Wordle

Have ya'll seen these? They're called Wordle's, and it was FUN! Try it, post it, tell me about it so I can come see yours!

Dear B.

My, but you are full of surprises! Let me tell you about Tuesday evening.

I had finally gotten home after very reluctantly leaving the adorable and deliciously soft Savannah late Tuesday evening. It actually would have been earlier, but I had to take the tourist route home through Bedford and drop off A.'s car. I knocked, no one was home, so I worked my way inside because no WAY was I going to get back to my place without a bathroom break. Ah, Sonic, I do love your peach slushes, but a Rt. 44 has to come back out, right? So, I'm inside, but then it turns out that S. was actually home and was rather startled to find someone IN his house! All turned out well and he didn't shoo9t me or anything. Just as I was headed down the mountain, B. called. "So, whatcha doin'?" After some small talk, "I thought we'd come over for dinner." We. Did you catch that? He's been wanting me to meet his kids, and while I LOVE kids, I was more than a little nervous to meet his. See, kids like me. I just knew that these would be the 2 that didn't! He said he would call and give me a heads up when they left Wally World. So, I clean up a little, put things away, check email, visit SITS, and am standing in my bathrobe in the kitchen thinking, "Wow, shouldn't they be done by now?" when suddenly, I see that red truck pulling in. No shower, haven't shaved my legs in a couple of days, and oh, yeah, I'm not wearing any clothes! Let me tell ya. That's the fastest I've gotten dressed, brushed my teeth, brushed my hair, and made it back out to my living room! I made spaghetti, Britney loved having 2 little boys to go splash around in the creek with, and (smart man grudgingly admitted), I didn't have time to work myself into a good nerve-fest. The best part? "Can we come back again?" Heh. They like me! And, come back they did. Last night we had BBQ chicken, cheesy shells, and corn on the cob. Oh, and Popsicles for dessert. Britney hasn't slept that hard since she was a puppy! Now . . . if I can just kick this sinus infection, life should be pretty good!

She's here!

Oh, and what a beauty she is! Savannah Marley, 6 lbs, 13 oz, 20" long, born today at 12:44 am. Both Mama and Baby are doing SO well. What a long trip Msh and I have taken. Today I was holding SM, and Msh was trying to nap. It reminded me of the night that she was having a really, really bad night, and I stayed in her dorm room with her. No matter what, I'm there. I may not always be keeping watch, but I have her back. To see her become such a glowing, natural mother, was truly one of the highlights of my life. That little girl is so blessed to get such a fantastic mama! Msh, I love you, and to say that I'm proud of you is beyond an understatement. Way to go Mama!!!

Monday and Babies

Msh just called . . . she's on her way to the hospital now! Yay . . . little Msh will be here VERY soon! I'm soooo excited, and leaving work shortly to head down there.

This weekend was good. Friday night I went to the Drive In w/B., as we had a night for the employees out there. Fun times! B. didn't even laugh at me too much when I stalled his truck. Yes, really, I CAN drive a straight!

Saturday was a fairly lazy day, and then we had racing that night. Uneventful race, and we were done early. B. kept picking, saying little things, when finally I told him, "Are you TRYING to tick me off?" "Uh, well, yeah, kinda!" Do WHAT? Buddy, you just succeeded! "Well, I wanted to see what you're like when you get mad!" Who does that? That must be male logic for you. Anyway. It's worked out now, but still!

Sunday I had to get up EARLY EARLY for EMT competition. We do it once a quarter. Get over to Douthat (and no, I STILL can't pronounce that!) State Park, and find out, "Oh, y'all didn't have to be here til 12:30"! Do what? Hey, dibs on the cot! We competed, and guess what?

We WON! Not just placed, but we got 1st place!

Yay for us . . . and stuff. Got home, went to swap cars with A., and finally came home and crashed. Now, I'm headed to Roanoke to see Msh . . . what a crazy but wonderful week!

And, just because I haven't posted a Britney photo lately . . .

Finally Friday!

Oh, and I am SO glad the weekend is here! It promises to be crazy busy as usual, but still. Always nice to have the routine thrown off a bit.

