does that.

Does it work all the time? Ummm... not at all. But I am getting better at it.

30 Days of All ME

2010-10-19T06:48:00.002-04:00

I am always wracking my brain trying to think of something to write. When I saw this list over at Skip's place, I thought "Sweet! Finally a template of topics."

I'm going to try to write something every day to fulfill the 30 Days of Truth. Let me know if you decide to do it as well.

30 Days of Truth

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself
Day 2: Something you love about yourself
Day 3:Something you have to forgive yourself for
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone else for
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living
Day 8: Someone who has made your life hell or treated you badly
Day 9: Someone you didn't want to let go, but who drifted
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn't know
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough times
Day 14: A hero that has let you down
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn't live without
Day 16: Something or someone you could definitely live without
Day 17: A book you've read that changed your view on something
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage
Day 19: What is your opinion of religion?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (Scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you got into a fight a couple of hours before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn't done in your life
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone and explain why you chose those songs
Day 25: The reason you believe you're still alive today
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life?
Day 27: What's the best thing you've got going for you right now?
Day 28: What would you do if you got pregnant (or got someone pregnant) right now?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself
Day 30: A letter to yourself

Must reads

2010-10-18T14:27:00.003-04:00

You guys know how much I like to read. I always have a book on hand and am usually reading two or three at a time.

I have been hearing about The Hunger Games for months, and thought because it was young adult I wouldn't be interested. I don't know WHY I thought that. I mean, I have read the Twilight Series. I am working on the House of Night books, and I am on book three of The Chronicles of Vladmir Todd. (All vampire books I just realized... hmmmm.)

Out of curiosity, I picked up the book at Bug's book fair just to see what it was like.

OMG

It is one of the best books I have read in a loooooong time. Once I finished it, I immediately went out and bought book 2 - Catching Fire. I started it on Saturday and will be finished with it tonight. I cannot put it down.

I am going to get book 3 (and the final of the trilogy) - Mockingjay - as soon as I can.

Folks... if you want a quick read that is entertaining, funny, heart-wrenching, and mesmerizing, pick up these books. I've even let Bug start on The Hunger Games and she is loving it. No sex or dirty talk. Just good suspense with twists and turns. Soooo good.

Ghosties

2010-10-18T07:00:00.005-04:00

Hiya, folks!

Sorry I haven't been around much. It is the same ol' excuse... kids, work, blah blah blah. I'm going to try and get better - Promise.

I took some time out this weekend to do something I love. I went on a ghost investigation.

It was at a house at the base of a mountain in North Georgia. The couple have only lived there since February, but have been having issues the entire time. Shadows, wispers, little girl singing, and other claims were what we were looking for.

Not much happened. I can tell you their hallway and spare room were ultra creepy. At one point, another investigator asked a question and chills went up and down one side of my body. We were standing next to one another and she got chills on one side of her's too. The funny thing was, it was like the chills were in between us. My right side was warm as was her left side. It was freaky!

I went into the spare room with another investigator (the couple uses the room as storage not a bedroom) and there was a stereo on a table. It was on. People, they don't use this room for anything. I went and asked the couple if it should be on and they genuinely looked startled. They said no, and that no one goes in there. I went back to talk to my partner and he was a little freaked... it hadn't been plugged in. I tried to plug it into the wall and had to move the table then push extra hard just to plug it in. If it had been plugged in, it would've taken more than a little tug to unplug it. Now, we don't know if it was barely plugged in or not, but when we tried to replicate that to make the stereo turn on, it wouldn't do it again.

Strange.

In another room - the master bedroom - I was sitting on the bed with my right leg propped on the bed in front of me and my foot hanging off the edge. The couple recently lost their German Shepherd, Prince, under mysterious circumstances. One minute he was fine and the next he was having seizures and passed away. I asked if this entity was the one that hurt Prince. Before I could get the entire question out, it felt as if I got pinched or scratched right along my ankle. I started saying "owowow" and my partner asked what was wrong. He handed me his flashlight to see if there were any marks, and, dang it, there were not. I wanted proof that something had done that to me.

