Monday, October 1, 2012
Coming Attraction
Well, with the passing of summer comes new things to look forward to. Mainly, the new addition that will be stork lifted to our door in 9 months (8 months now). Finally, I will be able to enjoy kiddy menus full of puzzles and crayons without the judgemental stares of the waiter! So be prepared for the low down and most likely dirty of the next few months! More to come :).
Friday, August 31, 2012
A pinterest mind on a teachers dime
Pinterest has become my best friend and lover all in one. It is the first place I look to solve a problem and the last thing I see before I fall asleep at night!
I chose to start this 4th grade school year with one major theme in my classroom, ORGAINIZATION!
I wanted clean, uncluttered desks, places, and spaces for my students to learn and me to not trip over while teaching. So below are some of my favorite Classroom tips and treats I pinned, borrowed, or developed for the new year.
Love doesn't begin to describe my feelings for my fabric covered bulletin boards! No more butcher block paper cuts for this gal. These boards combined with thumbtacks glued onto clothesline clips and clear notebook pockets have made it so much easier to change out our weekly focus and display student work.
I chose to start this 4th grade school year with one major theme in my classroom, ORGAINIZATION!
I wanted clean, uncluttered desks, places, and spaces for my students to learn and me to not trip over while teaching. So below are some of my favorite Classroom tips and treats I pinned, borrowed, or developed for the new year.
Love doesn't begin to describe my feelings for my fabric covered bulletin boards! No more butcher block paper cuts for this gal. These boards combined with thumbtacks glued onto clothesline clips and clear notebook pockets have made it so much easier to change out our weekly focus and display student work.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Life's full of Patina and Memories
Being from the south I often have the hard headed assumption that many great inventions MUST have started here. I'd love to give this same assumption to the hanging swing. However, since evidence of swings have often been found on Grecian pottery and in british paintings, I just can't give the south credit for this one. But if the south didn't invent to swing, we truly perfected it. We've made it a part of daily life by using swings to relax, entertain, and even date. Homes just don't seem welcoming enough without this wonderful seating option.
My childhood had a lot of moments built around my nannies swing and her sweet ice tea. Though I've tried I just can't seem to recreate that tea! But nothing's stopping me from owning a swing.
The other day, while thumbing through Craig's list posts, I stumbled across a hanging swing. At $25 and 10 years old, it was beautiful. I quickly called the postings contact number and informed my husband I was headed to the next county to meet a man in the middle of no where where I could pick up my gem. He rolled his eyes, picked up his keys, and explained to me he was not up for identifying my body at the morgue later after my possible backwoods craigslist assault.
He lovingly drove me.
The gentlemen selling the swing was in his early 60s, very nice and from out of town. He explained that he had returned to town to sell off his late parents estate. There, stacked among boxes of books, furniture, and lamps, was my swing. It was more beautiful then I could possibly imagine. The once fresh coat of seafoam green paint now had an aged patina appearance. But the beauty was more then wood deep. This swing had a history. I'd like to assume this couple was happy. I can imagine them sitting on it for hours, enjoying each others company and probably a glass of ice tea. Because of this I decided to try to save as much of this swing as I can.
The mission is simple.
-Replace all the screws/bolts that keep me from falling in the ground.
-Scrub the swing clean but save the beautiful patina.
-Do my best to polyurethane and protect the wood.
-Work on padding or cushioning the swing so it doesn't sit forgotten in the tree.
The chair might fall apart before the project it done.
I might require a tetanus shot at some point.
I'm gonna fight to make this swing a part of my new home and I hope to add to it a lot of wonderful memories in these next years of its life.
Update 7-24: We have finally made it into our new home and I am proud to say my "little swing that could" has found a new life in our beautiful magnolia tree. My dear hubby tried to surprise me one evening by hanging it before I came home. Though the gesture was sweet, the outcome was not to be. After hanging our little gem he sat back and relaxed a bit. Roughly a minute later the swing chains decided they had enough and deposited my husband on the ground with a SNAP! Worry not, what he thought was a broken finger was really just a good jammed one. After the swelling went down, we purchased new hanging chains and replaced the swing lovingly in its proper place. Now Burlap outdoor pillows and hanging lanterns to follow.
Final update: Swing and lanterns are done! She just needed some cushion for the pushin!
My childhood had a lot of moments built around my nannies swing and her sweet ice tea. Though I've tried I just can't seem to recreate that tea! But nothing's stopping me from owning a swing.
The other day, while thumbing through Craig's list posts, I stumbled across a hanging swing. At $25 and 10 years old, it was beautiful. I quickly called the postings contact number and informed my husband I was headed to the next county to meet a man in the middle of no where where I could pick up my gem. He rolled his eyes, picked up his keys, and explained to me he was not up for identifying my body at the morgue later after my possible backwoods craigslist assault.
He lovingly drove me.
The gentlemen selling the swing was in his early 60s, very nice and from out of town. He explained that he had returned to town to sell off his late parents estate. There, stacked among boxes of books, furniture, and lamps, was my swing. It was more beautiful then I could possibly imagine. The once fresh coat of seafoam green paint now had an aged patina appearance. But the beauty was more then wood deep. This swing had a history. I'd like to assume this couple was happy. I can imagine them sitting on it for hours, enjoying each others company and probably a glass of ice tea. Because of this I decided to try to save as much of this swing as I can.
The mission is simple.
-Replace all the screws/bolts that keep me from falling in the ground.
-Scrub the swing clean but save the beautiful patina.
-Do my best to polyurethane and protect the wood.
-Work on padding or cushioning the swing so it doesn't sit forgotten in the tree.
The chair might fall apart before the project it done.
I might require a tetanus shot at some point.
I'm gonna fight to make this swing a part of my new home and I hope to add to it a lot of wonderful memories in these next years of its life.
Update 7-24: We have finally made it into our new home and I am proud to say my "little swing that could" has found a new life in our beautiful magnolia tree. My dear hubby tried to surprise me one evening by hanging it before I came home. Though the gesture was sweet, the outcome was not to be. After hanging our little gem he sat back and relaxed a bit. Roughly a minute later the swing chains decided they had enough and deposited my husband on the ground with a SNAP! Worry not, what he thought was a broken finger was really just a good jammed one. After the swelling went down, we purchased new hanging chains and replaced the swing lovingly in its proper place. Now Burlap outdoor pillows and hanging lanterns to follow.
Final update: Swing and lanterns are done! She just needed some cushion for the pushin!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Save the wood!
After shamelessly watching the death of far to many innocent pallets, I have found inspiration!
http://images.search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A2KJkCCCoctPfUkAtbKjzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBtdXBkbHJyBHNlYwNmcC1hdHRyaWIEc2xrA3J1cmw-/SIG=132ltll3o/EXP=1338774018/**http%3a//practicalenrichment.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/recycled-pallet-furniture/
Damn the man, save the pallets!
http://images.search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A2KJkCCCoctPfUkAtbKjzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBtdXBkbHJyBHNlYwNmcC1hdHRyaWIEc2xrA3J1cmw-/SIG=132ltll3o/EXP=1338774018/**http%3a//practicalenrichment.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/recycled-pallet-furniture/
Damn the man, save the pallets!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Tips With Southern Style
Southern ladies are raised on little tips of the trade. We are taught to sit up straight or our chest will sag, chew with our mouths closed or you'll look like cattle, and always, ALWAYS wear clean under-roos in case of an accident. My mother always went to the extreme of keeping a pair in the glove compartment of the car...she took this one seriously.