Made oven-fried chicken (from a box!) and more summer squash for dinner last night. I am LOVING my friends that are so generous with their gardens. Maybe next spring I can get off my tail and get a small garden set up for me. I don't need much, but man, I do love those fresh cukes! Tonight we are having a movie night at the Drive In. "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (In 3D!) and "Hancock" are playing. I really wanted to see "Hancock", so I'm looking forward to it. I hope LCalmostLP and her daughter come tonight, but we'll see. Tomorrow is racing . . . is there anything ELSE to do on a Saturday? and then Sunday is our quarterly EMT competition. How sick and twisted are we that we'll pretend that someone is hurt/sick and see who can do the best/quickest job of taking care of them? We have a new team, and this will be the first time that we all compete together. Should be interesting, anyway!

From what I hear, Savannah may be making her grand entrance into the world on Monday. Ya'll please keep Msh and her in your thoughts and prayers this weekend, 'cause we want that little girl to stay in there 'til she is baked just right, ya know? Still, I'm SOOO excited for the both of them! Ok, so maybe I'm a little excited for dad, too, but mainly for Msh and Sav. You can bet I'll keep y'all posted!

New places

Y'all should know that I love new places, doing new things, and meeting new people. That being said, there are some places that would never appear on my "to go" list. This weekend, as I previously said, was full of "first times". Let me let you in on a conversation I had on Saturday, with my BFF Msh (who's going to pop that baby out ANY day now!)

Me: whispered Can you hear me?
Msh: What?
Me: Can you HEAR me?

Msh: Barely . . . where ARE you?

Me: I'm in a GUN store.
Silence

Msh: Did you just say you're in a GUN store?
Me: Yeah . . . can you believe that?
Msh: What the HECK are you doing there?
Me: Well, everyone wanted to stop, so . . . there are guns EVERYWHERE!
Msh: laughing hysterically

Me: Hold on . . . let me get away from everyone. Oh! I just saw the perfect Christmas present for you?
Msh: Suddenly quiet . . . what the . . .

Me: Yeah, it's "Mallards Gone Wild". Or, would you prefer "Geese Gone Wild"?

Clunk . . . as Msh drops the phone from laughing so hard.
Me: Did you know that make EVERYTHING in camouflage? Even nighties? Who knew?
Msh: Get out, get out while you can . . . you've gone too far over to the other side!

See, Msh knows that while I've got some country in me, I am NOT the hunting/fishing/shoot 'em up kind of girl! It really was an eye opening experience. Now, the fishing part of the store was fun . . . I like looking (looking, not touching!) at the different kinds of bait. I mean, are fish really that smart that they have to have sparkly pink tie-dyed things to chase after? Oh, it was an experience! And the cooking section . . . grinds for wild game. Uh-uh. My meat comes in little plastic containers from Wally World! The good thing about my life . . . there's always some adventure around the corner!

Zucchini Bread . . . and other averted disasters

Soo, last night, B. calls and says that if I'm up for company, company is coming. He had mentioned previously that he like Zucchini bread, and since LC (almost LP!) had given me some gorgeous zukes, I decided to make some. I had my Itunes blasting, and was measuring away, when suddenly, I couldn't remember if I had put in 2 or 3 cups of flour. See, I had run out of regular flour, and added some bread flour. It's all the same thing, right? Right? No? Ok, well, the recipe will still be ok . . . maybe. Anyway, since my flour container was now empty, I dumped ALL the dry ingredients in, thinking that I should have 2 cups and a bit of flour. Nope, I have FOUR cups, and now all the dry ingredients are all together! That's ok, I can double the recipe. Go to the cupboard to grab the oil, and I now need 2 cups. Except, I only have 1/4 of a cup! Yes, mom, I know. Before you get to cooking, make sure you have adequate supplies. Still, no big deal. I call for Britney, figuring she'll like a quick ride to Grocery Express, and off we go. I ran in, got the oil, got a creme soda, and hop in the car. The car that now won't start. I've been round and round with this, and it's not really a big deal. It'll cool off, and the starter will work again. I wouldn't have thought twice about leaving it and walking home, except that I let Britney ride down with me without a collar or leash. Yes, I know. Bad Mama. I call C., and ask if I can hitch a ride with her in the AM, 'cause she's awesome like that, and then called B. "Want to come rescue me?" He laughed, but while I was on the phone with him, car started. Yeah, 'cause when the mechanic is around it never screws up! Got home, and by now, my 1/2 made batter has been sitting for a while. I went ahead and finished the recipe, got it in the oven, but was sure that it was going to be one jacked up loaf of bread! 2 different types of flour, too long in the mixing bowl, frustrated chef . . . Surprisingly, it turned out pretty good! Why can't I ever do anything the easy way?!?! Oh, wait . . . 'cause then I wouldn't have anything to talk about!