I was a little freaked.

We saw shadows. We heard murmuring. Our motion detector went off once when no one was in they hallway.

All in all, a pretty good investigation. The still pictures we took show nothing, and the crew is still reviewing the voice recorders and video. I wish we had caught more, but what I felt and saw was pretty cool.

I'm ready for another one!

Feel good

2010-09-28T10:30:00.002-04:00

Don't you love it when kids do something right?

Just read this story and watch the video. It'll make you feel proud of some awesome kids and their coaches.

Cake?

2010-09-27T07:34:00.002-04:00

Happy birthday to my Dad...

Too tired to post much else. Been really, really busy between work and school activities.

J-man's band came in 2nd place at the competition. I have some pics to share but I'm too tired to do it right now.

Later taters.

Joe...

2010-09-24T09:12:00.005-04:00

It is spirit week at the high school and J-man likes to participate where he can. He wears school colors one day, his favorite college team colors on another, and then he got to choose a character to portray on another.

He wanted to dress up as Freddie Mercury, but we couldn't find a mustache anywhere. What is UP WITH THAT? It is almost Halloween for pete's sake.

Instead, Carl found a mullet wig and J-man was thrilled. Instead of a wonderful musician to immulate, J-man went as Joe Dirt.

Yes.

Joe. Dirt.

If you don't know who that is, it is a character David Spade played in a movie of the same name. Here is Mr. Spade:

And here is J-man... not blonde, but close enough.

He said that wig was pig-tailed, pony-tailed, and braided at some point the entire day. He loved the attention.

I really think the kid is enjoying high school. Now if I could get him to enjoy doing his WORK.

Latin groove

2010-09-23T07:23:00.002-04:00

This week has been a busy one for Pug Manor. Between band practices, football games, and other school activities, we have only had one night to sit and do nothing. It continues thru the weekend, too. But I'll let you in on a little secret...

I love it.

Nothing like watching your kids do things they love.

This past week, our band performed in a county exhibition. All the high school marching bands came together and performed and showed their spirit. I am proud to say our high school won the most spirit award! Go Wildcats!

Below is the video of the band's performance. Could they use a little polish? Yes. But that doesn't matter. They are a bunch of great kids that are doing their best.

Enjoy!

Ice, ice baby

2010-09-20T15:17:00.009-04:00

In order for J-man to go on the Spring trip with the band, we have to fork over quite a bit of cash. Unfortunately, he wasn't born into a very wealthy family, so we have to do some serious fund raising over the course of the year.

This past weekend Carl and I got to sell beer at the Georgia Dome. Each time we volunteer for this glorious activity, J-man gets $50 per parent into his account. It is HARD work for $100. Let me tell ya. We "rally" at the local Wally World with all the rest of the volunteers at 8 a.m. and, for this particular event, we got home around 6. Normally it is more of a 12-hour day. Blech.

So we get to the Dome and have to put on the uniform shirts. Volunteers are to come in black pants and shoes and a white (or black) tank top/tshirt. They provide a hat (which we get to keep and use again and again). Trust me. These are not beauty pageant winning uniforms. And HOT. Lawsy are they hot.

Here is the beer selling team though!

Carl and I had our own beer stand in the student section (it was for a local college's new football team). You would think with a bunch of college age kids we would want tons of the barley and hops, but nope. We sold - maybe - 70 beers the entire game. That, my friends, is what we sell in 30 minutes at any other event.

Carl kept trying to drum up some business by having ME yell at the crowd. He would wait for a bunch of folks to come strolling by and then he would tap the beer cart. I would then be required to yell,

"IIIIICE... COLD... BEEEEE-YAAAAH"

He would laugh his fool head off. He said I sounded like a yankee selling beer at the Braves stadium. I thought I sounded dang good! LOL

All in all it was a good day. Our stand was located so all I had to do was turn around and I could see the entire field. As slow as we were, I guess you could say I watched the game without buying a ticket... but I didn't get to drink anything either.