In growing older I've realized that those pearls of wisdom that slipped out of my mothers head as easy as her please and thank-yous are not as well known as I had assumed. Some of them were my moms way of tricking me into unwanted activities. It took years for me to realize that bread crust does NOT actually make your boobs grow bigger.
The tips that I hold dearest are the ones I was taught long before google search was invented. I've picked out my favorite 5 to pass along to those poor kids not raised on grits and good advice.
(Disclaimer: Some of these tips might not necessarily be southern. But when presented to you by a loud woman in rollers cooking bacon in a skillet, they are instantly typecasted as southern in your memory bank.)
5 Sharable Southern Tips
5. Lemon Juice Highlights:
This one might be a little more well known then most, but it's an old favorite. If your a cheeky blonde looking to put a little more "oomph" in your style, this ones for you. Add a little lemon juice to your hair and sit out in the sun for a bit. Gives you a lighter side to your sun soaked do.
4. A little Vinegar:
This trick I HATE! Hate with the deepest passion! The smell of vinegar is repulsive to me, even when added to salt and put in a chip form. But this trick works. If your facing a sticky situation in your microwave or need to loosen old food from it that refuses to give up its microwave status, then this ones for you. Boil a cup of vinegar for about 3-5 minutes. Something about that smell must make the microwave ick want to make a run for it because it loosens all that mess and makes it 100% times easier to clean.
3. Aloe grows on trees?!:
This one is another simple one but I'm
amazed at how many people
don't realize that that big jug of aloe you buy at Walmart for sunburns can be readily available in your kitchen for other issues. A tiny little aloe plant in your kitchen window is a huge help on Knicks and burns that need a little less oww. I picked mine up for 25 cents at the flee market and it has already doubled. Looks like all my favorite friends will be getting a little aloe plant love for Christmas this year.....unless I have to buy flower pots for them...... maybe I should start saving empty yogurt cups and tell them I'm going green?
2. Baking Soda, The Original Magic Eraser:
Counters dirty, glass stove top refusing to clean up, bathtub need a little loven? Baking sodas your cheap and easy friend. Add a rag, a little water, and BAM stains be gone. My dad brushed his teeth with that stuff (not advised, probably not good for the enamel)!
1. Moms Secret Weapon:
When turning 16 In our home you were given two gifts; your car keys and meat tenderizer. Meat tenderizer is ammo against natures natural defenders. Rubbing it on neutralizes anything from ant bites to jellyfish stings. It's quick, easy, and stores very well over time in your glove compartment.
There you have it, little tricks you may not have known or needed. But isn't it always fun to learn something new :).
In growing older I've realized that those pearls of wisdom that slipped out of my mothers head as easy as her please and thank-yous are not as well known as I had assumed. Some of them were my moms way of tricking me into unwanted activities. It took years for me to realize that bread crust does NOT actually make your boobs grow bigger.
The tips that I hold dearest are the ones I was taught long before google search was invented. I've picked out my favorite 5 to pass along to those poor kids not raised on grits and good advice.
(Disclaimer: Some of these tips might not necessarily be southern. But when presented to you by a loud woman in rollers cooking bacon in a skillet, they are instantly typecasted as southern in your memory bank.)
5 Sharable Southern Tips
5. Lemon Juice Highlights:
This one might be a little more well known then most, but it's an old favorite. If your a cheeky blonde looking to put a little more "oomph" in your style, this ones for you. Add a little lemon juice to your hair and sit out in the sun for a bit. Gives you a lighter side to your sun soaked do.
4. A little Vinegar:
This trick I HATE! Hate with the deepest passion! The smell of vinegar is repulsive to me, even when added to salt and put in a chip form. But this trick works. If your facing a sticky situation in your microwave or need to loosen old food from it that refuses to give up its microwave status, then this ones for you. Boil a cup of vinegar for about 3-5 minutes. Something about that smell must make the microwave ick want to make a run for it because it loosens all that mess and makes it 100% times easier to clean.
3. Aloe grows on trees?!:
This one is another simple one but I'm
amazed at how many people
don't realize that that big jug of aloe you buy at Walmart for sunburns can be readily available in your kitchen for other issues. A tiny little aloe plant in your kitchen window is a huge help on Knicks and burns that need a little less oww. I picked mine up for 25 cents at the flee market and it has already doubled. Looks like all my favorite friends will be getting a little aloe plant love for Christmas this year.....unless I have to buy flower pots for them...... maybe I should start saving empty yogurt cups and tell them I'm going green?
2. Baking Soda, The Original Magic Eraser:
Counters dirty, glass stove top refusing to clean up, bathtub need a little loven? Baking sodas your cheap and easy friend. Add a rag, a little water, and BAM stains be gone. My dad brushed his teeth with that stuff (not advised, probably not good for the enamel)!
1. Moms Secret Weapon:
When turning 16 In our home you were given two gifts; your car keys and meat tenderizer. Meat tenderizer is ammo against natures natural defenders. Rubbing it on neutralizes anything from ant bites to jellyfish stings. It's quick, easy, and stores very well over time in your glove compartment.
There you have it, little tricks you may not have known or needed. But isn't it always fun to learn something new :).
Monday, May 21, 2012
Hangout takes on the Hippies
On the third weekend in May in a sandy little sunlite town, the hippies invade.
May 18-20th brought with it the Gulf Shores "Hangout Music Festival." This festival offers a magical musical experience by placing its stages right In the middle of the beautiful gulf beaches. In 3 years this festival has worked hard to build itself up as a go to festival destination for out-of-towners. It might be my hometown beach loving opinion but I think this year Hangout got it right. Why not celebrate the festival by pointing out their best qualities (because everyone loves to hear good things about themselves.) Here are my 5 points on why Hangout deserves a good high five;
5. Finding a Shady Oasis:
As a born and raised beach bum I should be used to 100 degree heat in the sand, but a full weekend of dancing AND sweating is just to much. Hangout understood this. They seemed to have doubled the shady oasis locations from last year and more then tripled the water fill up stations. They even included a massive water slide in the middle of the event. Their message was clear, "we want you here....and without heat stroke."
4. Shuttles n Such:
A big trouble they had in little Gulf Shores last year was keeping some 35,000 people happy, healthy, and getting them home. Last year buses picked up at our camp site. This was wonderful to get to the event in the morning but proved terrible when the rush of people came at night. Twice I walked back the 3 miles to my campsite before friends in line even made it on the bus. But once again the hangout Houdinis came in and worked their magic. This year they made them stronger, faster, better. They also addressed the "potty problems" of last year, setting up porta potty spots all around the venue.