Happy Monday

Good morning, beautiful people! Wow . . . what a weekend!

This weekend, I got to experience my first Tractor Pull. They have these souped up tractors that then pull a "sled", a big piece of machinery that gets heavier the farther they pull. It was interesting, but I sure got tired of the sled breaking down. That, and after being in 95 degree weather, to suddenly drop to the high 60's had me shivering! Thankfully, I was able to swipe a blanket from the ambulance standing by. That guy on the end of the sled was just along for the ride . . . and it looked like FUN! They finally ended at 1:30. You should know, I'm usually in bed before the chickens are!

Saturday, was gone from the house by 11. B. and I met C&L, and went to Jamaica. Yes, really. I went to Jamaica this weekend! What's that you say? Oh, all right. We went to Jamaica, VIRGINIA. It was about another hour past Richmond, so about a 3.5 hour drive. To watch dirt racing. Now I know why I'm glad I live a whole 5 minutes from OUR race track! But, I got to go in the pits, which was another first for me. We were standing with the late model cars when they were lining up, and these 2 guys came by spraying something on the cars. I took a closer look: Pam. As in, the non-stick spray you cook with! Turns out, it's good for clean up later of all that red clay! We got out of there early (for that track) and I was told that I can't hang with the big dogs. Uh, no kidding! I like my sleep, people. Dozed on the way home, and finally crashed about 3a. That's rough on a girl!

Yesterday was pure lazy. Once I got home, I don't think I moved off the couch! Wait . . . I did do some cooking. I made home made bread (Yes, Stacey, I brought you a loaf today, but you have to share!), and PW's crash hot potatoes (yummmy!) Tonight I hereby promise to come home and zzzzzzz. What about you? Good weekend? New things? Fun things? Share away!

Friday Photo Finish Fiesta

I got my new camera a couple of months ago, so I'm still figuring out how it works. I LOVED that I snapped this picture at just the right second, esp. since I am FAR from knowing what I'm doing.

Want to see more Friday Photo Finish Fiesta Pics? You can check them out here . . . she has the best field trips!

Last night I tagged along with L&K&kids, C. and L., and B. at the local fair. I had ribbon fries (yum!) and homemade lemonade. Then, I showed L. that there is ONE gun I can out-shoot him with . . . . a water pistol! Brought home 4 stuffed animals for the mutt to play with. I love the fair, and I saw lots of people that I knew. Even got to see a few sheep! See, last time I was at a fair, it was with D., and I touched a sheep for the first time (that I can remember). Told D., "It feels just like a wool blanket!" Errr, yeah, well . . . Aren't I a dork? Tonight we're going to the tractor pull, and then I think we're going racing at VMS tomorrow night. Never been to either one, so it'll be a weekend of firsts!!!

Oh, and B. brought me a meat tenderizer. How sweet is that? Want to know WHY it's sweet? It's one of those things I mentioned I don't have, and now I do! I love it when people remember the little details . . . particularly boys!

Link

For a blog on Life, Love, and other Drama, how could I NOT share this link?? Ever run into any of these creatures? I'd love to hear your story!