Clue

2010-09-16T08:01:00.005-04:00

There are a few television shows out there that I love, but two have always been the front runner in my heart. One is - yep - Lost (sigh) and the other? Survivor.

I think since season one I have only missed one or two episodes. I absolutely love the show. Some people may think it is a snooze-fest, but I love the action. It amazes me how people react in certain situations, and how they behave when faced with different types of people.

Every season I say, at least once, I cannot believe how invested I am in these people. I can't do ANYTHING about their actions or the outcome, but I continue to yell at the television, cry when my favorites get voted out (or win... Hello, Yul!), and laugh when they make the dumbest mistakes ever (ummm, JT, you listening?)

I've tried to talk Carl into trying out. I think he would be awesome. Me? Nope. I prefer to watch. To me, roughing it is going to a hotel without a cafe in the lobby. OK?!

So anywhoo... the show has switched up the immunity idol dilemma this season. If you do not watch, the immunity idol is always hidden somewhere and the contestants are given clues in many different ways. The past two seasons, a contestant name Russell (love and hate him) would just walk around camp and find the idol - no clue necessary.

I told Carl he single-handedly changed the game. Turns out I was right.

This season the powers that be got crafty and decided to make the clues harder. If you feel like a challenge, maybe we can work on it together. I am horrible at this kind of stuff. I don't know if you need to be invested in the show, or know what it is all about, but take a gander at the clue and let me know what you think.

Each week, if the idol isn't found, I believe they are going to give more clues like this. Come on Survivor fans! Let's figure this out.

And if you aren't a Survivor watcher? Give it a shot. You might like it. Eye candy, human interaction, beautiful views... it is awesome!

Music and dancing

2010-09-02T14:52:00.004-04:00

If you know me, two of my favorite things are music and dancing. I'll listen to any kind of music and if it makes me want to move my body it is even better.

Add to that some great movies about dancing... and crap... I could cry for joy.

A friend sent me this video. I couldn't stop grinning the entire time. Some of my favorite characters and movies are represented (40 movies to be exact)... along with a great song from the 80s. This brings back SOOOO many memories.

Time to put on my dancin' shoes a groove a bit.

Pug rescue info

2010-08-30T14:25:00.006-04:00

See that handsome boy on the right? Many of you know him... that is Grimmy.

He was rescued from SEPRA, a wonderful organization here in the Atlanta area that rescues pugs. When we saw his sweet face on their website, we had to have him. He has now been in our family for five years.

He is probably one of the most appreciative dogs in the world. We don't know what his home life was like prior to coming to pug manor, but I do know he didn't have it easy. The poor guy doesn't know how to play ball, he doesn't know how to play tug of war, he is very territorial, and he barks if the wind blows in a different direction.

But will he give good snuggles? Heck YES. He is one of the best cuddlers in town.

I just wanted to give you a little background on him because there are other pugs out there that aren't so lucky. SEPRA works hard to place unwanted (WHAT?) pugs in forever homes. They are the lucky ones.

Another one of my blogger friends, Lori, is just as passionate about rescues. She is a member of Curly Tail Pug Rescue and especially their Forever Fosters program. Her lovely girl, Plum, is one of those dogs.

They need donations, big time, to take care of those babies. If you want, please visit their site and see what you can do. If you don't want to donate to Curly Tails, think about my step-sister's organization as well... it is called Leftover Pets. (I can't link to it thanks to work restrictions - google them) Dad, if you read this, link to her site in the comments, please. Hugs to ya.

Any organization will do. These helpless little guys and gals need us.

OK.. off my soapbox. I'm ready to go home and get some pug snuggles.

A Friday Smile

2010-08-27T08:23:00.000-04:00

This little fella makes me smile. I hope you enjoy him.