3. General Admission vs VIP:
I can see this point from both sides. For the first two days of the festival I was lucky enough to have VIP access. This meant free food, drinks, and a closer viewing area for the VIP mainstage. As amazing as the experience was, I must also commend the festival for not forgetting the people who really keep them in business. The VIP viewing areas are amazing, but not all encompassing. I've been to many festivals where VIP fills the first 50-100 ft from the stage, forcing us lowly gen. Ad. Kids further away from our musical heros and behind people who often show up seconds before a show we've been waiting hours for. Hangout dips their VIP in on the stage side. This allows them ample viewing space without forgetting about the peons of the crowd. Kudos Hangout for understanding that being close to the stage is JUST as important to the common folk (us poor teachers included).
2. Spaced Out:
The most notable feature of this years event was space! Hangout chose to expand the event area but not the number of people in it. My dancing hippy hearts says bless you!
1. The Artists:
First and foremost, Hangout brings the sound. They know their audience and they target them with musicians new and old who don't come to sing, they come to perform! Jack White, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Dave Matthews all proved to be wonderful headliners. Flogging Molly left the crowd happy and exhausted from jumping. Steve Winwood, The Flaming Lips, Michael Franti, and Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros also all gave unforgettable performances. Personally, my favorite of the weekend was "Young the Giant." They held their own on the smaller of the Hangout stages, drawing off the crowds energy and even building that excitement up as lead singer Sameer Gadhia surfed on top of the front rows audience.
This was my second year attending the festival. For three nights my husband and I camped out in our Orange Vw bus and scootered our way each day to the festival. We fought off dehydration and tan lines for this festival. We ate delicious vegan food, collected a bagful of sponsor swag, and danced holes into the soft white sand. We are proud to consider ourself "test dummies" for these first developing years of the festival.
And I can't wait to see what next year brings.
As for this weekend.........
The show is dead, long live the show!
May 18-20th brought with it the Gulf Shores "Hangout Music Festival." This festival offers a magical musical experience by placing its stages right In the middle of the beautiful gulf beaches. In 3 years this festival has worked hard to build itself up as a go to festival destination for out-of-towners. It might be my hometown beach loving opinion but I think this year Hangout got it right. Why not celebrate the festival by pointing out their best qualities (because everyone loves to hear good things about themselves.) Here are my 5 points on why Hangout deserves a good high five;
5. Finding a Shady Oasis:
As a born and raised beach bum I should be used to 100 degree heat in the sand, but a full weekend of dancing AND sweating is just to much. Hangout understood this. They seemed to have doubled the shady oasis locations from last year and more then tripled the water fill up stations. They even included a massive water slide in the middle of the event. Their message was clear, "we want you here....and without heat stroke."
4. Shuttles n Such:
A big trouble they had in little Gulf Shores last year was keeping some 35,000 people happy, healthy, and getting them home. Last year buses picked up at our camp site. This was wonderful to get to the event in the morning but proved terrible when the rush of people came at night. Twice I walked back the 3 miles to my campsite before friends in line even made it on the bus. But once again the hangout Houdinis came in and worked their magic. This year they made them stronger, faster, better. They also addressed the "potty problems" of last year, setting up porta potty spots all around the venue.
3. General Admission vs VIP:
I can see this point from both sides. For the first two days of the festival I was lucky enough to have VIP access. This meant free food, drinks, and a closer viewing area for the VIP mainstage. As amazing as the experience was, I must also commend the festival for not forgetting the people who really keep them in business. The VIP viewing areas are amazing, but not all encompassing. I've been to many festivals where VIP fills the first 50-100 ft from the stage, forcing us lowly gen. Ad. Kids further away from our musical heros and behind people who often show up seconds before a show we've been waiting hours for. Hangout dips their VIP in on the stage side. This allows them ample viewing space without forgetting about the peons of the crowd. Kudos Hangout for understanding that being close to the stage is JUST as important to the common folk (us poor teachers included).
2. Spaced Out:
The most notable feature of this years event was space! Hangout chose to expand the event area but not the number of people in it. My dancing hippy hearts says bless you!
1. The Artists:
First and foremost, Hangout brings the sound. They know their audience and they target them with musicians new and old who don't come to sing, they come to perform! Jack White, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Dave Matthews all proved to be wonderful headliners. Flogging Molly left the crowd happy and exhausted from jumping. Steve Winwood, The Flaming Lips, Michael Franti, and Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros also all gave unforgettable performances. Personally, my favorite of the weekend was "Young the Giant." They held their own on the smaller of the Hangout stages, drawing off the crowds energy and even building that excitement up as lead singer Sameer Gadhia surfed on top of the front rows audience.
This was my second year attending the festival. For three nights my husband and I camped out in our Orange Vw bus and scootered our way each day to the festival. We fought off dehydration and tan lines for this festival. We ate delicious vegan food, collected a bagful of sponsor swag, and danced holes into the soft white sand. We are proud to consider ourself "test dummies" for these first developing years of the festival.
And I can't wait to see what next year brings.
As for this weekend.........
The show is dead, long live the show!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Unicycles and Memories
A few years ago I received a phone call from a friend. His first words when I answered the phone were, "Cassie, I need you to find me a unicycle." Even with my usual everyday level of weird, this was a very confusing request. I asked him why in the world he would need such a toy and he proceeded to tell me a story about a buddies house party. Of course a unicycle was present and riding it was the thing to do. I felt his point was still being lost in translation and I directly asked him, "But why do YOU want a unicycle?" I remember it vividly. I could hear him sigh and then positively declare, "I want to impress the ladies....a unicycle will DO this!" That is my Vivid Preston memory. A 10 minute conversation that still makes me laugh inside hysterically. He was so certain at the time about that unicycle that anytime I went into a thrift store I instantly searched around.
A few days ago my husband receive a 6am phone call that we had lost Preston in a motorcycle accident.
Unicycle was the first thing that went through my head.
The kid was full of fun. His car and cycle creations were legendary around our small town world. But to me, he was a huge part of where I am today. 5 years ago I was invited to a car show weekend in Panama City. I showed up with a friend at 2am after working for eight hours and driving for three. About 15 minutes later this squirrelly blonde kid and his friend waltzed into the room. They had been invited for the weekend by Preston. We all stayed up until sunrise talking about everything and nothing at all. Talking to Preston on the phone in that next week was unbearable. He made ALOT of fun about me and that squirrelly blonde kid. But every phone call ended with Preston's serious side. He made sure I understood what a good guy that kid was.
After 4 years together, I married that blonde kid.
Maybe we would have meet eventually, maybe he would have showed up at a birthday. But I would rather be where I am now in life then betting on a maybe. I owe Preston for that. Years later our widespread group of friends has thinned. They've moved, married, and fought. But together we hold some memories of the best years of my life. I hope they know this and if they don't they should now. But I hope Preston knew what a huge part of my life he was by just being who he was that weekend.
A few days ago my husband receive a 6am phone call that we had lost Preston in a motorcycle accident.
Unicycle was the first thing that went through my head.