How Not to Kiss

Cheese Ball

Have you been by here yet? You've got to check out the delicious recipes there! Here's my contribution. And, like anything else, of course it's a recipe I swiped. I've been going to the K. house of cooking 'cause let me tell ya . . . everything from there is good!!! These cheese ball disappears quicker than anything.

1 package of cream cheese, room temperature

1 package shredded Cheddar cheese (the smaller size, maybe 8 oz?)

1 can of crushed pineapple, well drained

1/2 green pepper, finely chopped

3-4 green onions, finely chopped

You're going to want to make sure that there is NO moisture in any of the ingredients. I usually take the pepper, onion, and pineapple and squeeze the heck out of it in a paper towel. More moisture = softer cheese ball. Once you've done that, you're going to mash all the ingredients up with your hands in a large bowl. Grossed out yet? Mmm, lick your fingers (after forming the ball, please!) and moan with delight. K. also puts finely chopped pecans on her ball, but since I'm not wild about nuts, I usually leave these off. Can be eaten immediately, or chilled and then served. People never guess about the pineapple! Next time I make it, I'll make sure I get some photos going on. Try it, let me know how you like it! Oh, and one more thing: I usually DOUBLE this recipe if I'm taking it for a group event . . . yeah, 'cause it disappears that quick!

Summertime Songs

I loved this idea, so I stole it . . .

Here's how it works: List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they're not any good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying now, shaping your spring summer. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they're listening to.

My songs:
1. "Summertime" How wrong is it that I'm loving me some NKOTB?

2. "All Summer Long" by Kid Rock. First time I heard it, it was live, and it was AWESOME!

3. "Dangerous" by . . . . someone I can't pronounce let alone say. 'That girl is so dangerous, dangerous, that girl is a bad gir-rl' Love it!

4. "All I Want to Do" by Sugarland. I love Sugarland. I love that every time I hear any song by them I'm taken back to the night I saw them at Cattle Annie's with D. Every single stinkin' time. I'm pretty sure that when I'm 60, I'll still think of him every time I hear Sugarland. But, I still like the song. Hate Ms. Nettles with that killer body in the video, but love the song.

5. "Labels or Love" by Fergie, from the S&TC soundtrack. 'Cause it reminds me of seeing it with K. and Msh, and this summer.

6. "Let's Race" by Mark Kaye. I know, y'all are going, WHO? But, search for it on YouTube, and fall in love. Ok, so I'm learning to be loving this racing thing, and I love that song!

7. "Animals" by Nickelback. Yeah, 'cause it reminds me of being 17 and dating "not so nice" boys (Hello, his name was Taz, and he had a T-top Camaro, and always had a gravy biscuit, extra sausage, and a large drink in a PLASTIC cup on Saturday mornings.) Listen to it, and hope your daughter never meets one of those boys!!

I'm not tagging anyone, but if you want to post it, I'd love to read your songs! Just let me know you did it. I may have to add some more to my ipod. At least leave some comment love with your favorite songs if nothing else!!

Happy Wednesday

Weeks like this are rough. I don't know how to handle it! I was off on Monday, go in late today, and work a 1/2 day on Friday. Man. Schedules like this make for a miserable summer, you know? HA! It's nice to do every now and then. This weekend is shaping up to be fun. B. has mentioned going to the tractor pull on Friday, and since I've never been to one, why not? He promised I could have a funnel cake. Yummm. Not sure what we'll get into on Saturday, but whatever it is, it'll be a good times.

The weather right now is crazy wonderful. I've slept with my windows open the past few nights. In July. In the South. Now, if we can just do something about all the daggum mosquitos! My town is lovingly referred to as Skeeter Flats . . . wanna guess why?

Had a client bring in some fresh green beans out of her garden the other day, so I fixed those up last night. I was going to do the healthy route, steam them, but B. was horrified and said that the only way to fix them would be to boil them with some "fat back". Now, what the heck is "fat back"? I substituted 3 strips of bacon, and wowza. Those were some GOOD beans! I ate my fill of them, and then Britney got the few that were left along with the bacon. Good stuff . . . I do love summertime produce!!!

I'm Back!