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

Two of my boys

2010-08-23T13:40:00.003-04:00

Dozer is a lap dog... and if he doesn't get to lay where he wants, he pouts. The other day, he wanted to lay in Carl's lap to which he was promptly told "No".

(This is a phenomena I will never understand. How can someone turn that smooshy, sweet face down? Whatever my baby boy wants, he usually gets!)

But anyway, Dozer moved over to the other side of the recliners and started pouting. I came around the corner and saw this...

Do they not look JUST ALIKE? Those boys.

Sad

2010-08-19T09:18:00.005-04:00

Today is a sad day for my family. My Aunt Mary passed away earlier this week, and today is her funeral. Dad asked Carl to be one of her pall bearers. He said he would be honored. I am proud that he is doing it.

I wish you could have known her. Anyone who ever met her loved, loved, loved her. She never said a cross word to anyone or about anyone. She was a true Southern Lady. She loved her Atlanta Falcons - a season ticket holder for as long as I can remember - and Georgia Tech Yellowjackets (I can't hold that against her). The only female with four brothers, she was a princess. Everyone doted on her.

As a teenager she used to cruise The Varisty is her convertible, and spent many, many days on the beaches in Florida. She even watched the early Daytona races on the beach!

For as long as I can remember, on Thanksgiving the phone would ring and when you answered it you would hear "Gobble, gobble, gobble!". At Christmas, you would call her and she would answer the phone, "Ho ho ho!"

Those calls will cease from her, but I DO know the tradition continues. When you call anyone in our family on the holidays, those are what you hear the minute the phone is answered.

God, I am going to miss her.

She was so special.

Rest in peace, Aunt Mary. Give Granny, PawPaw, Uncle Bill and Uncle Jim hugs from The Mouse of the House. I love you so very much.

This is a poem that will be read at her funeral in a few hours. It is her to a "T".

Smile Because She Lived
By David Harkins

You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what she'd want:smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Scary moment

2010-08-18T10:57:00.003-04:00

While travelling to a doctor's appointment yesterday, I got the scare of my life.

I was on a four lane highway that is divided by a grassy median (2 lanes north, 2 lanes south and grassy median in the middle). I like to travel above the speed limit (ahem) so I pretty much always drive in the left lane... so I can pass slow pokes don't ya know.

Any whoo

It was early in the morning, so there was a bunch of traffic. I was actually going the speed limit!While in my lane, I was coming up on a pretty big intersection where there is a turning lane to go left. I didn't need to turn, but the TRUCK next to me did.

This was a burgundy Ford F150 with three men in it. They were hauling a huge trailer full of rusty barbed wire rolls - about 4 or 5 of them.

The driver didn't put on a blinker nor did he look to see if I was next to him. If I hadn't been glancing at his truck I never would have seen him coming. He just came into my lane...

I was laying on my horn, slamming on my brakes, and sliding into the grassy median. The work van behind me was fishtailing so he wouldn't plow into my butt.

The F150 Asshat never slowed down. He didn't put on his brakes. He didn't even acknowledge that he nearly swideswiped me! I was PISSED.

As I passed him, I slowed down a little, looked into his truck and said WTF??? (but not the initials) He nor his passengers looked my way. They were oblivious.

I was shaking soooo bad! I called Carl to tell him what happened and burst into tears. I can usually drive and talk at the same time, but I had to pull over for a second to calm myself down. I defintely had an angel on my shoulder... something made me look over in time to see him coming.

Now I wish I could find him and slash his effing tires. THAT would make me feel better. :)

Let me up, let me up, let me up!

2010-08-12T13:45:00.001-04:00

There is hope for the hard-hearted folks out there. I love this old fella and hope he stays with Betty for the rest of his life.

If you have 5 minutes or so, watch this and smile.

Gulp

2010-08-09T08:24:00.000-04:00

I am officially the mom of a high schooler. Oy.