The kid was full of fun. His car and cycle creations were legendary around our small town world. But to me, he was a huge part of where I am today. 5 years ago I was invited to a car show weekend in Panama City. I showed up with a friend at 2am after working for eight hours and driving for three. About 15 minutes later this squirrelly blonde kid and his friend waltzed into the room. They had been invited for the weekend by Preston. We all stayed up until sunrise talking about everything and nothing at all. Talking to Preston on the phone in that next week was unbearable. He made ALOT of fun about me and that squirrelly blonde kid. But every phone call ended with Preston's serious side. He made sure I understood what a good guy that kid was.
After 4 years together, I married that blonde kid.
Maybe we would have meet eventually, maybe he would have showed up at a birthday. But I would rather be where I am now in life then betting on a maybe. I owe Preston for that. Years later our widespread group of friends has thinned. They've moved, married, and fought. But together we hold some memories of the best years of my life. I hope they know this and if they don't they should now. But I hope Preston knew what a huge part of my life he was by just being who he was that weekend.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Deluna-fest-ivous is for the rest of us...finally!
Maybe it was the excitement. Maybe it was the frustrations of the past two years mounting up. Whatever it was last night at the painful hour of midnight, I somehow managed to stir
From my sleep and roll over enough to find/read/drop my phone. After two more phone drops, exiting the page once, and ending up on pinterest; I found it! It was beautiful. It was all I imagined it to be. It was the Deluna Fest 2012 line-up.
Deluna Fest is the baby of the American festivals. Born in 2010, this event claims its spot on the beautiful white sands of Pensacola Beach, my hometown. The festival proudly presents themselves as "America's Original Beach Party.". But in its first two years of learning to walk on its own two legs, this baby has fallen down alot. If slow ticket sales and lost money weren't enough, the success of neighboring Gulf Shores music festival "Hangout Festival" had to be salt in the wounds. Deluna acts took the stage last year to little or no audience. VIPs felt let down with expensive accommodations that were far from grand. Locals felt ignored when the event, far more concerned with catering to out of town guests through pricey hotel packages, seemed to forget about its local supporters.
But somewhere in this tiny festival was a fighter. They took the kicks, criticism, and taunts. They listened to what wasn't working. Most importantly, they did something to be respected more then the rest, they admitted they were wrong and made changes.
This year Pensacola Beach will play to home to the festival for it's 3rd year, and it promises to deliver! With headliners such as Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters (a Pensacola Favorite and Hangout Fest alum) and the highly successful Florence and the Machine; Deluna is already off to a good start. Throw in DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bed folds five, Dwight Yoakam, Joan Jett, and many more; and this festival just might have a chance of not only walking, but running away with our hearts!
My one request: If all goes well, and there's a next year show. Could we maybe announce the line up during the day. I'd rather not explain how confusing my dreams are with Dwight Yoakam in them. Thats a blog for another day.
From my sleep and roll over enough to find/read/drop my phone. After two more phone drops, exiting the page once, and ending up on pinterest; I found it! It was beautiful. It was all I imagined it to be. It was the Deluna Fest 2012 line-up.
Deluna Fest is the baby of the American festivals. Born in 2010, this event claims its spot on the beautiful white sands of Pensacola Beach, my hometown. The festival proudly presents themselves as "America's Original Beach Party.". But in its first two years of learning to walk on its own two legs, this baby has fallen down alot. If slow ticket sales and lost money weren't enough, the success of neighboring Gulf Shores music festival "Hangout Festival" had to be salt in the wounds. Deluna acts took the stage last year to little or no audience. VIPs felt let down with expensive accommodations that were far from grand. Locals felt ignored when the event, far more concerned with catering to out of town guests through pricey hotel packages, seemed to forget about its local supporters.
But somewhere in this tiny festival was a fighter. They took the kicks, criticism, and taunts. They listened to what wasn't working. Most importantly, they did something to be respected more then the rest, they admitted they were wrong and made changes.
This year Pensacola Beach will play to home to the festival for it's 3rd year, and it promises to deliver! With headliners such as Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters (a Pensacola Favorite and Hangout Fest alum) and the highly successful Florence and the Machine; Deluna is already off to a good start. Throw in DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bed folds five, Dwight Yoakam, Joan Jett, and many more; and this festival just might have a chance of not only walking, but running away with our hearts!
My one request: If all goes well, and there's a next year show. Could we maybe announce the line up during the day. I'd rather not explain how confusing my dreams are with Dwight Yoakam in them. Thats a blog for another day.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Southern by birth, loud by breeding.
"For my mother, being Southern means handwritten thank-you notes, using a rhino horn’s worth of salt in every recipe, and spending a minimum of twenty minutes a day in front of her makeup mirror so she can examine her beauty in “office,” “outdoor,” and “evening” illumination. It also means never leaving the house with wet hair. Not even in the case of fire. Because wet hair is low-rent. It shows you don’t care, and not caring is not something Southern women do, at least when it comes to our hair."
Recently a good friend reposted this article on her Facebook. There was much more to it then just this part but the overall message was the same: "The reason we Southern women take care of ourselves is because, simply, Southern women are caretakers."
Although the overall message of the story was pretty on point for many southern darlings, I couldn't help thinking loudly and with a strong twang..."girl your southern belle is nothing compared to my southern spark!"
I firmly believe in being presentable, living a god fearing life, and showing respect to everyone around you whether they have earned it or not. I believe in thank-you notes and making sure you are dressed appropriatly for whatever the occasion may be. But more importantly I believe there are things in my upbringing that many of these southern darlings miss out on while making sure their hair was perfectly quaffed.
My south sits on the sandy beaches of a beautiful gulf. But my mother is no beach bum. She's a loud, hardworking southern woman who's voice can be heard from across an arena (I know this for a fact, it's happened). She raised me on please, thank you, and a list full of idioms. Quirky saying such as "it's cold as a witches titty." It took years for her to finally add the "in a brass bra" ending to this saying. Another favorite was always "I don't know him from Adams house cat." We had a neighbor named Adam, he didn't have a cat. You can imagine the confusion that came with this as a small child. Even though I hardly understood the woman sometimes i loved her ideas as to how a southern woman should be. "Why comb your hair when the 4 wheelers just going to mess it up anyways." "Why put on makeup in a mirror when the beach gives you the perfect shade of blush." I was told to be respectful, be presentable, but if a boy tries to beat you to the river rope swing you run on ahead and show him how its done first sugar." Her actions showed me not to be afraid to sing Garth Brooks or Alabama at the top of my lungs, even when i'mlooked at funny.
All of these things were taught and sometimes spanked into me early on. But the most important lesson, and the one I took away from the article was when they referred to us southern charmers as "caretakers." My mother has raised hoards of children, only 3 of which were hers. I have friends who have called her mom since the first day She came loudly into their lives and even as a teacher I've watched her "mom" her way through work, paying for students prom tickets, SAT fees, and study guides. If a southern woman is anything, it is surely a caretaker. We love with all we have in us and we don't give up on a lost cause. This is the model I was raised on.