Hi everyone . . . did you miss me? Ok, so maybe not, but my puppy did! I got the "dog-scan" as I came in the door, and as soon as she smelled Msh's dogs . . . whoo-eee. That was NOT a good look! But, now that we've been to the river life is good again. Gotta love that short term memory!

I went to see Msh, and to put the finishing touches on her nursery. It looks adorable! She did such an amazing job. Something occurred to me while I was there, and I couldn't even tell her because every time I did, I teared up. Wait a minute . . . isn't SHE the pregnant one? Anyway, she just very casually mentioned Brad in conversation. Who is Brad? I've been working on a post about him for quite a while, and I'm just not ready to do it yet. He's my younger brother, who was killed in a car accident when he was 20. 8 years ago. I'm over it now, right? Still, here's one of those little teeny-tiny things that I love about Msh. She knew Brad. Of all my friends, she knew him when he was begging her to come out and play ball with him. She was there in the room with me when he called to tell me I needed to come home because he was getting married. She's the one that drove with me down to NC and held me together during his funeral services. She was there before, during, and after, and remembers to call every October 15th to just ask how I'm doing. I can talk about him to her and not see that look of panic "Oh flip. What do I say now?" that people get when you talk about someone who's died. That means SO much to me . . . she's the only one in my day to day life who is like that, and it is priceless to me.

More on friends - let me tell you about my friend, Laurie, aka LC. I actually met LC through K. and the racetrack, and she is a trip. She's got an adorable little girl, and a guy with a great sense of humor. L. is one of those that will call, just out of the blue, hey, how the heck are you, and she has great timing about it. So often I need those calls, and somehow, she manages to pull it off. Some great ESP thing going on there! Oh, and she makes the BEST peanut butter cookies!! One of the great things about friendship circles - the bigger they are, the stronger they get! Love ya girl . . .

What I hate about the South . . . or one downside to having a dog

So, this morning, nice and relaxed . . . sleep in, get up, check the email, reach up to scratch behind my ear and felt something. Huh? Before I even really processed it, I picked it off. You never know what Britney has laying on the bed, bones, etc., so I didn't think a whole lot about it. Gross, yeah, I know, but not NEARLY as gross as this:

And you know the very worst part? Even as I was scurrying to the bathroom to flush that little sucker, I was thinking . . . at least I have something to blog about this morning!!! How sad is that?? I guess the Frontline works well enough for Britney - she's never had a problem with ticks. Maybe I need to start using some on myself, as well?!?!?

Friday Feast

Appetizer
When was the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed?
Back in May when I whacked off 10 inches for Locks of Love. Just wish I had gone shorter!

Soup
Name one thing you miss about being a child.
No bills!!

Salad
Pick one: butter, margarine, olive oil.
Butter. Yummm!

Main Course
If you could learn another language, which one would you pick, and why?
I did lots of Spanish, but I'd love to learn Italian!

Dessert
Finish this sentence: In 5 years I expect to be…
Happy, secure, and loving life!

Friday Photo Finish Fiesta

So, this one of my favorite blogs to read, and I figured it was time to join in the fun.

I'm frequently asked, "Isn't it hard to be alone?" Errr, not when I get to come home to this!!!

Help!

I'm needing a YUMMY, blow-your-socks-off, WOW 'em zucchini recipe. Can anyone help?

Happy Thursday!

Good morning, beautiful people! Last night was rather humorous. I got off work a bit late, but I didn't have anything going on last night so it wasn't an issue. Had just finished letting Britney chew apart another stick at the river, when the boy called. "Did you want some cucumbers?" Now, one of my favorite parts of summer is all the fresh produce that is everywhere. My wonderful neighbors keep me supplied with yellow squash, but I hadn't had any of the non-Wal-Mart cucumbers yet, so of course! I figured he meant he'd bring them this weekend. Errr, no. He was going to bring them over last night! Houston, we have a problem. Because last weekend was so busy, I didn't get any house cleaning or laundry done, and I had JUST put my "good" clothes in the washer! Ladies, you know. The casually cute outfit that you can look like you were just laying around the house in. Nope, this was reality - old, comfy shirt you've had since high school with a pair of lounge shorts. I knew I had at least 30 minutes, so I had to quickly prioritize. I was muddy from the river, so a shower had to be in order. Quick shower, don't get the face wet and make-up will still be good, wait, when DID I last shave? . . . then realized that I had a whole laundry basket of unmentionables on the living room floor - gotta get those out of sight! Flew around the house making sure Britney hadn't gotten into anything I hadn't yet discovered, dug out a pair of casual-but-not-falling-apart jeans, wait! Gotta plug the curling iron in - humidity and slightly wavy hair do NOT get along well. Threw some curl in - you know, the kind that "Of course my hair just does this". And, just as he showed up on my front porch, it was all under control.