I tend to agree

2010-08-06T07:13:00.002-04:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

It is the final weekend before school starts. Bug and I are getting pedicures and haircuts to start the year off right. We spent quite a bit of cashola last night getting school supplies - thank heavens THAT is over. And J-man is gearing up for his first day at a new school.

My Aunt is in the hospital and not doing very well, so a trip to visit her is in order.

The AC folks are coming out today to fix our issues. Thank you baby jesus! It hasn't been too bad lately. When the guy came out initially, he pumped our system full of freon to hold us over until the parts come in. We can tell the freon is almost gone; the temp is creeping up again. Maybe tonight we will be able to sleep in relative comfort.

Everyone have a great weekend! I am ready for the FALL!!!!!!!

Stingy

2010-08-05T07:52:00.004-04:00

J-man and I were talking about all the fees I have to pay for him in high school. I said, "Dude. Do you have ANY idea how much your yearbook is this year?"

(Middle school yearbook is $25. I had to buy Bug's last night)

He guessed and guessed never getting close. Finally I told him it is $65 and that is just for the plain one. If he wanted his named stamped on it, it costs more... and there are other things they could do to it to make the price jump.

He said, "Aw man! I have $65 from my birthday."

I got excited and said "Sweet! You can buy your own yearbook! That is awesome."

J: "ooops. I only have $64..."

M: "That is fine. I can loan you a dollar."

J: (taking out his wallet) "Well, lookee here. I spent it all. I got nuttin."

M: (rolling eyes) "Fine son. I'll take care of it."

Then he proceeds to pull a wad of cash out of his wallet and claims "Fooled ya! I've got my cash right here, and I'm going to Walmart to buy one of those schaweet, little, plastic kiddie pools to chillax in."

Jeez - oh - pete.

Tired and sore

2010-08-02T07:24:00.006-04:00

Where did this weekend go? The last thing I remember is leaving work on Friday and then coming in this morning. Good grief.

I can't tell you what we did Friday. I think we just relaxed... Bug spent the night with a friend, J-man, Carl and I stayed in and watched TV.

Then Saturday happened... OMG Saturday...

We have a stadium here in Atlanta. Maybe you have heard of it... it is where the Atlanta Falcons play? The Georgia Dome.

Yeah... our band boosters volunteer at a concession stand to raise money. Every time we help out, J-man gets $50 in his band account to offset the cost of their spring trip.

I had to do it on Saturday. And it was HARD WORK. I mean I haven't worked that hard in... like... ever.

We got there at 11:30 am and left at 11:30 pm. There are no chairs for breaks... when we got to sit down it was on the floor.

The event was the DCI competition. For those not initiated in band, that is the Drum Corps International competition... it is HUGE. There were high school and college kids all over the place watching 20+ marching bands perform. It is a spectacle and it is awesome.

We were on the third level of the Dome and were selling hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and chicken fingers. Um... folks... did you see the last item? What do kids LOVE more than almost anything other than pizza? Chicken Fingers... right?

We ran out of them...

THREE TIMES

Try telling hundreds upon hundreds of folks - especially at intermission when the line is 25 folks deep on 8 registers for an hour - that you are out of chicken fingers! People were understanding though.... they waited or came back when we had more. I really only ran into one or two jerks.

All in all it was a good night. But it was so, so, so exhausting. I'm glad I don't have to do another event until September. I'll need all month to recouperate.

But I got a sweet hat!

Obviously this was taken BEFORE we got started -- I'm smiling.

Fifteen

2010-07-30T08:05:00.004-04:00

Dear J-man,

Like I did for your sister's birthday, I need to write this a couple of days early. We have a busy, busy weekend ahead of us and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to make you squirm.

Why?

You turn 15 on Sunday. FIFTEEN. I cannot believe that sweet, little, drooling baby boy has turned into such a handsome, funny, intelligent guy.