Whether I'm a southern bell or sparkplug is up to fate.
Recently a good friend reposted this article on her Facebook. There was much more to it then just this part but the overall message was the same: "The reason we Southern women take care of ourselves is because, simply, Southern women are caretakers."
Although the overall message of the story was pretty on point for many southern darlings, I couldn't help thinking loudly and with a strong twang..."girl your southern belle is nothing compared to my southern spark!"
I firmly believe in being presentable, living a god fearing life, and showing respect to everyone around you whether they have earned it or not. I believe in thank-you notes and making sure you are dressed appropriatly for whatever the occasion may be. But more importantly I believe there are things in my upbringing that many of these southern darlings miss out on while making sure their hair was perfectly quaffed.
My south sits on the sandy beaches of a beautiful gulf. But my mother is no beach bum. She's a loud, hardworking southern woman who's voice can be heard from across an arena (I know this for a fact, it's happened). She raised me on please, thank you, and a list full of idioms. Quirky saying such as "it's cold as a witches titty." It took years for her to finally add the "in a brass bra" ending to this saying. Another favorite was always "I don't know him from Adams house cat." We had a neighbor named Adam, he didn't have a cat. You can imagine the confusion that came with this as a small child. Even though I hardly understood the woman sometimes i loved her ideas as to how a southern woman should be. "Why comb your hair when the 4 wheelers just going to mess it up anyways." "Why put on makeup in a mirror when the beach gives you the perfect shade of blush." I was told to be respectful, be presentable, but if a boy tries to beat you to the river rope swing you run on ahead and show him how its done first sugar." Her actions showed me not to be afraid to sing Garth Brooks or Alabama at the top of my lungs, even when i'mlooked at funny.
All of these things were taught and sometimes spanked into me early on. But the most important lesson, and the one I took away from the article was when they referred to us southern charmers as "caretakers." My mother has raised hoards of children, only 3 of which were hers. I have friends who have called her mom since the first day She came loudly into their lives and even as a teacher I've watched her "mom" her way through work, paying for students prom tickets, SAT fees, and study guides. If a southern woman is anything, it is surely a caretaker. We love with all we have in us and we don't give up on a lost cause. This is the model I was raised on.
Whether I'm a southern bell or sparkplug is up to fate.
Friday, March 30, 2012
This is a test, this is only a test...
I recently decided to purchase an iPad. Mostly because It would be a great addition to my classroom for my dear wee students. I also thought that this pad would make a great addition to my vast computer collection. This consists of an toshiba that it seriously on its last leg and a MacBook. Neither of which I can count as reliable. The toshiba, poor thing she is, is honestly so old she has hot flashes and shuts off on me. The MacBook is not actually mine. It's a tattered loaner from work that I'm
Terribly afraid to upload anything personal on for fear I might forget to clean it off later. So this leaves me with my new $400 love child.
The iPad I adore! The accessories that laugh each time I pull out my credit card are not as loved.
And then the worse battle, picking a cover. Why most of these covers cost more then my cell phone is beyond me. The more simple they seem the higher the price tag. Then the worst part, how do I have pretty and functional?! I've purchased this $100 dollar gem which comes standard with keyboard and camera plug in. But then I stumbled across a lusty little number with tweed threading and a silly little sign reading "life's a beach." This blog is my test. And yet, while I'm typing on my nice handy keyboard.....I'm thinking about tweed and beaches. Oh how cute we will look together while walking pad and hand together through a downtown store.
Where did I put my keyboard receipt?
Terribly afraid to upload anything personal on for fear I might forget to clean it off later. So this leaves me with my new $400 love child.
The iPad I adore! The accessories that laugh each time I pull out my credit card are not as loved.
And then the worse battle, picking a cover. Why most of these covers cost more then my cell phone is beyond me. The more simple they seem the higher the price tag. Then the worst part, how do I have pretty and functional?! I've purchased this $100 dollar gem which comes standard with keyboard and camera plug in. But then I stumbled across a lusty little number with tweed threading and a silly little sign reading "life's a beach." This blog is my test. And yet, while I'm typing on my nice handy keyboard.....I'm thinking about tweed and beaches. Oh how cute we will look together while walking pad and hand together through a downtown store.
Where did I put my keyboard receipt?
Sunday, February 26, 2012
30 in 3 years
Hard working and working hard!
Aside from teaching and testing, I've also had an amazing Mardi Gras season and birthday to tuck under my belt in these past few weeks. But I have been thinking hard on my next post.
Ok.....thats a lie.
I have actually been spending a disgusting amount of time on Pinterest and in Joanns buying craft supplies. Lucky for you all, a good friend recently threw an idea my way that I just had to steal.....um....borrow! Because of her recent realization that this year puts her one step closer to the dreaded 3-0, she decided to build her 30 before 30 list. It holds some things she would like to revisit and others she would like to experience for the first time. Looking over her list I began to go back to all those "I'm going to do that one day" moments.
I think some of my favorite promises in life begin with that simple phrase, "One day I will...." But life has quickly shown me that one day is to short and to many of my moments I hope to have also rely on having some wonderful people around me.
So here is what I have built as my own 30 before i'm 30.
30. Ride a cable car in San Fransico
29. Find more lost treasures up the other part of Route 66
28. Shower in a waterfall
27. Parasail
26. See the beauty of Ansel Adam's Yosemite National Park, up close and personal.
25. Spend an entire day, 12 full hours, doing nothing but reading a book.
24. Be in another musical.
23. Line Dance- just once, get it out of my system, just enough to embarrass myself
22. Take down my family's history and memories in their own words, before I regret not taking the time to.
21. Disneyland!
20. Spend at least a day a week during my summer off, reading to kids at Sacred Heart.
19. Grow as a Photographer and make time for it again.
18. Scan and save all the photos of my grandparents and great grandparents.
17. Dive into a cruise buffet!
16. Give up a holiday to serve food at the mission.
15. Visit the snow in Colorado
14. Climb another mountain, hopefully not in flip flops this time.
13. Visit the Florida Keys.
12. Drive coast to coast.
11. Give more then I get, Find a charitable group to volunteer my time too.
10. Visit the Smithsonian
9. Ride on a train.
8. Get remarried in the cheesiest Vegas wedding possible! Think tall hair and powder blue tuxedos.
7. Ride a mechanical bull.
6. Visit Savannah, GA
5. Experience the Grand Canyon
4. Stay at a cabin in the Smokey Mountains
3. Learn how to make my nannies lady finger cookies.
2. Spend an entire day watching the classics.
1. Share the gifts and memories of my childhood with my own child. Look at places I have spent my whole life loving through their eyes!
As I take on this list I hope to also take on the world. I don't want the regrets that follow that phrase "One day I will...." I don't want to look back one day and make excuses for missing out when the only reason would be that I never tried. And through this project I want to grow as a person, as a daughter, as a grand daughter, and as an adventurer.
Fingers Crossed!
Aside from teaching and testing, I've also had an amazing Mardi Gras season and birthday to tuck under my belt in these past few weeks. But I have been thinking hard on my next post.