This, my friends, is why dating is exhausting!!!

S&tC

So, I've been watching the re-runs of S&tC on TBS lately. Actually, I've been DVR'ing them and watching them when it's convenient, but that's what happens when you keep strange hours.

One of the episodes the other day was talking about Soul Mates. Do such things really exist? Like Charlotte said, "I've been dating since I was 16. I'm exhausted, where is he already?" I couldn't agree more! I've been on so many "start ups" that fizzled, it's gotten to be a great source of amusement for my friends. The flip side, I've met a lot of really nice people that just weren't "it" for me, and had a lot of new experiances. White water rafting, golfing, shooting pool, putt-putt, skiing, sledding, I've done lots of things, but come on already! However, I also really agreed with how that particular episode ended. I have my person already . . . three of them in particular. Annette, Michelle, and Karey. They're the ones I would do anything for, drop everything and run, and who I care about more than I knew I could. I think far too often we get hung up on relationships being of the romantic variety, and forget that the most crucial ones are often ones we share every day. What do you think? Who's your "person"? How'd you meet them?

Michelle, I met at SVC. Tall, skinny, gorgeous, and going to have a new baby girl for me to spoil the first part of August! Msh was the one that was there for me when Brad died, and pulled me through my senior year so I didn't completely lose my mind.

Annette, I met working at the Drag Strip, and the best benefit I could have asked for. She's good peoples, and her husband and son aren't so bad either!

Karey, I met working at my current workplace. She was actually my supervisor at the time, but had the best sense of humor, laid back, helpful attitude I think I'd ever met. Any time I get to be around her is guaranteed to be a good time. I was actually at her place when I found out that my Grandfather died, and I'll always be grateful for that timing. I can't imagine if I had been at home, by myself, on Christmas Eve!

ETA: Ok, ok, OK! I left off one. And, it's a very important one. Let me tell you about Cindy. I met Cindy when I killed her mother. Ok, so not really, but yeah, kind of. I was on the rescue squad, and we went several times for her mom. One time, she didn't come home, so since then, she's blamed me for it! Anyway. I work with Cindy on a daily basis, and she is hysterical. Little things like her favorite pen disappearing, and the world is going to end. Big things, like no help? Only one teller? Hey, we can do it! She has great kids,a dn the most ADORABLE grandbaby ever. The other best part? Britney absolutely adores her. I think it's because Cindy will let Britney give her kisses whereas me? Nope! No lickey the face! Cindy knows my deep dark secrets, and where the bodies are hidden, so, yeah. There's a lot of love there for her!

What makes your friends special? How long have you known them? How'd you meet? If you write a post about them, please make sure to let me know so I can check it out!

Tuesday, 07 08 2008

Pretty ordinary day, as far as days go. Worked, had a slight meltdown (just slight!). I can take a lot of pushing, but at some point, enough is enough, back off! Came home, de-stressed with my puppy at the river, then went to training. We had some guys from Blue Ridge Rescue come to demonstrate some new toys we're looking at buying. Fancy strut/stabilization things that will make extrication efforts safer and quicker for everyone involved. Then, they demonstrated our new air bags. Came home, talked to my friend for a bit last night, and cooked up some squash for dinner. Yes, squash is good for me, but I'm thinking that sauteing it in butter and fresh garlic might make it lose some of it's health benefits!