When we found out that you were going to be a boy, I remember freaking out a little. I didn't know the first thing about boys. What would you play with? Would you bring frogs and snakes into my house? How would we handle dating and girls? Oh, and POTTY TRAINING?! Sheesh.

I need not worry. You and your dad have just taken me by the hand and led me down the right path. And I have loved almost every minute of it.

You have to admit we have had our challenges. Your ADHD, the surgeries, school, my stubborness and other issues. But through it all I have never stopped loving you. Or being so, so, so proud of you. Anything that has been thrown at you, you have taken it, mulled it over, talked it out, and come to your decisions. Whether right or wrong, they have been your decisions and you firmly stand behind them.

That is a great trait.

And now that you are beginning high school, I hope you can keep that trait alive. You are going to face a lot in the next four years. It ain't the same ol' ballgame. But, like I told you the other day, I am very proud of the man I see in you. You are truly maturing into someone that people will look up to and want to be around.

We get nothing but compliments on you. When they realize we are "J-man's parents", we are always told how polite you are. They always say you are a good kid and that you are so funny. That makes me happy.

You amaze me kid. When God made you, he broke the mold. You are unique and I am so glad you are mine.

Happy Birthday (on Sunday). I hope you enjoy the day and everything your future has in store.

I love you,

Mom

Letter

2010-07-23T08:20:00.003-04:00

Dear dude in the cube a couple of rows over,

PLEASE stop whistling. I don't know the tune, you sound like crap, and it is really, really, really annoying. I'm sure there are several of us that feel the same way.

Have a happy Friday!

Blueberries

2010-07-22T08:12:00.002-04:00

Carl called me this morning and said "I am bringing you something." That sentence can be dangerous... told him whatever it is, it had better not be breathing.

It wasn't.

Instead he walked in with a gallon freezer bag of fresh picked blueberries.

I don't know what to do with them. I guess I could make some muffins, but what else can you do with them? Freeze them? Make a compote? (WTH is a compote? LOL)

Any of my buddies out there have some recipes or ideas?

Amazed

2010-07-21T07:14:00.005-04:00

When did it happen?

J-man was measured for his new marching band uniform on Monday. He proudly told me that he is...

wait for it...

5 feet 10 inches tall!!!

Holy freakin' cow!

I'm only 5 ft. 5 in. and Carl is 5 ft. 8 in.

The kid is almost 6. feet. tall.

His pawpaw (Coffeypot) is/was (whatev) 6 ft. 4!!!! I guess we all know where he got it from, but holy crap my kid is tall.

What happened to that baby in the walker? What happened to the kid that I used to rest my arm on top of his head when we walked around the mall.

When did he grow UP? Literally!

I concur

2010-07-19T11:58:00.001-04:00

Don't know how it is going to happen, but I hope it does soon.

Now they are saying there is a leak from the ocean floor?!? OMG. Will my grandkids get to play in the surf? I hope so.

see more Lol Celebs

This guy

2010-07-13T07:24:00.003-04:00

I used to love this guy. He was on my "Top 5" for years and years. Braveheart? The Patriot? Mad Max? Signs? OMG... he was the best and hottest thing around.

Now?

He scares me.

I've been listening to the tapes his girlfriend has allegedly released and he is a freak. The heavy breathing and the threats... it brings back some realllly bad memories.

I've lived that. I've been told those things. Maybe not by someone so well known, but that doesn't matter. The man is crazy and about ready to snap. I'm glad she got out with the baby while she could... but now she is tied to him forever. So scary.

And what about his first wife. My lord, she put up with it for 30 years! What was the catalyst for her to finally say it was enough? I betcha it was him. He decided he needed a younger woman on his arm to make him feel better. She didn't do it for him any more... could I say "typcial". I don't know.

All I know is I don't think I can watch any of his movies any more. The old favorites I might be able to watch.... they happened before all of this and they are so good. It will take a while before I can stomach them again. But if he tries to put out anything new? I'll have to pass.

And it is such a shame. I really, really, really used to love him.