Ok.....thats a lie.
I have actually been spending a disgusting amount of time on Pinterest and in Joanns buying craft supplies. Lucky for you all, a good friend recently threw an idea my way that I just had to steal.....um....borrow! Because of her recent realization that this year puts her one step closer to the dreaded 3-0, she decided to build her 30 before 30 list. It holds some things she would like to revisit and others she would like to experience for the first time. Looking over her list I began to go back to all those "I'm going to do that one day" moments.
I think some of my favorite promises in life begin with that simple phrase, "One day I will...." But life has quickly shown me that one day is to short and to many of my moments I hope to have also rely on having some wonderful people around me.
So here is what I have built as my own 30 before i'm 30.
30. Ride a cable car in San Fransico
29. Find more lost treasures up the other part of Route 66
28. Shower in a waterfall
27. Parasail
26. See the beauty of Ansel Adam's Yosemite National Park, up close and personal.
25. Spend an entire day, 12 full hours, doing nothing but reading a book.
24. Be in another musical.
23. Line Dance- just once, get it out of my system, just enough to embarrass myself
22. Take down my family's history and memories in their own words, before I regret not taking the time to.
21. Disneyland!
20. Spend at least a day a week during my summer off, reading to kids at Sacred Heart.
19. Grow as a Photographer and make time for it again.
18. Scan and save all the photos of my grandparents and great grandparents.
17. Dive into a cruise buffet!
16. Give up a holiday to serve food at the mission.
15. Visit the snow in Colorado
14. Climb another mountain, hopefully not in flip flops this time.
13. Visit the Florida Keys.
12. Drive coast to coast.
11. Give more then I get, Find a charitable group to volunteer my time too.
10. Visit the Smithsonian
9. Ride on a train.
8. Get remarried in the cheesiest Vegas wedding possible! Think tall hair and powder blue tuxedos.
7. Ride a mechanical bull.
6. Visit Savannah, GA
5. Experience the Grand Canyon
4. Stay at a cabin in the Smokey Mountains
3. Learn how to make my nannies lady finger cookies.
2. Spend an entire day watching the classics.
1. Share the gifts and memories of my childhood with my own child. Look at places I have spent my whole life loving through their eyes!
As I take on this list I hope to also take on the world. I don't want the regrets that follow that phrase "One day I will...." I don't want to look back one day and make excuses for missing out when the only reason would be that I never tried. And through this project I want to grow as a person, as a daughter, as a grand daughter, and as an adventurer.
Fingers Crossed!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Keep those bridges flame retardant.
And now for something completely different.
I've made it a life choice to not burn to many bridges along my path in life. This has had its benefits along the way as I've stumbled across old friends an relationships. Today I took in my pretty new teacher mobile to have a little Prius pampering. The only toyota dealership in town just happens to employee and old flame of mine. This isn't a "we dated in high school and he bought me a happy meal" flame. It's more like 3 years of my life of growing up, living together, and learning the hard knocks of life until we drifted and crumbled away. The split was painful and hard but over the years we managed to take what had been a big part of our lives and build a friendship. Anyways, when I arrived to pick up my precious pile of Prius he was in the lobby finishing up with a customer. He saw me, asked how I was enjoying the car, an bantered back and forth about how my old car was a coffin on wheels and breaking off piece by piece. I waved my goodbye and was headed out the door when he stopped me. He quickly asked the associates in the lobby to check and make sure my new (but used) car was up to date on its recalls. Everything was seen about and I headed on my way. Driving home it hit me how grateful I was to have good people around me. Even though there were many breaks and cracks in the history of our friendship and he could have found 100 reasons to hate me just because, he took the time to make sure I was in a good place with a good car. It's something so simple but says so much about the person I want to be and the great person he always has been.
Be aware of the people you let go in life. Burning bridges leaves you with nothing but an empty feeling and no way to go back to the wonderful friends you have made along the way.
I've made it a life choice to not burn to many bridges along my path in life. This has had its benefits along the way as I've stumbled across old friends an relationships. Today I took in my pretty new teacher mobile to have a little Prius pampering. The only toyota dealership in town just happens to employee and old flame of mine. This isn't a "we dated in high school and he bought me a happy meal" flame. It's more like 3 years of my life of growing up, living together, and learning the hard knocks of life until we drifted and crumbled away. The split was painful and hard but over the years we managed to take what had been a big part of our lives and build a friendship. Anyways, when I arrived to pick up my precious pile of Prius he was in the lobby finishing up with a customer. He saw me, asked how I was enjoying the car, an bantered back and forth about how my old car was a coffin on wheels and breaking off piece by piece. I waved my goodbye and was headed out the door when he stopped me. He quickly asked the associates in the lobby to check and make sure my new (but used) car was up to date on its recalls. Everything was seen about and I headed on my way. Driving home it hit me how grateful I was to have good people around me. Even though there were many breaks and cracks in the history of our friendship and he could have found 100 reasons to hate me just because, he took the time to make sure I was in a good place with a good car. It's something so simple but says so much about the person I want to be and the great person he always has been.
Be aware of the people you let go in life. Burning bridges leaves you with nothing but an empty feeling and no way to go back to the wonderful friends you have made along the way.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Good friends are hard to find
Sitting around one of my friends loudly declared while reading Facebook, "everyone knows I don't have a sense of humor. I'm blunt and too the point."
The friends I have been blessed with in life are all unique. They are all amazing. And are all crazy beyond belief! But I can love them for the fact that I understand they are all their own person! No matter how crazy that person that may be, I know she's always standing behind me with a bat if I need it saying "alright, who needs a talking to?"
The friends I have been blessed with in life are all unique. They are all amazing. And are all crazy beyond belief! But I can love them for the fact that I understand they are all their own person! No matter how crazy that person that may be, I know she's always standing behind me with a bat if I need it saying "alright, who needs a talking to?"
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Gleek at heart
"The one thing those drama groups don't have is the hot star football player who can sing and dance."
Oh glee, I hate to pop that bubble but I assure you my school drama group had the guy you described.
I know this for a fact because he stuck his tongue down my throat during a production......;)
Oh glee, I hate to pop that bubble but I assure you my school drama group had the guy you described.
I know this for a fact because he stuck his tongue down my throat during a production......;)
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Dream man
I found this post through pinterest. It only further explains my love for my número uno on the top 5 list Mr. Gosling. You have NO Idea how much I'd love to use the bathroom while at work!!!
This is the way to a teachers heart; potty breaks and glitter.
This is the way to a teachers heart; potty breaks and glitter.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
What's Love Got to do With it?
Time fly's.....
And a list of celebrities with which I may one day be able to make sweet passionate love with actually takes a long time to compile.
Let it be known that this is possibly one of the hardest lists I have ever compiled. And I assure you, I LOVE to make lists. Each person was chosen based on the score they received when judged by a highly detailed rubric. Actually, most were chosen because my first reaction was "Ooo shiny man candy" when thinking of them. Away we go....