My baby birds are almost ready to fly! I'm sure that any day now I'm going to come home and find that they have flown the coop. At least I'll be able to have my flower basket back! And, no more babies! My flowers are still doing well, and the hibiscus is getting ready to bloom . . . looks like they're going to be pink! I love this growing thing. And, last night as I was coming up the walk, my toad hopped out a few feet in front of me. Maybe he's staying for longer than a night? As long as he goes out a few feet in FRONT of me and not ON me we'll get along fine! Wait . . . would that be fine as frog hair?

I get to go see Msh this weekend, and help her put the finishing touches on the nursery. Savannah will be here August 6th, and I can't wait! I might not have kids myself, but I'm going to get to spoil that one rotten! Msh is going to be such a good mother, and I am SOOOO excited. It'll be awesome to get to spend time with her. She even mentioned something about seeing Mamma Mia, too!

A Prayer for the Stressed

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I cannot accept,
and the wisdom to hide the bodies of the poeple I had to kill today
Because they ticked me off!!

Help me to always give 100% at work.

12% on Monday
23% on Tuesday
40% on Wednesday
20% on Thursday
5% on Friday

Help me to remember that when I'm having a really bad day and it seems that people are trying to tick me off, that it takes 42 muscles to frown, and only four to extend my finger and pull the trigger!

Amen, and stuff.

Jumpy

K. has done a great job of convincing me that I can grow things. So, this year, I actually have flowers in my beds. Nothing really outrageous, just some that I can dump water on and they'll go to town. Tonight, there was a renegade weed. ***Disclaimer: this is ONE of those times I wish I had a man around.*** Why, you ask? Why, as a single, independent, "I can do it myself" female, do I wish I had a guy tonight? See if you can tell me:

Wait . . . what is that you say? You can't quite make it out? Let's see if a closer look helps:

Yeah. THAT thing was hiding under the weed as I pulled it out and it JUMPED at me. And you want to know something else? I hollered! I don't like things to suddenly jump when I'm not expecting them. But, it made for a humorous moment for my neighbors, so I guess it wasn't all in vain. And, once I got a better look, he is kind of cute . . . and he eats mosquitoes! Ok. Mr. Toad, you can stay, but no sudden movements, ok? K? We clear on this? I think he agrees.

TGI Sunday

And yes, I mean that! Had to work at the Drag Strip today, and it was a motorcycle show. Have I told you how much I hate motorcycles? Not so much them, but those are some cocky kids! Think that the rules don't apply to them. They don't realize that I'M the one, as the EMT, that gets to go scrape them up. Sorry, bud, but you're gonna wear long sleeves and long pants!

Worked at the Speedway last night, and we had a fantastic show. Hung around a bit afterwards, being social and what-not, and you know what it got me? In bed at 2am! I can't keep up these late hours. Sheesh . . . being single is tough! Actually, one of the guys said something about the fact that I wasn't ever up there when they got up to do some visiting, so I made a point of sticking around. Since he called me today, I reckon it worked out. :-) We'll leave it at that for right now . . . but life might could maybe be getting interesting. Have to see how it goes . . . .

I'm going to go read a bit, then c r a s h. Was it a good weekend for you? Scale of 1:10, I'd give mine a 9.5. What was the highlight for you?

Happy 5th!

So, yesterday headed up to K's house to "help" get ready for her pool party and shindig. Other than the fact that it was too cool to really swim, we had a great time! Guys started showing up about 5, and then we ate. And ate. And ate some more. Like she said . . . if you went home hungry it was your own durn fault! Mmmm, GOOD cookin'! The kids set off fireworks, and everyone sat around and visited. Then, we headed over to K.'s sister's house where they have the best view for the local fireworks show. Afterwards, we all piled up in the vehicle and headed back to K's house. The kids wanted to get in the pool again, so B. and I got in. My wonderful Honda had a FLAT, so L. and B. got some air in it. B. and I sat on the front porch talking til the wee hours of the morning. I finally got myself home about 5a. I am NOT 18 anymore!!! Came home through a total downpour. I could barely see my hood, let alone the road in front of me. Came in, crashed, got up this morning, walked the dog and did some laundry. Now it's time to get ready to go racing!!! Rain, rain, STAY AWAY!