5. Colin Firth
He stars in nearly all of my favorite incredibly cheesy chick flicks AND he has an accent. That is all.
4. Zooey Deschanel
Let it be known that I tried to sneak Zooey in as a second string. In my argument she really shouldn't count on my list of top 5 since I have never had that playing for the other team moment in my life. I just would consider her if ever I found myself in any situation that I might be forced to select a woman or die. My husbands argument, "You get 5." FINE! Geez. So Zooey quickly made her way onto the list. I'm a firm believer of "just in case." My glove compartment is a fine example of this. Anyways, Who couldn't adore adorible Zooey, a bundle of cute, spunky, and random all mixed into one tiny doe eyed package.
3. Joe Manganiello
This position is without a doubt reserved for Alcide Herveaux from the "True Blood" series. Special acknowledgement must be given to Charlaine Harris and her vampire/werewolf/fairy/all things mystical (boarderline romance novel) Sookie Stackhouse series of books. Without them I do not think I would be nearly as head over heals for this hunk of man as I find myself. With those books setting out his predetermined characteristics he becomes a dangerous combination of sensitive, understanding and heartwarming packed into a sexy human rock wall.......I'd climb him.
2.Jason Seagal
My love for Jason began early. Although I saw him in such charming roles as the creepy friend in "Knocked up" and in the long lost series "Freaks and Geeks" he still didn't really have my heart. That was, until I saw "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." It was then that I began to see the humor that would eventually win me over and begin wondering what we could name our children. Something about a man and his puppets takes me back. I don't think its part of any Peter Pan syndrome.....possibly a Sesame Street syndrome? After this came the marathons of "How I Met Your Mother," only adding to my hearts obsession. And then.......The Muppets! *Sigh* I should have known all along he was a Jim Henson fan, the signs were all there! From then I was hooked, imagining the wonderful life we could have playing with his original Star Wars figure collection (I'm assuming he has one) and visiting the Museum of Puppetry in Atlanta to touch the original Kermit!
1. Ryan Gosling
No words need be said. I've watched him since "Breaker High." He is freaking Ryan Gosling!
There is is "The Top 5" in all their wonderful glory.
All participants of the top 5 have been listed and saved this date of February 1, 2012. For changes or modifications to be made to said list the following is required. Request for changes must be put into writing and turned into assigned husband 30 days prior to "chance meeting" with said celebrity. Requests will be considered on the grounds of reasoning and begging and will receive a response within one week. All list celebrities can be automatically replaced in cases of death or asylum commitment on the part of the celebrity.
Let it be known that I tried to sneak Zooey in as a second string. In my argument she really shouldn't count on my list of top 5 since I have never had that playing for the other team moment in my life. I just would consider her if ever I found myself in any situation that I might be forced to select a woman or die. My husbands argument, "You get 5." FINE! Geez. So Zooey quickly made her way onto the list. I'm a firm believer of "just in case." My glove compartment is a fine example of this. Anyways, Who couldn't adore adorible Zooey, a bundle of cute, spunky, and random all mixed into one tiny doe eyed package.
3. Joe Manganiello
This position is without a doubt reserved for Alcide Herveaux from the "True Blood" series. Special acknowledgement must be given to Charlaine Harris and her vampire/werewolf/fairy/all things mystical (boarderline romance novel) Sookie Stackhouse series of books. Without them I do not think I would be nearly as head over heals for this hunk of man as I find myself. With those books setting out his predetermined characteristics he becomes a dangerous combination of sensitive, understanding and heartwarming packed into a sexy human rock wall.......I'd climb him.
2.Jason Seagal
My love for Jason began early. Although I saw him in such charming roles as the creepy friend in "Knocked up" and in the long lost series "Freaks and Geeks" he still didn't really have my heart. That was, until I saw "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." It was then that I began to see the humor that would eventually win me over and begin wondering what we could name our children. Something about a man and his puppets takes me back. I don't think its part of any Peter Pan syndrome.....possibly a Sesame Street syndrome? After this came the marathons of "How I Met Your Mother," only adding to my hearts obsession. And then.......The Muppets! *Sigh* I should have known all along he was a Jim Henson fan, the signs were all there! From then I was hooked, imagining the wonderful life we could have playing with his original Star Wars figure collection (I'm assuming he has one) and visiting the Museum of Puppetry in Atlanta to touch the original Kermit!
1. Ryan Gosling
No words need be said. I've watched him since "Breaker High." He is freaking Ryan Gosling!
There is is "The Top 5" in all their wonderful glory.
All participants of the top 5 have been listed and saved this date of February 1, 2012. For changes or modifications to be made to said list the following is required. Request for changes must be put into writing and turned into assigned husband 30 days prior to "chance meeting" with said celebrity. Requests will be considered on the grounds of reasoning and begging and will receive a response within one week. All list celebrities can be automatically replaced in cases of death or asylum commitment on the part of the celebrity.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Who's on top?
I'm sure everyone knows about the "top 5" list. Of course I'm referring to that top 5 list of people -celebrities, musicians, individuals of the famous nature - that a person is allowed to sleep with, guilt free, if ever their happens to be a chance encounter of the two. Often I refer back to this list in conversations with my husband. This is to ensure that If said individuals did happen to end up in my tiny town and if I was invited to a Romantic night of yachting and champagne (just because they are famous doesn't mean they shouldn't woo me) my husband understands I am free of all judgement.
However he has begun voicing a complaint. It seems that though his list only contains two individuals, mine is reaching much higher then 5. For this reason I have devised the following solution. I plan to spend tonight drinking martinis (or whatever you might call vodka and crystal lite) and discussing my options with fellow Friends. Tomorrow my final 5 draft picks will be posted for all the world wide web to see. This will hopefully clear up any confusion.
However he has begun voicing a complaint. It seems that though his list only contains two individuals, mine is reaching much higher then 5. For this reason I have devised the following solution. I plan to spend tonight drinking martinis (or whatever you might call vodka and crystal lite) and discussing my options with fellow Friends. Tomorrow my final 5 draft picks will be posted for all the world wide web to see. This will hopefully clear up any confusion.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Move and the Gummy Gets it!
Let it not be said my husband has no sense of humor!
After my adorable crazy students left for the day today I decided to indulge in a quick hit of Facebook....I mean take a quick peek at Facebook. This is what I was met with....
This was posted by my husband on a friends page with the following message
The comments and suggestions that followed this post were just as deliciously fun. They ranged from escorting the 5 lbs of sugar to the shooting range, to mailing her tiny little gummy paw in an envelope. My personal favorite was the suggestion to drown the bear in rum. A little water boarding sounds like a wonderful idea! If the bear must die, let it be for the happiness of all those around it.
Fear not good readers. The bears owner quickly replied that she would be making the trip to regain custody of the tasty treat this afternoon. My poor husband is still upset that he was denied his time line of the bears demise.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Moscato
Had I known book clubs were so racy I would have joined one years ago!
The most of our night was a mixture of highly intelligent debate and the following...
Me: "I just had moscato and crystal lite.....how do you spell moscato"
Whit: Here (quickly throwing a bottle into my hands for reference) we have 9 bottles!
Ok, perhaps highly intelligent is a bit of an exaggeration. But at least we all unanimously decided that our wonderfully selected book was actually quite terrible.....no, painful to read.
One month until the next amazing night of literature and thought provoking discussion.
The most of our night was a mixture of highly intelligent debate and the following...
Me: "I just had moscato and crystal lite.....how do you spell moscato"
Whit: Here (quickly throwing a bottle into my hands for reference) we have 9 bottles!
Ok, perhaps highly intelligent is a bit of an exaggeration. But at least we all unanimously decided that our wonderfully selected book was actually quite terrible.....no, painful to read.
One month until the next amazing night of literature and thought provoking discussion.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Framing Steve Nicks
The older I get, the more I wonder EXACTLY when will I become my mother. My mother is a wonderful and unique person. She is a blast of energy crammed into a 4'9 package and she is possibly one of the only people I know, besides myself, whose thoughts connect in her head like shes playing a permanent game of connect the dots.
More importantly, if I become my mother....how will my husband ever understand me? It has taken me 26 years to master the art of decoding.
The most recent example of my mothers scattered conversations would be with in the past few days. Mom called asking would I handle something for her. This was the only reason for a call that would end up being a 10 minute eye opening story on our family's sanity. For my fathers birthday he had requested that his beloved 1970's Stevie Nicks poster be framed to decorate the walls of his man room. My mother will proudly tell you that this same poster hung over my parents bed in the younger, free spirited years of their marriage. After searching for days my mother not only found the poster, Stevie still displayed in all her white teddy wearing glory, but she also stumbled across her collection of black light reflected posters. To find out my mother had black light posters is no surprise, to learn that she STILL has them makes me want to watch a few hours of "Hoarders" in case I should be watching for signs.
Anyways, my mother spent the next few minutes reliving her childhood and wondering why my Grandma even allowed her to hang her "lets get high" endorsing posters. This tumbled into her admission that my grandmother once grew marijuana for my uncle. It seems my precious and naive grandmother found a tiny potted plant dying in my uncles window. Being the kind heart that she is, she nursed it back to health with water and fertilizer. My parents were the first to notice the 2 foot green shrub proudly displayed in my uncles bedroom window for all the neighborhood to see. When asked about it my grandmother was so proud to show off how she had brought it back to life, still not knowing what it was. Mom quickly told her what it was and (Please note, at this point in the story my mom is laughing hysterically over what she thought was a great idea) had my grandfather take it out back and burn it. Not dig a hole and bury it, or throw it away, nope....go burn it. I blame my mom for some of my grandfathers oddity's now.
Now this was only a third of the conversation. Somehow my grandfathers quirky new nature transitioned to the fact he was in the woods hunting with my father and quickly jumped to the next point on her agenda which was to tell me how there had been someone knocking on her door that ran off the night before. Her exact story....
mom: Someone knocked 3 times and then ran!
me: So it's odd that they ran off?
mom: Well yea! I heard the door while I was on the walker and I jumped off to put pants on.....
me: Wait, what?
mom: I jumped off to put pants on and when I finally got to the door they were gone.
me: Wait...did you say you were on the walker with no pants?
mom: (confused) Yes. so?
me: Why were you not wearing pants?
mom: I had been wearing overalls and I got hot, so I took em off.
me: So you were walking, on the walker, naked
mom: No! I was on the walker in my underwear watching t.v. The lights were off anyways. But I gotta go now, loooooove you!
If this is whats going on inside the house, it's no wonder they ran off.
More importantly, if I become my mother....how will my husband ever understand me? It has taken me 26 years to master the art of decoding.
The most recent example of my mothers scattered conversations would be with in the past few days. Mom called asking would I handle something for her. This was the only reason for a call that would end up being a 10 minute eye opening story on our family's sanity. For my fathers birthday he had requested that his beloved 1970's Stevie Nicks poster be framed to decorate the walls of his man room. My mother will proudly tell you that this same poster hung over my parents bed in the younger, free spirited years of their marriage. After searching for days my mother not only found the poster, Stevie still displayed in all her white teddy wearing glory, but she also stumbled across her collection of black light reflected posters. To find out my mother had black light posters is no surprise, to learn that she STILL has them makes me want to watch a few hours of "Hoarders" in case I should be watching for signs.
Anyways, my mother spent the next few minutes reliving her childhood and wondering why my Grandma even allowed her to hang her "lets get high" endorsing posters. This tumbled into her admission that my grandmother once grew marijuana for my uncle. It seems my precious and naive grandmother found a tiny potted plant dying in my uncles window. Being the kind heart that she is, she nursed it back to health with water and fertilizer. My parents were the first to notice the 2 foot green shrub proudly displayed in my uncles bedroom window for all the neighborhood to see. When asked about it my grandmother was so proud to show off how she had brought it back to life, still not knowing what it was. Mom quickly told her what it was and (Please note, at this point in the story my mom is laughing hysterically over what she thought was a great idea) had my grandfather take it out back and burn it. Not dig a hole and bury it, or throw it away, nope....go burn it. I blame my mom for some of my grandfathers oddity's now.
Now this was only a third of the conversation. Somehow my grandfathers quirky new nature transitioned to the fact he was in the woods hunting with my father and quickly jumped to the next point on her agenda which was to tell me how there had been someone knocking on her door that ran off the night before. Her exact story....
mom: Someone knocked 3 times and then ran!
me: So it's odd that they ran off?
mom: Well yea! I heard the door while I was on the walker and I jumped off to put pants on.....
me: Wait, what?
mom: I jumped off to put pants on and when I finally got to the door they were gone.
me: Wait...did you say you were on the walker with no pants?
mom: (confused) Yes. so?
me: Why were you not wearing pants?
mom: I had been wearing overalls and I got hot, so I took em off.
me: So you were walking, on the walker, naked
mom: No! I was on the walker in my underwear watching t.v. The lights were off anyways. But I gotta go now, loooooove you!
If this is whats going on inside the house, it's no wonder they ran off.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
In the beginning...
On a place with so many blogs, videos, posts, and phenomenons out there; why even add my two cents? A simple declaration of why i'm hitching on the blogging wagon seems to be much easier then ranting over my secret (very guilty) wish that all the festively plump ladies deciding to begin a new years weight lose program will all fail miserably and end up back on their couches so that I may have my spot on the local gyms eliptical back.
Here is my reasoning.
I want to and can.
If you find it funny or at least entertaining for a moment in time, then that puts a smile on my face and enjoy.
If you find it annoying....when then just don't read it.
I wish I could say my life was filled with celebrity gossip, life changing happenings, and the secret to success, but I can't.
But there sure as hell are some good times to share.
Here is my reasoning.
I want to and can.
If you find it funny or at least entertaining for a moment in time, then that puts a smile on my face and enjoy.
If you find it annoying....when then just don't read it.
I wish I could say my life was filled with celebrity gossip, life changing happenings, and the secret to success, but I can't.
But there sure as hell are some good times to share.
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