Up, up and away!

The company that I work for sponsors our annual 4th of July spectacular, and on the 3rd, they give free tethered balloon rides. Stacey and I ran over, and got a ride! Not only that, but L., K.'s little one, rode with me! Very brave little girl . . . it was AWESOME!

Got off work early today (Gotta hate OT!) and took Britney to the river. I truly have the silliest mutt. She "paced", floating down then swimming up in front of this rock, before she finally got brave enough to "attack" it. I think she was convinced with another 5 minutes she would have had it!

Off to the races tonight . . . it's a weekend of racing, dirt and drag. Pool party on Friday, then a cookout. What about you? What are your plans?

Jukebox Junkie

First of all, you should know that while my car might not LOOK so pretty (it's a 1988 Honda!), I have a wonderful XM radio. I hate advertisements. When I get new magazines, I go through them first and pull out all the ad's. I have DVR so that I don't have to watch commercials. I'm sorry, time is precious enough without having to be told about all the wonderful, amazing things out there I'm missing. The only reason I know about "Hancock" coming out is because I saw the preview in a real, live, movie theater. I get to go about once a year. Anyway, I digress.

On the way in this morning, I hit channel 17, country favorites. And I hear this:

I'm just an old, juke box junkie
Spending my time, spending my money
Feeding my habit, with hard core country
I'm just an old, juke box junkie

And, while I might have physically been traveling down Rt. 11, in that instant, I was back to the summer of '94, learning how to swing dance with a guy that I worked with named Mike at the hottest place around, Retrix, in Rexburg, Idaho. One of the girls there told me that the "right" outfit consisted of a cute little swing skirt and these atrocious boots called Ropers. Yes, now I happen to think Ropers are way cute, but at the time, ugh! Still, the slick bottoms made for great dancing, and I learned how to do the flipp-y thing, the twist-around-his-waist thing, and of course, my personal favorite, the sit-on-the-floor-spin and pull up move. It was SO much fun! But, that song and then one by John Michael Montgomery that I can't think of right at the moment were the BEST songs to dance to! Wait . . . I just remembered, it's "Be My Baby Tonight"!

The following semester I took ballroom dance and learned the basics of the waltz, the cha-cha, and of course, the "Elvira" and "Fishin' in the Dark" line dances. There was a t-shirt that I saw frequently, "I survived Ricks' without getting married", but it should have also said, "I went to Rick', and I FISHED". There were dances every Friday and Saturday night, Family Home Evening, fireside's, the sand dunes, and wait . . . was I supposed to study?!?!? I have yet to find anyone here that can 2 step and swing, but I hold out hope. Still, it might be just a little too much to ask for that to be on my list! That was the only thing I didn't like about AH. He didn't dance! Otherwise, check, check, and check . . . still getting over that broken heart! What about you? Do you dance? Does your signifigant other? What is, or was, your favorite haunt? Now-a-days, for me, it's Cattle Annie's, especially when the Worx are playing . . . we're overdue for a girls night out! K, and L., you hear me? Huh? Do you?!?!

I'm cold!

It's July 1st, and I'm cold! Don't get me wrong, I'm in no way complaining, but it just seems odd that I get up and it's 57 outside??? This is AWESOME! I've barely had to run the A/C this year. Every time I think I can't love where I live more, something like this happens.

This is a good, busy week for me. I have a meeting tonight, project tomorrow night, racing Thursday, party on Friday, and racing all weekend. Man, I'll be GLAD to get back to work on Monday! Then, the following weekend, I get to go see Msh. Even better! She's dead on - we haven't had nearly enough Msh/Sheri time, and it's even going to get worse once Savannah decides to show up.

I dug my hammock out last night and set it up. I forget how much room that thing takes! It can nearly cover my front porch, but it was so much fun to lay in that and read while it was raining. Rain+Tin Roof=Heaven, just in case anyone was wondering! What are some of your favorite sounds?